Pro wrestling legend Ric Flair was rushed to a Florida hospital after falling outside a bar in Tampa, according to a report from TMZ. The 77-year-old suffered a cut to his head and eye, which was bleeding, and may have sustained a concussion. Tampa Fire Rescue confirmed to OutKick and Fox News Digital that it responded to the incident and transported an adult male to a local hospital, though the department declined to identify the patient due to HIPAA guidelines.
The reported fall occurred hours after Flair announced he would miss a scheduled appearance in Seattle. In a statement posted on X, Flair cited a blood clot in his leg as the reason for canceling the trip. He stated that his doctors have limited his travel to three to four hours, placing Seattle outside that range. Flair described blood clots as extremely serious and potentially life-threatening, noting recent complications involving blood clots in the lungs for quarterback Jalen Hurts as a reminder of the risks.
Flair said he is scheduled for surgery on the affected vein, which his doctors expect will clear him for more travel afterward. He expressed regret over the inconvenience and disappointment the cancellation would cause, thanking fans for their patience and support.
Flair has faced various health challenges over the years. His so-called "Last Match" took place in 2022, a tag-team bout with wrestler Andrade against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal. Flair later revealed that he passed out twice during that match. In 2023, he made his debut for All Elite Wrestling and appeared briefly in Sting’s final professional match at AEW Revolution, where Sting and Darby Allin faced the Young Bucks.
During his career, Flair held the World Championship Wrestling world heavyweight title eight times, the National Wrestling Alliance world heavyweight title nine times, and the WWE championship twice. The 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.