Ric Flair Hospitalized In Atlanta, Reportedly For Planned Procedure

"The Nature Boy" subject of some reports differing in tone...

Justin Henry smiling while wearing a black hat

May 16, 2019

Ric Flair
TMZ reported earlier this morning

that Ric Flair was rushed to a hospital in the Atlanta area, after experiencing a medical emergency. TMZ wasn't able to provide a specific update on what happened with Flair, but described the situation as "very serious."

Contrary to that report, Starrcast promoter Conrad Thompson (Flair's son-in-law, via his marriage to Meghan Fliehr)

claimed on a Thursday afternoon media call

(Credit to

Sean Ross Sapp

of Fightful for the following notes) that the situation "is not as grave or serious" as TMZ had reported it to be. Thompson further claimed that the hospitalization was for a procedure Flair elected to have before traveling to Las Vegas for Starrcast weekend.

Thompson offered no comment on the specifics of the procedure, but did say that Flair and his family knew that the procedure was coming up.

Added Thompson, "Ric was not worried about this. Ric did not think this was going to be reported or on TMZ. It's all systems go."

Flair is slated to be the "guest of honor" for a special roast as part of Starrcast weekend, taking place in Las Vegas the night before AEW Double or Nothing.