Ric Flair is an American professional wrestler with more than five decades of experience in wrestling.
He is regarded as the greatest wrestler of all time by multiple peers and journalists. The WWE Hall of Famer retired two times (2007 and 2012).
After his second retirement, he returned and said that he never wanted to retire from wrestling and continued wrestling till he reached 73.
Everyone knows his trademark shout “Wooooo!” to provoke the opponents.
The 16-time WWE World Champion has won many titles on WCW, the WWF/WWE, JCP, and TNA wrestling.
Several popular wrestling magazines have called him the best on several occasions. His wrestling career has gained him a huge fan following.
However, learn here about him as many are still unaware of his personal life and career achievements. Let’s begin with quick facts.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Richard Morgan Fliehr |
| Birth Date | February 25, 1949 |
| Birth Place | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Nickname |
|
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education |
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| Zodiac | Pisces |
| Father’s Name | Dr. Richard Reid Fliehr |
| Mother’s Name | Kathleen Kinsmiller Fliehr |
| Siblings | Unknown |
| Age | 75 Years Old |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in / 185 cm / 1.85 m |
| Weight | 80 kg / 176 lb |
| Build | Athletic |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Profession |
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| Active Years | 1972-Present |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife/ Spouse’s Name | Wendy Barlow (m. 2019) |
| Children | 2 Sons And 2 Daughters |
| Net Worth | $500k |
| Salary | $35000 Monthly (WWE) |
| Social Media | Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Cameo |
| Merch | Funko Pop, T-Shirt, Costume |
| Last Update | April 2024 |
Early Life, Family, And Education
Ric Flair’s biological parents, Luther and Olive Phillips gave birth to him on February 25, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Fred Philips, by birth, was later adopted by Dr. Richard Reid Fliehr and Kathleen Kinsmiller Fliehr.
Richard was an obstetrics and gynecology physician, and Kathleen served at the Star Tribune newspaper. Flair spent his childhood in Edina, Minnesota.
After attending Wayland Academy in Wisconsin for four years, he joined the University of Minnesota for a short period.
Wrestling Career
American Wrestling Association
Flair trained with Verne Gagne in his teens. He debuted against George Gadaski in December 1972.
The ring name Ric Flair came to life in the American Wrestling Association (AWA).
Japan Tours
In 1973, he began competing for International Wrestling Enterprise in Japan.
During the 1980s, Flair defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in All Japan Pro Wrestling.
Even after leaving World Championship Wrestling for WWF, his tour of Japan did not end.
In September 1992, he retained his WWF World Heavyweight Championship against Generichiro Tenryu.
The Japan tour also continued under the WWE banner between 2002 and 2008.
Flair constantly appeared in Japan, on occasions like the Raw episode from Japan in 2005 and his return to AJPW in 2013.
World Championship Wrestling
Flair joined National Wrestling Alliance in 1974. The blooming name was on the verge of disappearing forever from wrestling after the tragic plane crash in 1975.
Though having his back broken in three places, he returned after three months, but with a changed wrestling technique after the accident.
Until July 1997, he defended the NWA United States Heavyweight Champion title for five reigns.
His first NWA World Heavyweight Championship came in September 1981, following the win against Dusty Rhodes.
Flair was also the first WCW-recognized World Heavyweight Champion in January 1991.
But the WCW president, Jim Herd, later fired him because they had contract disputes. The Heavyweight Championship was vacated as a consequence.
1993’s Return
In February 1993, Flair returned as the A Flair for the Gold talk show host.
The veteran won his second WCW World Heavyweight title at Starrcade in 1993.
He also bagged NWA World Heavyweight Championship for the tenth time against Barry Windham.
Ric won the unified WCW International World Heavyweight Championship and WCW World Heavyweight Championship in June 1994 at Clash of the Champions XXVII.
The undisputed WCW champion led a tag team, Four Horsemen, with Arn Anderson, Brian Pillman, and Chris Benoit.
Feuds At WCW
During his time at WCW, Ric was involved in multiple feuds with Randy Savage, Roddy Piper, and the New World Order stable consisting of Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
A new member Jeff Jarret came into the Four Horsemen in February 1997. However, the other members did not like him, and Ric eventually had to kick him out.
After removing Arn and Brian, the stable was reformed in September 1998 to include Steve McMichael and Dean Malenko.
Final WCW reigns
Ric became WCW’s president, but he misused the power to award his son the WCW US Heavyweight Championship title. Hence his presidency ended in July 1999.
Before WWF bought WCW in 2001, Ric won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice in 2000.
WWF Career
Flair signed for the WWF in August 1991; Bobby Heenan became his agent there. On multiple occasions, he challenged Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan.
After winning the 1992 Royal Rumble match, he became the new WWF Champion. Randy Savage claimed the title before handing it to him again at SummerSlam.
When WCW was closed down, Ric returned to WWF in November 2001.
His rivalries involved Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar, and Chris Jericho.
He could not win a World Championship losing the match to Triple H in September 2002 at Raw.
Evolution Stable
Flair was in the stable ‘Evolution’ led by Triple H, including Batista. They dominated all of the male championships at Raw.
Teaming with Batista, Flair won the World Tag Team Championship and defended it against the Dudley Boyz.
After teaming with Flair in a win against Carlito and Chris Masters in October 2005, Triple H betrayed him, attacking with a sledgehammer.
Triple H brought many legendary fighters like Shawn Michaels, Harley Race, Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, and Vince McMahon to honor Flair after he delivered his farewell speech.
Likewise, Flair was also a part of The Undertaker’s retirement in 2020.
Final Days At WWE
Flair teamed up with Roddy Piper and Carlito but lost World Tag Team Championship.
He received a standing ovation from fans during his farewell at Raw in March 2008. Even after retirement, Ric occasionally appeared at Raw.
TNA Days
With no contract offers from WWE since June 2009, Ric signed for Total Nonstop Acting Wrestling. In his debut, he arrived in a limo on January 4, 2010.
There were constant fights and feuds between Team Flair and Team Hogan. Flair suffered plenty of defeats.
Hogan won Flair’s Hall of Fame ring, which he gave to wrestler Jay Lethal. However, Lethal gave it back to Ric out of respect.
Nonetheless, the Hall of Famer was not satisfied with Jay returning the rings that he attacked him with Team Flair members.
When the two had a match at Victory Road, Jay defeated Ric.
The last match of his career was against Sting at Impact Wrestling in September 2012.
TNA fired Flair, and he announced never to wrestle again in the December 2012 interview.
Non-Wrestling Career At WWE
The two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee began non-wrestling appearances at WWE. He was seen accompanying his daughter Charlotte on NXT during 2013-2014.
The retired wrestler appeared at WWE with his daughter until May 2016.
WWE celebrated Ric’s 70th birthday in February 2019.
In 2020, he supported Randy Orton at Raw until Orton kicked him in the head on August 10.
Legacy And Criticisms
Flair’s “Wooooooo!” yell is still a tribute to Flair. Fans love him because of his ring antics and rule-breaking plays.
“Ric Flair Day” is celebrated in Minneapolis on October 19 in Norfolk, Virginia, on November 15, on March 24 in Mayor Bob Coble in Columbia, and on April 18 in Charleston.
Singers Pusha T and Killer Mike have given tribute to him in their songs. Besides, Nature Boy is featured in music videos of singers Offset, 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, and Bad Bunny.
Most professional wrestling experts, analysts, and stars call him the most outstanding wrestler.
However, his TNA career has widely received criticism as some of them have called him greedy because he continued in the ring even after losing his age and ability to do so.
Other Media
Flair appeared in a Baywatch episode as himself with other WCW wrestlers.
He voiced himself in the episode History of Wrestling in Uncle Grandpa’s animated series and the episode BFFs in The Cleveland Show series.
The Nature Boy released his autobiography To Be the Man on July 6, 2004. Saying, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man!”
Flair also appeared in the 2015 film Magic Mike XXL. He hosted podcasts, WOOOOO! Nation and The Ric Flair Show.
Achievements And Titles
His more than five decades-long careers brought him many titles.
- The Baltimore Sun (Match for the Year 2008)
- International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2021)
- George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2013)
- Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling/Jim Crockett (Promotions/World Championship Wrestling)
WCW World Heavyweight Championship (7 times)
WCW International World Heavyweight Championships (2 times)
NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
Mid-Atlantic/ NWA Television Championship (2 times)
Mid-Atlantic/ WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (6 times)
NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship (3 times)
NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (3 times)
First WCW Triple Crown Championship
- National Wrestling Alliance
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
- St. Louis Wrestling Club
- St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame
- World Wrestling Federation/ Entertainment/WWE
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Catchphrases And Quotes
- I’m Ric Flair! The Stylin’, profilin’, limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin’ n’ dealin’ son of a gun!
- All the women want to be with me; all the men want to be like me.
- Diamonds are forever, and so is Ric Flair!
- It’s so hard for me to sit back in this studio, looking at a guy out here, hollering my name!—When last year I spent more money on spilled liquor in bars from one side of this world to the other than you made! You’re talking to the Rolex-wearing, diamond ring-wearing, kiss-stealing, whoa! wheelin dealin’, limousine riding, jet flying son of a gun, and I’m having a hard time holding these alligators down!
- Whether you like it or not, learn to love it because it’s the best thing. Woohoo!
- I had my first ‘Survivor Series’ in 1991, and I was fortunate enough to be an instrumental part of the shows I was on.
- My shoes are worth more……than your house!
- To be that man, you’ve got to beat the man. Woooo!
- If you don’t like it, learn to love it!
- When somebody has convinced you that you’re not worth anything to anybody anymore, and they spend a lot of time doing it, you start believing it yourself.
Recent Venture
Ric and Lynch’s feud started when he took issue with WWE’s trademark assertions that Lynch was ‘The Man.’
It was exacerbated toward the end of 2021 when Becky and Charlotte had public issues.
Flair apologized to Becky when they were backstage for the landmark show during Raw’s 30th anniversary.
Rollins spoke on The Pat McAfee Show on February 9, 2023, about the apologies and said hostilities ended between them.
Seth said he respects Flair a lot, adding that he has always liked him.
On his To Be The Man podcast on March 1, he shared his dream of fighting the current undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.
Ric had a tag team match teaming with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo “Ric Flair’s Last Match,” against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal in 2022.
They lost, as Flair became unconscious because of dehydration. It was voted a runner-up for the Worst Match by the Fans.
On March 4, 2023, he talked about Wrestling Observer Award in a To Be The Man podcast and said he wants to rematch.
Wife And Children
Ric Flair married Leslie Goodman on 28 August 1971, but they separated on 18 July 1983. The couple shares two children; daughter Megan and son David.
He moved on with Elizabeth Harrell and got married on 27 August 1983. Unfortunately, they ended their relationship after being married for 23 years in 2006.
Ric and Harrell had two children, Ashley and Reid.
On 27 May 2006, he tied the knot with Tiffany VanDemark; however, the marriage didn’t last long, and in 2009, they divorced.
Jacqueline Beems became his fourth wife on 11 November 2009, but they parted ways on 1 February 2014.
As of 2023, Flair has been married to Wendy Barlow since 2018.
Moving on to his children, Flair’s first son David is also a professional wrestler, and Ashley signed with the ring as Charlotte in 2012.
In 2013, Ric young son Reid passed away at 25, and his cause of death has not been disclosed. Sources claim that the end was because of a drug overdose.
He was a high school wrestler and also appeared in WCW in his latter days.
Reid was about to debut Ring of Honor, but because of his arrest following heroin possession led to back off on those plans.
Since that day, Reid and his father, Ric, did not have a good relationship.
Net Worth And Salary
Ric Flair lost a lot of fortune to tax fraud and medical expenses. In 2019, he had a bill of $1.8 million for his heart surgery alone.
As of 2024, Flair’s net worth is $500 thousand. The reports suggest his last salary was $35,000 monthly during his WWE career.
He sells his official merchandise through his website. Flair worked with Scout Comics in 2021 and released a book name Code Name: Ric Flair.
Scout Comics James Haick III has written a series of it which will be released in April 2023.
He also launched a virtual restaurant chain in July 2022, named “Wooooo! Wings” in Nashville, Tennessee, and partnered with Kitchen Data Systems ahead of Ric Flair’s Last Match.
Conard Thompson managed the launch of the restaurant. He had also endorsed TickPick.
Flair partnered with Mike Tyson and Verona Holdings Corp., which produces its cannabis products. In October 2022, the line was launched in Arizona, Nevada, and California.
Ric Flair is meeting his fans at Michigan dispensaries, according to reports on 6 March 2023.
He will make several appearances to promote his company, Ric Flair Drip Cannabis, in the state.
Hall of Famer Ric will accompany Chad Bronstein, chairman of the brand’s parent company, Carma HoldCo.
At the launch, fans can shop Ric Flairs Drip products and takes photos with him. However, events are organized for those 21 and above, where ID will be required for entry.
You can get the details of the date, time, and venue from his Instagram post, which link we have provided in the quick facts table.
All the above mention ventures must add a handsome amount to his net worth.
He has owned many luxury cars like Bentley Arnage T, Mercedes -AMG GT 63, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Chevrolet SS, BMW 7-Series, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and Rolls-Royce Dawn. His daughter, Charlotte, owns NC’s mansion worth $1 million.
Social Media Presence
Flair is active on social media like Facebook, Instagram, Cameo, and Twitter. He updates a lot of pictures from his career and his recent ventures.
You can find him with the user name below.
- Twitter (@RicFlairNatrBoy): 1.2 million followers
- Instagram (@ricflairnatureboy): 2.4 million followers
- Facebook (RicFlairNatureBoy): 1,814,704 people like his page
Cameo / Charity
The former wrestler donates $100 to the CDC Foundation for every Cameo he does.
Besides that, rappers and singers 21 Savage, Offset, and Metro Boomin released a song titled “Ric Flair Drip.” The Hall of Famer made a cameo in their video.
Popularity Graph
Ric Flair is a wrestler who announced that he would never retire during his celebrations for the 50th anniversary of his debut in professional wrestling on September 26, 2022.
The popularity graph shows the wavelength from the last twelve months. He was highly searched online for information regarding his younger son, net worth, and debut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
At what age did Ric Flair retire?
Ric Flair retired at 73; he wrestled his last match, Ric Flair's Last Match. He teamed up with AAA superstar and son-in-law Andrade el ldolo. They fought against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal.
What was Ric Flair’s health problem?
Ric suffered from a heart condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy. It is caused by long-term alcohol abuse. Also, his kidney failed during surgery to remove an obstructive piece of hidden bowel in 2017.
Which American party does Ric Flair support?
Ric Flair has strongly supported Republican political candidates in North Carolina politics. He publicly endorsed Republican state and presidential candidates.
