Ric Flair — Awake And Talking According To Rep

There’s some good news on the Ric Flair front … as “The Nature Boy” is awake and communicating at the hospital according to one of his reps.

As we previously reported, Flair was hospitalized on Aug. 12 and a few days later he was put into a medically-induced coma to undergo surgery.

His fiancée released a statement on Wednesday saying the 68-year-old was still in critical condition with abdominal pain and issues with multiple organs.

Sports Illustrated reported earlier this week that Flair had an intestinal blockage which resulted in a part of his bowel being removed. Flair’s heavy drinking reportedly exacerbated his issues. The surgery led to other further complications and Flair could be hospitalized for over a month.

According to Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer, Flair had an external pacemaker inserted to help his heart. His heart is now beating normally, which Meltzer noted “is a positive.” While things are looking better than earlier this week, he’s on kidney dialysis and it’s still going to be rough for awhile.

Meltzer added that Flair still has an infection that hasn’t been disclosed. There have been issues giving him antibiotics because of Flair’s weakened condition, so it’s still “a bad situation.”

Meltzer also confirmed that Flair never had a heart attack. The initial pain Flair was feeling was due to the obstruction in his bowel. Flair went to the hospital on Friday night and he underwent surgery to have the obstruction removed. Flair was in really bad shape on Saturday and Sunday and there was a real fear about what would happen with the surgery on Monday, but Flair pulled through.

“It’s not [smooth sailing], but it was a great sign that he got through Monday,” Meltzer said.

However, his condition now seems to improving.  His rep released a statement on Saturday saying, “Happy 2 report [Ric Flair] is awake, communicating & progressing..but there are complications so needs rest for the 1st time in 40 yrs.”

In true Nature Boy fashion though, he apparently cut a promo on one of the nurses already.

Read her full statement below:

Sources: Pro Wrestling Sheet and WrestlingINC

More On Ric Flair’s Health Issues

As noted, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair remains in the hospital after undergoing surgery this week. Sports Illustrated noted that Flair had an intestinal blockage which resulted in a part of his bowel being removed. Flair’s heavy drinking reportedly exacerbated his issued. The surgery led to other further complications and Flair could be hospitalized for over a month.

Source: WrestlingINC

Ric Flair’s Fiancee Gives Medical Update On Him

(Wendy Barlow) The fiancée of Ric Flair posted a statement on Facebook saying the wrestling legend is dealing with multiple organ issues and in critical condition.

Source: TMZ

Charlotte Comments On Ric Flair, Thanks The Fans For Their Support

Image result for Charlotte and Ric flair

As Ric Flair remains hospitalized, earlier today Charlotte sent out thanks to all the fans for their support and posted a photo of her family. In the caption, she wrote:

“Hi guys, On behalf of my family and I, we want to THANK everyone for the prayers, texts, calls and support. Our Dad is a FIGHTER and your continued thoughts and prayers MEAN THE WORLD to us. ?????? We will update everyone when we have more information. ????????”

Yesterday, Ric Flair had undergone successful surgery (non-heart related) but the situation was still considered “extremely serious,” according to F4WOnline.com. TMZ added that Flair’s family is by his side.

According to F4WOnline.com, Flair was scheduled to have surgery this week but it’s unknown whether the surgery today was the original surgery scheduled or a new surgery. The reason for the WWE Hall of Famer’s hospitalization to an Intensive Care Unit in Atlanta, GA on Saturday is still not known. It’s believed Flair is dealing with a heart issue but nothing has been confirmed.

When Flair was first hospitalized, his manager, Melinda Morris Zanoni of Legacy Talent and Entertainment, indicated it was for routine monitoring and there was no reason to panic. Shortly after midnight on Sunday night, the situation seemed to worsen with her tweeting to pray for and send positive energy to The Nature Boy.

Source: WrestlingINC

Ric Flair’s Surgery A Success, Not Heart Related

Ric Flair had successful surgery yesterday and it was not heart related. Flair’s manager, Melinda Morris Zanoni of Legacy Talent and Entertainment, tweeted:

WWE Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund indicated on Facebook that Flair was having “colon surgery.” He wrote the following:

I’ve heard nothing on the outcome of Ric Flairs colon surgery this afternoon but the outpouring of prayers and love re-enforce that he definitely is “THE MAN”.

Pro Wrestling Sheet reported Saturday that Flair, 68, was admitted to an intensive care unit on Saturday morning for heart-related issues. It was reported on Monday by TMZ that Flair was in a medically induced coma and was being prepped for surgery. Their report never confirmed what type of surgery Flair was undergoing.

It was reported by F4WOnline.com that Flair was scheduled to have surgery this week but it’s unknown whether the surgery he had was the original surgery scheduled or a new surgery.

Flair is resting with his family by his side.

Source: WrestlingINC

Ric Flair Hospitalized – Update on His Condition

WWE covered the news Ric Flair was hospitalized in Atlanta, GA over the weekend on their official website and ran comments from his management team that he’s dealing with “tough medical issues.”

It was learned (via Pro Wrestling Sheet) that Flair, 68, was admitted to an intensive care unit on Saturday morning for heart-related issues. At the time, his manager, Melinda Morris Zanoni of Legacy Talent and Entertainment, indicated there was no reason to panic. A tone that seemed to change early Monday morning when she asked for prayers and positive energy for the Hall of Famer.

PWInsider.com pointed out that while there is no confirmation on Flair’s exact issues, it was written in his To Be The Man autobiography that he suffers from Alcoholic cardiomyopathy. The condition is a result of prolonged alcohol abuse and can result in heart failure. The effects of the alcohol damage the myocardium where it is unable to efficiently pump blood.

Head WWE producer Michael Hayes visited Flair on Sunday prior to flying to Boston for RAW and tweeted, “I saw @RicFlairNatrBoy before I flew to Boston yesterday I can assure that he needs everyone’s prayers and positive vibes. Thx in advance!!”

Source: WrestlingINC

ESPN Officially Announces Ric Flair ’30 For 30′ Premiere Date

Image result for Ric Flair ESPN 30 for 30

ESPN announced today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour (TCA) that its 30 for 30 documentary “Nature Boy,” on wrestling legend Ric Flair, will premiere on Tuesday, November 7th, at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

ESPN Films’ Ric Flair 30 for 30 “Nature Boy” Premieres November 7ESPN Films announced today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour (TCA) that its 30 for 30 documentary “Nature Boy,” on wrestling legend Ric Flair, will premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN. Director Rory Karpf (“I Hate Christian Laettner,” “The Book of Manning”) will take an inside look at Flair’s story, including his triumphs, his tragedies, and his pivotal role in turning pro wrestling into mainstream sports entertainment.

Real or Fake? It’s a question that’s long shadowed professional wrestling. But for one of the industry’s most legendary performers, there’s never been any separation between the ring and the world around it. His story starts in the Midwest, when a young Richard Fliehr set his sights on rising to stardom in a unique world, and decided to do anything necessary to get to where he wanted. A character was born, along with a singular desire “to be the man,” and a drive that made him as popular and polarizing as any figure ever to step into the ring. The success took a considerable toll – on his body, and on his wives and children – and in 2013 came a tragic postscript. But today, Flair remains as defiant as ever, proud of his legacy, eager to remain in the spotlight. This is the story of a man, a character, and their unbreakable connection.

“This film was basically borne out of working with Rory Karpf on our ‘I Hate Christian Laettner’ documentary,” says 30 for 30 Executive Producer John Dahl. “Rory interviewed Ric for his take on sports villains and wanted to do a film on him next. After watching that interview for the Laettner film, we were convinced that Ric would be a fascinating subject to explore for our first feature-length 30 for 30 on a pro wrestler.”

“Nature Boy” features two in-depth conversations between Karpf and Flair over a 16-month span, surrounded by interviews with those closest to the man himself; including Triple H, Hulk Hogan, Ricky Steamboat, Baby Doll, Tully Blanchard, The Undertaker, Arn Anderson, Shawn Michaels, Sting and Road Warrior Animal as well as his first wife, Leslie Jacobs, and children along with others who know Flair best.

“I grew up a huge wrestling fan in the 1980s and I was captivated by Ric Flair,” says director Rory Karpf. “It’s been a personally rewarding experience to tell the story of arguably the greatest wrestler of all time. Ric’s story transcends the wrestling business, and my hope is that it will appeal to wrestling and non-wrestling fans alike.”

Ric Flair Says He Injured Hand Fighting Golden State Warriors Fan

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair says he recently injured his hand after getting into it with a Golden State Warriors fan.

Flair did not say who he got into a scuffle with it, but he posted his injury on social media, saying on Instagram, “Rihanna, Move over and Let the Naitch show you how it is done!”.

Flair is referring to the singer Rihanna heckling Warriors forward Kevin Duran during the Game 1 of the Finals.

Source: Sports Illustrated

Ric Flair Statue Being Made In His Honor For WrestleMania 33 Axxess

An honorary statue of Ric Flair will be unveiled by WWE during WrestleMania 33 weekend … and the model it was sculpted after spoiled the surprise on social media.

A model named Sean Perry recently posted the photo below with the caption, “Sooooo, the other day a studio did a full body mold of me for a statue of Ric Flair (in his prime) for the WWE Hall of Fame.”

One source confirms that this guy isn’t telling a lie … a Flair statue is being made to join the ones WWE already has for Andre the GiantBruno Sammartino, Dusty Rhodes and Ultimate Warrior.

As in the past, it will be more than likely be unveiled at WWE Axxess.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

ric flair statue

ESPN Releases 1st Trailer For Ric Flair ’30 for 30′ Documentary

ESPN caused wrestling fans to shout “Woo” by teasing a first glimpse of the upcoming Ric Flair 30 for 30 documentary Nature Boy.

The wrestling legend retired four years ago as a record 16-time world champion. As detailed by Grantland’s Shane Ryan in 2011, the limousine-riding, jet-flying son of a gun had some tumultuous troubles outside of the squared circle.

According to Sports Illustrated‘s Richard Deitsch, the ESPN film will feature interviews from other WCW and WWE icons, including Triple H, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, Arn Anderson, Sting and Flair’s daughter, Ashley, who is currently the WWE Raw women’s champion using the ring name Charlotte Flair.

The brief trailer didn’t give much away, but it offered a taste of the highly anticipated documentary, set to air in 2017.

[ESPNFrontRow on Vimeo]

Source: Bleacher Report