Ric Flair's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ric Flair.

Ric Flair, born Richard Morgan Fliehr, is a highly celebrated, now-retired American professional wrestler. Often considered the greatest of all time by peers and journalists, his career spanned an impressive 50 years. Flair's wrestling persona was characterized by his flamboyant style, signature 'Wooo!' catchphrase, and in-ring performances. He achieved significant success, winning numerous championships across various wrestling promotions, solidifying his legacy as a wrestling icon.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

January 1976: Returned to wrestling

In January 1976, Ric Flair returned to the ring after recovering from a broken back, resuming his feud with Wahoo McDaniel.

November 26, 1987: Flair Regains NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Starrcade

On November 26, 1987, at WCW's first pay-per-view event, Starrcade in Chicago, Ric Flair defeated Ron Garvin to regain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

May 7, 1989: Flair Regains Title at WrestleWar

On May 7, 1989, at WrestleWar, Ric Flair regained the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from Ricky Steamboat in a match that was voted 1989's "Match of the Year" by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

January 11, 1991: Flair Regains Title from Sting

On January 11, 1991, after Sting was unmasked as The Black Scorpion at Starrcade in 1990, Ric Flair regained the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from Sting.

May 19, 1991: Flair Defeats Fujinami at SuperBrawl I

On May 19, 1991, at SuperBrawl I in St. Petersburg, Florida, Ric Flair defeated Tatsumi Fujinami to reclaim the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

February 1993: Triumphant Return to WCW

In February 1993, Ric Flair triumphantly returned to WCW as a hero, hosting a talk show due to a "no-compete" clause.

December 1995: WCW World Heavyweight Championship Win at Starrcade

In December 1995, at Starrcade, Flair defeated Lex Luger and Sting by countout, then defeated Randy Savage after Arn Anderson knocked out Savage with brass knuckles. This allowed Flair to pin Savage and win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

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 a large group of professional wrestling experts, analysts, and historians.

2000: WCW World Heavyweight Championship Wins

During 2000, Ric Flair won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice during the company's last full year of operation.

January 20, 2002: Victory over Vince McMahon at Royal Rumble

On January 20, 2002, Ric Flair defeated Vince McMahon in a Street Fight at the Royal Rumble.

2002: Turning Face and Intercontinental Championship Win

After Vengeance, in 2002, Triple H took time off, and Flair turned face for the first time since 2002 before winning the Intercontinental Championship from Carlito at Unforgiven.

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, edited by Dave Meltzer and Jeff Marek.

June 2003: Victory Over Shawn Michaels at Bad Blood

In June 2003 at Bad Blood, Ric Flair defeated Shawn Michaels after Randy Orton interfered by striking Michaels with a chair.

January 2004: World Tag Team Championship Defense at Royal Rumble

In January 2004 at the Royal Rumble, Ric Flair and Batista successfully defended the World Tag Team Championship against the Dudley Boyz in a tables match.

February 2004: World Tag Team Championship Defenses in Japan

In February 2004, Ric Flair successfully defended the World Tag Team Championship with Batista against The Dudley Boyz twice in Japan.

November 5, 2006: World Tag Team Championship Win with Roddy Piper

On November 5, 2006, at Cyber Sunday, Ric Flair captured the World Tag Team Championship from the Spirit Squad with Roddy Piper.

November 26, 2006: Sole Survivor at Survivor Series

On November 26, 2006, at Survivor Series, Ric Flair was the sole survivor of a match featuring himself, Ron Simmons, Dusty Rhodes, and Sgt. Slaughter versus the Spirit Squad.

February 18, 2008: Flair Announced as First Inductee into WWE Hall of Fame

On February 18, 2008, Shawn Michaels announced Ric Flair as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2008.

March 29, 2008: WWE Hall of Fame Induction

On March 29, 2008, Ric Flair was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2008. Triple H inducted him.

April 15, 2008: Flair Honored in Congress

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

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-covered robe from WrestleMania XXIV would be placed in the pop culture section of the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

2008: WWE Hall of Fame induction

In 2008, Ric Flair was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for his individual career.

2008: WrestleMania 24 Match Praised

In 2008, the match between Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24 was named as the "match of the decade" by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine.

January 9, 2012: Four Horsemen to be Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

On January 9, 2012, it was announced that the Four Horsemen would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, making Ric Flair a two-time Hall of Fame inductee.