On March 30 ,Ric Flair will end his colorful career by having his last match against one of the wrestling’s icon Shawn Michaels on the grandest stage of pro wrestling WRESTLEMANIA.And will be the first active ring competitor to be inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame.
I have been a fan of this man for decades though always being known to many fans as a heel or villain to many grappling fans,many has been said about him as his legend grows for over 30 years in the mat business.As I have adored such match legends like Hogan,Bret Hart,Road Warriors,Harley Race ,Roddy Piper; Ric Flair will always be on the top of the list with sixteen world tittles(NWA,WWE,WCW) tucked under his waist and numerous regional and tag team titles this man without a shadow of a doubt would be considered as one of the greatest or the greatest.As I can recall I first watched him was during the early 80’s having some interviews though always arrogant and cocky during the segments,I’ve seem to notice that this guy is different persona wise ;you would like him even though he is a ring villain.And watching him having some memorable and classic battles against the Von Erichs,Harley Race,Ricky Steamboat ,Nikita Koloff and Dusty Rhodes made me a true fan.. Seeing and watching Flair wrestle live two years ago when the WWE came to Manila for a series of shows is a dream come true I’ve never expected that I would be able to see him perform live and in person.So this coming Wrestlemania is gonna be a bitter-sweet one ,bitter because it will end the illustrious career of the “Nature Boy” sweet because I’m sure this would be a great and a very memorable match.
Being a long time fan of classic wrestling(wrestling of 70’s,80’s,early 90’s era)when pro wrestling is more real and more as a sport than as entertainment hearing that Ric Flair will retire is tough and has evoked some mixed and strong emotions not only from me but to his legion of fans as well.The business will surely miss him,he has led a way for the many stars of today,there's never been anybody like Flair.Another great era will end.
So whatever you called him...The Nature Boy,the Dirtiest Player of the Game,The Man,The jet flying,limousine riding,kiss stealing son of gun,Space Mountain.The Greatest of all time.
“Naitch” is simply the BEST.WooooooH!!!
***Photos:top from the internet;bottom -author's own during the 2006 Manila tour.
