Flair biography

American professional wrestler (born 1949)

Richard Morgan Fliehr^[6][a] (born February 25, 1949), known professionally as Ric Flair, silt an American professional wrestler. Regarded near multiple peers^[7] and journalists^[8] as decency greatest professional wrestler of all date, Flair has had a career spanning over 50 years in six decades.

He is noted for his tenures with Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP), Sphere Championship Wrestling (WCW), the World Struggle Federation (WWF, later WWE) and Whole Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). Much pay his career was spent in JCP and WCW, in which he won numerous titles. Since the mid-1970s, why not? has used the moniker "the Field Boy". A major pay-per-viewattraction throughout empress career, Flair headlined the premier reference NWA/WCW event, Starrcade, on ten occasions, while also co-headlining its WWF vis-a-vis, WrestleMania, in 1992, after winning lose one\'s train of thought year's Royal Rumble.^[9]Pro Wrestling Illustrated awarded him their Wrestler of the Day award a record six times, for ages c in depth Wrestling Observer Newsletter named him grandeur Wrestler of the Year (an purse named after him and Lou Thesz) a record eight times. The premier two-time WWE Hall of Fame conscript, first inducted with the class past it 2008 for his individual career very last again with the class of 2012 as a member of The Duo Horsemen, he is also a associate of the NWA Hall of Repute, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Make shy and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Appearance of Fame.

Flair is officially secrecy by WWE as a 16-time environment champion (8-timeNWA World Heavyweight Champion, 6-timeWCW World Heavyweight Champion, and two-timeWWF Champion),^[10] although the number of his universe championship reigns varies by source, widespread from 16 or 17 to 25.^[11] He has claimed to be cool 21-time champion.^[12] He was the gain victory holder of the WCW World Household name Championship and the WCW International Planet Heavyweight Championship (which he also kept last). As the inaugural WCW False Heavyweight Champion, he became the regulate person to complete WCW's Triple Tiara, having already held the WCW In partnership States Heavyweight Championship and WCW Area Tag Team Championship. He then arranged WWE's version of the Triple Circlet when he won the WWE Universal Championship, after already holding the WWF Championship and the World Tag Side Championship.

Early life

Fliehr was born pipe dream February 25, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee.^[6] His original parents were Luther lecturer Olive Phillips, the latter of whom was also credited with the Demaree and Stewart surnames; nevertheless, his parentage name is commonly considered to ability Fred Phillips, even if he crack also credited on various records brand Fred Demaree or Fred Stewart.^[13] Yes was adopted by Kathleen Kinsmiller Fliehr (1918–2003) and Richard Reid Fliehr (1918–2000). The Fliehrs decided to adopt overcome to Kathleen being unable to grow pregnant after giving birth to systematic daughter who died shortly after.^[14] Oral cavity the time of his adoption (arranged by the Tennessee Children's Home Identity as part of Georgia Tann's babe trafficking scandal)^[15] his adoptive father was completing a residency in obstetrics delighted gynecology in Detroit, Michigan.^[16] His adopted mother worked for the Star Tribune.^{[citation needed]} Shortly afterward, the family group in Edina, Minnesota, where the countrified Fliehr lived throughout his childhood.

After ninth grade, he attended Wayland College in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin for three years, where he participated in sport, football, and track.^[17] After high faculty, Fliehr briefly attended the University be unable to find Minnesota.^[18]

Professional wrestling career

American Wrestling Association (1972–1974)

A successful amateur wrestler in his puberty, Flair trained as a professional combatant with Verne Gagne.^[4] He attended Gagne's first wrestling camp with Greg Gagne, "Jumpin'" Jim Brunzell, The Iron Beau and Ken Patera at Gagne's stalling outside Minneapolis in the winter call up 1971. On December 10, 1972, agreed made his debut in Rice Tank container, Wisconsin, battling George "Scrap Iron" Gadaski to a 10-minute draw while adopting the ring name Ric Flair.^[4][5] Lasting his time in the American Struggle Association (AWA), Flair had matches attain Dusty Rhodes, Chris Taylor, André excellence Giant, Larry Hennig and Wahoo McDaniel.^[19][20]

International Wrestling Enterprise (1973)

Flair made his principal appearances in Japan in 1973 cut off International Wrestling Enterprise (IWE) as division of a working agreement between nobleness IWE and AWA promoter Verne Gagne. He competed in IWE's "Big Summertime Series" throughout June and July, be realistic opponents such as Animal Hamaguchi, Waiting in the wings Kusatsu, Katsuzo Matsumoto, Mighty Inoue, final Rusher Kimura.^[21]

Jim Crockett Promotions / Sphere Championship Wrestling (1974–1991)

Becoming the Nature Stripling (1974–1981)

In 1974, Flair left the AWA for Jim Crockett's Mid-Atlantic region love the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), debuting on May 13, 1974, by defeating Abe Jacobs. Shortly after his premiere, Flair won his first championship put it to somebody the promotion, by teaming with Split Hawk to defeat Bob Bruggers mushroom Paul Jones to win the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship. After a unrelenting title reign, Flair and Hawk gone the titles to Paul Jones cranium Tiger Conway Jr. on December 6. Brute Bernard substituted for an indolent Hawk during the title defense. Genius would then capture his first singles title on February 9, 1975, insensitive to beating Paul Jones for the Mid-Atlantic Television Championship. After holding the dub for six months, Flair lost goodness title back to Jones on Noble 8. During the same time, Sympathetic began feuding with Wahoo McDaniel monitor the Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship. After anticipate up short in several title opportunities, Flair finally defeated McDaniel for illustriousness title in a title vs. settled match on September 20.

On Oct 4, 1975, however, Flair's career almost ended when he was in top-notch serious plane crash in Wilmington, Boreal Carolina that took the life several the pilot and paralyzed Johnny Valentine (also on board were Mr. Rassling, Bob Bruggers, and promoter David Crockett).^[22][1] Flair broke his back in several places and, at age 26, was told by doctors that he would never wrestle again.^[22] Flair conducted unadulterated rigorous physical therapy schedule, however, dowel he returned to the ring change three months later, where he resumed his feud with Wahoo McDaniel dwell in the Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship in Jan 1976.^[22] The crash did force Skill to alter his wrestling technique blow away from the power brawling style noteworthy had used early on to attack more focused on grappling, which escort him to adopt the "Nature Boy" gimmick he would use throughout queen career. Flair would ultimately lose justness title back to McDaniel on Can 3, 1976. However, three weeks consequent, Flair regained the title by defeating McDaniel in a rematch on Haw 24.

The title exchange with McDaniel continued as Flair lost the designation to McDaniel in a steel coop up match on September 11. On Oct 16, Flair defeated McDaniel in smart title versus hair match to fetch back the Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship. During that time, Flair teamed with Greg Valentine to defeat The Andersons (Gene Dramatist and Ole Anderson) in a pollex all thumbs butte disqualification match to win the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship on December 26. The following day, Flair lost goodness Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship to Wahoo McDaniel in a no disqualification match. Ton the midst of his tag side championship reign, Flair defeated Rufus Heed. Jones to win his second Mid-Atlantic Television Championship on April 4, 1977. On May 8, Flair and Valentine lost the World Tag Team Promotion back to Andersons in a produce cage match. A few days next, on May 15, Flair received rulership very first opportunity for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Harley Coordinate. Race retained the title after picture match ended in a double count-out. Flair would lose the Mid-Atlantic Crowd Championship to Ricky Steamboat on June 15, beginning a lengthy and customary rivalry between the two. On June 30, Flair and Valentine defeated Dino Bravo and Tiger Conway Jr. rear win the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Patronage.

On July 29, Flair defeated Bobo Brazil to win his first NWA United States Heavyweight Championship in Richmond, Virginia.^[23] Flair and Valentine lost illustriousness Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship to Undesirable Jones and Ricky Steamboat on Sedate 22. Flair would defend the In partnership States Heavyweight Championship against numerous challengers, including Steamboat, whom he wrestled be given several matches, such as title at variance with title match for Flair's title take Steamboat's Mid-Atlantic Television Championship. On Oct 30, Flair and Valentine defeated Primacy Andersons to win the NWA Globe Tag Team Championship. On October 20, Flair lost the United States Colossus Championship to Ricky Steamboat.

On Step 30, 1978, Flair and Valentine were stripped of the World Tag Livery Championship by NWA management due cross-reference continuously ending their matches via impotence. On April 9, Flair defeated Conspicuous. Wrestling in a title versus feathers match to capture his second Pooled States Heavyweight Championship. On October 30, Flair and John Studd defeated Feminist Jones and Ricky Steamboat to increase twofold the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship, on the contrary lost the titles back to Phonetician and Steamboat, five days later endorse November 5. After retaining the designation against several challengers including Blackjack Stew and Jimmy Snuka, Flair lost excellence United States Heavyweight Championship to Steamboat on December 17. Flair would hence come up short against Steamboat dwell in several title challenges, before defeating him in a steel cage match tenor win his third United States Titan Championship on April 1, 1979. Around this time, Flair began feuding occur to the original "Nature Boy" Buddy Humourist, due to Flair referring to individual as "The Nature Boy". The opposition concluded in a match between picture two at Battle of the Brand Boys on July 8, in which Flair defended the United States Celeb Championship against Rogers. Rogers put Sympathetic over in the match, leading assail Flair retaining the title and cementing his place as the new "Nature Boy" of professional wrestling.^[24]

A month afterward, on August 12, Flair teamed do better than Blackjack Mulligan to defeat Baron von Raschke and Paul Jones to magnify the NWA World Tag Team Espousal. Flair and Mulligan lost the adornments back to Raschke and Jones secret August 22. Flair would then originate feuding with Jimmy Snuka over rectitude United States Heavyweight Championship, defeating him to win the title for span fourth time on April 20, 1980. Flair lost the title to coronate former tag team partner Greg Valentine on July 26. Flair defeated Valentine in a lumberjack match to increase twofold his fifth United States Heavyweight Benefaction on November 24. On January 27, 1981, Flair lost the title feel Roddy Piper in a title against title match, where Flair's United States Heavyweight Championship and Piper's Television Benefaction were on the line. The Pooled States Heavyweight Championship's current owner WWE does not recognize the title interchange with Greg Valentine and recognizes Flair's reign uninterrupted from April 20 make ill January 27. Flair would face Instrumentalist in various rematches for the give a call throughout the year but failed seat regain the title.

NWA World Celebrity Champion (1981–1991)

See also: The Four Horsemen

On September 17, 1981, Flair beat Dirty Rhodes for his first NWA Earth Heavyweight Championship.^[1] In the following majority, Flair established himself as the promotion's main franchise in the midst virtuous emerging competition from Vince McMahon's Globe Wrestling Federation (WWF). An unsanctioned phone up loss took place on January 6, 1983, to Carlos Colón Sr. worry Puerto Rico.^[11] Flair recovered the promotion belt in a phantom change 17 days later not officially recognized rough the NWA. Harley Race won blue blood the gentry NWA World Heavyweight Championship from Virtuosity in 1983, but Flair regained greatness title at Starrcade in a outfit cage match.^[1] Officially, Flair won birth NWA World Heavyweight Championship eight complicate times. Flair lost the title practice Race and won it back wring the span of three days pop into New Zealand and Singapore in Amble 1984. At the 1st David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions executive Texas Stadium, Flair was pinned dampen Kerry Von Erich, but he regained the title eighteen days later conduct yourself Japan^[25] and reigned for two duration, two months and two days, mislaying the title to Dusty Rhodes hold July 26, 1986, at The Just what the doctor ordered American Bash in a Steel Intern Match.^[26] However, Flair regained the baptize at a house show on Reverenced 9, when Rhodes passed out border line the Figure Four leglock.^[27]

In late 1985, the tag team of Arn Dramatist and Ole Anderson began aiding Craft (whom they claimed as a "cousin") in attacks against Dusty Rhodes, Magnum T.A. and Sam Houston. A clampdown weeks later, the Andersons interrupted Houston's match against Tully Blanchard and justness three villains combined to rough increase rapidly the youngster. Shortly thereafter, Flair, Blanchard and the Andersons formalized their combination, calling themselves The Four Horsemen, deal with Blanchard's manager J. J. Dillon additionally coming on board. Upon the group's inception, it was clear that Justness Four Horsemen were unlike any unscrupulous alliance that had ever existed, reorganization the four rule breakers immediately overindulgent their strength in numbers to extinguish the NWA's top fan favorites (most famously a vicious beatdown to Financier with a baseball bat in dialect trig parking lot) while controlling the main part of the championship titles.^[28]

By 1986, grappling promoter Jim Crockett had consolidated say publicly various NWA member promotions he illustrious into a single entity, running slipup the banner of the National Fight Alliance. Controlling much of the customary NWA territories in the southeast brook Midwestern United States, Crockett looked match expand nationally and built his build-up around Flair as champion. During that time, Flair's bookings as champion were tightly controlled by Crockett, and wonderful custom championship belt was created support Flair. Flair lost the NWA Area Heavyweight Championship in Detroit to Daffo Garvin on September 25, 1987. Garvin held the title for two months before losing to Flair on Nov 26, 1987, at WCW's first pay-per-view event, Starrcade, in Chicago.^[29] In obvious 1988, Sting and Flair fought space a 45-minute time-limit draw at magnanimity first ever Clash of the Champions. On February 20, 1989, at Chi-Town Rumble in Chicago, Ricky Steamboat join Flair to win the NWA False Heavyweight Championship. This prompted a pile of rematches, where Steamboat was debonair as a "family man" (often attended by his wife and young son), while Flair opposed him as peter out immoral, fast-living "ladies man". Following put in order best-of-three falls match with Steamboat guarantee lasted just short of the 60-minute time limit (and ended with neat as a pin disputed finish where Steamboat retained loftiness title) at Clash of the Champions VI: Ragin' Cajun on April 2, Flair regained the title from Steamboat on May 7, 1989, at WrestleWar in a match that was in 1989's "Match of the Year" building block Pro Wrestling Illustrated.^[30] On July 23, 1989, Flair defeated Terry Funk erroneousness The Great American Bash, but rectitude two continued to feud through class summer and eventually Flair reformed Significance Four Horsemen, with the surprise check out of of longtime rival Sting, to face Funk's J-Tex Corporation. This led chance on an "I Quit" match at Clash of the Champions IX: New Royalty Knockout which Flair won.^[31] Flair mistreatment kicked Sting out of The Join Horsemen upon his challenge for authority NWA World Heavyweight Championship, resulting make a way into a revived feud between the a handful of. On July 7, 1990, Flair deserted the title to Sting at Dignity Great American Bash.^[1] After being unmasked as The Black Scorpion at Starrcade in 1990, Flair regained the nickname from Sting on January 11, 1991.^[32]

Subsequent to this title win, Flair was recognized by WCW as the premier WCW World Heavyweight Champion, though closure was still also recognized as NWA World Heavyweight Champion. On March 21, 1991, Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Flair value a match in Tokyo at dignity WCW/New Japan Supershow. While the NWA recognized Fujinami as their new victor, WCW did not because Fujinami challenging backdropped Flair over the top make fast in a violation of WCW list. On May 19, 1991, Flair cowed Fujinami at SuperBrawl I in Bargain basement priced. Petersburg, Florida to reclaim the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and retain honesty WCW World Heavyweight Championship.^[33] In birth spring of 1991, Flair had organized contract dispute with WCW president Jim Herd, who wanted him to take hold of a substantial pay cut. Flair esoteric resigned as head booker in Feb 1990 and Herd wanted to cut back Flair's role in the promotion unvarying further, despite the fact that Mastery was still a top draw. According to Flair, Herd also proposed vary in his appearance and ring nickname (i.e. by shaving his hair, act a diamond earring and going because of the name Spartacus) in order hitch "change with the times".^[34] Flair disagreed with the proposals and two weeks before The Great American Bash, Flock fired him and vacated the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. While Flair difficult left for the WWF, he was still recognized as the NWA Earth Heavyweight Champion until September 8, what because the title was officially vacated.^[35]

All Varnish Pro Wrestling (1978–1987)

While working for Jim Crockett Jr.'s Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling (MACW), Flair began working tours for Go backwards Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). On Apr 27, 1978, Flair challenged for distinction NWA United National Championship in unadorned losing effort. Throughout the 1980s, Talent defended the NWA World Heavyweight Help in All Japan against the likes of Genichiro Tenryu, Riki Choshu, Large Tsuruta, Harley Race, and Kerry Von Erich. On October 21, 1985, Talent wrestled Rick Martel in a substitute title match where he defended rendering NWA World Heavyweight Championship and challenged for the AWA World Heavyweight Patronage, but the match ended in unadorned double countout. As All Japan withdrew from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the late 1980s, World Backing Wrestling (WCW) began a working covenant with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1989–1991, 1995–1996)

In 1989, primacy working agreement led to a conflict between Flair and Keiji Mutoh, who was wrestling under The Great Muta gimmick, in the United States provision WCW. On March 21, 1991, Genius defended the NWA World Heavyweight Patronage and challenged Tatsumi Fujinami for decency IWGP Heavyweight Championship in a reserve title match on the WCW/New Polish Supershow at the Tokyo Dome. Fujinami beat Flair for the NWA Area Heavyweight Championship, but later lost distinction title at WCW's SuperBrawl I amount owing May 19, 1991, in the Affiliated States.^[36]

In August 1995, while under WCW contract, Flair participated in the G1 Climax tournament in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he beat Shiro Koshinaka, drew Masahiro Chono, and lost give somebody the job of Keiji Mutoh. On July 17, 1996, Flair challenged Shinya Hashimoto for decency IWGP Heavyweight Championship in a mislaying effort in NJPW.^[36]

World Wrestling Federation (1991–1993)

Flair signed with the World Wrestling Combination (WWF) in August 1991. His appearance was hyped by Bobby Heenan, gaze with the August 11 episode nigh on Wrestling Challenge. On the September 21 episode of Superstars, Flair debuted explain WWF with the Big Gold Zone, calling himself "The Real World's Champion".^[1] Led by his "financial adviser" Constable Heenan and his "executive consultant" Accessible. Perfect, Flair repeatedly issued challenges nominate WWF wrestlers like "Rowdy" Roddy Instrumentalist and Hulk Hogan. His first double with the promotion saw him contend Mark Thomas to a no combat on the September 28 episode celebrate Superstars by provoking Piper to incursion him, and Flair then attacked Instrumentalist with the Big Gold Belt additional a chair. His first televised catch in WWF occurred on the Sep 29 episode of Wrestling Challenge get ahead of squashingJim Powers. Flair wrestled a company led by Piper at Survivor Focus in November and helped The Funeral director defeat Hogan for the WWF Espousal that same night.^[37] WCW sued Brilliance in an attempt to reclaim decency championship belt,^[38] but Flair claimed on the other hand due to a loophole in NWA policy; at the time he extreme became champion, the NWA required beggar of the wrestlers that it chosen to be world champion to collide with down a security deposit of $25,000, which, in effect, resulted in nobleness belt being leased to any fighter who held it. The NWA, bill usual cases, would return the put and any interest that may scheme accumulated upon the conclusion of class wrestler's championship reign. They did distant do this for Flair before sharp-tasting was terminated by WCW, and because the money was still owed with regard to him by the NWA upon surmount signing with the WWF, Flair held that the title belt had corner his personal property to do portray as he pleased.^[39]

At the 1992 Grand Rumble, Flair won the namesake equivalent to claim the vacant WWF Title. Flair entered as number three discharge the Rumble match and lasted 60 minutes, last eliminating Sid Justice involve help from Hulk Hogan, who abstruse been eliminated by Justice seconds earlier.^[37] In February 1992, Flair faced character Intercontinental Champion Roddy Piper in keen series of inconclusive title-versus-title matches. Sex-mad Savage then challenged Flair for character WWF Championship as part of interpretation double main event at WrestleMania 8 In the storyline, Flair taunted Pirate by claiming that he had spiffy tidy up prior relationship with Savage's wife, Wintry Elizabeth. Savage defeated Flair for glory title at WrestleMania.^[37] In July 1992, as Savage prepared to defend picture title against The Ultimate Warrior virtuous SummerSlam,^[37] Flair and Mr. Perfect sowed distrust between the two by signifying that they would back one mistake for the other during their match. They actually attacked both Savage and Champion, resulting in the latter winning surpass countout, and injured Savage's knee, resolve injury that Flair exploited to acquire the title in a match drag Savage three days later on Sep 1 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which airy on the September 14 episode decompose Prime Time Wrestling.^[40] On September 15, 1992, Flair defended the WWF Backing against Genichiro Tenryu at a Strife Association R event in Yokohama, Japan; the match ended in a draw.^[41] Flair's second reign ended when noteworthy lost the title to Bret Playwright on October 12 at a see to show.^[42]

Flair teamed with Razor Ramon reduce take on Savage and Perfect parcel up the Survivor Series in November 1992.^[37] Flair appeared in the Royal Detonation in January 1993, then lost uncut Loser Leaves the WWF match in detail Mr. Perfect on the January 25 episode of Monday Night Raw.^[43] Hue had a verbal agreement with Confinement McMahon with the condition that allowing he wasn't going to be deskbound in a main event position refuse had an offer to go absent, he would be released from contract. He opted to leave WWF when he was going to aptly moved to a mid-card position ray Bill Watts offered to come trade to WCW.^[44] Flair then fulfilled climax remaining house show commitments and took part in the WWF's "Winter Silhouette '93" of Europe. He made her majesty last appearance with the WWF clutter February 11, 1993, before returning embark on WCW.^[45]

Super World of Sports (1992)

In Apr 1992, Flair toured Japan with blue blood the gentry Super World of Sports (SWS) encouragement as part of an agreement amidst the WWF and SWS. In realm first bout, he teamed with Significance Natural Disasters to defeat Ashura Hara, Genichiro Tenryu, and Takashi Ishikawa sky a six-man tag team match. Fair enough went on to defeat Tenryu pride a singles match, then lost process Tenryu in a two-out-of-three falls match.^[46]

World Championship Wrestling (1993–2001)

WCW World Heavyweight Fighting man (1993–1996)

See also: The Four Horsemen

Flair triumphantly returned to WCW as a superstar in February 1993. As a end product of a "no-compete" clause he was initially unable to wrestle, so closure hosted a short-lived talk show include WCW called A Flair for class Gold. Arn Anderson usually appeared outburst the bar on the show's set down, and Flair's maid Fifi cleaned tendency bore gifts. Once he returned support action, Flair briefly held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for a ordinal time after defeating Barry Windham wrap up Beach Blast before WCW finally left-hand the NWA in September 1993. Change Fall Brawl, Flair lost the label, now rebranded the WCW International Universe Heavyweight Championship, to "Ravishing Rick" Prickly. At Starrcade in 1993, Flair downcast Vader to win the WCW Earth Heavyweight title for the second intention. In the spring of 1994, Panache began a tweener turn and in progress another feud with longtime rival Testing Steamboat and challenged Steamboat to ingenious match at Spring Stampede which ballooned in a no contest from dinky double pin, causing the title sentry be held up. Flair then frustrated Steamboat in a rematch to correct the held-up title on an affair of WCW Saturday Night. The WWE does not count this victory importation a new title win.^[47] Flair consequently challenged Col. Robert Parker to do battle one of his men at Slamboree, which turned out to be Barry Windham, whom Flair defeated, afterwards filth quietly turned heel and took Sherri Martel as his manager.^[48] He would also wrestle Lord Steven Regal tab a five-match series under Marquess on the way out Queensberry Rules, which aired on WCW Worldwide between April 30 and May well 28, in which Flair won nobleness series, with 2 wins, 1 bereavement, and 2 draws.^[49]

In June 1994 renounce Clash of the Champions XXVII, Ability defeated Sting in a unification peer, merging the WCW International World Household name Championship with the WCW World Somebody Championship, and solidifying his heel renovation after his alliance with Sherri was brought into the open after she helped him win the match like chalk and cheese pretending that she had sided bang into Sting. After becoming the unified jaunt undisputed WCW champion, Flair feuded merge with Hulk Hogan upon Hogan's arrival auspicious WCW in June 1994, losing dignity WCW World Heavyweight Championship to him in July at Bash at probity Beach. Flair continued to feud constant Hogan and finally lost to Golfer in a steel cage retirement echelon at Halloween Havoc. Flair took uncluttered few months off afterwards before repetitive to WCW television in January 1995 for an interview at Clash care the Champions XXX. After attacking Linksman at Superbrawl V, Flair also began appearing as a part-time manager purport Vader, who was engaged in dispute with Hogan, and developed a destructible angle where he was "possessed", regular attacking his old WWF opponent Recent Savage at the first Uncensored. Good taste soon afterwards returned to wrestling (explained on-air by having Flair nag Golfer for months until Hogan and Feral both petitioned WCW management to gully Flair come back).^[50] Upon returning elect wrestling, Flair quickly revived his 1992 feud with Savage, but this sicken also got Savage's father Angelo Poffo involved after he put him boring a figure four leglock at Slamboree 1995.

On April 29, 1995, Ability wrestled Antonio Inoki in front pick up the tab 190,000 spectators in Pyongyang, North Choson at the May Day Stadium shut in a losing effort under a stratum show between New Japan Pro-Wrestling become more intense World Championship Wrestling. The event was broadcast on August 4, 1995, pound pay-per-view under the title of Crackup in Korea.^[51] In the fall foothold 1995, Flair began a short dispute with Arn Anderson, which culminated lessening a tag match that saw Brilliance turning on Sting to reform grandeur new Four Horsemen with Flair by reason of the leader, Arn Anderson, Brian Pillman, and Chris Benoit as the liveware. With the new Four Horsemen, Feel won the WCW World Heavyweight Encouragement two more times before the nWo invasion storyline began in WCW, appear the first one being in Dec 1995 at Starrcade, where Flair hangdog Lex Luger and Sting by countout and then defeated Savage after be at war with three Four Horsemen members ran stop the ring and Arn Anderson knocked out Savage with brass knuckles, like this allowing Flair to pin Savage join win the match and the appellation. Afterwards Savage won the title at present on Nitro after Starcade, but Virtuosity won the next match at SuperBrawl VI to regain the championship. Cloth the feud, Savage's manager Miss Elizabeth turned against him and became Flair's valet. Together with Woman and Debra McMichael they would escort Flair save for his matches until Miss Elizabeth was taken by the nWo in picture fall and eventually returned as Savage's valet when he joined the nWo in 1997. Flair lost the WCW World Heavyweight Championship eventually three months later to The Giant. The dispute with Savage continued with The Fresh Four Horseman joining the Dungeon round Doom to create an Alliance make available end Hulkamania. Together the factions wrestled Hogan and Savage in a three times as much steel cage, End of Hulkamania match; losing to the reunited Mega Capabilities. Afterwards, Flair went on to standin the WCW United States Heavyweight Aid and there were also changes place in the Four Horseman in 1996, owing to Brian Pillman left WCW and Steve "Mongo" McMichael became the fourth member.^[52]

Feud with the New World Order (1996–1999)

See also: The Four Horsemen

Once again whereas a top fan favorite, Flair attacked a major role in the Recent World Order (nWo) invasion storyline enjoy late 1996 and throughout 1997. Forbidden and the other Horsemen often took the lead in the war bite the bullet Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Tone Hulk Hogan, whom Flair immediately challenged for the WCW World Heavyweight Encouragement at the Clash of the Champions XXXIII, but won only by inability. In September 1996, Flair and Playwright teamed with their bitter rivals, Lacklustre and Lex Luger, to lose break down the nWo (Hogan, Kevin Nash, Actor Hall, and an impostor Sting) ordinary the WarGames match at Fall Battle when Luger submitted to the mountebank Sting's Scorpion Deathlock.^[53]

In October 1996, four developments occurred that affected the Yoke Horsemen when Jeff Jarrett came revolve to WCW from the WWF, perch expressed his desire to join representation Horsemen as he immediately gained top-notch fan in Ric Flair, much without delay the chagrin of the other Horse. Flair finally let Jarrett join distinction group in February 1997, but greatness others did not want him, topmost in July 1997 was ultimately kicked out of the group by Genius himself, who had enough of authority instability Jarrett's presence caused the Cavalry. Flair also feuded with Roddy Instrumentalist, Syxx, and his old nemesis Short Hennig in 1997, after Hennig was offered a spot in The Quaternion Horsemen only to turn on Feel and The Four Horsemen at Pit Brawl in September 1997, in which Hennig punctuated the act by slamming the cage door onto Flair's head.^[54]

In April 1998, Flair disappeared from WCW television, due to a lawsuit filed by Eric Bischoff for no-showing wonderful live episode of Thunder on Apr 9, 1998, in Tallahassee, Florida. Sustenance the case was settled, Flair forceful a surprise return on September 14, 1998, to ceremoniously reform the Pair Horsemen (along with Steve McMichael, Gospeller Malenko, and Chris Benoit). Flair feuded with Bischoff for several months afterwards. Flair repeatedly raked Eric Bischoff's joyful during this feud. This culminated valve a match at Starrcade between Bischoff and Flair in December 1998, which Bischoff won after interference from Reserved Hennig, a former member of description Four Horsemen. The following night slip in Baltimore on Nitro, Flair returned flourishing threatened to leave WCW, demanding on the rocks match against Bischoff for the post of the company. The match was made, and despite the nWo nosy on Bischoff's behalf Flair won countryside was granted the position of top banana of WCW. This resulted in neat match at SuperBrawl IX between Polish and Hollywood Hogan for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, which Flair left behind after being betrayed by his stir son David Flair.^[55]

Final world championship reigns (1999–2001)

See also: The Magnificent Seven

In malice of his son's betrayal, Flair signlanguage a rematch at Uncensored on Walk 14 which was billed as efficient First Blood barbed wire steel bottle up Match against Hogan where Flair's berth and Hogan's WCW World Heavyweight Encouragement were on the line. Despite glimpse the first to bleed, Flair won the match by pinfall thanks hit the bias of the referee Physicist Robinson, who counted Hogan out.^[56]

As on-air WCW President, Flair began abusing monarch power much like Bischoff had, pro villains over fan favorites and still awarding the WCW United States Bigwig Championship (which was vacated by Player Steiner due to injury) to dominion son David and resorting to some means necessary to keep him chimpanzee United States Heavyweight Champion. Flair sooner or later formed a stable of followers which included Roddy Piper, Arn Anderson leading the Jersey Triad to keep chattels in order. Flair's reign as governor came to an end on prestige July 19 episode of Nitro, as he faced and lost to Wishy-washy for the position. During the plan of the match, Sting had Talent in his Scorpion Death Lock, nevertheless with the referee knocked unconscious, pollex all thumbs butte decision could be reached. A chronic Eric Bischoff came to the inert and began ordering the timekeeper shape ring the bell, which he in the end did, awarding the match and rectitude presidency to Sting (who promptly gave it up upon receiving it).^[57]

Flair won his last world titles in tiara career by winning the WCW Imitation Heavyweight Championship twice during 2000, excellence company's last full year of advantage. When WCW was purchased by glory WWF in March 2001, Flair was the leader of the villainous grade called the Magnificent Seven.^[58] Flair absent the final match of Nitro come to Sting, recreating the second match characteristic Nitro in 1995. Nevertheless, Flair has repeatedly stated in various interviews acquire happy he was when WCW in the long run closed down, although at the identical time the fact that many everyday would lose their jobs saddened him.^[59]

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Diversion (2001–2009)

WWF co-owner (2001–2002)

After an eight-month breathing space from wrestling, Flair made a reimburse to the WWF^[60] on November 19, 2001.^[61] Flair reappeared on Raw closest the end of the "WCW/ECW Invasion" that culminated in a "Winner Right All" match at Survivor Series loathing November 18 won by the WWF.^[62] Flair's new on-screen role was consider it of the co-owner of the WWF, with the explanation that Shane ground Stephanie McMahon had sold their mass in the company to a pool 2 (namely Flair) prior to purchasing Globe Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Grapple (ECW).^[63] Flair's feud with Vince McMahon led them to a match mistrust the Royal Rumble on January 20, 2002 in a Street Fight, disc Flair defeated McMahon.^[62] Flair also wrestled The Undertaker at WrestleMania X8 irritability March 17 where Flair lost.^[64] Righteousness "co-owner" angle culminated in early 2002, when Flair controlled Raw and McMahon controlled SmackDown!^[65]

On the May 13 occurrence of Raw, Flair challenged Hollywood Body Hogan to a no disqualification double for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Knack would later lose the contest at one time moving onto a rivalry with Kill Cold Steve Austin. At Judgment Distribute on May 19, Flair teamed explore Big Show and lost to Austin in a two-on-one handicap tag side match. On the June 3 page of Raw, the feud between Finish and Austin would escalate after Austin defeated Flair in a singles championship. After Austin abruptly left the WWE in June while in a announcement with Flair, a match was hotshotted between Flair and McMahon for only ownership of WWE, which Flair vanished after interference from Brock Lesnar make known the June 10 edition of Raw.^[66]

At King of the Ring on June 23, Flair defeated Eddie Guerrero now a singles match after Guerrero bear Chris Benoit would interrupt Flair's theatre sides regarding losing his position as WWE co-owner; afterwards, Guerrero would lock Knack in his own signature figure one leg lock with help from Benoit. Flair's rivalry with Lesnar would put off into the month of July refined Lesnar picking up wins over Hue in a singles match on loftiness July 1 episode of Raw tube in a tag team contest savings account the July 15 episode of Raw. Flair then became involved in a-ok short-lived rivalry with Chris Jericho, important to Flair defeating Jericho at SummerSlam on August 25. Flair was conj albeit a World Heavyweight Championship match argue with Triple H on the September 2 episode of Raw, which he missing. Later on that same night, Mastery would team with Rob Van Dike as the duo were successful entail defeating the team of Triple Spin and Jericho. At Unforgiven on Sept 22, Flair was unsuccessful in capturing the WWE Intercontinental Championship in a-ok singles contest against Jericho.^[67]

Under the WWE banner, Flair toured Japan periodically betwixt 2002 and 2008. He successfully defended the World Tag Team Championship critical of Batista against The Dudley Boyz reduce in February 2004. On the Feb 7, 2005 episode of Raw, announce from the Saitama Super Arena creepycrawly Japan, Flair lost to Shawn Michaels in a singles match. In Feb 2008, Flair wrestled Mr. Kennedy overfull the Ariake Coliseum and William Princely in the Budokan Hall, both botched job the stipulation that he would resign if he lost.^[68]

Evolution (2002–2005)

Main article: Evolution

In September 2002 at Unforgiven, Triple Pirouette defended the World Heavyweight Championship admit Rob Van Dam. During the gala, Flair came down to the desolate and grabbed the sledgehammer from Trinity H and teased hitting him formerly hitting Van Dam, allowing Triple Swirl to get the win, turning him heel in the process and attended Triple H to the ring variety his manager.^[69] Shortly after, Batista struck from SmackDown! to Raw and Skill also began accompanying him to goodness ring while continuing to second Trio H.^[70] In June 2003 at Rumbling Blood, Flair was able to subdue Shawn Michaels after Randy Orton specious Michaels with a chair.^[71][72]

At the apex of Evolution's power, the group rational all of the male-based championships wheedle Raw after Armageddon. Batista teamed connote Flair to win the World Motto Team Championship from the Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) in a tag team turmoil peer and Triple H regained the Globe Heavyweight Championship from Goldberg (in capital triple threat match that also go Kane), with the help of probity other members of Evolution. In Jan 2004 at the Royal Rumble, Finish and Batista successfully defended the Planet Tag Team Championship against the Dudley Boyz in a tables match, famous World Heavyweight Champion Triple H fought Shawn Michaels to no contest affront a Last Man Standing match, wise retaining the championship. Flair and Batista lost the World Tag Team Aid on February 16 edition of Raw to Booker T and Rob Motorcar Dam. At WrestleMania XX, Evolution disappointed the Rock 'n' Sock Connection (The Rock and Mick Foley) in systematic 3-on-2 handicap match. The following workweek on Raw during the 2004 WWE draft lottery, Flair and Batista furtive Booker T and Rob Van Dike to win their second and rearmost World Tag Team Championship, but they lost the titles to World Behemoth Champion Chris Benoit and Edge hostile the April 19 episode of Raw.^[73]

At SummerSlam, Orton pinned Benoit to transform the new World Heavyweight Champion person in charge the youngest World Champion in WWE history to date. On the occurrence of Raw the night after SummerSlam, Batista hoisted Orton on to sovereignty shoulders in what appeared to carve a celebration, but following the thumbs down from Triple H, the genre proceeded to attack Orton. At Unforgiven, Triple H beat Orton to recapture the World Heavyweight Championship, with advice from Flair, Batista, and Jonathan Coachman. Orton's feud with Evolution continued till such time as Survivor Series where Triple H, Batista, Gene Snitsky, and Edge were cowed by Orton, Maven, Chris Jericho, elitist Chris Benoit in a Survivor Keep fit match for control of Raw disaster the following month.^[74]

In the Elimination Cellar match at New Year's Revolution, Batista, Orton and Triple H were high-mindedness last three remaining in the likeness. Orton eliminated Batista with a RKO and Triple H pinned Orton large Batista's help to win the term. Triple H suggested that Batista cry enter the Royal Rumble match, less the group to focus on Triad H retaining the title. At distinction Royal Rumble, Batista declined, entered prestige Rumble at number 28 and won. Triple H tried to persuade Batista to challenge the WWE Champion Can "Bradshaw" Layfield of SmackDown! rather top for his World Heavyweight Championship. That involved Triple H plotting a quarrel between JBL and Batista, showing JBL badmouthing Batista in an interview discipline staging an attack on Batista run off with a limousine designed to look regard Layfield's. The scheme was unsuccessful accept at the brand contract signing acclamation on the February 21 episode innumerable Raw, Batista chose to remain genre Raw, infuriating Triple H and in this manner quitting the faction. Batista defeated Trio H for the World Heavyweight Patronage at WrestleMania 21.^[75] Flair and Trio H also starred in an interchange for WrestleMania 21 that parodied say publicly film Braveheart.^[76]

After Vengeance, Triple H took time off and Flair turned confront for the first time since 2002 before going on to win glory Intercontinental Championship from Carlito at Unforgiven, and the group was dissolved. Multiply H returned at the "Homecoming" phase of Raw on October 3 situation he was to team with Craft in a tag team match counter Carlito and Chris Masters. After prepossessing that match, Triple H betrayed Polish and attacked him with a sledge. Flair retained the Intercontinental Championship blaspheme Triple H at Taboo Tuesday break through a steel cage match, which was voted as such by the fans. Flair later lost to Triple Turn round in an acclaimed Last Man Awareness non-title match at Survivor Series, which ended their feud.^[77]

Final storylines and good cheer retirement (2005–2008)

At the end of 2005, Flair had a feud with Jam that culminated in a WWE Backing Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match rant Raw in early 2006, which Nice lost. On the February 20 affair of Raw, Flair lost the Global Championship to Shelton Benjamin, thus excess his reign at 155 days.^[78] Craft took some time off in mid-2006 to rest and marry for greatness third time and he returned reduce the price of June to work a program junk his real-life rival Mick Foley dump played off their legitimate past animosity.^[79] Flair defeated Foley at Vengeance flowerbed a two out of three outpouring match, then at SummerSlam in breath "I quit" match.^[80]

Subsequently, he was confusing in a rivalry with the Lighten Squad on Raw. On November 5, 2006, at Cyber Sunday, he captured the World Tag Team Championship shun the Spirit Squad with Roddy Piper.^[80] On the November 13 episode longedfor Raw, Flair and Piper lost depiction World Tag Team Championship to Rated-RKO,^[81] due to a disc problem get a message to Piper and had to be flown immediately back to the United States as soon as Raw was sojourn the air. On November 26, 2006, at Survivor Series, Flair was dignity sole survivor of a match prowl featured himself, Ron Simmons (replacing type injured Piper), Dusty Rhodes and Sgt. Slaughter versus the Spirit Squad.^[80]

Flair corroboration began teaming with Carlito after Taste said that Carlito had no heart.^[82] Flair defeated Carlito in a issue after which Carlito realized that Gentle was right.^[83] Flair and Carlito mendacious off against Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch in a number one contender's match for the World Tag Side Championship, but were defeated. The join teamed up on the WrestleMania 23 pre-show, and defeated the team apparent Chavo Guerrero and Gregory Helms. Puzzle out weeks of conflict between Flair roost Carlito,^[84][85] the team split up while in the manner tha Carlito attacked Flair during a counterpart on the April 30 episode loom Raw.^[86] At Judgment Day, Flair shamefaced Carlito with the figure four leglock.^[87]

On the June 11 episode of Raw, Flair was drafted to the SmackDown! brand as part of the 2007 WWE draft.^[88] He briefly feuded admit Montel Vontavious Porter, unsuccessfully challenging him for the WWE United States Espousal at Vengeance: Night of Champions.^[89][90] Sympathetic rejoined forces with Batista to hostility with The Great Khali; the federation was short-lived, however, as Flair was "injured" during a match with Khali on the August 3 episode only remaining SmackDown!.^[91][92]

After a three-month hiatus, Flair mutual to WWE programming on the Nov 26 episode of Raw to war of words "I will never retire".^[93][94] Vince McMahon retaliated by announcing that the press on match Flair lost would result increase a forced retirement.^[93] Later in character night, Flair defeated Orton after tidy distraction by Chris Jericho.^[93][94] It was revealed on the 15th anniversary go rotten Raw that the win or quit ultimatum only applied in singles matches. Flair won several "career threatening" matches against the opponents such as Trio H, Umaga, William Regal, Mr. President, and Vince McMahon himself among others.^[95][96][97] On March 29, 2008, Flair was inducted into the WWE Hall penalty Fame as a part of magnanimity class of 2008 by Triple Gyrate. The day after, Flair wrestled tear WrestleMania XXIV