WWE legend Rick Flair vows to ‘never drink again’ after near-death experience
Retired professional wrestler Rick Flair, the subject of the documentary “30 for 30: Nature Boy” participates in a panel during the ESPN Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Aside from his trademark “Woo!” yell, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Famer Rick Flair is perhaps best known for his overly outgoing personality and carefree attitude.
The 68-year-old retired professional wrestler certainly knew how to live his life, and admitted his penchant for consuming alcohol on a daily basis.
But a after a recent health scare that nearly cost him his life, Flair has changed his tune and has vowed to “never drink again.”
WWE: Pro wrestler Ric Flair out of surgery and resting
“It scared the sh*t out of me,” the “Nature Boy” recalled his harrowing experience in an interview with People TV. “I never want to go through this again.”
Flair recalled experiencing an upset stomach last month, which prompted his fiancee, Wendy Barlow, to rush him to the hospital.
What he initially thought as a minor issue turned out to be way worse, as his kidneys began to shut down and was on the brink of congestive heart failure, according to The New York Post.
“My daughter [Charlotte] told me that the doctor told her to go see me — that I wasn’t going to make it,” Flair shared. “I had no idea it was that bad. Wendy never told me.”
As it turned out, Flair’s years of alcohol abuse was the main culprit—a condition he didn’t even know he had.
“I didn’t think I was an alcoholic, but obviously I was,” he admitted.
Flair also confessed that he had never taken a pain pill in his life, but often relied on booze to ease the pain from his wrestling injuries.
Still, the “Limousine Ridin’, Jet Flyin’, Kiss Stealin’, Wheelin’ Dealin’, Son of a Gun” said he remained sober while performing for his countless fans.
“I never drank when I was working,” he said. “But as soon as work was over, I went right to the mill.” Khristian Ibarrola /ra
