Ric Flair tweets inspirational message during recovery

Fans are hearing from Ric Flair for the first time since the wrestling icon and Charlotte native was hospitalized earlier this month.

[IMAGES: Ric Flair through the years]

He shared a picture on Twitter Tuesday along with an inspirational message and a promise to make a comeback.

Flair has been in the hospital for several weeks.

He was admitted for severe abdominal pain, was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent surgery.

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.

“He's really like the Babe Ruth or the Michael Jordan of our industry,” friend and former pro-wrestler Magnum T.A. told Channel 9. “And there will never be another one quite like him, that’s for sure.”

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