“My Intestine Completely Ruptured”: 74-Year-Old WWE Fame Ric Flair Shares Gritty Details With Shannon Sharpe About the Health Scare That Nearly Claimed Him

Retired NFL legend Shannon Sharpe just got into a talk with the WWE legend to dig out one major life-changing incident. With a career as a professional wrestler spanning over five decades, Ric Flair is truly a legend. A 16-time world champion and a Professional Wrestling Hall of Famer, he had a successful profession until a tragedy happened that stemmed from his long-term hardcore addiction.  

Living a bacchanalian lifestyle, Ric Flair is no stranger to excessive drinking where he would drink at least 10 beers and five cocktails per day. But this harmful habit took a toll on his body when he crossed his limit during an incident in Tampa. And while the world waited for the worst news, the pro wrestler fought against all odds and is now sitting next to Shannon Sharpe recounting his horrifying drinking experience.

WWE superstar Ric Flair recounts his near-death experience 

In a recent episode on Club Shay Shay, Ric Flair disclosed a scary incident that nearly took his life when he was at the peak of his drinking habit. He admitted that he was drinking in a bar with a guy from Dallas, Tampa and the whole incident ended up in ways no one would have imagined. He stated, “The next thing I know I woke up 31 days later in ICU.”

It’s no secret that Ric Flair was a hardcore drinker who would uncontrollably before his life-threatening hospitalization. He disclosed that he had to be in the ICU for 31 days and on life support for 13 days, while revealing the cause of his sickness saying, “My intestine completely ruptured. I was septic, total kidney failure, pneumonia and respiratory heart failure.” The incident even left the WWE superstar with memory loss about his past for six months. 

Ric Flair’s drinking was a severe case where he ended up needing a pacemaker and removing a section of his bowel with a 20% chance of surviving. But miraculously, he overcame the complication and continues to be a source of inspiration to many fans at the age of 74. Speaking about drinking, Shannon Sharpe also made headlines earlier this year on Undisputed. 

Shannon Sharpe mixes a drink on Undisputed

Shannon Sharpe stole the attention of social media by mixing a drink on live camera, shocking his co-host Skip Bayless who thought the 56-year-old didn’t drink. Bayless was flabbergasted and could not comprehend what Shannon was doing, when the Pro Football Hall of Famer said that after that game he had to drink, to which Skip could only reply, “Wait, Jayson Tatum drove you to drink?”

Calling himself a mixologist, the retired NFL tight end downed the drink from a clear liquor glass as he continued to host the show. Funnily, his co-host was on the back foot, as he said, “I have nothing to toast you with.“

READ MORE: “That Was His Fault”: Shannon Sharpe Accuses Aaron Rodgers as the Culprit Behind His Own Achilles Injury

A good portion of sports athletes take alcohol on a regular basis, but moderation is necessary. Ric Flair is a living example of how alcohol can destroy you and not everyone might be as lucky as the legend. 

WATCH THIS STORY: “Entering His 21st Year”: Shannon Sharpe Asserts LeBron James’ NBA Reign is Far From Over