Wrestling legend Ric Flair has been rushed to hospital after a fall outside a restaurant in Florida, hours after revealing he was battling a blood clot in his leg. The 77-year-old WWE icon was reportedly at Wagamama in Tampa on Friday morning when he got up from the bar, leaving his phone and drink behind, and walked across the street.
Fall and Injuries
According to TMZ, sources with direct knowledge of the incident said Ric suddenly fell while outside, injuring his face in the process. Emergency medical personnel were pictured gathered around the wrestling star after the incident. He reportedly suffered cuts to his head and eye, with his eye bleeding extensively.
Ric was subsequently loaded into an ambulance and taken to hospital. He may also have suffered a concussion, according to the report. The incident came just hours after the wrestling legend announced he would be unable to attend a fan convention in Seattle due to a blood clot in his leg.
Health Announcement
In a statement shared on X earlier in the day, Ric apologised to his agent, Steve Solomon, Washington State Horror Con, Big Event NY and, particularly, his fans in Seattle for cancelling his scheduled appearance.
He wrote: "Unfortunately, I Am Dealing With A Blood Clot In My Leg, And My Doctors Have Limited My Travel To 3–4 Hours. Seattle Falls Outside That Range, And As Disappointed As I Am, I Have To Put My Health And Recovery First."
Ric also warned fans about the seriousness of blood clots, stressing that they could be life-threatening and that he needed to follow medical advice. He referenced Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has recently faced complications involving blood clots in his lungs.
Procedure and Recovery
The wrestling star added that he was scheduled to undergo a procedure to strip the affected vein, which his doctors expected would allow him to travel further afterwards. He said: "Please Know This Decision 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."
Ric ended his message by thanking fans for their support and expressing his hope to see them again once he had recovered. "I Look Forward To Getting Healthy And Seeing You All Down The Road," he wrote.
It remains unclear whether Friday's fall will affect the planned procedure or his recovery. Ric, widely known as the Nature Boy, is one of professional wrestling's most recognisable figures, having enjoyed a career spanning several decades. The WWE Hall of Famer has previously spoken openly about health struggles throughout his life. However, further details about his condition following Friday's incident have not been confirmed.
