Update (2:30pm EST, 8/14): A WWE spokesperson (via TMZ) says that Flair is in a medically induced coma and is undergoing surgery this afternoon.
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WWE Hall of Famer Ric flair remains hospitalized in Atlanta, Georgia, where’s he’s been since Saturday. An initial statement from Flair’s agent, Melinda Morris Zanoni, noted that he was undergoing routine monitoring. According to local media reports, Flair is dealing with heart-related issues and. On Monday, Zanoni implied that Flair’s condition had worsened and asked for everybody’s prayers and good energy.
Dave Meltzer commented on the Flair’s condition on the f4wonline.com message board. “Charlotte was well aware of everything while in China, that much I know. She was one of the few. Must have been a turn for the worst. I was pretty concerned when I heard nothing all day, was just too long since I heard from anyone.”
In his 2004 autobiography, Flair wrote about having a heart condition related to alcohol consumption. “Through my many years of partying, I also developed something called “alcoholic cardiomyopathy,” a weakening of the heart muscles,” Flair wrote on page 304. “I first detected that there was something wrong when my heart began skipping beats. I went to a cardiologist friend who told me that when your heart pumps, it expands like a rubber band. But mine was doing it too much. Initially, I thought that steroids might be responsible, but the doctor dismissed this theory. My heaert was fluttering from thirty-fivbe years of hitting it hard.
WWE producer Michael Hayes visited Flair in the hospital on Sunday and also asked for people to keep Ric Flair in their thoughts and prayers.
I saw @RicFlairNatrBoy before I flew to Boston yesterday
I can assure that he needs everyone's prayers and positive vibes. Thx in advance!!— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) August 14, 2017
The wrestling world is obviously shaken by the news, with several past and present WWE performers showing their support for the one-and-only Nature Boy.
Just hearing all this news about @RicFlairNatrBoy sending every ounce energy to #TheMan and asking that all of you do the same #NeverGiveUp
— John Cena (@JohnCena) August 14, 2017
@RicFlairNatrBoy U have been my inspiration. U taught me so much, especially how to "give" to the biz, and not "take" from it. Praying 4 U!
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/ebischoff/status/897063196992733184
My thoughts and prayers are with Ric Flair and his family during this difficult time.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) August 14, 2017
Please keep Ric Flair and his family in your thoughts and prayers today! No matter what he will always simply be "Champ" to me!
— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) August 14, 2017
Sending my love and prayers to @RicFlairNatrBoy and his family.
— Mercedes Varnado (@SashaBanksWWE) August 14, 2017
Get well @RicFlairNatrBoy we ? and need ya? https://t.co/PKHQ3v2Jsr
— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/therealxpac/status/897139056542326784
I don't know the details or what @RicFlairNatrBoy needs, but God does and I pray that His will be done. @MsCharlotteWWE #KICKOUTRIC #OUDK
— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/jamesstormbrand/status/897103197638193152
ONLY 1 RIC FLAIR ONLY 1 IRON SHEIK. WE BREAK THE EARTHS BACK. THE EARTH NEVER BREAK US pic.twitter.com/h0JLEqrnlI
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) August 14, 2017
Just got the news that @RicFlairNatrBoy is in the hospital. Hoping for a full & very speedy recovery. Need The Champ out stylin' & profilin'
— Charles Robinson (@WWERobinson) August 14, 2017
My Love And Prayers to you @RicFlairNatrBoy ? https://t.co/RYjYuQTnLo
— Tamina Snuka (@TaminaSnuka) August 14, 2017