Pro wrestling legend ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair is dealing with heart related issues in an unnamed hospital, after being admitted by his family on Saturday with the situation getting more serious this morning. The story was broken by Pro Wrestling Sheet, with a rep for the WWE legend saying initially he was undergoing “routine monitoring,” but this morning TMZ reported that the 68-year old icon has been put into a medically induced coma to prepare for a surgery.
Flair’s agent Melinda Morris Zanoni tweeted out to fans that he needs their support on Sunday night.
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
Flair is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and a 16-time World Champion in pro wrestling, where he is regarded as one of the genre’s true legends in league with Hulk Hogan, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, and the Rock. His ‘Styling ‘n Profiling’ braggadocios character captivated audiences around the world during his tenures with NWA, WCW, and WWE where his catchphrases would influence pop culture for decades to come. Though his in-ring career would continue for a short time in other promotions, Flair had an emotional ‘career-ending’ match and retirement ceremony with WWE during their Wrestlemania week in 2008.
Flair’s daughter has also taken on the family business performing as Charlotte in WWE, where she has ascended as one of the top female wrestlers in the world earning the company’s NXT Women’s Championship and WWE Women’s Championship. The father-daughter tandem released a book talking about their unique story together in September called ‘Second Nature’.
Current and past wrestling stars have taken to social media to send their positive energy and support to ‘the Nature Boy’ in this trying time.
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
Thoughts, prayers, and positive thoughts up for @RicFlairNatrBoy. Time to kick-out and make another comeback my friend.
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) August 14, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with Ric Flair and his family during this difficult time.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) 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