Hello Hello my friends, as my good friend William Regal used to say. *wave* Anyway, what’s happening everyone? As you can tell by the title, today I’m going to sit down in front of my computer screen and take a look at a legend. A wrestling legend. A 16-time World Heavyweight Champion, and one of the men who made wrestling what it is — Ric “The Nature Boy” Flair!
You see, today, when I picked the subject of my column, I wasn’t so sure where to begin and what exactly to touch on. After all, Ric Flair’s career has seen many illustrious happenings occur and the man has done a lot. Well, since I couldn’t decide, I just thought I’d point out something that’s been bugging me, and well, pretty much that’s the reason I’m writing this column.
Ric Flair has wrestled for numerous promotions, NWA, WWF, WCW, WWE, just to name a few popular ones. He’s been in the business for a long time and just like he said in one emotional promo he had upon returning to the WWE in 2001, Flair was nothing in this business until Vince McMahon made the phone call and introduced him into the WWF. You see, ever since that time, Ric “The Nature Boy” Flair has left a mark on wrestling. He’s made his place into history, and has secured the honor of being called a legend. Feuds with Randy Savage and an impressive rivalry with Hulk Hogan, as well as other feuds the man has gone through are just some examples of his great work. Of course, for the newer generation fans, or for those who have been watching for a while but don’t remember those feuds or weren’t around back then, there’s still a way to prove to you that Ric Flair has left a mark on wrestling. Every time you see a wrestler do a chop across the chest of another wrestler, you can hear only one thing from the audience — “Woooooo!” That’s some Flair for you right there! No doubt, phrases, feuds, wrestling skills, incredible talent on the microphone and tons of charisma — The Nature Boy is a legend.
A legend my ass. The same person, this one guy who I once loved so much that I couldn’t stop imitating his walk, and I didn’t care how old he was as long as he was fighting Hogan, well, this “legend” has jobbed to almost everyone, and recently lost to none other than… Rico?! Well, I’m sorry, but this is too much to deal with from where I stand. I know that we could say the WWE simply put Rico and all these other guys over by having Ric Flair lose to them, but where has Rico gone since winning? Nowhere. In fact, I’ve been very mad for a while with the WWE over Flair’s character. Ever since he lost control over the Raw brand it’s been horrible. That’s probably the one thing I wouldn’t be behind or can’t be positive about today, as I can’t find a reasonable explanation. Here’s my reasoning…
For as long as I’ve known Triple H, he’s always answered with one name when asked “Who did you adore, or who inspired you as a wrestler?” His answer? “Ric Flair.” Why? Triple H was very right in his reasoning when he answered this question — No matter how green or on what level the opponent in the ring is, Ric Flair was always able to sell, or carry the match in such a way, that the entertainers would end up doing their job — tell a great story. You see, this business doesn’t have too many people that can do that. Ric Flair had that “it” factor, as well as the charisma to be able to control everything in a match.
I think I’ve gotten one point through — Ric Flair IS one of the greatest wrestlers there ever was!
The Nature Boy is now playing the role of a “manager” for Triple H on WWE RAW. Since losing the Raw brand to Vince McMahon, he’s been at odds with his character and has had somewhat meaningless feuds with Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam. I think the WWE simply has no idea what to do with his character and teaming him up with Triple H gives them time to come up with something. Speaking of that something, I really hope that Ric Flair’s allegiance with Batista goes somewhere.
I talked about this in my last column, but if the rumor of a possible Four Horsemen reunion are true, and Batista, Orton, Triple H, and Flair are the members, then I think Ric Flair can have one last good reign in his career. His role will certainly not be the same as it has been with that popular group, but he can still make the best out of it. That’s where his power is and that’s where he can be used.
You see, when the WWF bought out WCW, there weren’t many people who were ready to take a buyout when they were receiving tons of money for sitting at home. Well, Ric Flair did. He decided to give away his contract and come back to his fans and wrestling. Why? He couldn’t wait and sit home. That’s the type of person he is. I’m even sure myself that Flair didn’t mind jobbing to Rico either. The fact remains, this shouldn’t happen to him. I’m not saying he should be pushed to main-event level or anything of that nature, I’m just saying that if he’s going to be a jobber, it’s better for The Nature Boy to not wrestle and be a manager/leader or what have-you, or maybe just hang the ol’ wrestling boots on the wall.
Let’s hope that the WWE does the right thing, because I know this for a fact — the legend of the Nature Boy will live on! Woooooooooooooo!
Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it! Feedback is welcomed!
Eddie
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