He is a legend in his own time.
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Ric Flair. The Man. Nature Boy. Space Mountain. Naitch.
We all know him by many names and his claims of being stylin’ and profilin’. The kiss-stealin’, wheelin’ and dealin’, limousine ridin’, jet-flyin’ son of a gun! Flair is the cornerstone of modern day professional wrestling, and one of the true icons of the sport. He is recognized as a 16-time World Heavyweight Champion and has been called the epitome of what it means to be a champion.
He is also a 6-time United States champion, a record that has still not been beaten to this day. He is the only 2-time member of the WWE Hall of Fame, being recognized for his accolades as a singles competitor as well as a member, and leader, of the Four Horsemen. His rivalries while in the NWA with the likes of “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, and of course, Sting are all legendary in their own right.
Flair left the NWA, later WCW, for the WWF in the fall of 1991, bringing along the World Championship and claiming to be the “Real” World’s Champion. Flair won his first WWF Championship at the Royal Rumble, where the title had been vacated, and cut what is now one of the most famous promos of all time.
In addition to all of his championships, Flair is seen as a something mentor to new generations. Guardians of the Galaxy star, and Flair’s former tag team partner, Dave Baustita has commented before that Flair helped fine tune his character and helped with mic work while they were both in the Evolution stable.
Happy birthday, Ric Flair! WOOO!
