UPDATE: Ric Flair out of surgery but ‘long road ahead’

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has been hospitalized near his home in Atlanta and those around the wrestling icon have asked the public for support.

Initial reports had the 68-year-old entering the hospital on Saturday morning for routine monitoring, but Pro Wrestling Sheet reports that Flair was taken to intensive care after being admitted by his family.

Late Sunday night, a representative for the wrestler sent out a tweet asking for “prayers” and “positive energy.” She said Flair was dealing with “some tough medical issues.”

On Monday, TMZ reported that Flair was in a medically induced coma in preparation for surgery, according to a WWE representative.

Flair’s representative on Monday evening tweeted that the wrestler came out of surgery but had “a long road ahead.”

While some reports speculated that Flair had a heart issue, Flair’s rep shot that down.

Longtime WWE announcer Gene Okerlund wrote on Facebook: “I’ve heard nothing on the outcome of Ric Flairs colon surgery this afternoon but the outpouring of prayers and love re-enforce that he definitely is “THE MAN”.”

Wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer said: “He’s not out of the water yet — I believe he’s on kidney dialysis now.”

No one in Flair’s camp has confirmed the type of surgery.

Of his longtime nemesis, Hulk Hogan told TMZ: “Now it’s time to kick out because you can and you will always be ‘The Man’ my brother.”

“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, born Fred Phillips, has spent most of his adult life in wrestling. His signature “WOOOOO!” has spanned generations and is still popular in the sports world.

In recent years, Flair has been known to pop into locker rooms and give motivational speeches before big games. Then San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh had Flair address his team before a 2014 wild-card matchup with the Green Bay Packers. The 49ers won 23-20.

Former wrestler and now WWE agent Michael P.S. Hayes shared this update about Flair.

ESPN recently announced that a “30 for 30” on Flair’s life titled “Nature Boy” would premiere on Nov. 7.