Ric Flair, the legendary “Nature Boy” of professional wrestling, is a name that has become synonymous with the sport’s illustrious history. With a career spanning over four decades, Flair’s impact on the industry is unparalleled, cementing his status as one of the most outstanding performers to ever step into the squared circle.
Who is Ric Flair?
Born Richard Morgan Fliehr on February 25, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, Ric Flair’s journey to stardom was anything but conventional. Adopted at a young age, his birth name remains a matter of debate, with suggestions ranging from Fred Phillips to Fred Demaree or Fred Stewart. Nonetheless, Flair’s adoptive family settled in Edina, Minnesota, where he would later excel in high school sports, including wrestling, football, and track.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Morgan Fliehr |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Adoptive Family | Settled in Edina, Minnesota |
| High School Sports | Wrestling, football, track |
Age and Physique
Despite his advanced age of 74, Ric Flair’s physique remains a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing in at around 240 pounds, Flair’s athletic build has been a hallmark of his career, complementing his flamboyant persona and in-ring prowess.
Personal Life and Relationships
Flair’s personal life has been intensely scrutinized, and the wrestler has made outrageous claims over the years. From boasting about sleeping with 15,000 women to guzzling 15 drinks a day, Flair’s larger-than-life personality has transcended the confines of the wrestling ring.
Flair’s marital history is equally as colorful, with the wrestler having been married five times. His first marriage to Leslie Goodman in 1971 produced two children, Megan and David. The couple divorced in 1983, and Flair married Elizabeth Harrell in the same year, with whom he had two more children, Ashley and the late Reid.
Flair’s subsequent marriages to Tiffany VanDemark in 2006 and Jackie Beems in 2009 were short-lived and ended in divorce. His most recent marriage to Wendy Barlow, a retired tennis player, in 2018 has been a source of joy and turmoil. The couple separated in 2022 before reconciling a few months later.
Net Worth and Salary
Ric Flair’s net worth, estimated at $500,000, may surprise many, given his iconic status in the wrestling world. However, his financial troubles, including run-ins with the IRS and a staggering $1.8 million medical bill from a 2019 heart surgery, have significantly reduced his overall wealth.
Throughout his career, Flair’s earnings have varied, with reports suggesting he earned around $35,000 per month during his time with WWE under a Legends contract. However, his recent multi-year deal with AEW, while undisclosed, is expected to provide a more stable source of income for the aging superstar.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Monthly WWE Earnings | ~$35,000 |
| Medical Bills | $1.8 million (2019 heart surgery) |
| AEW Deal | Multi-year (details undisclosed) |
Company Details, Investments, and Real Estate
In addition to his wrestling career, Flair has dabbled in various business ventures and investments. In 2022, he launched the virtual restaurant chain “Wo! Wings” in Nashville, Tennessee, which has since expanded to six cities across the United States. Flair has also partnered with legendary boxer Mike Tyson to create a cannabis line called “Ric Flair Drip” under the “Tyson 2.0” brand, which launched in October 2022.
Regarding real estate, Flair owns a 5,000-square-foot house in Charlotte, North Carolina, estimated to be worth around $1 million. He also has a collection of luxury cars, including a Chevrolet SS, a Chevrolet Camaro, a 1999 Bentley Arnage T, and a Mercedes-Benz, showcasing his love for the finer things in life.
Professional Career
Ric Flair’s professional wrestling career is nothing short of legendary. He debuted on December 10, 1972, and quickly rose to prominence, winning his first NWA World title in 1981. Throughout his illustrious career, Flair has captured the NWA World Championship eight times, the WCW World Championship six times, and the WWE Championship twice, solidifying his status as a true icon of the sport.
Flair’s most iconic moments include his record-setting 16 world championship reigns, which underscore his dominance and longevity in the industry. He was also a vital member of the legendary Four Horsemen faction, which became a defining aspect of the 1980s wrestling landscape.
Flair’s feuds with other wrestling greats, such as Ricky Steamboat, Sting, Dusty Rhodes, and Hulk Hogan, are considered classics. They showcase his versatility as a performer and his ability to captivate audiences with his larger-than-life persona.
Flair’s final WWE match occurred at WrestleMania 24 in 2008, where he faced off against the legendary Shawn Michaels, who ultimately ended Flair’s time in WWE. However, the “Nature Boy” would not stay away from the ring long. He later competed in TNA Wrestling and most recently signed a multi-year deal with AEW, where he continues to entertain fans with his iconic “Wow!” and striking style.
Investment and Funding
Ric Flair’s financial history has not been without its challenges. In 2000, the IRS revealed that he owed the government $870,000 in unpaid taxes, and the government began to garnish his WWE earnings to recover the losses. His second wife’s wasteful spending habits further exacerbated this financial burden.
2019 Flair was found guilty of not paying taxes from 2016 to 2019 and was again asked to compensate for the losses. The same year, Flair suffered a heart attack, and the $1.8 million medical bill not covered by insurance proved to be another significant financial hurdle.
Despite these setbacks, Flair has found ways to diversify his income streams, with his recent ventures in the restaurant and cannabis industries providing new avenues for financial stability. Additionally, his multi-year deal with AEW is expected to offer a more reliable source of income as he enters the latter stages of his legendary career.
Contact Details and Social Media
Fans of Ric Flair can connect with the “Nature Boy” through his active social media presence. He can be found on Twitter (@RicFlairNatrBoy) and Instagram (@ricflairnatureboy), where he regularly interacts with his loyal followers and provides insights into his personal and professional life.
For those seeking to book Flair for appearances or events, his contact information can be obtained through his official representation or the various wrestling organizations he is affiliated with.
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @RicFlairNatrBoy | |
| @ricflairnatureboy | |
| Booking | Through official representation |
Conclusion
Ric Flair’s legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever is undeniable. The “Nature Boy” has left an indelible mark on the sport he loves, from his flamboyant persona and in-ring prowess to his larger-than-life personal life. Despite the ups and downs of his financial and personal journey, Flair’s enduring influence and popularity among fans continue to cement his status as a true professional wrestling icon.
Table of Contents