To Be the Man: Ric Flair Update

On August 12, professional wrestler and two time WWE Hall of Famer “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair was hospitalized and admitted to the intensive care unit. Originally, Flair arrived at the hospital for heart related issues according to several members of the media. But, according to a representative it was for “tough medical issues”.

On August 13 Flair’s agent Melinda Morris 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.” The tweet was met with strong support and prayers from fans of Ric Flair with many fans taking to social media to wish the wrestler the best.

Many current WWE performers and WWE legends also took to social media including current Smackdown Women’s Champion, Natalya, tweeting “Thinking of them, too, and praying for Ric and his family. I don’t know many tougher than him! We love you, Nature Boy” and WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle tweeting  “@RicFlairNatrBoy U have been my inspiration. U taught me so much, especially how to “give” to the biz, and not “take” from it. Praying 4 U!”

It was also confirmed during the August 14th episode of “Monday Night Raw” by WWE color commentator Michael Cole that Flair underwent successful surgery Monday afternoon. During his recovery, fans not only took to social media but to WWE events in support of Ric Flair with many fans bringing signs and shirts in support of Flair.

On August 15 Ric Flair’s daughter Ashley, best known as current WWE superstar, Charlotte Flair, took to Instagram to thank fans posting “On behalf of my family and I, we want to THANK everyone for the prayers, texts, calls and support,” she wrote. “Our Dad is a FIGHTER and your continued thoughts and prayers MEAN THE WORLD to us.”

On August 20, Charlotte took to instagram again to post an update on her father “After an incredibly hard week, my dad is getting better,” she said. “There is still a long road to go and he’s not out of the woods just yet but I want to again thank everyone for their support on behalf of myself and my family. My dad has given his life to sports entertainment. To everyone competing tonight, you know he’d be backstage watching if he could. Give it a little extra flair for him tonight. Woooo!” he posted this before the WWE Pay Per View Summerslam.

On August 29, WWE.com announced that Ric Flair is set to begin physical therapy following his surgery. Flair’s fiancee Wendy Barlow took to her Facebook page to provide an update on Flair “I wanted to update everyone on Ric’s progress as so many people have been reaching out and offering their Prayers and Support,” she said. “He is doing very well for a Man who has been through so much! He will begin Physical Therapy shortly and will be stronger than ever and back out enjoying all the fans sooner than you would think. I can honestly say I have witnessed a Miracle.”

During his 40 year career, Ric Flair achieved a record-setting 16 world titles, tying with John Cena for most world title wins, 9 Tag Team Title wins, 1 Intercontinental Title win, and a record setting 6 time US Title wins. He is also the first WCW Triple Crown champion and thirteenth Triple Crown champion in WWE. Flair is also the first person to be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame twice; once for his solo career and his second as a member of the Four Horsemen.

Flair had many achievements in his wrestling career, but no feat will feel as satisfying as defeating his health problems.