Challenges Faced by Ric Flair: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 16, 2026

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Ric Flair. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Ric Flair, born Richard Morgan Fliehr, is a highly decorated and widely considered the greatest professional wrestler of all time. His career spanned five decades. He is currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for special appearances in a legends role. Flair's wrestling career is marked by his charisma, in-ring skills, and multiple world championships.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

October 4, 1975: Serious Plane Crash

On October 4, 1975, Ric Flair's career nearly ended when he was in a serious plane crash in Wilmington, North Carolina, breaking his back in three places; he returned to the ring three months later.

April 27, 1978: Flair Challenges for NWA United National Championship

On April 27, 1978, Ric Flair unsuccessfully challenged for the NWA United National Championship while working for Jim Crockett Jr.'s Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling.

September 25, 1987: Flair loses NWA World Heavyweight Championship to Ron Garvin

On September 25, 1987, Ric Flair lost the NWA World Heavyweight Championship to Ron Garvin in Detroit.

February 20, 1989: Ricky Steamboat Wins NWA World Heavyweight Championship

On February 20, 1989, at Chi-Town Rumble in Chicago, Ricky Steamboat defeated Ric Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, beginning a feud between the two.

July 7, 1990: Flair Loses Title to Sting at Great American Bash

On July 7, 1990, Ric Flair lost the NWA World Heavyweight Championship to Sting at The Great American Bash.

March 21, 1991: Fujinami defeats Flair for NWA Title

On March 21, 1991, Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Ric Flair in Tokyo at WCW/New Japan Supershow I for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. WCW did not recognize Fujinami as champion due to the manner of victory.

July 17, 1996: Flair challenges Shinya Hashimoto for IWGP Heavyweight Championship

On July 17, 1996, Ric Flair challenged Shinya Hashimoto for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in NJPW but was unsuccessful.

April 9, 1998: Ric Flair no-shows Thunder

On April 9, 1998, Ric Flair no-showed a live episode of Thunder in Tallahassee, Florida, leading to a lawsuit.

April 1998: Ric Flair disappears from WCW television

In April 1998, Ric Flair disappeared from WCW television due to a lawsuit filed by Eric Bischoff.

1998: Stone Cold Steve Austin Says Flair Should Retire

In 1998, Stone Cold Steve Austin stated that Ric Flair should retire, feeling that Flair had not been great for a long time.

1999: Article "Ric Flair is tarnishing his legacy"

In 1999, John Molinaro of Slam! Sports penned an article titled, "Ric Flair is tarnishing his legacy", arguing that Flair's prestige was in jeopardy.

2002: "Plane Ride from Hell" allegations

In 2002, Ric Flair was involved in the infamous "Plane Ride from Hell" incident, facing accusations of inappropriate behavior toward flight attendants. A lawsuit was settled out of court.

2006: Pro Wrestling Illustrated Writer on Flair's "Personal Vendetta"

In 2006, Pro Wrestling Illustrated writer Frank Ingiosi said that Ric Flair had a "personal vendetta against his legend" for continuing to wrestle.

February 2008: Retirement Stipulation Matches in Japan

In February 2008, Ric Flair wrestled Mr. Kennedy and William Regal in Japan with the stipulation that he would retire if he lost.

January 25, 2011: Flair Pulls Out of TNA Tour

On January 25, 2011, it was reported that Ric Flair had pulled out of TNA's Maximum Wooo! tour of Europe mid-tour due to monetary disputes.

2011: Shane Douglas States Flair has been tarnishing his legacy since 1990

In 2011, former opponent Shane Douglas stated that Ric Flair had "been tarnishing his legacy since 1990" by continuing to wrestle.

2015: The Honky Tonk Man Feels Viewers Will Only Remember Last Years Of Flair's Career

In 2015, The Honky Tonk Man expressed his opinion that viewers would "remember only the last years of his career" which he considered "bad memories".

2016: Flair says wrestling in TNA was his number one regret

In 2016, Ric Flair stated that continuing to wrestle in TNA was the "number one" regret of his career.

2021: Dark Side of the Ring episode and aftermath

In 2021, the "Plane Ride from Hell" allegations were discussed on the Dark Side of the Ring documentary series. Ric Flair denied the allegations and was subsequently removed from WWE's intro signature.

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November 12, 2025: Flair's AEW Appearance at Blood and Guts Special

On November 12, 2025, Ric Flair appeared at AEW's Blood and Guts special before the televised broadcast. It was reported that he left early due to pain from a rotator cuff injury.