Childhood and Education Journey of Ric Flair in Timeline

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

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Ric Flair. A timeline of key moments.

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

February 25, 1949: Ric Flair's Birth

On February 25, 1949, Richard Morgan Fliehr, better known as Ric Flair, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1950: Start of Mid 20th Century

The beginning of the mid-20th century occurred in 1950.

1971: Training with Verne Gagne

In the winter of 1971, Ric Flair trained as a professional wrestler with Verne Gagne, attending his first wrestling camp with other wrestlers.

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.

2000: Death of Richard Reid Fliehr

In 2000, Richard Reid Fliehr, Ric Flair's adoptive father, passed away.

2003: Death of Kathleen Kinsmiller Fliehr

In 2003, Kathleen Kinsmiller Fliehr, Ric Flair's adoptive mother, passed away.

2004: Publication of Memoir 'To Be The Man'

In 2004, Flair stated in his memoir "To Be The Man" that he was the "epitome of the disease" growing up, partying and even having sex and drinking alcohol by the age of 14.

February 9, 2009: Flair Confronts Chris Jericho on Raw

On February 9, 2009, Ric Flair confronted Chris Jericho on Raw after Jericho had been attacking Hall of Fame members. Flair demanded Jericho respect them before punching him.

December 17, 2012: Flair Returns to WWE at the Slammy Awards

On December 17, 2012, Ric Flair returned to WWE as a non-wrestling personality at the Slammy Awards show. He presented the Superstar of the Year award to John Cena, but was interrupted by CM Punk and Paul Heyman, leading to a physical confrontation.

2018: Reconciliation with Bruno Sammartino before his death

In 2018, Ric Flair and Bruno Sammartino reconciled and became friends again before Sammartino's death, resolving their earlier disagreement over Flair's comments about Sammartino's drawing power.

February 25, 2019: WWE celebrates Flair's 70th birthday

On February 25, 2019, WWE celebrated Ric Flair's 70th birthday on Raw. During the closing moments of the celebration, Batista attacked Flair, dragging him away, though the actual attack was not shown.