Ric Flair Diagnosed with Skin Cancer: WWE Legend, 76, Reveals Heartbreaking News
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, the iconic “Nature Boy,” has shared the devastating news of his skin cancer diagnosis, marking the second time he’s battled the disease in just three years. The 76-year-old wrestling legend, known for his flamboyant persona and 16 world championships, opened up about the diagnosis in a candid interview, highlighting his determination to fight back amid a lifetime of health challenges.
The Diagnosis: A Recurring Battle with Skin Cancer
On June 6, 2025, Flair confirmed to People magazine that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer, specifically melanoma, for the second time since 2022. “It’s the second time in three years that I’ve been dealing with skin cancer,” Flair stated. “I will be undergoing treatment next week.” The revelation came after initial rumors in May 2025, prompted by concerns over his appearance, including visible scars on his forehead.
Flair had initially denied having any form of cancer on social media on May 6, 2025, tweeting, “I’m Sorry People Have Been Misled By Social Media, But I Don’t Have Cancer Of Any Kind. Thank You For Your Concerns And For Everyone Reaching Out. I Am Absolutely Fine, And Unfortunately, You’ll Have To Live And Put Up With Me For Another 25 Years!” He later explained to People that the denial was to protect his privacy until he was ready to go public. Treatment began shortly after, focusing on biopsies, ongoing tests, and surgical removal at the Academic Alliance in Dermatology.
By July 22, 2025, Flair announced he was cancer-free, sharing a photo of his forehead scar and thanking his medical team with his signature “WOOOOO!” However, the diagnosis served as a stark reminder of the seriousness of melanoma, which Flair acknowledged is “nothing to play with.”
Background: Flair’s Long History of Health Struggles
Ric Flair’s career, spanning over five decades, has been as dramatic outside the ring as inside. The Charlotte, North Carolina native rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with NWA and WCW, captivating audiences with his charisma and in-ring prowess. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice (2008 individually and 2012 with The Four Horsemen), Flair’s legacy includes iconic matches against Ricky Steamboat and Sting.
Health woes have plagued him for years. In 2017, Flair nearly died from multiple organ failure due to alcohol-related issues, spending 11 days in a medically induced coma with only a 20% survival chance. He underwent heart surgery in 2019 and has openly discussed his battles with addiction in his 2004 autobiography, To Be the Man. His first skin cancer diagnosis in 2022 was treated successfully, but the recurrence in 2025 forced cancellations, including an appearance at the ATL Comic Convention. Flair’s son-in-law, podcaster Conrad Thompson, had alluded to the initial procedure in May 2025, sparking the rumors.
The timing was poignant, coming amid controversy: Flair faced backlash for a deleted X post mocking fellow Hall of Famer Jim Ross’s colon cancer diagnosis in May 2025, later clarifying it as a joke. Talent manager Anthony Maurizio, a close friend, addressed this in his post reshared by Flair, noting the wrestler’s denial stemmed from emotional weight and a desire to maintain his “character” facade.
Public Reactions and Expert Insights: Support and Awareness
Fans and peers rallied around Flair upon the announcement. On X, supporters flooded his timeline with messages of encouragement, using hashtags like #WOOOOO and #PrayForRic. Wrestling personalities, including John Cena—who has battled skin cancer twice—praised Flair’s resilience, with Cena partnering on sun safety campaigns. AEW’s Jim Ross, despite the prior spat, extended well-wishes, emphasizing unity in the wrestling community.
Experts in dermatology, like those cited in Gordon Ramsay’s similar 2025 skin cancer revelation, stress early detection’s importance. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes melanoma’s rising incidence among older adults, with UV exposure from Flair’s outdoor lifestyle and tanning habits as potential factors. Maurizio described Flair’s fight as a “tough battle,” highlighting denial and emotional strain but praising his fighting spirit. Wrestling outlets like Cageside Seats and Wrestling Inc. covered the story extensively, with analysts noting it adds to Flair’s narrative of overcoming adversity.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Health Awareness and Wrestling Legacy
For American fans, Flair’s diagnosis spotlights skin cancer risks, affecting over 5 million cases annually per the CDC, with higher rates in sunny states like Florida and California where wrestling events abound. Economically, it underscores healthcare costs—melanoma treatment averages $150,000—straining even legends like Flair, who has joked, “I’ve Got More Money Than I’ve Got Time.” Lifestyle-wise, it promotes sunscreen use and regular check-ups, especially for outdoor enthusiasts or those with fair skin like Flair.
Politically neutral, the story ties into broader tech and media discussions, as Flair’s social media mishaps highlight privacy in health disclosures. For sports fans, it resonates with athletes facing post-career health issues, from concussions in football to UV exposure in wrestling tours. Flair’s battle inspires resilience, much like his in-ring comebacks, while his daughter Charlotte Flair continues the family legacy in WWE.
Conclusion: Flair’s Fight Continues with Optimism
Ric Flair’s skin cancer diagnosis in June 2025 was a heartbreaking chapter for the WWE legend, but his swift treatment and July declaration of being cancer-free showcase his unyielding spirit. At 76, “The Nature Boy” remains a symbol of endurance, urging fans to prioritize health amid his storied career.
Looking ahead, Flair plans to resume appearances, including potential WWE cameos, while advocating awareness. For U.S. wrestling enthusiasts, this saga reinforces Flair’s immortality—not just in the ring, but in overcoming life’s toughest “figures”—proving the champ will always “stylishly” prevail.