Twenty. That’s how many alcoholic drinks professional wrestling legend Ric Flair estimates he would consume every day.
In an interview with the annoying Dan Le Batard of ESPN Radio, The Nature Boy recounted his long-time alcoholism that almost took his life just one month ago. Excessive drinking “became a way of life” he told Le Batard. Flair said it was a way to form companionship with the other wrestlers that he would be touring with.
The 68-year-old was rushed to a hospital in early August, suffering from early stages of kidney and heart failure. Both, Flair says, were as a result of alcohol abuse. The 16-time world champion was placed in a medically induced coma, and was on life-support for ten days. Flair’s family were told by doctors that he had just a 20 percent chance of surviving. He beat the odds.
The six-time Wrestler-of-the-Year vehemently wants fans to know that he never drank before an event. But, he definitely made up for it afterwards. Flair, who has four children, says “I’ll never drink again, I never want to go through this again.”
Personally, I am not a fan of professional wrestling. But, I am a huge fan of people growing (at any age) and receiving second chances.
Ric Flair has a uniquely infectious personality. No matter who you are, this video will put a smile on your face: