Ric Flair Says He'd Rather Die In A Wrestling Ring Than In The ICU

Ric Flair could die in a wrestling ring tomorrow and he would be at peace.

The 72-year-old former 16-time World Champion retired from professional wrestling at WrestleMania 24 in 2008, bowing out to Shawn Michaels' Superkick. Since then, Flair has flirted with the idea of wrestling again, even appearing in a few matches in TNA after his WWE retirement. Flair launched a new podcast this week, Wooooo Nation Uncensored, and talked about his desire to wrestle again.

“Most assuredly, and a lot of conversation,” Flair said. “That talk hasn’t happened, but could I do it? Absolutely. I’m in better shape now than I was when Sting and I wrestled the last match on Nitro. WWE won’t let me do anything, even though I’m released.

"I understand, they have so much liability and I told them I would sign anything, but nobody wants me to die on their watch. I’d rather die in the ring. If I have to go. I’d rather not jump off the 19th floor or spend another 31 days in the ICU.”

Flair says he's in better shape now than when he was when he went head-to-head with Sting on the last night of WCW Monday Night Nitro in 2001. It's hard to believe a 72-year-old Flair could resemble anything close to the 52-year-old Flair we saw against Sting, especially with Flair's recent health issues.

In 2017, Flair underwent surgery to remove an obstructive piece of his bowel. He suffered complications, including kidney failure. Flair spent nearly a month in the hospital before he was released.

As Flair noted, WWE will not allow him to wrestle, even after being released on Aug. 3 at his request.