WWE legend Ric Flair has reportedly been hospitalized in Florida hours after he pulled out of a convention appearance due to ongoing complications from “a blood clot” in his leg.
The retired pro wrestler, 77, appeared to be in a state of distress in photographs obtained by TMZ, which showed four medics kneeling over him as he lay on the ground outside the restaurant Wagamama in Tampa, Florida, on Friday, October 23.
Sources told the outlet that Flair (real name Richard Morgan Fliehr) walked away from the bar at Wagamama, leaving his phone and drink behind. Flair reportedly started walking across the street when he fell and injured his face, sustaining bloody abrasions on his head and one eye.
Medical personnel tending to Flair reportedly made the decision to transport him to a local hospital over fears that he may have suffered a concussion.
Us has reached out to Flair’s representative for comment.
The frightening incident occurred mere hours after Flair announced he could not attend a scheduled appearance at Washington State Horror Con. The “Nature Boy” explained via Instagram that his doctor urged him not to fly ahead of a planned procedure to “strip” a vein where a clot developed in his left leg.
“Blood clots are extremely serious and can be life-threatening,” Flair noted. “We have seen this recently with [Philadelphia Eagles quarterback] Jalen Hurts and the complications involving blood clots in his lungs. It is a reminder that this is not something to take lightly, and I must follow medical advice.”
He added, “I’m scheduled to have a procedure to strip the affected vein, which my doctors expect will allow me to be cleared for more travel afterward.”
Flair assured fans he did not take his decision to cancel his appearance in the Seattle area “lightly.”
“I am truly sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment, and I am incredibly grateful for your patience, understanding, and continued support,” he concluded. “I look forward to getting healthy and seeing you all down the road. Thank you for the love and support.”
The WWE Hall of Famer — who is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling — has had numerous major health scares throughout his life. Flair miraculously made a full recovery after suffering a broken back and serious lacerations in an October 4, 1975, plane crash near Wilmington, North Carolina.
In 2017, Flair developed multiple complications — including kidney failure — after having surgery to remove an obstructive piece of his bowel. Doctors initially feared Flair would not survive but he ultimately was discharged from a rehab center just over a month later.
More recently, Flair said he suffered a heart attack while wrestling his final match — teaming with Andrade El Idolo in a victory over Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett — in Nashville in July 2022. He was treated for skin cancer twice between 2022 and 2025.
