Ric Flair has credited one WWE Superstar with “saving the business.”
The Nature Boy began his career back in 1972 and didn’t hang up his boots until 50 years later. In that time Flair wrestled the biggest and the best that the industry had to offer all while creating a legacy that ensured he’ll be remembered as a legend — at least in the ring — for a long time to come.
Given his experience, Flair is perfectly placed to give an assessment of who might be the greatest of all time. A question that has been asked and debated by fans for as long as the sport has existed.
Speaking in a new interview with Chris Van Vliet, Flair named his number one as Steve Austin, claiming he all but saved WWE in the 1990s.
“Well, I think to me, the goat is the guy that did the most for the business. Not necessarily, had to be the best wrestler. But the guy that did meant the most to our business, and the guy that saved [it] in my eyes, saved the WWE. Steve Austin. Yeah, I mean, what Steve did, and then to be injured and retire at 39. I mean, I keep forgetting this and until people remind me, well, I don’t see Steve as much as I used to. But he quit. He had to quit because of a broken neck at 39. Yeah, he got back in and out.
But I mean, think about that. I mean. And he took a couple of swings. They put one label on him, but when he found that niche, him and Vince The Attitude Era, but it was Stone Cold, Shawn [Michaels], Mike Tyson. And we were arguing about the nWo who’s gonna win a match? And can we go with three minutes instead of 10? I mean, it’s just bullsh*t. But that’s, that’s when all of a sudden where Bischoff didn’t know how to run a company. Then he put himself into it, which made it worse.”
Ric Flair Wants To Wrestle Again
During the interview, Ric Flair also admitted he wants to wrestle again. Flair famously retired in July 2022 after teaming with Andrade El Idolo at a special event prompted under the Jim Crockett banner.
The 16-time World Champion struggled badly during the match, and he’s since revealed he passed out twice.
If you use any of the quotes from this article please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Inside The Ropes.