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Ric Flair shocked the wrestling world last night when he made a surprise appearance at a pre-event for WrestleMania ... this just seven days after his son died.

The WWE legend had previously cancelled all his scheduled gigs relating to WM following the death 25-year-old, Reid Flair.

But Flair surprised everyone last night when he showed up to the Westin Hotel in Hoboken -- where the WWE wrestlers and employees are staying -- to hangout with his comrades before the event began.

We're told Ric was visibly shaken when he arrived, but as the night went on, the love for Flair and his son was obvious. Our spies say each wrestler came over to pay their respects and offer support and Flair's spirits were lifted tremendously.

As TMZ previously reported, Reid was found dead on March 29 in his hotel room. Ric had found him passed out cold and made the frantic call to 911.