Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Ric Flair

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

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Ric Flair.

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

July 1992: Flair causes distrust between Savage and Warrior

In July 1992, Ric Flair and Mr. Perfect sowed distrust between Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior, leading to an attack on both wrestlers and an injury to Savage's knee.

1992: Revival of Feud with Randy Savage

In 1992, Ric Flair revived his feud with Randy Savage.

June 1994: WCW International World Heavyweight Championship Unification and Feud with Hulk Hogan

In June 1994, at Clash of the Champions XXVII, Ric Flair defeated Sting in a unification match, merging the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship with the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. He also started a feud with Hulk Hogan after Hogan's arrival in WCW.

January 1995: Return to WCW Television and Involvement with Vader

In January 1995, Ric Flair returned to WCW television for an interview at Clash of the Champions XXX. After attacking Hulk Hogan at Superbrawl V, Flair began managing Vader and had a short-lived storyline where he was "possessed."

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

In September 1997, Curt Hennig turned on Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen at Fall Brawl, slamming the cage door onto Flair's head.

1997: Role in the nWo Invasion Storyline

Throughout 1997, Ric Flair played a major role in the New World Order (nWo) invasion storyline, often taking the lead in the war against Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Hollywood Hulk Hogan.

December 1998: Ric Flair loses to Eric Bischoff at Starrcade

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

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.

1999: Mick Foley criticizes Flair's booking

In 1999, Mick Foley criticized Ric Flair's booking decisions in WCW in his autobiography, 'Have a Nice Day!'. Flair responded negatively in his own autobiography, leading to tension between them.

Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks

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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.

2004: Altercation with Mick Foley

In 2004, Ric Flair and Mick Foley had an altercation in Huntsville, signaling ongoing tension between the two wrestling personalities.

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.

2009: Flair returns to the ring

In 2009, Ric Flair returned to the ring after originally retiring in 2008. He broke his vow to never again lace up his boots.

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".

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, causing tension with his daughter Charlotte.

January 4, 2021: Flair starts storyline with Lacey Evans

On January 4, 2021, on Raw, Ric Flair began a storyline with Lacey Evans, who flirted with Flair during a match against Charlotte Flair and Asuka.

2021: Feud with Becky Lynch

In 2021, Ric Flair began feuding with Becky Lynch, accusing her of using "The Man" nickname without permission, reigniting controversy over the trademarked term.

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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