Ric Flair didn’t make it to Las Vegas for Bret Hart’s big night, but he wasn’t a total no-show. The Nature Boy appeared through Zoom on a massive screen and revealed that blood clots in his legs were the reason he couldn’t attend the Cauliflower Alley Club event in person.
Flair had been booked as a major part of the August 27 ceremony honoring Hart, who received the Iron Mike Mazurki Award. When Flair couldn’t travel, Jerry “The King” Lawler stepped in to replace him inside the building.
Ringside News has learned that Flair still participated virtually and addressed the crowd on the venue’s big screen. He then explained that his condition made the trip to Las Vegas—and the immediate turnaround to Philadelphia—too dangerous.
“I have blood clots in my legs, so I can’t travel the five- or six-hour trip that it takes to get there and then turn around and go right to Philadelphia.”
Before Flair explained the situation himself, the only information available was that “medical reasons” had forced him to cancel. That was enough to set off concern because Flair had been treated as one of the key names attached to the ceremony.
Flair knew he couldn’t make the trip and arranged for Lawler to take his place. That move carried its own weight considering Lawler has battled serious health problems, including two strokes, but has recently returned to traveling and making appearances.
No additional details were given about Flair’s treatment, how long he has been dealing with the blood clots or when he expects to travel again. His explanation only confirmed that the condition was serious enough to stop him from flying to Las Vegas before immediately heading to Philadelphia.
Flair found a way to show up for Bret Hart without gambling with his own health. The Nature Boy may hate missing the spotlight, but with blood clots keeping him off the road, appearing through Zoom was the safest move available.
What do you make of Ric Flair revealing that blood clots stopped him from traveling, and should he take more time away from public appearances? Leave your feedback in the comments.
