Concern is growing over Ric Flair after the wrestling legend missed a major Cauliflower Alley Club appearance due to medical reasons. Flair had been expected to take part in the event honoring Bret Hart, but Jerry “The King” Lawler was called in to replace him.
During the August 27, 2026 edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained that Natalya was in Las Vegas to induct Hart, who received the Iron Mike Mazurki Award. Flair’s planned appearance was considered an important part of the ceremony, making his absence hard to ignore.
“Natalya was in Vegas tonight after the show inducting Bret, who got the Iron Mike Mazurki Award at the Cauliflower Alley Club. The big thing on the show was Ric Flair, and Lawler came to replace Ric Flair. I guess Ric called Lawler, and I think Flair did a video, but they said that due to medical reasons, Ric could not be there. So that’s concerning.”
Bryan Alvarez responded that the situation did not sound good. Meltzer agreed and explained that Flair personally contacting Lawler to take his place made the situation more concerning.
“No. This was a real, real big deal, Ric being there. I guess he knew ahead of time. The story was that Ric called Lawler and told Lawler to come for him, so they had Lawler.”
Alvarez pointed out that Lawler has dealt with serious health problems of his own but was still able to make the trip. Meltzer said Lawler has been doing better lately and has resumed traveling.
“Lawler has been okay of late. He’s traveled and things like that. He’s been a lot better. But Ric, it concerns me.”
No additional information was provided about Flair’s medical situation or what prevented him from attending. The fact that he apparently knew in advance and arranged for Lawler to replace him suggests the cancellation was not a last-minute decision, but there is no confirmation that Flair is dealing with a serious health problem.
For now, the only confirmed detail is that medical reasons kept Flair from attending an appearance that had been treated as a major part of the event. Until Flair or someone close to him provides more information, anything beyond that would be speculation.
What do you make of Ric Flair missing the appearance and personally asking Jerry Lawler to replace him? Let us know your thoughts and send in your feedback.
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