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Commentary: Retirement of Ric Flair

Only one word can describe Ric Flair and his time in professional wrestling greatness.
A main event superstar, Flair has won everything there is to win in the business. His feat of 16 World Heavyweight title reigns in quite remarkable, considering how competitive the business is. But that is what Ric Flair was all about overcoming the odds and achieving the seemingly impossible.

From his days at the America Wrestling Association (AWA), to his time in the NWA, WCW and finally, the WWE, Flair was all heart, doing everything that was in his power to ensure the fans had a good & entertaining match.

Labelled the dirtiest player in the game, Flair had no qualms about using unfair tactics to gain the upper hand. A thumb to the eye, a low blow, a testicular claw, an aye rake & roll ups while holding opponents' tights were some of the moves an adversary of Flair would have come up against. Not that we, the fans, minded. The Nature Boy was much loved (and even idolized) by the fans.

His entrance music drove us crazy. His in ring technique & style was to say the least, unique. Who can forget the knife edge chops, the small package roll ups, the inverted atomic drops and his signature move, the figure four leg lock? Not only was Flair king of wrestling, he was also king of Comedy. We all remember the "Flair Flop," when after being battered & pummeled by an opponent, Naitch' would confidently stride out and look to have regained his composure, fists clenched, only to fall flat on his face. His all too familiar Flair-strut' is also worth mentioning.

Flair had the respect of his peers, as was evidenced by the emotional tribute WWE superstars (led by Triple H & Shawn Michaels) gave him following his emotional retirement speech in March 2008. Even the unflappable Undertaker showed some emotion that night.

Anyone doubting Flair's pedigree should look at some of the wrestlers the Naitch' has mentored. The likes of Triple H (The Game) , Batista, The Big Show, Randy Orton & Carlito, all great wrestlers (and champions) in their own right, have all been inspired and managed by the legendary Ric Flair. If there are any lingering doubts, there is also the small matter of Flair being the first active competitor to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The most loved Dirtiest Player in the Game' deserves his place alongside other greats. The legend of Flair will never die Woooooooooo!' Woooooooooo!' Wooooooooooooooooooooo!'

Learn more about this author, The Schmooze.
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Commentary: Retirement of Ric Flair

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