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The Unfortunate Aspects of Ric Flair’s Life
Ric Flair, known for his flashy lifestyle featuring limousines, jets, and his signature style, has been a wrestling icon for decades. As "The Nature Boy," he has earned widespread fame and recognition, often overshadowing the inner struggles he’s faced. Flair has documented his life story in various formats, appeared in movies like Magic Mike XXL, and even inspired the 2017 track "Ric Flair Drip" by Metro Boomin and Offset. Despite his celebrity status, Flair’s experiences off-camera reveal a much darker narrative that deserves attention.
This article explores the incredible journey of Richard Morgan Fliehr, shedding light on some of the most heartbreaking moments he has encountered throughout his 76 years.
Fred Phillips
While the name Fred Phillips might not ring a bell, it was the name given to Ric Flair before he was adopted. Flair has openly discussed his early life, including being taken from his birth mother to a children’s home in Tennessee. He was adopted by Kathleen and Richard Freer just three weeks after his birth. Growing up in Edina, Minnesota, Flair always considered Kathleen and Richard his true parents, despite being informed of his adoption at a young age. Although he has been contacted by a man claiming to be his brother, Flair remains uninterested in pursuing that relationship.
Plane Crash Incident
Before becoming the superstar he is known as today, Flair was nearly sidelined early in his career due to a devastating plane crash on October 4, 1975, in Wilmington, North Carolina. The crash occurred when the pilot attempted to dump fuel to reduce weight. Although Flair survived along with several other wrestlers, he suffered severe back injuries, which doctors initially said would end his wrestling career. Remarkably, he returned to the ring by January 1976 with a new, less strenuous wrestling style.
Family Losses
Loss is a universal experience, but Flair has faced devastating tragedies in his family. He was particularly close to his adopted son, Reid, who died from a drug overdose in 2013. Flair found Reid’s body, a moment that deeply affected him. Additionally, his adopted mother passed away shortly after he delivered the news of his son’s death. The pain continued in 2024 with the suicide of his stepson, Sebastian.
Plane Ride from Hell
In 2001, Flair returned to WWE following its acquisition of WCW. He quickly became embroiled in controversy during a tumultuous flight incident in which various wrestlers indulged in excessive drinking and inappropriate behavior. Flair faced significant backlash for allegedly making unwanted advances toward flight attendants, leading to legal actions that have shadowed his career.
Retirement and Return
Flair’s retirement match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24 in 2008 is often cited as one of the most memorable in WWE history. Although Flair initially retired, he returned to wrestling just over a year later, which some fans disapprove of as it tarnished his legendary status.
Ongoing Legal Issues
Flair encountered numerous financial troubles following his retirement from WWE. His attempts to establish a financial business ended in bankruptcy shortly after it opened. Legal battles continued with various parties, including claims that he owed money to wrestling promotions and other entities.
Feuds Within Wrestling
Ric Flair’s persona has often sparked controversy, leading to numerous feuds, both on-screen and off. Personal conflicts have arisen with various wrestling figures, revealing a complicated legacy marked by both admiration and animosity.
Health Challenges
Like many wrestlers, Flair has suffered from significant health issues over the years. His battle with alcoholism led to serious heart complications, and he required a pacemaker. In 2017, he was hospitalized and placed in a medically induced coma due to complications from surgery, only to make a remarkable recovery.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
In June 2025, Flair announced his diagnosis of skin cancer, marking yet another health struggle in his life. This news came just after he had made headlines for other reasons, illustrating the ongoing challenges facing him.
Fan Take
Understanding the full scope of Ric Flair’s life is crucial for wrestling fans, as it adds depth to his storied legacy. His resilience in overcoming personal and health challenges makes his journey all the more inspiring and highlights the often-overlooked human aspect behind the glitz of wrestling fame.
