Wrestling icon Ric Flair says he'll 'be back'

Retired professional wrestler Ric Flair at a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs Sunday, May 1, 2016, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Wrestling icon Ric Flair has tweeted a message to his fans after a surgery and hospitalization.

"Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you have ever been, to stand up taller than you ever were. Naitch WILL be back!" he wrote.

World Wrestling Entertainment said earlier this month that Flair underwent surgery, but the nature of the problem has not been released.

His media representative Melinda Morris Zanoni of Legacy Talent asked on Twitter for "prayers & positive energy" because Flair has "tough medical issues."

Known for his flamboyant outfits and "Woooo!" catchphrase, Flair made his professional debut in 1972 and was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2008.

Flair lives in Charlotte.

Ric Flair and his daughter Miss Charlotte before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at an Atlanta Braves game, May 1, 2016, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)none

Wrestlers Kelly Kelly, Ric Flair and Eve attend the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania at the Hard Rock Cafe, Tuesday, March 31, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes)none

Wrestlers Ric Flair and Roddy Piper attend the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania at the Hard Rock Cafe, Tuesday, March 31, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes)none

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn speaks with Ric Flair at a game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 (AP Photo/John Bazemore)none

Ric Flair is seen at the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony, on Saturday, March 28, 2015 in San Jose, CA. (Don Feria/AP Images for WWE)none

Former professional wrestler "Nature Boy" Ric Flair visits the Atlanta Falcons during the team's NFL training camp Aug. 2, 2017, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)none

Former professional wrestler "Nature Boy" Ric Flair visits the Atlanta Falcons Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)none

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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