UPDATE:
3:48 PM CT — Ric Flair is out of surgery and is resting, TMZ reports. The details on the operation are still unknown but his family is waiting to hear from doctors.
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Flair was placed in a medically induced coma in preparation for surgery, according to TMZ. Flair is set to undergo a procedure, likely heart related, on Monday afternoon.
This past Saturday, Flair was admitted to a local ICU for what was called “routine monitoring” for a heart issue. Although his management team downplayed the severity of the incident, things seem to have taken a concerning turn.
Monday morning, Melinda Morris Zanoni, the 68-year old’s manager, posted a worrisome update on Flair’s condition.
“Are u a Fan/Friend of Ric Flair? If so, we need prayers & positive energy 4 our Living Legend as he is dealing w/some tough medical issues,” Zanoni tweeted.
Are u a Fan/Friend of Ric Flair?If so, we need prayers & positive energy 4 our Living Legend as he is dealing w/some tough medical issues🙏🏻
— MelindaMorrisZanoni (@LegacyTalentCEO) August 14, 2017
Concern for the Nature Boy galvanized the wrestling world causing past and present WWE Superstars to Tweet out their thoughts and prayers for the WWE great:
Just hearing all this news about @RicFlairNatrBoy sending every ounce energy to #TheMan and asking that all of you do the same #NeverGiveUp
— John Cena (@JohnCena) August 14, 2017
I saw @RicFlairNatrBoy before I flew to Boston yesterday
— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) August 14, 2017
I can assure that he needs everyone’s prayers and positive vibes. Thx in advance!!
Sending positive energy and prayers out to you Ric. We need The Nature Boy around for a long time! @LegacyTalentCEO @MsCharlotteWWE https://t.co/BFbz6YvB0D
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) August 14, 2017
Sending my love and prayers to @RicFlairNatrBoy and his family.
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) August 14, 2017
Prayers up for @RicFlairNatrBoy . Kick out on two and 1/2 like you always did
— Scott Hall (@SCOTTHALLNWO) August 14, 2017
Thinking of my good friend, one of my best opponents, and truly a great human being right now. @RicFlairNatrBoy pic.twitter.com/CAQMaFM0dW
— Harley Race (@8XNWAChampion) August 14, 2017
In Flair’s 2004 autobiography, To Be The Man, he wrote that he suffers from a condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Developed from years of hard drinking and partying on the road, the condition is marked by a weakening of heart muscles.
Flair retired from active competition in WWE after a WrestleMania bout with Shawn Michaels in 2008. He went on to wrestle sparingly for TNA Wrestling after that.
Upon his later return to WWE, he indicated that he did not want to step foot in the ring again after seeing the real life heart attack that was suffered by his friend Jerry Lawler during a 2012 television taping.
Expect this situation to remain fluid. We’ll keep you posted as the story develops.
Photo Credit: WWE
