What Happened to Richard Morgan Fliehr?
Ric Flair, known as 'The Nature Boy,' is an American retired professional wrestler widely considered one of the greatest of all time, with a career spanning fifty years. Despite multiple retirements and significant health battles, including a life-threatening crisis in 2017 and a heart attack during his 'last match' in 2022, he remains active in the wrestling world through appearances and a legends role with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). As of March 2026, Flair continues to make public appearances and recently commented on industry issues while managing ongoing health concerns.
Quick Answer
Ric Flair, the legendary 'Nature Boy,' is officially retired from active wrestling but remains a prominent figure in sports entertainment. As of March 2026, he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in a legends role for special appearances and is scheduled for WrestleCon events in April 2026. Flair has faced numerous health challenges, including a major crisis in 2017, a heart attack during his 2022 'last match,' and a second skin cancer diagnosis in 2025, from which he was declared cancer-free in July 2025. He recently sparked discussion by calling out WWE over the lack of a wrestlers' union.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born Richard Morgan Fliehr
Richard Morgan Fliehr, better known as Ric Flair, was born in Memphis, Tennessee.
Professional Wrestling Debut
Flair made his professional wrestling debut, beginning a career that would span five decades.
Wins NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Starrcade '83
Flair defeated Harley Race in a steel cage match at Starrcade '83: A Flare for the Gold to regain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, solidifying his status as a top star.
Joins World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
After a storied career in the NWA and WCW, Flair made his debut in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) for his first tenure with the company.
First 'Retirement' Match at WrestleMania XXIV
Ric Flair wrestled Shawn Michaels in a highly emotional match at WrestleMania XXIV, which was billed as his retirement from WWE.
Begins Tenure with TNA Wrestling
Flair joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), continuing his in-ring career despite his WWE retirement.
Suffers Life-Threatening Health Crisis
Flair was hospitalized with a bowel obstruction, leading to kidney failure and other complications, and was placed in a medically induced coma.
Featured in 'Dark Side of the Ring' Controversy
The 'Dark Side of the Ring' episode on the 'Plane Ride From Hell' aired, bringing renewed attention to allegations of sexual misconduct against Flair from 2002.
Wrestles 'Ric Flair's Last Match'
At 73 years old, Flair competed in a tag team match alongside Andrade El Idolo against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal, billed as his final professional wrestling match.
Diagnosed with Heart Attack from 'Last Match'
Flair later revealed that he suffered a heart attack during his 'last match' in 2022, which he initially attributed to dehydration.
Signs with All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Ric Flair officially signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in a legends role, making special appearances for the promotion.
Second Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Flair announced he was diagnosed with skin cancer for the second time in three years, undergoing treatment and surgery.
Announces He Is Cancer-Free
Following treatment and surgery, Ric Flair announced on social media that he was officially cancer-free.
Teases and Denies Another Match
Flair teased a potential return to the ring during a virtual signing but quickly clarified on social media that he would 'never wrestle again.'
Comments on WWE Wrestlers' Union
While appearing on the 'Legally Goff Podcast,' Ric Flair publicly questioned why WWE still operates without a wrestlers' union despite its multi-billion dollar valuation.
Announced for WrestleCon 2026
Ric Flair was officially announced to appear for public autograph signings at WrestleCon 2026 in Las Vegas during WrestleMania Week in April.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Ric Flair, born Richard Morgan Fliehr on February 25, 1949, carved out an unparalleled legacy in professional wrestling, earning the moniker 'The Nature Boy' and becoming a 16-time world champion across various promotions like the NWA, WCW, and WWE. His flamboyant persona, iconic 'Woo!' catchphrase, and technical prowess made him a global superstar, influencing generations of wrestlers. His career was characterized by a relentless schedule and a dedication to his character, which often blurred the lines between his on-screen persona and personal life.
Flair's journey has been marked by both immense success and significant personal and health struggles. In August 2017, he suffered a life-threatening health crisis involving a bowel obstruction, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure, which placed him in a medically induced coma. Miraculously, he recovered, but these events underscored the physical toll of his decades-long career. Another major turning point came in September 2021 with the airing of the 'Dark Side of the Ring' episode focusing on the 'Plane Ride From Hell,' which brought renewed scrutiny to past allegations of sexual misconduct against Flair. Flair issued a statement denying the most serious accusations, but the controversy impacted his public image and led to a temporary removal from WWE programming.
Despite his health issues and previous retirements, Flair wrestled what was billed as 'Ric Flair's Last Match' on July 31, 2022, at the age of 73. He later revealed that he suffered a heart attack during this match, though he initially dismissed it as dehydration. This event, promoted by his son-in-law Conrad Thompson, was intended to be his definitive farewell from in-ring competition. However, in February 2026, Flair teased the possibility of another match before quickly clarifying via social media that he would 'never wrestle again.'
As of March 2026, Flair continues to navigate his health. In June 2025, he announced a second diagnosis of skin cancer within three years, undergoing treatment and surgery. By July 22, 2025, he confirmed he was cancer-free. Professionally, Flair signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in a legends role in November 2023, making special appearances. He is scheduled to appear at WrestleCon 2026 in Las Vegas in April. Recently, on March 11, 2026, Flair made headlines by speaking out on the 'Legally Goff Podcast' about the long-standing debate surrounding the lack of a wrestlers' union in WWE, questioning why the multi-billion dollar company still operates without one. His current status reflects a legendary figure still engaged with the wrestling world, managing his health, and occasionally weighing in on industry matters, all while maintaining a public presence.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Richard Morgan Fliehr made different choices?