7 Wrestlers who have fought serious health issues.

#5: Nature Boy Ric Flair

The Nature Boy, Ric Flair

The Medical condition he has struggled with: A severely broken back--Ric Flair was on a private plane with Johnny Valentine, Mr. Wrestling and promoter David Crockett. The plane crashed, paralyzing Valentine and breaking Flair's back in three places. He was advised to end his wrestling career.

Nature Boy Ric Flair is possibly the only wrestling legend who might be bigger than the sport itself. While WWE recognizes only 16 of his world title reigns, Ric Flair won over fifty championships in his long and storied career.

However, that career almost ended as soon as it began, thanks to the famous plane crash. Flair was told by doctors he would never be able to wrestle again, but an aggressive rehab program and a modification of his in-ring style allowed him to continue his career. Fans have always noted that Flair never lands flat on his back, but twists to take the impact somewhat on his side, much akin to how a Judo player lands.

Because Flair's back was weakened, he also dropped much of the power moves he had formerly utilized and adopted a more scientific style. While no one would ever say the plane crash was good for Flair, in many ways his broken back helped shape him into the Nature Boy.