50 Facts About Ric Flair

Early Life and Beginnings

Ric Flair, known as the "Nature Boy," has a life story filled with twists and turns. Let's start from the beginning.

1. Ric Flair was born on February 25, 1949. His early life was marked by uncertainty as he was stolen and sold as a baby by the Tennessee Children's Home Society.

2. Flair was adopted by Dick and Kay Fliehr in Minnesota. His true birth name could have been Fred Phillips, Fred Demaree, or Fred Stewart.

3. Flair began his wrestling career in the early 1970s. Initially, he was a big, chunky wrestler with a buzzcut and more charisma than he knew what to do with.

4. He was trained by Verne Gagne, a WWE Hall of Famer. One of his early matches was in a broken ring in Peoria, Illinois, where he bodyslammed Greg Gagne, causing the ring to collapse.

5. In his early days, Flair experimented with a hippie gimmick. He wore a headband and tie-dyed trunks, but this phase was short-lived.

The Plane Crash and Transformation

A pivotal moment in Flair's life was the plane crash that changed everything.

6. In October 1975, Flair was involved in a plane crash. The crash killed the pilot, Mike Farkas, paralyzed Johnny Valentine, and fractured Flair's spine in three places.

7. Despite these injuries, Flair was back in the ring within three months. He had to abandon his rough style and adopt a more cerebral, submission-based approach.

8. The plane crash was a turning point in Flair's career. During his recovery, he slimmed down and began to develop the flamboyant character that would become synonymous with his name.

9. Flair adopted the nickname "The Nature Boy" from Buddy Rogers. Rogers was a legendary wrestler known for his bleached hair and brash attitude.

Championship Reigns and Historic Feuds

Flair's career is marked by numerous championship reigns and legendary feuds.

10. Flair won his first world title on September 17, 1981. He defeated Dusty Rhodes for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

11. Flair held the NWA World Heavyweight Title multiple times. His longest reign lasted 793 days from May 24, 1984, to July 26, 1986.

12. Flair's career flourished in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He headlined in front of the biggest wrestling crowd of all time and was a key figure in WCW's Monday Nitro.

13. Flair's final match on Monday Nitro was against Sting on March 26, 2001. This match marked the end of an era for WCW.

14. Ric Flair is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer. He was first inducted in 2008, the day before his retirement match at WrestleMania 24, and again in 2012 as part of the Four Horsemen.

15. The Four Horsemen, a legendary stable in professional wrestling, was founded by Ric Flair. The group included Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, and Tully Blanchard.

16. In WWE, Flair was part of the Evolution stable. This group included Triple H, Batista, and Randy Orton, and they held every major title at the same time at WWE's Armageddon pay-per-view on December 14, 2003.

Versatility and Impact

Flair's versatility and impact on professional wrestling are unmatched.

17. Flair had historic feuds with many of his contemporaries. These included Hulk Hogan, Ricky Steamboat, and Dusty Rhodes.

18. In the 1970s, Flair's most notable solo title win was the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship. He earned this title from wrestling icon Bobo Brazil.

19. Flair won numerous tag team titles throughout his career. He was a former tag team champion with four different tag partners.

20. In 1999, Flair played the role of President of WCW. He beat Eric Bischoff in a storyline, showcasing his ability to navigate both in-ring and backstage roles.

21. Flair's persona was defined by his luxurious lifestyle. Often referred to as "limousine riding, jet flying, kiss stealing, wheeling and dealing," this image was central to his character.

22. Ric Flair is recognized by WWE as a 16-time world champion. He held titles in various promotions, including the NWA, WCW, and WWE.

23. Flair was known for his ability to portray both heroic baby faces and dastardly heels. This versatility allowed him to adapt to different storylines and match-ups.

24. Flair's impact on professional wrestling extends beyond his in-ring accomplishments. He helped shape the sport's culture and influenced generations of wrestlers.

Injuries, Comebacks, and Longevity

Despite numerous setbacks, Flair's career spanned nearly five decades.

25. Flair's career lasted nearly 50 years. He competed in thousands of matches and won numerous world titles.

26. Despite suffering multiple injuries, Flair consistently demonstrated resilience. His determination earned him immense respect from fans and peers alike.

27. Flair's wrestling style evolved significantly over the years. From his initial rough-and-tumble approach to his later submission-based techniques, he continuously adapted.

28. Flair was renowned for his exceptional promotional skills. He could effortlessly charm audiences with his charisma and wit.

29. In NWA and WCW, Flair held multiple titles. His reigns were marked by significant storylines and memorable matches.

30. Flair made several appearances at WrestleMania. This included his retirement match at WrestleMania 24 in 2008.

31. Flair's final match took place on December 2, 2011, at WrestleMania XXVIII. Although he officially retired in 2022, his legacy continues to be celebrated.

Pop Culture and Philanthropy

Flair's influence extends beyond wrestling, impacting pop culture and philanthropy.

32. Ric Flair's influence extends beyond professional wrestling. He has appeared in various forms of media, including films and television shows.

33. Flair has been involved in various philanthropic activities. He has supported organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

34. In addition to his wrestling career, Flair has ventured into business. He has launched several endorsement deals and entrepreneurial ventures.

35. Flair's family has been deeply involved in his career. His son, David Fliehr (aka Bray Wyatt), is also a professional wrestler.

36. In WWE, Flair has been recognized for his contributions to the sport. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice.

37. Ric Flair's influence on future generations of wrestlers cannot be overstated. He has inspired countless wrestlers, including some of the biggest names in the sport today.

38. Flair has won numerous championships throughout his career. This includes eight NWA world titles, six WCW world titles, and two WWE titles.

39. Flair had historic feuds with other wrestling legends. These included Hulk Hogan, Ricky Steamboat, and Dusty Rhodes.

40. During his time in WCW, Flair played a crucial role in the promotion's success. He headlined several major events and was a key figure in WCW’s Monday Nitro.

41. Flair’s final appearance on Monday Nitro took place on March 26, 2001. This event marked the end of an era for WCW.

42. After WCW’s demise, Flair returned to WWE. He made several notable appearances, including his return match at WrestleMania XXVIII in 2012.

43. In NWA, Flair held multiple titles. His reigns were marked by significant storylines and memorable matches.

44. Flair was also successful in tag team wrestling. He won numerous titles with different partners.

45. Flair has supported organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has participated in charity events to raise awareness and funds for various causes.

46. Flair has ventured into business, launching several endorsement deals and entrepreneurial ventures. His signature limousines are a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.

47. Flair’s family has been deeply involved in his career. His son, David Fliehr (aka Bray Wyatt), is also a professional wrestler.

48. In WCW, Flair played a crucial role in the promotion’s success. He headlined several major events and was a key figure in WCW’s Monday Nitro.

49. Flair’s final match in WCW took place on March 26, 2001. This event marked the end of an era for WCW.

50. After WCW’s demise, Flair returned to WWE. He made several notable appearances, including his return match at WrestleMania XXVIII in 2012.

Ric Flair's Lasting Legacy

Ric Flair's career is a testament to resilience, charisma, and sheer talent. From his early days as a rough-and-tumble wrestler to becoming the iconic "Nature Boy," Flair's journey is nothing short of legendary. He survived a plane crash, transformed his wrestling style, and became a 16-time world champion. Flair's influence extends beyond the ring, impacting pop culture and inspiring future generations of wrestlers. His involvement in legendary stables like the Four Horsemen and Evolution, along with his memorable feuds, cemented his status as a wrestling icon. Even after officially retiring in 2022, Flair's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide. His contributions to professional wrestling are immeasurable, ensuring that "The Nature Boy" will always be remembered as one of the greatest figures in the sport's history. Ric Flair's story is a remarkable chapter in the annals of wrestling.