Childhood and Education Journey of Ric Flair in Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Ric Flair. A timeline of key moments.
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.
1918: Birth of Adoptive Parents
In 1918, both of Ric Flair's adoptive parents, Kathleen Kinsmiller Fliehr and Richard Reid Fliehr, were born.
February 25, 1949: Richard Morgan Fliehr's Birth
On February 25, 1949, Richard Morgan Fliehr, known professionally as Ric Flair, was born. He became a renowned American retired professional wrestler.
1971: Training with Verne Gagne
In the winter of 1971, Ric Flair began training as a professional wrestler with Verne Gagne at Gagne's wrestling camp outside Minneapolis.
October 4, 1975: Near-Fatal Plane Crash
On October 4, 1975, Ric Flair was involved in a serious plane crash in Wilmington, North Carolina, which nearly ended his career due to breaking his back in three places.
October 1996: Jeff Jarrett Joins WCW, Expresses Desire to Join the Four Horsemen
In October 1996, Jeff Jarrett moved to WCW from the WWF, expressed his desire to join the Four Horsemen, gaining Ric Flair's support but facing opposition from other members.
February 1997: Jeff Jarrett Joins the Four Horsemen
In February 1997, Ric Flair allowed Jeff Jarrett to join the Four Horsemen, despite the other members' disapproval.
July 1997: Jeff Jarrett Kicked Out of the Four Horsemen
In July 1997, Ric Flair kicked Jeff Jarrett out of the Four Horsemen due to the instability his presence caused.
September 1997: Curt Hennig Turns on Flair and the Four Horsemen
In September 1997, Curt Hennig, after being offered a spot in The Four Horsemen, turned on Flair and The Four Horsemen at Fall Brawl, slamming the cage door onto Flair's head.
April 9, 1998: Flair no-shows Thunder episode, lawsuit filed
On April 9, 1998, Ric Flair no-showed a live episode of Thunder, leading to a lawsuit filed by Eric Bischoff.
September 14, 1998: Flair Returns to WCW, Reforms Four Horsemen
On September 14, 1998, Ric Flair made a surprise return to WCW and ceremoniously reformed the Four Horsemen.
2000: Potential Gubernatorial Run
In 2000, Ric Flair explored the possibility of running for governor of North Carolina but ultimately did not file the necessary paperwork.
2000: Death of Richard Reid Fliehr
In 2000, Richard Reid Fliehr, Ric Flair's adoptive father, passed away.
March 2001: WCW purchased by WWF
In March 2001, WCW was purchased by the WWF. Flair was the leader of the villainous group called the Magnificent Seven.
November 19, 2001: Flair Returns to WWF as Co-Owner
On November 19, 2001, Ric Flair returned to the WWF as the co-owner of the company.
September 2002: Flair helps Triple H win at Unforgiven, Turning Heel
In September 2002 at Unforgiven, Ric Flair turned heel by helping Triple H win against Rob Van Dam by hitting Van Dam with a sledgehammer.
2002: Flair Turns Face After Vengeance
After Vengeance in 2002, Ric Flair turned face for the first time since 2002.
2003: Death of Kathleen Kinsmiller Fliehr
In 2003, Kathleen Kinsmiller Fliehr, Ric Flair's adoptive mother, passed away.
2005: Feud with Edge
In 2005, Ric Flair had a feud with Edge that culminated in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match on Raw in early 2006, which Flair lost.
September 2007: Ric Flair Finance Opens
In September 2007, Ric Flair opened a financial business called Ric Flair Finance.
2007: Flair Drafted to SmackDown!
In 2007, Ric Flair was drafted to the SmackDown! brand as part of the WWE draft.
March 31, 2008: Flair Delivers Farewell Address
On the March 31, 2008 episode of Raw, Ric Flair delivered his farewell address.
June 16, 2008: Flair Confronts Chris Jericho on Raw
On June 16, 2008, Ric Flair made his first post retirement appearance on Raw to confront Chris Jericho about his actions during a rivalry with Shawn Michaels.
July 2008: Ric Flair Finance Files for Bankruptcy
In July 2008, Ric Flair Finance filed for bankruptcy.
2008: Support for Mike Huckabee
In the 2008 presidential election, Ric Flair declared his support for Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, praising him as a "quality person" with a "great vision" for the country.
December 3, 2012: Retirement Announcement
On December 3, 2012, Ric Flair announced he would never wrestle again, chiefly due to Jerry Lawler's on-air heart attack.
March 29, 2013: Reid Flair's Death
On March 29, 2013, Reid Flair, Ric Flair's son, passed away due to a drug overdose involving heroin, Xanax, and a muscle relaxant.
2016: Presidential Candidacy Announcement
In 2016, Ric Flair announced his candidacy for president, with rapper Waka Flocka Flame as his running mate. However, he did not officially file a Statement of Candidacy.
2016: Endorsement of Ted Cruz
In 2016, Ric Flair endorsed Ted Cruz during the presidential election.
August 14, 2017: Bowel Obstruction Surgery
On August 14, 2017, Ric Flair underwent surgery in Georgia to remove an obstructive piece of his bowel, which led to kidney failure, dialysis, and hospitalization. He was discharged from rehabilitation on September 21.
February 25, 2019: 70th Birthday Celebration
On February 25, 2019, WWE celebrated Ric Flair's 70th birthday on Raw, during which he was attacked by Batista.
July 31, 2022: Heart Attack During Final Match
On July 31, 2022, Ric Flair suffered a heart attack during what was billed as his final wrestling match.
September 26, 2022: 50th Anniversary Celebration
During the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Ric Flair's debut in professional wrestling on September 26, 2022, Flair announced that he would never retire.
January 2023: Regret Over Final Match
In January 2023, Ric Flair stated that he did not want to wrestle again aside from wanting to redo the Last Match.
October 26, 2024: Sebastian Kidder's Death
On October 26, 2024, Sebastian Kidder, Ric Flair's stepson through his relationship with Barlow, died by suicide from a gunshot wound.
