Reason Behind Ric Flair Missing “NXT Takeover: Fatal 4-Way” Revealed

WWE Hall of Famer and 16-time World Champion Ric Flair was scheduled to appear at “NXT Takeover: Fatal 4-Way” on Sept. 11 to introduce KENTA in his debut.

PWInsider.com was first to report that Flair would miss the event due to undisclosed reasons.

The reason behind Flair’s absence is because he was hospitalized at the Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was in the hospital on Sept. 9, meaning the decision to take him off the show may have been made late the following day.

WrestlingInc.com reports that Flair could have been hospitalized for stomach surgery, although that has yet to be confirmed. Sources told the site that he had been in and out at least twice since Sept. 3.

Flair is scheduled to appear at the next tapings for “Friday Night SmackDown” as a special referee for a bout between Roman Reigns and Randy Orton, although that’s expected to be a dark match.

His daughter Charlotte successfully defended her NXT Women’s Championship against Bailey at “NXT Takeover: Fatal 4-Way.” William Regal ended up replacing Flair in the introductory promo for KENTA, who will now be known as Hideo Itami.

Editor’s Note

It was disappointing to hear that Flair wouldn’t be the one to introduce the acclaimed Japanese star in his company debut, but considering the circumstances, it’s hard to hold a grudge.  

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