Lasting Legacy of Ric Flair: A Look at the Influence on History

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

How the contributions of Ric Flair continue to shape the world today.

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

1968: Motion Picture 2001: A Space Odyssey

In 1968, the motion picture 2001: A Space Odyssey used Richard Strauss' "Also sprach Zarathustra" and later in the early 1980s, Flair used the dawn section of the same song for his approach to the ring.

Loading Video...

October 19, 1998: "Ric Flair Day" Declared in Minneapolis

On October 19, 1998, it was declared "Ric Flair Day" in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, honoring Flair's contributions.

1999: Named Greatest NWA World Heavyweight Champion of All Time

In 1999, Ric Flair was named the greatest NWA World Heavyweight Champion of all time by professional wrestling experts, analysts, and historians.

March 2001: Final Match of Nitro

In March 2001, Ric Flair, as the leader of the Magnificent Seven, lost the final match of Nitro to Sting.

2002: Named Greatest Professional Wrestler of All Time in Book

In 2002, Ric Flair was named the greatest professional wrestler of all time in the book The Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time by John Molinaro.

June 29, 2004: Flair Releases Autobiography

On June 29, 2004, Ric Flair released his autobiography, To Be the Man, with the title taken from his catchphrase.

Ric Flair: To Be the Man (WWE)

Check it on Amazon

March 24, 2008: "Ric Flair Day" Declared in Columbia

On March 24, 2008, it was declared "Ric Flair Day" in Columbia, South Carolina, by Mayor Bob Coble, with Flair also receiving the key to the city.

April 15, 2008: Flair Honored in Congress

On April 15, 2008, Ric Flair was honored in Congress by Sue Myrick, a representative from North Carolina, who praised his career and contributions.

September 29, 2008: Flair's Robe Placed in National Museum of American History

On September 29, 2008, it was announced that Ric Flair's sequin robe from WrestleMania XXIV would be placed in the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

November 15, 2008: "Ric Flair Day" Declared in Norfolk

On November 15, 2008, it was declared "Ric Flair Day" in Norfolk, Virginia, recognizing Flair's impact and career achievements.

December 5, 2008: Flair Receives Key to the City of Greensboro

On December 5, 2008, Ric Flair received the key to the city of Greensboro, North Carolina, to commemorate his victory at the inaugural Starrcade event.

April 18, 2009: "Ric Flair Day" Declared in Charleston

On April 18, 2009, it was declared "Ric Flair Day" in Charleston, West Virginia, and Flair was presented with the key to the city by the mayor.

June 12, 2009: Flair Receives Key to the City of Myrtle Beach

On June 12, 2009, Ric Flair was presented with the key to the city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, honoring his contributions to professional wrestling.

July 17, 2010: Flair Receives Key to the City of Laurinburg

On July 17, 2010, Ric Flair made a special appearance at Scotland Motors in Laurinburg, North Carolina, and received the key to that city.

2012: Jim Ross feels that Flair has not tarnished his legacy

In 2012, Jim Ross expressed the opinion that Ric Flair had not tarnished his legacy, citing his "passion and need to earn a living".

July 2016: Named Greatest Professional Wrestler of All Time by Sports Illustrated

In July 2016, Luke Winkie of Sports Illustrated named Ric Flair the greatest professional wrestler of all time.

2016: Flair says wrestling in TNA was his number one regret

In 2016, Ric Flair stated that continuing to wrestle in TNA was the "number one" regret of his career.

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.