Ric Flair Hospitalized in Florida After Canceling Appearance Due to Blood Clots

Wrestling icon Ric Flair was taken to a Florida hospital Friday after collapsing outside a Tampa restaurant, according to reports. The incident occurred just hours after the 77-year-old announced he would be canceling a fan convention appearance in Seattle due to newly discovered blood clots.

Flair, whose birth name is Richard Morgan Fliehr, was reportedly at a restaurant when he stood up, leaving behind his phone and drink. He then walked across the street and fell, sustaining injuries to his face and around his eye, and possibly a concussion, TMZ reported. He was transported to a hospital via ambulance.

Earlier in the day, Flair had issued a statement regarding his decision to withdraw from the Seattle event. "Blood Clots Are Extremely Serious And Can Be Life-Threatening," Flair wrote. "We Have Seen This Recently With Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts And The Complications Involving Blood Clots In His Lungs. It Is A Reminder That This Is Not Something To Take Lightly, And I Must Follow Medical Advice."

He indicated that he would be able to resume traveling after undergoing a procedure on an affected vein.

This is not the first time Flair has faced significant health challenges recently. In 2025, he disclosed a battle with skin cancer, and in May, he spoke about unspecified health issues. "If you understood the health issues that I deal with and am currently dealing with, you would understand why I get frustrated in life with a lot of people," he wrote at the time. "I'm sorry for the frustration. I am taking time to focus on my health."

Beyond his health, Flair has also been involved in a legal dispute, claiming that an individual familiar to him was using his "FLAIR" trademark. He stated he was being represented by an attorney specializing in such cases.

Ric Flair is a celebrated figure in professional wrestling, with a career spanning decades in promotions such as WWF/WWE and WCW.