Ric Flair

Biography

Richard Morgan Fliehr, known as Ric Flair, was born on February 25, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee. Flair is one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling, with a career spanning four decades.

Career History and Evolution

Ric Flair’s career began in the early 1970s with the American Wrestling Association (AWA). He rose to prominence in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he became a multi-time World Heavyweight Champion and a central figure in the Four Horsemen faction.
Flair joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1991, bringing the “Nature Boy” persona to a broader audience. He returned to WCW in 1993 before a final stint in WWE from 2001 to 2008. Despite official retirement, Flair has made numerous appearances in WWE and other promotions.

Titles and Achievements

Ric Flair is a 16-time World Champion, with reigns in NWA, WCW, and WWF. He’s a two-time WWF Champion, an eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, and a six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion. In addition, Flair won the 1992 Royal Rumble. He was the first active wrestler inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

Biggest Matches and Rivalries

Flair had notable rivalries with Dusty Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat, Sting, and Hulk Hogan, among others. His trilogy of matches against Steamboat in 1989 is hailed as one of the best series in wrestling history. Flair’s “I Quit” match against Terry Funk and his retirement match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV are also landmark moments in his career.

Tag Team Partners

Flair is best known as a singles competitor but had several alliances, most notably as part of the Four Horsemen with Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, and Tully Blanchard. Other Horsemen members over time included Barry Windham, Sting, and Lex Luger.

Family Life

Flair has been married five times and has four children, including wrestlers David and Charlotte Flair. Charlotte has followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a multiple-time Women’s Champion in WWE.

Finishing Move

Flair’s finishing move is the Figure-Four Leglock, a submission hold targeting an opponent’s leg. This move is synonymous with Flair and has been adopted by many wrestlers.

Clothing and Entrance Music

Flair is known for his extravagant ring attire, featuring ornate, sequined robes reflecting his “Nature Boy” persona. His entrance music, “Also sprach Zarathustra” by Richard Strauss, complements his larger-than-life character and is instantly recognizable to wrestling fans.
Ric Flair’s contribution to wrestling is immeasurable. His flamboyant style, charismatic promos, and technical prowess have left an indelible mark on the industry. The “Nature Boy” remains a cultural icon, exemplifying the glitz, glamour, and drama of professional wrestling.