‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair Reportedly Hospitalized In Atlanta

CHARLOTTE, NC — Wrestling legend and Charlotte native "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair has reportedly been hospitalized in Atlanta following an unknown medical emergency. TMZ Sports reported that Flair was admitted to a local hospital Thursday morning.

This is Flair's second serious health scare in as many years. The 16-time World Heavyweight Champion was hospitalized in 2017, with what his management team referred to at the time as "some tough medical issues." Flair was treated in an Atlanta intensive care unit for several weeks and was placed in a medically induced coma. He was on life support for 10 days due to kidney and bowel issues. However, the now-70-year Flair, born Richard Fleihr, recovered, and has made numerous public appearances and book signings with his daughter, Ashley Elizabeth Fliehr, known as Charlotte Flair in the WWE.

Flair, known as the "Nature Boy," had a pacemaker implanted in his chest, vowed never to drink alcohol again, and married his longtime girlfriend Wendy Barlow.

This story will be updated when more information is available.

Patch Editor Tim Darnell contributed.