Ric Flair, known for his flashy lifestyle, has never hidden his love for partying, even now at 76 years old. In the 1990s, Shawn Michaels, also known as the ‘Heart Break Kid,’ was infamous for his indulgent habits but later embraced religion and tried to persuade Flair to cut back on drinking during a European tour. Flair shared on the “Game with Names” podcast that after a show, while everyone was enjoying music and beer, Michaels challenged his drinking habits, asking if he was ready to “grow up” and suggesting he stay sober in the bus lounge instead. Flair humorously resisted, telling Michaels he not only needed to drink but also didn’t want to watch TV, resulting in a lively debate before they eventually shared drinks again the following day.
Flair also recounted pushing Michaels to his limit on what was supposed to be their last party together. What began as an offer of one beer turned into three, culminating in a wild night in Paris where Michaels was so drunk the Hardy Boyz had to escort him to his room. The next day, Michaels humorously scolded Flair before flying home, with Flair joking about other wrestlers who were wary of his influence. He recalled tales of Michaels being warned to “leave Cena alone” and Big Show being tough to handle, adding that even he had been “beaten by Big Show.”
Fan Take: This glimpse into the off-screen camaraderie and wild partying days of wrestling legends like Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels adds a rich layer of history for WWE fans. It reminds us how personal relationships and personalities have shaped the wrestling world, while also signaling how much the industry has evolved regarding lifestyle and professionalism.
