Ric Flair Hospitalized After Fall in Tampa
Ric Flair was rushed to a hospital in Tampa, Florida, on Friday, October 23, 2026, after suffering a severe fall outside a restaurant. The incident occurred just hours after the 16-time world champion announced on social media that he was dealing with a dangerous blood clot in his leg that prevented him from flying to a fan convention, according to TMZ.
According to sources with direct knowledge cited by TMZ, Flair had been spending time at the Wagamama restaurant in Tampa earlier that morning. He stood up from the bar, left his phone and drink behind, and walked across the street. While outside, he suddenly collapsed and sustained facial injuries, including a cut on his head and an extensive bleeding wound to his eye. Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene, treated him, and loaded him into an ambulance. Sources also noted he may have a concussion.
Blood Clot Announcement Precedes Accident
The hospitalization came immediately after Flair published a public statement explaining his absence from a scheduled appearance at a fan convention in Seattle. In his social media post, Flair stated that his doctors strictly limited his travel because of a blood clot in his leg.
“Unfortunately, I am dealing with a blood clot in my leg, and my doctors have limited my travel to 3–4 hours,” Flair wrote. He added that Seattle fell outside that allowable range, forcing him to prioritize his health and recovery.
Flair emphasized the severe nature of his condition by referencing recent health complications experienced by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was also diagnosed with blood clots. Flair noted that clots can be extremely serious and even life-threatening, making it necessary to follow medical advice closely.
Flair Misses Events Before Scheduled Vein Procedure
Prior to the fall, Flair informed his fans and his agent, Steve Solomon, that he was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure to strip the affected vein. His medical team anticipated that the procedure would eventually clear him for more travel.
In his statement to fans, Flair apologized for missing scheduled events, including appearances at the Washington State Horror Con and Big Event NY. He expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of his supporters, stating that he looked forward to recovering and returning down the road.
Details Remain Unclear on Flair's Medical Condition
As of Friday afternoon, additional updates regarding Flair’s specific medical condition and the full extent of his injuries had not been released. It remains unclear whether the sudden fall outside the Tampa restaurant was directly connected to his ongoing blood clot diagnosis, or how the emergency hospitalization might impact his scheduled vein-stripping procedure.
Recovery Outlook
I am truly sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment, and I am incredibly grateful for your patience, understanding, and continued support,
he wrote.
He ended his message by expressing optimism about his recovery. I look forward to getting healthy and seeing you all down the road.
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