Wrestling legend Ric Flair was rushed to a Florida hospital Friday after suffering a fall outside a restaurant, just hours after revealing that a blood clot had forced him to cancel an upcoming public appearance.
The 77-year-old WWE Hall of Famer was transported by ambulance following the incident in Tampa, where he reportedly sustained injuries to his face and head.
According to TMZ, Flair had stepped outside a restaurant Friday morning when he suddenly fell, suffering cuts near his head and eye.
The unexpected hospitalization followed an announcement from Flair that he was dealing with a blood clot in his leg that had restricted his ability to travel.
Earlier that day, the wrestling icon informed fans that he would not be attending Washington State Horror Con in the Seattle area because of the medical issue.
Flair explained that the blood clot had created complications affecting his travel plans and that he was preparing to undergo a procedure involving the affected vein.
He expressed hope that the treatment would allow him to resume traveling and making public appearances.
However, the situation took another turn when he was transported to a hospital following the fall.
The incident raised additional concerns because of Flair’s history of serious medical complications.
It remains unclear whether the blood clot contributed to Friday’s fall.
No information establishing a connection between the two medical incidents was provided.
Flair has experienced several health setbacks over the years, including a life-threatening medical emergency in 2017.
During that episode, the former wrestling champion suffered multiple organ failure and was placed in a medically induced coma.
His condition was serious enough to raise questions about whether he would survive.
Flair eventually recovered, later returning to public appearances and maintaining an active presence in the wrestling community.
Nevertheless, his medical history has continued to generate concern whenever new health problems emerge.
Earlier this year, Flair publicly acknowledged that he needed to prioritize his well-being.
In May, following a dispute involving an apparent trademark issue connected to his son, the wrestling legend disclosed that he was dealing with health problems.
He subsequently indicated that he was taking time away from certain activities to focus on his recovery.
The blood clot affecting his leg had already disrupted his schedule before Friday’s incident.
Over the summer, Flair missed the Cauliflower Alley Club’s annual reunion because of the same medical condition.
His latest cancellation suggested that the problem had continued interfering with his ability to travel.
The hospital visit now adds another complication as Flair works to address the clot and resume his scheduled commitments.
Despite his recent health challenges, Flair remains one of professional wrestling’s most recognizable figures.
Known throughout his career as “The Nature Boy,” Flair became a major attraction across several wrestling organizations, including the National Wrestling Alliance, World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment, per Trending Politics.
His flamboyant personality, elaborate robes and signature “Woo!” catchphrase helped establish him as one of the industry’s most enduring performers.
WWE recognizes Flair as a 16-time world champion, reflecting a career defined by championship victories and rivalries spanning multiple generations.
His achievements earned him two inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame.
He was inducted individually in 2008 before receiving another honor in 2012 as a member of the Four Horsemen.
The influential wrestling faction included Flair alongside Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson and Tully Blanchard.
Although his full-time wrestling career has ended, Flair has continued making appearances at conventions, fan gatherings and other entertainment events.
Those commitments have increasingly been affected by his medical concerns.
Friday’s hospitalization marked another setback for the veteran performer, who had already informed supporters that he was unable to attend his scheduled appearance in Washington state.
The extent of the injuries sustained during the fall and the outcome of his hospital evaluation were not established in the initial reports.
For now, Flair’s latest medical emergency follows months of blood clot complications and another interruption to his public schedule.
