Andrade El Idolo has revealed that he mistook Ric Flair’s genuine medical emergency for a planned wrestling spot during the WWE Hall of Famer’s retirement match in July 2022. The two teamed up to face Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett at the “Ric Flair’s Last Match” event in Nashville. At the time, Andrade was Flair’s son-in-law, and he admitted on Talk Is Jericho that he felt significant pressure and nerves heading into the contest. The pair beat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett at Ric Flair’s Last Match on July 31, 2022, in Nashville, with Flair at 73. Flair’s own account explains the delay.
The 73-year-old Flair has not wrestled since that night. The 16-time world champion has not wrestled since.
It was not until much later that the true nature of his condition surfaced. During a 2024 appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast, Flair confirmed that a calcium scan revealed he had suffered a heart attack within two years of that bout. He linked the cardiac event to the match, noting that he passed out three times and incorrectly attributed his physical distress to dehydration. At the time of the event, Flair had incorporated a staged heart attack spot during a ringside brawl, which likely masked his actual health crisis from those watching in the ring. That is why nobody raised the alarm. A stunt he later admitted was a bad idea, and he looked fine once the bell rang, flair had worked a heart attack spot during the brawl on the outside.
Andrade’s own career has evolved significantly since his return to AEW in January 2026. Following his departure from the Don Callis Family and a subsequent run as the AEW National Champion—a title he won by defeating Mark Davis—Andrade has turned his focus to the top of the card. He secured a guaranteed shot at the AEW World Championship by winning the Casino Gauntlet match at All In this past August. The bigger prize is already secured. Then walked out on the group at Forbidden Door, he returned after his WWE exit and joined the Don Callis Family.
His path to the gold saw a minor setback recently when he lost the National Championship to Tommaso Ciampa during the Collision broadcast from Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise. Despite losing that belt, he remains poised for a world title opportunity. As Will Ospreay prepares to defend the AEW World Championship against Kyle Fletcher in Phoenix on November 14, Andrade has confirmed on social media that his primary objective is the world title, and he is currently awaiting the right moment to pursue it. While Will Ospreay defends the World Championship against Kyle Fletcher in Phoenix on November 14, the former WWE star heads into Full Gear week without gold but with a title shot in hand.
