UPDATE (3pm August 14): PWInsider has confirmed the induced coma story and state he is being prepped for surgery tonight. His daughter, WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair, is currently in Athens, Georgia to be with her father.
UPDATE (5:45pm August 14): Wrestling Observer reporting that Flair has had his surgery and is now out, but that the situation is still “extremely serious”.
On Saturday, Ryan Satin and Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair was admitted to hospital for what his representatives claimed as “routine monitoring”. Considering the 16 time World Champion is 68 years old, regular health check-ups, especially for heart issues, the news was taken lightly.
But later on Saturday night, Flair’s manager, Melinda Morris Zanoni updated the situation, but this time expressed genuine concern after his check-up was completed.
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 (@MelindaMorrisZ) August 14, 2017
The sentiment was shared half an hour later by ESPN’s Rory Karpf, who recently directed the ESPN 30 for 30 on the Nature Boy.
Please pray for my friend Ric Flair and keep him in your thoughts
— Rory Karpf (@RoryKarpf) August 14, 2017
Clearly it appears that following his routine monitoring on Saturday morning the hospital must have found some other issues, possibly connected to his heart condition. In his 2004 autobiography, To Be The Man, Flair noted that he suffered from Alcoholic cardiomyopathy, a chronic weakening of the heart due to alcoholic abuse that could result in heart failure. It has not be confirmed by medical staff yet if the serious issues currently being dealt with are related to his prior condition. Early this morning, Jimmy Van, owner of Fightful.com, stated that he had been informed that Flair was currently in a medically induced coma.
@FightfulOnline I'm told from sources close to the situation, as of this morning Ric Flair was in a medically induced coma.
— Jimmy Van (@jimmyvan74) August 14, 2017
The WWE confirmed the situation today through their official website, and peers around the wrestling industry chimed in their support to the wrestling legend.
Two-time @WWE Hall of Famer @RicFlairNatrBoy was hospitalized over the weekend with "tough medical issues." https://t.co/F66OhyI98n
— WWE (@WWE) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/896999375326650368
https://twitter.com/EBischoff/status/897063196992733184
I think every wrestling fan in the world shud say a prayer for the Nature Boy Ric Flair to make a speedy recovery …🙏🏽
— Rip Rogers (@Hustler2754) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/JESnowden/status/897076408513695746
https://twitter.com/alphafemale1/status/897094386420469761
ONLY 1 RIC FLAIR ONLY 1 IRON SHEIK. WE BREAK THE EARTHS BACK. THE EARTH NEVER BREAK US pic.twitter.com/h0JLEqrnlI
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) August 14, 2017
Having hard time getting my mind off Ric Flair today. The respect he's always shown me is something that has always stayed w/me. 100% CLASS.
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) August 14, 2017
I saw @RicFlairNatrBoy before I flew to Boston yesterday
I can assure that he needs everyone's prayers and positive vibes. Thx in advance!!— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) 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
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
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/897139056542326784
My thoughts and prayers are with Ric Flair and his family during this difficult time.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) August 14, 2017
Sending lots of love to @RicFlairNatrBoy and his family today. We're thinking of you Naitch ❤️
— Renee Paquette (@ReneePaquette) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/SCOTTHALLNWO/status/897166008762466305
My thoughts & prayers go out to the GOAT, @RicFlairNatrBoy.
We're all thinking about ya & pulling for ya, my friend. pic.twitter.com/ATuSaSfjoG
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 14, 2017
Please keep Ric Flair and his family in your thoughts and prayers today! No matter what he will always simply be "Champ" to me!
— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/MustafaAliWWE/status/897148582247239680
Saying so many prayers for @RicFlairNatrBoy right now @MsCharlotteWWE you are in our thoughts & prayers too💛Praying for a speedy recover B&N
— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) August 14, 2017
Prayers for "The Man" Ric Flair! Thinking & praying for you Natch! ricflairnatureboy https://t.co/aHZa2ZCw4L
— Chavo Guerrero jr. (@mexwarrior) August 14, 2017
