Ric Flair Shares Eyepatch Photo After Fall Lands Him in Hospital
The 77-year-old pro wrestling legend was treated at Tampa General Hospital after a fall outside a Tampa restaurant and posted a message saying he will recover.
Ric Flair posted an update on Saturday showing him wearing an eyepatch and assuring fans that he is recovering after a fall the day before left him hospitalized. The 77-year-old pro wrestling legend wrote, « I Will Be Okay! » in a message thanking supporters and medical staff.
The fall occurred at a Wagamama restaurant in Tampa, Florida, where Flair reportedly walked outside and fell, injuring his face and possibly suffering a concussion. He cut his eye and was loaded into an ambulance. In his message, Flair thanked the staff and doctors at Tampa General Hospital who cared for him until 4:30 a.m. and said he is focused on healing and recovery. He also promised to respond to each person who sent messages and prayers as he grows stronger.
The incident came hours after Flair announced he would not attend a scheduled appearance in Seattle. He said his doctors had limited his travel to three to four hours and that Seattle fell outside that range because of a blood clot in his leg. « Blood clots are extremely serious and can be life-threatening, » Flair wrote on X. He referenced the recent complications involving NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts, who experienced blood clots in his lungs, and said the episode was a reminder that the condition should not be taken lightly. Flair added that he must follow medical advice. He is slated to have surgery on the affected vein, which his doctors expect will allow him to be cleared for more travel afterward.
Flair said the decision to cancel the Seattle appearance was not made lightly. « I am truly sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment, and I am incredibly grateful for your patience, understanding, and continued support, » he wrote. « I look forward to getting healthy and seeing you all down the road. »
Flair, who has battled health and alcohol issues over the years, has been in and out of wrestling for the last few years. His so-called « Last Match » took place in 2022, a tag-team bout alongside his then-son-in-law, the wrestler known as Andrade, against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal. He later revealed he passed out twice during that match. He made his All Elite Wrestling debut in 2023 and was a brief part of Sting's final professional match at AEW Revolution, where Sting and Darby Allin took on the Young Bucks.
Flair's career includes eight World Championship Wrestling world heavyweight titles, nine National Wrestling Alliance world heavyweight titles and two WWE Championships. WWE inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2008 as a singles wrestler and again in 2012 as a member of the Four Horsemen.
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