Ric Flair, the legendary two-time WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, has once again been diagnosed with skin cancer. The Nature Boy revealed to People magazine that this marks the second time in three years he has faced this challenging illness. Flair confirmed that he will begin treatment during the week of June 9, 2025, after initially keeping the diagnosis private.
Flair’s announcement comes after a period of speculation and rumors. In May 2025, Flair took to X (formerly Twitter) to deny reports of his health condition, explaining that he wanted to keep the diagnosis private until he was ready to share it publicly. When he finally opened up to People, Flair expressed appreciation for the concern shown by fans and the wrestling community, saying, “Appreciate the concerns!”
This recent diagnosis is not the first time Flair has battled skin cancer. The first instance occurred in June 2022, marking a three-year fight with the disease that has now returned. Despite these health challenges, Flair has remained a prominent figure in wrestling, both inside and outside the ring.
Ric Flair’s health history is marked by remarkable resilience and determination. In August 2017, he faced a near-fatal health crisis that saw him hospitalized with stomach pains that rapidly escalated to kidney failure and near congestive heart failure, complications linked to his past struggles with alcohol abuse. At one point, Flair was placed in a medically induced coma, had part of his bowel removed, and was fitted with a pacemaker. His family was told he had only a 20% chance of survival.
Reflecting on that harrowing time, Flair told People in 2017, “I crashed in an airplane and broke my back, I've been hit by lightning. But this is totally different. Anything I've been through before is nothing like this.” His recovery from such a dire prognosis has been nothing short of inspirational.
Flair's struggles with health and addiction were extensively documented in the 2022 Peacock documentary, "Woooooo! Becoming Ric Flair." The film delves into his battles and the toll they took on his life and career. His former partner, Wendy Barlow, who stood by him during his health crisis, remarked on his coping mechanism: “I don't know how he survived. What he did was go back into Ric Flair, to be a character, so he didn't have to feel.” Flair publicly thanked Barlow for her unwavering support during that difficult period, stating, “I'll Never Ever Be Able To Thank Her Enough For Standing By My Side Through My Terrible Health Crisis In 2017. She Never Left My Side! And For That I Will Always Be Grateful!”
Despite these setbacks, Flair has continued to make appearances and contribute to the wrestling world. Notably, he competed in one final match in the summer of 2022, teaming with WWE Superstar Andrade to defeat AEW stars Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett. More recently, Flair appeared on AEW television on May 17, 2025, participating in a tribute to the late Steve “Mongo” McMichael on AEW Collision, demonstrating his enduring connection to the sport and its community.
However, Flair's recent weeks have not been without controversy. Earlier in June 2025, he faced criticism for a Twitter post where he suggested that fellow wrestling personality Jim Ross was “seeking attention” regarding Ross’s prostate cancer diagnosis. Following backlash, Flair clarified that his comment was intended as a joke.
As Ric Flair prepares to undergo treatment for skin cancer, the wrestling world rallies behind him, wishing the Nature Boy strength and a swift recovery. His legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever is firmly established, but it is his resilience in the face of adversity that continues to inspire fans and peers alike.
Flair’s battle with skin cancer is a stark reminder of the physical toll that life in and out of the ring can take on athletes, especially those who have dedicated decades to their craft. As treatment begins, the wrestling community and fans worldwide will be watching closely, hopeful for positive news from one of their most beloved figures.
