Ric Flair is out of surgery.
But likely not out of the woods just yet.
The legendary wrestler – whose career has spanned decades and who some consider to be the best in-ring performer of all-time – was placed in a medically-induced coma on Monday, according to WWE radio host Peter Rosenberg.
The 68-year-old icon was admitted to the hospital early Saturday morning, although the reason why is unclear at the moment.
All we can say is that the condition worsened over the course of about 48 hours, resulting in a significant procedure earlier today.
CEO of Legacy Talent LLC Melinda Morris Zanoni asked for prayers and support for Flair on Twitter overnight Sunday after her friend was admitted for what Zanoni originally called “routine monitoring.”
However, Flair’s stay in the intensive care unit now appears to have been for something far more serious.
Pro Wrestling Sheet reports that the surgery was heart-related, which makes sense: in his memoir, Flair wrote that he has had alcohol-related issues with this vital organ.
Rory Karpf, who worked on ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary on Flair, which is set to premiere in November, also tweeted to ask people to keep the veteran star in their prayers and thoughts.
Known as The Nature Boy, Flair worked over the years for NWA, WCW and WWE. He won a total of 31 championship belts over his career.
His last official match in the WWE took place in 2008, when he lost to Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV.
Flair was officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the same year.
He has remained in the wrestling spotlight since, however, most recently as a manager for his daughter, Charlotte, who is a four-time WWE RAW Women’s champion.
TMZ reports that Flair is out of surgery and that he is resting comfortably.
At last check, his family members were waiting to talk to the doctors about the results and the next steps.
UPDATE: Zanoni has Tweeted again, saying that the surgery was NOT a heart procecure…
We’ll keep readers apprised of this unfortunate situation and we’ll keep Flair in our thoughts.
We hope he pulls through and recovers quickly.
