Ric Flair, an iconic retired American professional wrestler and manager, has a current net worth of $500 thousand. He embarked on his wrestling career in 1972 and quickly rose to prominence as one of the greatest figures in the history of professional wrestling. His career, which spanned over four decades, saw him wrestle in various top organizations, cementing his legacy as an unparalleled talent.
Known as the “Nature Boy,” Flair became synonymous with wrestling greatness. His charismatic persona and unique style made him an unforgettable figure in the sport, earning him widespread recognition as one of the best wrestlers of all time. Over his 40-year career, he accumulated accolades that solidified his position at the top of the industry. Flair’s influence extends beyond the ring, where his catchphrases and extravagant style made him a cultural icon.
Flair’s journey began in the 1970s, when he quickly made a name for himself due to his exceptional blend of athleticism, charisma, and showmanship. His signature bleached blonde hair, flashy robes, and larger-than-life persona were immediately eye-catching. However, it was his technical skill and ability to engage the audience with compelling match storytelling that gained him widespread respect among his peers and wrestling fans.
Throughout his career, Flair performed in a variety of organizations, most notably the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/WWE). His reign in these companies and his record-breaking 16 world championships remain a testament to his incredible dominance and longevity in the sport.
Flair’s involvement with the legendary Four Horsemen, a faction he led in the 1980s, became an integral part of his legacy. The group’s combination of talent and rebellious antics played a significant role in shaping the wrestling land of that era. His memorable feuds with icons like Ricky Steamboat, Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes, and Sting showcased his versatility and ability to show fans.
Beyond his wrestling prowess, Flair’s catchphrase “Wooo!” and his flamboyant persona have transcended the ring, influencing entertainers from various fields, including musicians. His impact on pop culture has made him an enduring figure, and his style continues to inspire new generations of artists and performers.
Early Life of Ric Flair
Ric Flair was born Richard Morgan Fliehr on February 25, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee. However, he was adopted shortly after birth. It is speculated that his birth name was Fred Phillips, though some documents mention him as Fred Demaree or Fred Stewart. Flair’s adoptive father was a prominent obstetrician, while his adoptive mother worked for the Star Tribune newspaper.
Flair spent his early years with his adoptive family in Edina, Minnesota. He attended Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he participated in wrestling, football, and track. Flair briefly studied medicine at the University of Minnesota, aiming to follow in his adoptive father’s footsteps. However, he dropped out of college to pursue a career in professional wrestling, which ultimately became his calling.
Ric Flair’s Wrestling Career: Rise to Fame
Ric Flair’s entry into the wrestling world came in 1972 when he met the famous Vachon brothers. His debut match took place on December 10, 1972, against “Scrap Iron” George Gadaski. Initially, Flair worked with Gagne’s Minneapolis Boxing & Wrestling Club before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he became a regular at Jim Crockett Promotions. By 1981, Flair had already won his first NWA World title, marking the beginning of a spectacular career.
Flair’s wrestling career spanned multiple decades and included high-profile stints with various wrestling organizations, such as World Championship Wrestling, TNA Wrestling, and WWE. Throughout this time, he became one of the most lucrative pay-per-view attractions in the sport, headlining major events like Starrcade 10 times and WrestleMania in 1992, where he also won the Royal Rumble.
Flair’s achievements include being the PWI Wrestler of the Year on eight occasions, a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee, and a member of multiple prestigious wrestling halls of fame. His unparalleled success as a 16-time world champion, including eight NWA World Heavyweight Championships, six WCW World Heavyweight Championships, and two WWF Championships, underscores his dominance in professional wrestling.
Notably, Flair became the first-ever holder of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship. He achieved the prestigious WCW Triple Crown and held multiple other titles, including the Intercontinental Championship, adding to his unmatched list of accomplishments in professional wrestling.
Ric Flair’s Personal Life and Family
Ric Flair’s personal life has been just as eventful as his wrestling career. His first marriage, to Leslie Goodman, took place in 1971. The couple had two children, a daughter named Megan and a son named David. However, they divorced in 1983.
Flair’s second marriage was to Elizabeth Harrell in 1983, with whom he had two more children: a daughter named Ashley and a son named Reid. Unfortunately, the couple divorced in 2006. Later, Flair married Tiffany VanDemark, a fitness competitor, in 2006, but they divorced in 2009. Flair’s fourth marriage to Jackie Beems in 2009 also ended in divorce in 2014.
In 2018, Flair married Wendy Barlow, known as Fifi the Maid in WCW, and they remained together until their separation in 2022. However, the couple reconciled later that year.
Flair’s family has also contributed to the wrestling world. His son David worked for WCW between 1999 and 2001, while his son Reid, a talented high school wrestler, signed with WWE in 2007. Tragically, Reid passed away from a drug overdose in 2013. Meanwhile, Flair’s daughter Ashley, known in WWE as Charlotte Flair, became one of the top stars in the company.
Flair also became a grandfather in 2004 when his daughter Megan gave birth to a granddaughter named Morgan Lee Ketzner. His daughter Ashley’s successful WWE career has helped carry on the Flair legacy in professional wrestling.
Flair’s Outrageous Claims and Recent Ventures
Ric Flair has made some bold and controversial claims throughout his career. He once stated that he had slept with over 15,000 women and consumed 15 alcoholic drinks per day. These assertions have contributed to his larger-than-life reputation both inside and outside the ring.
In 2020, Flair defended his daughter Charlotte against critics who believed she was overexposed in wrestling. Flair passionately expressed his support for his daughter, emphasizing her hard work and success in the industry.
In 2022, Flair ventured into the business world by launching his own virtual restaurant chain called “Wow! Wings” in Nashville, Tennessee. The chain expanded rapidly, reaching six cities within a short period. Additionally, Flair teamed up with legendary boxer Mike Tyson to create a cannabis line called “Ric Flair Drip” under the Tyson 2.0 brand, which was introduced in October 2022.
Financial Troubles and Challenges
Ric Flair’s financial journey has not been without challenges. His issues with the IRS date back to the 1990s, and in 2000, the agency imposed a lien over his unpaid taxes amounting to $870,000. Despite earning substantial income from his wrestling career, Flair faced significant financial difficulties, including tax problems that led to garnished WWE earnings in 2005. He attributed much of this financial strain to his second wife’s extravagant spending habits.
Further complications arose in 2019 when Flair reportedly owed $240,000 in federal taxes and $40,000 to the state of Georgia for earnings between 2016 and 2018. Additionally, Flair faced an overwhelming $1.8 million medical bill following heart surgery that wasn’t covered by insurance.
Flair’s finances were further strained by the need to pay his son Reid’s rehab bills, which left him $500,000 in debt. However, his long-time friend Hulk Hogan stepped in to help, demonstrating the strong bond between the two wrestling legends.