What is mysterious ‘tough’ illness facing wrestler Ric Flair? Clues emerging

Fans of professional wrestling icon Ric Flair remained in the dark Wednesday as to the mysterious “tough” illness that sent 68-year-old Flair to a hospital Saturday, but sources in the wrestling community say he underwent colon surgery and is listed in serious condition.

Media outlets initially reported that the issue was heart related, but Flair management rep Melinda Morris Zanoni said Monday that is not the case.

Zanoni said in a Facebook post that she “cannot answer any personal questions” on the matter.

However, details began to emerge late Monday from other sources in the professional wrestling community.

Wrestling news website Still Real To Us reported Tuesday that it was colon surgery, combined with kidney problems. It credits Wrestling Observer journalist Dave Meltzer as the source, and quotes him as saying Flair was in a lot of pain Saturday. “His situation was real bad,” Meltzer is quoted as saying. “He’s not out of the water yet – I believe he’s on kidney dialysis now.”

WWE staffer Gene Okerlund also identified the health issue as colon surgery in a Facebook post late Monday. “I’ve heard nothing on the outcome of Ric Flair’s colon surgery this afternoon, but the outpouring of prayers and love re-enforce that he definitely is ‘THE MAN’,” Okerlund posted.

WrestlingNews.co added another detail Tuesday, quoting a source as saying a bacterial infection played a key role in the hospital visit.

The lack of official confirmation on Flair’s health issue has prompted speculation on the social media, not to mention frustration. There was even an internet rumor late Monday that Flair was in critical condition, which was retweeted by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

It was originally reported that the Saturday hospital visit was routine. But early Monday, Zanoni tweeted that Flair was facing “tough medical issues” and needed prayers. Fans and even other wrestlers were confused.

“What happened to Flair?” semi-retired wrestler Hulk Hogan asked Sunday on Twitter.

“What was the operation about?” posted Alejandro Bravo of Venezuela on the Facebook page.

“Two days ago, (Zanoni) said it was nothing to worry about. Can’t you give all his fans more,” tweeted an Alabama fan to Flair’s management.

As of Wednesday morning, Flair’s management had not sent any further updates on his status.

More Ric Flair moments in the Carolinas

This story was originally published August 15, 2017 at 7:40 AM with the headline "What is mysterious ‘tough’ illness facing wrestler Ric Flair? Clues emerging."