By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Tokyo Sports in Japan is reporting that Ric Flair did not have a health concern that led to him being pulled from a tag match for All Japan Pro Wrestling on Saturday. Instead, Keiji Mutoh (Great Muta) says Flair "forgot to bring his attire in with his suitcase to the arena."

Mutoh claims the "health scare" announcement was a cover-up for Flair's "carelessness." However, Mutoh seems to feel that Flair never intended to compete in their tag match. Flair ended up appearing in Reid Flair's corner during the scheduled tag match.

Tokyo Sports reports that Mutoh felt a bit betrayed by the matter, and the health scare angle was created to protect Flair. The report adds that Flair got paid for his appearance and pocketed autograph money.

Overall, responsibility is on Mutoh, who has a history of misjudgments, and Mutoh seems to be in self-protection mode to talk about what he claims actually happened with Flair. [ Report aided by Charles Schaeffer of PuroresuSpirit.com ]

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Original Story Saturday

Ric Flair was disallowed from competing in a tag match Saturday in Japan due to health concerns, claims All Japan Pro Wrestling.

According to All Japan, which booked Flair for a tag match with Keiji Mutoh (Great Muta), All Japan's doctors said there was "suspicion of deep vein thrombosis of the left foot," and the blockage could have spread to his brain or heart if he competed. All Japan says they were not willing to take the risk.

Some fans were reportedly upset by the last-minute change and sought a refund. Flair, 63, was replaced by his son, Reid Flair, who was scheduled for an undercard match. Reid will reportedly stay with All Japan for the next few months.

[ LINK: Report here by PuroresuSpirit.com ]

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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