Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Ric Flair
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Ric Flair.
Ric Flair, born Richard Morgan Fliehr, is a highly celebrated retired professional wrestler. Revered by many as the greatest of all time, his career stretched across five decades. Flair is known for his flamboyant persona, in-ring skills, and numerous world championships across various wrestling promotions, solidifying his place as an icon in professional wrestling history.
October 1993: Rivalry with Bret Hart Begins
In October 1993, Bret Hart initiated an off-screen rivalry with Ric Flair by criticizing Flair's wrestling ability and WCW in a radio interview.
January 17, 1999: Tension with Hulk Hogan After Match
On January 17, 1999, tension arose between Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan following a tag team match at WCW's Souled Out pay-per-view.
1999: Mick Foley's Criticism in Autobiography
In 1999, Mick Foley criticized Ric Flair's booking decisions in his autobiography, leading to tension between the two.
2002: "Plane Ride from Hell" Incident
In 2002, Ric Flair was involved in the infamous "Plane Ride from Hell" incident, accused of inappropriate behavior towards flight attendants, leading to legal action against WWE that was later settled out of court.
2004: Altercation with Mick Foley
In 2004, Ric Flair had an altercation with Mick Foley in Huntsville, escalating their ongoing issues.
December 2005: Road Rage Incident and Arrest Warrant
In December 2005, an arrest warrant was issued for Ric Flair following a road rage incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he allegedly assaulted a motorist and damaged their vehicle. He was charged with misdemeanors, and the incident was mocked on WWE programming.
2006: Program with Mick Foley
In 2006, Ric Flair and Mick Foley worked a program culminating in a violent "I Quit" match at SummerSlam, featuring barbed wire and thumbtacks.
2010: Lawsuit from Ring of Honor
In 2010, Ring of Honor (ROH) filed a lawsuit against Ric Flair, alleging that he owed them over $40,000 and had not appeared at several contractually obligated events. The lawsuit was never resolved.
January 25, 2011: TNA Tour Dispute
On January 25, 2011, Ric Flair reportedly pulled out of TNA's Maximum Wooo! tour of Europe mid-tour after monetary disputes.
May 2011: Arrest Warrant for Contempt of Court
In May 2011, an arrest warrant was issued for Ric Flair for being held in contempt of court, accused of violating the terms of a settlement with Highspots Inc., who claimed Flair used the NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt as collateral for a loan.
April 2012: Contract Termination Request
In April 2012, Ric Flair tried to have his TNA contract terminated, leading to a lawsuit and his eventual firing in May.
September 2019: Trademark Dispute Over "The Man"
In September 2019, Ric Flair threatened legal action against WWE and filed a trademark for "The Man", used by Becky Lynch, causing tension with his daughter Charlotte.
2021: Feud with Becky Lynch
In 2021, Ric Flair began feuding with Becky Lynch, accusing her of using "The Man" nickname without his permission.
2021: Allegations Discussed on Dark Side of the Ring
In 2021, the allegations from the "Plane Ride from Hell" were discussed on Dark Side of the Ring, leading to Ric Flair releasing a statement denying the accusations and being removed from WWE's intro signature.
