Challenges Faced by Ric Flair: Obstacles and Turning Points

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

Ric Flair, born Richard Morgan Fliehr, is a highly celebrated and now retired American professional wrestler. He's broadly recognized as one of wrestling's all-time greats, with a career that extended for half a century. Flair achieved significant success and acclaim in the professional wrestling world.

Sections (7)

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

October 4, 1975: Near-Fatal Plane Crash

On October 4, 1975, Ric Flair was involved in a serious plane crash in Wilmington, North Carolina, that nearly ended his career due to a broken back. Doctors initially told him he would never wrestle again.

1975: Career Defining Plane Crash

In 1975, Ric Flair faced a career-threatening plane crash on October 4 in Wilmington, North Carolina, resulting in a broken back and a prognosis that he might never wrestle again. Also in 1975, on February 9, Flair captured his first singles title by defeating Paul Jones for the Mid-Atlantic Television Championship, holding it until August 8 when he lost it back to Jones. Later in 1975, Flair defeated Wahoo McDaniel on September 20 for the Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship in a title vs. hair match.

April 27, 1978: Flair challenges for the NWA United National Championship

On April 27, 1978, Ric Flair challenged for the NWA United National Championship but was unsuccessful.

September 25, 1987: Flair loses NWA World Heavyweight Championship

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.

July 7, 1990: Flair loses NWA World Heavyweight Championship to Sting

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

March 21, 1991: Flair loses NWA World Heavyweight Championship to Tatsumi Fujinami

On March 21, 1991, Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Ric Flair in Tokyo at the WCW/New Japan Supershow for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship; WCW did not recognize this title change due to a rule violation.

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

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

September 1996: WarGames Match Loss at Fall Brawl

In September 1996, at Fall Brawl, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson teamed with Sting and Lex Luger to lose to the nWo (Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and an impostor Sting) in the WarGames match when Luger submitted to the impostor Sting's Scorpion Deathlock.

September 1997: Curt Hennig Turns on Flair and The Four Horsemen at Fall Brawl

In September 1997 at Fall Brawl, Curt Hennig turned on Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen after being offered a spot in the group, slamming the cage door onto Flair's head.

April 9, 1998: No-Showing Thunder and Lawsuit

On April 9, 1998, Ric Flair did not appear for a live episode of Thunder in Tallahassee, Florida, leading to a lawsuit filed by Eric Bischoff.

December 1998: Loss to Eric Bischoff at Starrcade

In December 1998, Ric Flair lost a match to Eric Bischoff at Starrcade after interference from Curt Hennig.

2002: "Plane Ride from Hell"

In 2002, Ric Flair was involved in the infamous "Plane Ride from Hell" incident. He was accused of inappropriate behavior towards flight attendants, leading to a lawsuit against WWE, which was later settled out of court.

February 7, 2005: Singles Match Loss to Shawn Michaels in Japan

On February 7, 2005, Ric Flair lost to Shawn Michaels in a singles match on Raw, broadcast from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

December 2005: Arrest Warrants Issued After Road Rage Incident

In December 2005, arrest warrants were issued for Ric Flair after a road rage incident in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was charged with injury to personal property and simple assault and battery after allegedly grabbing a motorist by the neck and damaging his vehicle. The wrestler Edge later ridiculed the incident on WWE programming.

February 2008: Retirement Stipulation Matches in Japan

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

July 2008: Ric Flair Finance Files for Bankruptcy

In July 2008, Ric Flair Finance, the financial business opened by Flair in 2007, filed for bankruptcy.

2010: ROH Lawsuit

Following Flair's debut in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), his former employer, Ring of Honor (ROH), filed a lawsuit in 2010, alleging that Flair owed them over $40,000 and that he had not appeared at several events that he was contractually obligated to appear at. The lawsuit was never resolved.

January 25, 2011: Pulled out of TNA Maximum Wooo! Tour

On January 25, 2011, Ric Flair reportedly pulled out of TNA's Maximum Wooo! tour of Europe mid–tour after monetary disputes. He returned to the tour on January 27 in Glasgow, Scotland, and wrestled on January 29 in London.

May 2011: Warrant Issued for Contempt of Court

In May 2011, a warrant for Ric Flair's arrest was issued for being held in contempt of court for violating the terms of his settlement with Highspots Inc., who claimed Flair had given them the NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt as collateral for a loan. If Flair had failed to comply, he could have potentially faced 90 days in jail.

September 2011: Last Match and Tricep Injury

In September 2011, Ric Flair had the last match of his career against Sting on an episode of Impact Wrestling, where he tore his left triceps on a superplex spot.

March 29, 2013: Death of Reid Flair

On March 29, 2013, Ric Flair's son Reid died from a drug overdose of heroin, Xanax, and a muscle relaxant.

August 14, 2017: Surgery for Bowel Obstruction

On August 14, 2017, Ric Flair underwent surgery in Georgia to remove an obstructive piece of his bowel. The surgery led to complications, including kidney failure, requiring dialysis and hospitalization. He was discharged from rehabilitation on September 21.

September 2019: Trademark Dispute over "The Man"

In September 2019, Ric Flair threatened legal action against WWE and filed a trademark for the term "The Man", which was being used by Becky Lynch. This caused a rift between Flair and his daughter Charlotte, who was Lynch's onscreen nemesis.

2021: Dark Side of the Ring Episode

In 2021, the Canadian documentary series Dark Side of the Ring aired an episode dedicated to the "Plane Ride from Hell", discussing the allegations against Ric Flair. Flair denied the allegations and was subsequently removed from the WWE's intro signature.

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