Ric is one of the all time greats, and its really between him and Hulk Hogan. I would say he was the true American wrestling fans version of Hulk Hogan. Back in the '80's growing up when he was at the top, he was in the NWA, long before the WWF. NWA became WCW, then sort of merged with WWE. But who knows, that was then, all I remember was that it was on WTBS, todays "TBS", and it was the federation my buddies and I were really into. Sting, Road Warriors, Rock N Roll Express, Dusty Rhodes, The Four Horsemen all were NWA wrestlers long before they were in the WWF. I used to go see them at the "Omni in Atlanta!" as a kid. We used to dress up like the Rock N Roll Express. Good times as a kid.

Quote: (01-19-2015 05:48 PM)whoishe Wrote:  

Quote: (01-19-2015 05:32 PM)JoyStick Wrote:  

Quote: (01-19-2015 05:17 PM)whoishe Wrote:  

Of course I agree that Flair personal life after 2000 was a mess.

Quote: (01-19-2015 05:11 PM)JoyStick Wrote:  

He is also well known to be a brown noser, a back stabber, a pussy and got to the top because of back stage politics.

But this is interesting and I'm not sure I agree. Among guys who made it big in 80's and 90's I would say he was the most likeable guy, the most willing to look opponent good in matches and ready to lose to them in fashion which was good to business. Guys like Hogan, Warrior, Shawn Michaels were really uncooperative, even if Michaels was amazing wrestler too.

Compare it to Hogan and his backstage politics before WCW Starcade 1997, which ultimately was beginning of the end for them.

I don't have time to look them up right now but Mitch Foley, Shane Douglas, and Scott Steiner have all criticize his backstage politics.

I read Foley biographies, so I know about his complaints. I wouldn't trust a word from Douglas or Steiner though.

I am not saying Flair was a saint, I'm just saying that wrestling is similar to politics - basically all top wrestlers had to get their hands dirty to go to the top (maybe except Goldberg, as his push to the stardom was instant). Considering all the names who were at the top I consider Flair one of the better guys among them.

You can find dirt on Steve Austin, The Rock, Undertaker too, but it's names like HHH, Michaels, Hogan. Warrior who were considered the worst of them by wrestling insiders.

I disagree. The Rock maybe, but I doubt you can find any real dirt on Austin or the Undertaker from any wrestlers.

Ric Flair was more willing to put over wrestlers than the other wrestlers you mentioned and he's indeed talented and charismatic, but he definitely not one of the "better guys".

I really like Austin, but for example walking out just before Raw when he was asked to lose to Brock Lesnar (during his previous stint in WWE) was really unprofessional. Not only they had to re-book big part of the show almost on the fly, but also had to change their mid-term direction.

Not sure now about dirt on Taker, but with him it's a little bit different - getting titles wasn't really part of his wrestling image and big part of the career he was clearly feeded guys brought or pushed just to lose him. He was also heavily protected by Vince McMahon, so maybe didn't have to play politics too much.

Not really unprofessional when he was booked to lose to an up and comer without any buildup and anticipation. That is equivalent to throwing rocks at someone's throne. I agreed with Austin there, but it was obvious he had some underlying issues (such as the incident with Debra).

Taker succeeded because he worked with a gimmick that was both fascinating and ironic. Undertaker's supposedly are immune to burials (see Triple H's recipients).

There's some dirt on Rock also. Some backstage believe that he is smug because of his Hollywood fame now, according to whatever Cena's worked shoots were during that time they were feuding.

Quote: (01-19-2015 05:17 PM)whoishe Wrote:  

Of course I agree that Flair personal life after 2000 was a mess. But at least he got to his 60's alive and in relatively good health, which on its own is a big achievement in wrestling among top players from 80's.

Quote: (01-19-2015 05:11 PM)JoyStick Wrote:  

He is also well known to be a brown noser, a back stabber, a pussy and got to the top because of back stage politics.

But this is interesting and I'm not sure I agree. Among guys who made it big in 80's and 90's I would say he was the most likeable guy backstage, the most willing to look opponent good in matches and ready to lose to them in fashion which was good for business. Guys like Hogan, Warrior, Shawn Michaels were really uncooperative, even if Michaels was amazing wrestler too.

Compare it to Hogan and his backstage politics before WCW Starcade 1997, which ultimately was beginning of the end for them.

The shit Flair is alleged to have pulled pales in comparison to what Hogan Nash & Hall did in their WCW days which ultimately led to the demise of the company

As for him being this fount of RP wisdom, he may talk the talk but hasn't walked the walk. Hasn't managed his vices well, has gotten repeatedly fleeced by goldigging women & has a deep seeded need to be loved & adored by people & goes to great lengths to do so, which isn't a good thing when you consider his precarious financial situation. He seems very empty & unfulfilled inside

Rather sad, i've always been a fan of his. Loved the original Horsemen

I gotta agree with Joy and Lord. Flair was not a good guy at all behind the scenes. Worse than hogan even. His character really was his character on stage. Outside of that, he was a snake with big personality flaws.

Hall was a dope head. Hogan was a bitch. The rock was arrogant as hell. The warrior was a sandy vag. I won't even bother bringing up all the dead guys like bulldog or Owen. I could go on but the thing is, all these guys were human. I prefer to remember them for the good times and all the laughs. No matter how painful the reality was.

Should we start a Pro-Wrestling thread? Not sure if anyone else is into the independent wrestling scene or just the golden era?

“It’s so hard for me to sit back here in this studio, looking at a guy out here, hollering my name! When last year I spent more money, on spilled liquor, in bars from one side of this world to the other, than you made! You’re talking to the Rolex wearing, diamond ring wearing, kiss stealing, whoa! wheelin dealin’, limousine riding, jet flying son of a gun and I'm having a hard time holding these alligators down!”

Did someone say Ric Flair?

How is "professional" wrestling being discussed on this forum like it's a real thing?

Quote: (01-19-2015 09:39 PM)Suits Wrote:  

How is "professional" wrestling being discussed on this forum like it's a real thing?

It urks me when people discredit it just because its choreography. Its akin to refusing to watch a Bruce Lee film or any action film because it has a script and the scenes are pre-determined.

Pro-Wrestling is a physically grueling sport, scripted or not. What makes it so entertaining is the athleticism and the characters of it. I'm certain you've read fiction or watched a television program which you then discussed, regardless of the fabricated personalities in it.

Either way, most of the discussion in this thread seems to be regarding the personal life of Ric Flair and the backstage politics which the wrestlers used to get ahead.

Gotta give some love to one of the best heels of all time: "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.

Rick Flair was the wrestler that you loved to hate. He was loud, arrogant, overbearing, and made no qualms about cheating. God I loved to hate him. My all time favorites were Hawk & Animal, The Road Warriors. But Flair was superb at what he did. He didn't have a flashy signature move, nor was he big and athletic. He was just energetic, charismatic, and engaging as all Hell. Electric. You couldn't help but watch.

Quote: (01-19-2015 06:02 PM)Redwood Wrote:  

Ric Flair is definitely one of the greats, no doubt about it. He brought his own flair to the Four Horsemen group, along with Arn.

This is one of my favorite moments though:

Jesus Christ this is fucking hilarious!!!!

Quote: (01-19-2015 10:02 PM)Impulse Wrote:  

Quote: (01-19-2015 09:39 PM)Suits Wrote:  

How is "professional" wrestling being discussed on this forum like it's a real thing?

It urks me when people discredit it just because its choreography. Its akin to refusing to watch a Bruce Lee film or any action film because it has a script and the scenes are pre-determined.

Pro-Wrestling is a physically grueling sport, scripted or not. What makes it so entertaining is the athleticism and the characters of it. I'm certain you've read fiction or watched a television program which you then discussed, regardless of the fabricated personalities in it.

Either way, most of the discussion in this thread seems to be regarding the personal life of Ric Flair and the backstage politics which the wrestlers used to get ahead.

Actually, I'm very impressed with the athleticism. I've seen it up close. It's absolutely mind-shattering what these guys can pull off. High end gymnastics that would put Olympic silver medalists to shame.

It just seems strange to equate the actor with the acted role.

And the "script" is always very silly. I didn't realize that intelligent grown men took it seriously until this thread popped up. I preferred the thread on drinking scotch.

But by all means, carry on.

Quote: (01-19-2015 07:28 PM)whoishe Wrote:  

I really like Austin, but for example walking out just before Raw when he was asked to lose to Brock Lesnar (during his previous stint in WWE) was really unprofessional. Not only they had to re-book big part of the show almost on the fly, but also had to change their mid-term direction.

That's different. He did that openly. Austin wasn't nice to your face, and then stab you in the back. Austin is a genuine motherfucker and other wrestlers respect that.

Austin refused to lose to Brock because Brock was a newbie at the time. Austin was protecting his value.

Let's post some other great shit.

Guys, we should start a wrestling thread on our favorite wrestlers. I liked Ric Flair, but I also liked others like the Rock, Stone Cold, Eddie Guerrero and others.

Quote: (01-19-2015 11:45 PM)JoyStick Wrote:  

Quote: (01-19-2015 07:28 PM)whoishe Wrote:  

I really like Austin, but for example walking out just before Raw when he was asked to lose to Brock Lesnar (during his previous stint in WWE) was really unprofessional. Not only they had to re-book big part of the show almost on the fly, but also had to change their mid-term direction.

That's different. He did that openly. Austin wasn't nice to your face, and then stab you in the back. Austin is a genuine motherfucker and other wrestlers respect that.

Austin refused to lose to Brock because Brock was a newbie at the time. Austin was protecting his value.

And you think what was Ric Flair doing - backstabbing people for fun? Backstage politics is all about protecting the value.

Quote: (01-19-2015 08:42 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  

I gotta agree with Joy and Lord. Flair was not a good guy at all behind the scenes. Worse than hogan even. His character really was his character on stage. Outside of that, he was a snake with big personality flaws.

Hall was a dope head. Hogan was a bitch. The rock was arrogant as hell. The warrior was a sandy vag. I won't even bother bringing up all the dead guys like bulldog or Owen. I could go on but the thing is, all these guys were human. I prefer to remember them for the good times and all the laughs. No matter how painful the reality was.

Some explanation would be nice, cause otherwise I have to assume you have no idea what are you talking about. The only positive thing Hogan had backstage was that he was awesome for kids and for all charity events he gladly participated (even Flair in his autobiography praised him heavily for that).

Quote: (01-20-2015 01:43 AM)MidWest Wrote:  

Guys, we should start a wrestling thread on our favorite wrestlers. I liked Ric Flair, but I also liked others like the Rock, Stone Cold, Eddie Guerrero and others.

List for me is too long and in my case even includes Japanese wrestlers, like Hayabusa, Mitsuharu Misawa, Kenta Kobashi or Masato Tanaka. In Japan wrestling ("Puroresu") it's treated basically as a sport, legit daily newspapers are writing (or were writing when I was following it closely) recaps of wrestling shows in their sports section (first posted clip is from show in USA though).











And it's also really hard to discredit Chris Benoit wrestling skills, even after what he did to his family.

My point was Austin was open about not wanting to put over a newbie because it would affect his value.

Flair was sneaky.

Quote: (01-20-2015 01:43 AM)MidWest Wrote:  

Guys, we should start a wrestling thread on our favorite wrestlers. I liked Ric Flair, but I also liked others like the Rock, Stone Cold, Eddie Guerrero and others.

My absolute favorite when I started watching as an emotional middle schooler was Raven!

He was good on the mic and I liked his emo gimmick. I felt misunderstood as a kid.

My other favorites are Chris Benoit, Eddy Guerrero, Kurt Angle and Scott Hall.

These wrestlers taught me a lot about showmanship.

I was a big fan of "Macho Man Randy Savage".

^^^Always had Elizabeth with him. He was a cool MF - RIP

Val Venis was the man, I remember he fucked (well, "wrestling" fucked) this Asian girl, so this pack of Asians tried chopping his dick off.



This was all before I had hair on my nuts and nothing he did made a lot of sense but now it's fucking hilarious.

Taka had one of the coolest entrance songs.