WWE

WWE superstar Kofi Kingston is back from Ghana ... and he LOVED IT!!!!!

You gotta watch this clip ... Kofi says returning to his home country after winning the WWE championship was one of the greatest experiences of his life -- and you can feel his energy through the clip.

Remember, Kingston hadn't been back to Ghana since 1994 (when he moved to the U.S.) -- but he was greeted like a ROCK STAR when he touched down last week at Kotoka International Airport.

Kingston says he met with the President, got to talk with kids, help out women in need and visit his Ghanaian fans -- and it was more incredible than he ever could have imagined.

After the trip, Kofi says he's more motivated than ever to use his celebrity platform to help people and spread good will all over the world.

And, get this ... Kofi says he was blown away by the popularity of WWE in Ghana -- and says he didn't fully understand the global reach of pro wrestling until he landed in Africa.

Pretty great stuff!

Ric Flair's wife is helping him recover from his recent medical emergency ... by throwing on a bikini and hitting the beach!!!

The Nature Boy showed love for his better half, Wendy Barlow, with a pic of her chillin' in the sand on Tuesday ... saying "If For Nothing Else, I Have This To Live For....What A Healing Process!"

Flair -- who says it's a miracle he's alive -- credits his wife for being by his side while he was hospitalized for a week earlier this month ... and said he's never gonna slow down because "I got a wife that wants a 35-year-old man every day of her life."

Barlow -- who posted a mirror selfie of her own -- thanked her daughter in law, Charlotte, for putting her on a meal plan and WWE legend Torrie Wilson's workouts for keeping her in amazing shape.

Mick Foley says he'll come to your door and watch wrestling with you IN PERSON ... saying all it'll take for him to do that is a donation to Ashley Massaro's daughter's educational fund.

The wrestling legend appeared on "TMZ Live" on Tuesday and told the guys for a $5,000 check, he's willing to travel ANYWHERE in the United States or Canada to hang out with fans.

And, for a $10,000 donation, he says he'll even fly overseas!!!

"You get three hours of my time," Mick says ... "We can do whatever you want. I can do your yard work if you'd like."

Massaro tragically died last month in an apparent suicide ... and Foley has been one of the ring leaders of a charity project aimed at helping her daughter, Alexa, save up for college.

So far, their GoFundMe page has raised over $45,000 ... and Mick says the ultimate goal is $100K.

"Ashley was a really good friend and somebody I thought the world of," Mick says ... "And, I wish I had been there a little bit more for her when she was having trouble."

Ric Flair is finally detailing the specifics of his recent health scare ... telling TMZ Sports he underwent surgery to receive a pacemaker -- and now plans to live 25 more years!!!

Now that Naitch is back home and feeling great ... he joined the guys on "TMZ Sports" TV show and reflected on his week in the hospital.

Ric says he went in to fix an issue with his heart ... and tells us he's confident the doctors fixed him just right -- hooking him up with a new pacemaker.

"This is the 4th time I've been in in 7 weeks," Flairs tells us ... "They finally figured out what type of pacemaker to put on me. Which I found out just how important the operation of your heart is. Ya can't breathe if your hearts not working."

In fact ... Naitch says they even were able to get rid of a blood clot he didn't know he had.

"I stayed for 48 hours [after surgery] just to make sure because we've been trying everything," Ric said, showing off his brand-new heart surgery scar.

"We finally got behind it and I think I'm good to go."

Ric says he's so confident everything was fixed in the procedure ... he told the guys he's planning on living for the next quarter of a century!!!

"I feel great. The prognosis is I could live to be 95."

There's more ... Ric also told us about all his super famous friends who reached out to him during his hospital stint ... and described how much it meant to him to hear from his buddies.

Flair says guys like Hulk Hogan, Charles Barkley, Bruce Smith and Darius Rucker all reached out.

Even Offset hit him on the video chat, with Ric saying, "He FaceTime'd me in the hospital. Then he sent out this ridiculous Tweet, 'my friend isn't dead!'"

Ric Flair is praising the doctors who "brought me back again" -- saying it's a "miracle" he survived a terrifying medical scare earlier this month ... and he's got the $1.8 MIL bill to show for it.

In his first video since leaving the hospital last week, the 70-year-old apologized for not speaking out sooner ... but says his vocal cords have been sore from having a tube down his throat.

But, it didn't take long for Flair to start screaming and "woooing" again while explaining how he almost DIED for the second time in just 2 years.

As we previously reported, Flair was rushed to the hospital on May 16 after suffering a "very serious" medical emergency. He underwent surgery and was released a week later.

Flair says his treatment was a "$1.8 million tune" ... and said, "Thank god for insurance."

"I'm living here to tell you the kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin', limousine riding, jet flyin' son of a gun is not gonna change, slow down, I'm moving forward!!"

Naitch says a bunch of his famous friends checked in on him during his hospitalization -- from Triple H to Charles Barkley to Hulk Hogan to Offset.

But, Flair also CALLED OUT a bunch of his so-called friends who DIDN'T call. While he didn't name names, it's obvious he's really pissed at those people.

Doctors told Flair he needs to "grow up" and treat his body better -- but Flair says HELL NO ... he's gonna continue to push the limits and booze and party until his dying breath.

"I'm never gonna get old. I got a wife that wants a 35-year-old man every day of her life."

"I don't care how many doctors tell me, 'you gotta learn to grow up' ...I'm not gonna act like my age, don't ever tell me that!! I'm paying you to make me better so I can be me. That's me and that's all i'm ever gonna be ... good or bad."

"I'm up, I'm well, and I'm just starting to tell my story."

Ex-WWE stars Big Cass and Enzo knew Ric Flair would come through after his medical emergency earlier this month ... telling TMZ Sports Ric is too much of an "indestructible" beast to die!!!

"He is immortal," Enzo says.

We broke the story ... Ric was rushed to the hospital on May 16 after the 70-year-old legend suffered a "very serious" health scare.

But, Flair -- as always -- was able to pull through ... and he even wore a t-shirt with his mug on it as he exited the hospital!!!

When we got the pro wrestling stars out in NYC earlier this week ... they weren't surprised one bit to see Flair make it out alive!!

In fact, the two joked they expect to see Ric in the squared circle again next week!!!!

"He'll be on Mania next year, watch," Big Cass says.

For his part ... Flair says he's back at home resting, saying, "I Will Be Back Up And WOOOOOing In No Time!"

1:55 PM PT -- Runnels claims she was carrying the loaded gun because she had just been called to her mother's house to deal with an armadillo that was digging up the yard ... this according to the police report obtained by TMZ Sports.

Runnels told cops she simply forgot she had the gun on her when she went to the airport ... chalking the whole thing up to a genuine mistake.

Cops say the loaded weapon was inside of a sock located in Runnels' backpack.

10:40 AM PT -- TMZ Sports has obtained a photo of the gun Terri was allegedly carrying at the airport -- a Glock 9mm handgun ... and officials say it was LOADED.

We count at least 11 bullets -- which appear to be hollow-tipped, which tend to cause more soft tissue damage upon impact with a target. In other words, it's a more lethal round.

Ex-WWE superstar Terri Runnels -- who was famously married to Goldust (aka Dustin Rhodes) back in the day -- was arrested in Florida on Wednesday after officials say she brought a gun to the airport.

TMZ Sports has confirmed ... 52-year-old Runnels was arrested by the Tampa International Airport Police at 7:32 AM for "carrying a concealed firearm," a class 3 felony.

We're told she was arrested at a security checkpoint with a loaded Glock 9mm.

The charge carries a punishment of up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.

She was taken to jail and bond was set at $2,000. Records show she's still locked up as of this post.

According to her booking sheet, Runnels is listed at 5'0", 119 pounds with blue eyes and blonde hair.

Runnels mainly worked as a manager during her wrestling career -- working with the likes of The Hardy Boyz, Edge, Christian and most notably her ex-husband, Goldust.

She was married to Goldust (aka Dustin Rhodes aka Dustin Runnels) from 1993 to 1999.

Runnels won the WWE Hardcore Championship back in 2002 -- she's one of only 4 women to hold that title.

Runnels last appeared at a WWE event in January 2018 as part of the WWE Raw 25 Year special.

Story developing ...

10:03 AM PT -- The Nature Boy is speaking out for the first time since being rushed to the ER last week ... thanking the doctors and hospital staff for their help, as well as family and fans for showing support during his hospital stay.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ric Flair has just been discharged from the hospital after 7 days of treatment -- and he was wheeled out with a smile on his face!!!

Ric -- wearing a Ric Flair t-shirt (gotta love this guy!) -- was flanked by his wife, Wendy Barlow (in the WWE hat), as the 70-year-old wrestling legend was taken to his car to go home.

As we previously reported, Flair was rushed to the hospital last week after experiencing a medical emergency. We're told Naitch was having trouble breathing.

Doctors initially postponed a surgical procedure due to complications but ultimately went forward with the operation on Monday.

We were told the procedure was a success -- and the fact Flair was discharged from the hospital just 48 hours later is probably a good sign!!!

Ric had been having heart issues in the past few months -- and had undergone several procedures over the past few months.

But, we're told he's been handling everything with a great attitude and has even been chatting up his famous friends who have called to check in over the past few days.

Now, Ric will focus on his recovery at home ... and he clearly knows his fans (including The Miz) are rooting hard for him!!!

No characters. No script.

Just a heartfelt message from WWE superstar The Miz to his childhood hero, Ric Flair -- telling Nature Boy to keep fighting like hell until he's healthy and back with his wrestling family!!!

The Miz says he found out about Ric's medical emergency like everyone else ... and was crushed when he heard the 70-year-old needed more surgery.

But, Miz knows Flair's not the kinda guy to lay down and give up ... and tells TMZ Sports, "He just keeps fighting man! Nothing can take Ric Flair down!"

Miz tells us how Ric not only inspired him as a kid, but how continues to influence him now as a pro wrestling superstar.

Behind-the-scenes, Miz says Ric's even nicer than he comes off on TV ... and always greets him with his signature, "WOOOO!!!!"

So, what's Miz's message to Ric???

"Just always be Ric Flair. You're the best. No one's better. You're the G.O.A.T. Keep fighting. Keep doing well."

As we previously reported, Flair was initially hospitalized on Thursday and underwent surgery on Monday.

We're told he's expected to make a full recovery and he's been in good spirits.

Ex-WWE superstar Ashley Massaro was found hanging in an apparent suicide, multiple sources connected with the situation tell TMZ Sports.

The 39-year-old was found unconscious inside of her Suffolk County, NY home early Thursday morning -- and she was transported to a nearby hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

The death is being classified as "non-criminal."

She is survived by her daughter.

Massaro is being laid to rest in Suffolk County. The WWE honored Massaro with a full screen "In Memory" slate on Sunday during the "Money in the Bank" pay-per-view event.

CM Punk called into WMGM on Friday and had heard Ashley had taken her own life (the manner of death had not been publicly disclosed). He implored anyone listening who's struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts to get help.

"Tremendously sad way to go," Punk said ... "thoughts obviously go out to her family, especially her daughter."

"It's May. It's Mental Health Month ... if you're depressed and things aren't going your way, there's no reason to feel alone," Punk added.

"Just reach out to somebody. Text a friend. Call somebody. There's hotlines. There's ways you can get help."

Here's a link to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

The WWE had put out a statement on the former wrestler on Thursday saying, "We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro,"

"She performed in WWE from 2005-2008 and was beloved by her fellow Superstars and fans around the world. WWE offers its condolences to Ashley’s family and friends."

Ric Flair is out of surgery and in the recovery room -- and doctors say the procedure was a success, this according to Flair's wife, Wendy Barlow.

"Doctors said the procedure was a success," Wendy tells TMZ Sports ... noting that she wants to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time.

As we previously reported, Flair was hospitalized on Thursday after suffering a medical emergency. He was supposed to undergo surgery on Friday, but doctors postponed the surgery due to "complications."

But clearly, they felt he was good to go on Monday -- because they operated as planned.

Unclear exactly what surgery was performed on Ric -- but we know he had been experiencing heart issues over the past few months and doctors felt his current situation was "very serious."

The 70-year-old wrestling legend has been in good spirits over the past few days and has been chatting with his famous friends on the phone, including Offset.

Flair had to pull out of a celebrity roast set for this upcoming Friday in Las Vegas -- but doctors are still optimistic he will make a full recovery.

Some good news, bad news on the Ric Flair health front ...

The good news is we're being told he's in good spirits and confident he'll be okay after he undergoes surgery following a medical emergency last week. The surgery is expected to take place Monday.

The bad news is Flair is officially pulling out of the May 24 celebrity roast he was supposed to attend in Las Vegas.

Flair was supposed to be the guest of honor at "The Roast of Ric Flair" at Caesars Palace ... where some huge wrestling stars and comedians were planning on blasting the guy with some friendly fire on the night before AEW's first pay-per-view event.

But, a spokesperson for Flair tells us ... unfortunately, Ric won't be healthy enough by Friday evening to make the trip from Atlanta to Vegas.

We're told a bunch of Ric's famous friends have been calling the WWE legend to check in -- including Offset -- and Flair has been cracking jokes and being his usual friendly self.

Ric Flair is experiencing medical "complications" that have forced doctors to postpone a surgery that was supposed to happen on Friday ... this according to Ric's wife.

Wendy Barlow just issued a statement on the WWE legend's condition -- saying, "Ric's surgery has been postponed until Monday to address some complications that needed to be taken care of first.

"Thanks for all the well wishes."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... 70-year-old Flair was rushed to the hospital Thursday morning after experiencing a medical emergency.

Doctors planned on performing a procedure on Flair on Friday -- but now, Barlow says there are other medical issues that need to be addressed before Ric goes under the knife.

The specific procedure is unclear at this point but we've been told Nature Boy has had multiple heart surgeries over the past few months ... and that seems to be a concern as they move forward with his care.

On Thursday, Barlow said doctors expect Flair to make a "full recovery" after the procedure. Hopefully, that's still the case.

The good news ... Migos rapper Offset says he reached out to Flair on Friday and spoke with him on the phone.

"[Just] talked to my man. God is with him," Offset wrote.

"Don't wish death on my friend. He had a long life and he done it all. Some bad but majority good. He is a legend. God bless you Ric. Get well."

Flair has had medical issues in the past, including a very serious situation back in 2017 when he was placed in a medically induced coma for 11 days after he suffered a ruptured intestine.

Former WWE superstar Ashley Massaro -- who later competed on 'Survivor' -- has died, TMZ Sports has learned. She was only 39.

Officials tell us ... Massaro was transported from her home in Suffolk County, NY to a nearby hospital where she died early Thursday morning.

Officials would not reveal the cause of death at this point, but we're told it's being classified as "non-criminal."

Massaro famously won the WWE's "2005 Raw Diva Search" -- which included a $250,000 1-year contract.

She went on to become a valet for WWE tag team champions Paul London and Brian Kendrick.

Her most high-profile matches including a WWE Women's Championship against Melina at Wrestlemania 23 in 2007 ... and a Playboy BunnyMania LumberJill match at Wrestlemania 24 the following year.

Massaro appeared on "Survivor: China" in 2007 -- but she was voted off on the second episode of that series.

She also appeared on the April 2007 cover of Playboy Magazine, which she revealed on an episode of "Smackdown."

She later cut ties with WWE in 2008. She later returned for a stint with a lesser known pro wrestling company in 2017.

"We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro," WWE said in a statement.

"She performed in WWE from 2005-2008 and was beloved by her fellow Superstars and fans around the world. WWE offers its condolences to Ashley’s family and friends."

WWE stars from all generations have reached out to share their heartbroken feelings on Massaro's death, with Torrie Wilson saying, "I can’t even begin to explain how devastated I am to hear about @ashleymassaro11 - legit one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known."

Melina Perez added, "I am gutted by the news of Ashley’s passing and my brain doesn’t want to believe it. How can this be real? It’s difficult and awful news to take in."

Trish Stratus, who says she was Ashley's first-ever suplex in the ring, said, "I’m having a hard time processing this news of my friend, a fellow worker, a fellow mom. I’m both sad and mad ... Rest In Peace baby girl,take in."

The Bella Twins, Nikki and Brie, wrote on their Twitter page, "We are so saddened to hear the news of Ashley Massaro. She had such a tender heart and sweet soul. We will always remember her of that. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. RIP Ashley"

Even legendary wrestler Mick Foley offered his condolences, saying, "She lived in the same town as me...I loved seeing her around. She was always so nice...and now she’s gone."

A ton of other stars -- including Rikishi, The Iron Sheik, Bayley and TAZ -- also shared their thoughts and prayers for Ashley and her family on social media.

3:25 PM PT -- TMZ Sports just received a statement from Ric's wife, Wendy Barlow, who says she expects the WWE legend to make a "full recovery."

"Due to ongoing health complications, Ric was taken to the hospital and is expected to undergo a procedure tomorrow morning, after which he expects to fully recover."

Ric Flair was rushed to a hospital Thursday morning after suffering a medical emergency, TMZ Sports has learned.

We're told Flair was in the Atlanta area when something went wrong. The 70-year-old WWE legend was initially taken to the emergency room to be treated.

The specifics are unclear at this point -- but we're told the situation is "very serious."

We reached out to Ric's camp for comment -- so far, no word back.

Flair had a previous medical scare back in 2017. He was placed in a medically induced coma for 11 days after his intestine ruptured. Flair was in critical condition and on the verge of dying.

But, "The Nature Boy" pulled through -- and a year later, he married his longtime girlfriend Wendy Barlow ... who stuck by his side throughout the entire medical scare and subsequent recovery.

Ric had been doing great recently -- and had a massive star-studded bash for his 70th birthday back in February ... with a guest list that included Todd Gurley, Charles Barkley, Jeff Hardy, Triple H, Evander Holyfield and Dennis Rodman.

Here's WWE Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson giving herself a spray tan in the shower in a tiny bikini.

Yeah, you're welcome.

43-year-old Torrie proved once again she's as hot as ever ... 'cause she hopped in the shower for a little tanning sesh Wednesday -- and it's pretty great.

She sprays herself down ... she does some dance moves ... and even hits the robot. It's awesome.

Of course, in addition to being a legendary wrestler ... Torrie was on the cover of Playboy (twice) and is a world class fitness model, so lookin' good in swimwear has never been a problem for her.