Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Returns From Hospital, Vows to ‘Woo’ Fans Again

Ric Flair on the Australian Hulkamania tour at Sydney Airport in Australia, on Nov. 17, 2009. Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

A much loved former professional wrestler has been discharged from hospital after having urgent surgery on May 20.

Media spotted former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star now manager Ric Flair, 70, while he was being wheeled out of Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, 31 miles northeast of Atlanta, Georgia.

The 16-time world champion, who was accompanied by wife Wendy Barlow and hospital staff, seemed to be smiling and in good spirits, wearing one of his own Ric Flair branded t-shirts.

Flair confirmed he was now at home and grateful for all the health professionals who helped him recover.

“The Naitch is home. Thank you to all the incredible staff and doctors at Gwinnett Medical Center once again,” he said on Twitter.

He also thanked his loved ones and loyal fans for helping him on the road to recovery.

“I am so thankful for all my family, friends, and fans for all the love,” Flair said. “At this time in my life, I never take it for granted.”

He promised everyone he will quickly make a full recovery.

“I will be back up and Woooooing in no time,” he said.

Barlow said she was confident Flair will make a “full recovery,” contrary to false reports that he died on May 16.

“Due to ongoing health complications, Ric was taken to the hospital and is expected to undergo a procedure tomorrow morning, after which he expects to fully recover,” she said in a written statement obtained by TMZ Sports.

Flair had been rushed to the emergency room just a week earlier and with no reason provided. Sources told TMZ that Flair said he was having trouble breathing while he was in the Atlanta area and his condition was “very serious.”

Doctors had reportedly postponed a medical procedure due to complications, but decided to go ahead with the operation on May 20. Sources said the procedure was a success and Flair left the hospital just 48 hours later.

The champion has experienced heart issues in recent months and had already undergone several procedures, TMZ reported.

He was previously put in a medically induced coma for 11 days after his intestines ruptured back in 2017. He was in critical condition and on the verge of dying.

However, Flair survived and he took the opportunity to marry his longtime girlfriend Wendy Barlow the following year. The woman was by her partner’s side during the entire medical procedure and recovery process.

Flair just celebrated his 70th birthday in February with a big party attended by celebrities including Los Angeles Rams Running Back Todd Gurley, WWE Wrestler Jeff Hardy, Wrestler and Actor Triple H, former Professional Boxer Evander Holyfield, and retired Basketballers Charles Barkley and Dennis Rodman.