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The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair
For more than a century, professional wrestling has cultivated some of the most eccentric and compelling personalities. As the embodiment of flamboyance and intensity, the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair stood at wrestling’s apex for decades, cementing his place as a once-in-a-lifetime athlete and performer. When he was in the ring, fans knew they were witnessing the very best, and he not only became a multi-time world heavyweight champion in the NWA, WCW, and the WWE, but his status as a generational great has been confirmed with inductions into numerous Halls of Fame.
The Last Real World The Legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair is a gripping portrait of a wrestling legend. This unflinching biography explores the successes, struggles, and controversy of Flair’s life in wrestling, pulling no punches in sharing the truth behind his in-ring achievements and out-of-the-ring hardships. Today, Flair is celebrated for his pioneering career and as an iconic figure in the realm of mainstream sports entertainment. Celebrated wrestling historian Tim Hornbaker tells Flair’s complete story, with meticulous attention to detail and exhaustive research, creating a must-read for fans of wrestling, sports, and popular culture.
The Last Real World The Legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair is a gripping portrait of a wrestling legend. This unflinching biography explores the successes, struggles, and controversy of Flair’s life in wrestling, pulling no punches in sharing the truth behind his in-ring achievements and out-of-the-ring hardships. Today, Flair is celebrated for his pioneering career and as an iconic figure in the realm of mainstream sports entertainment. Celebrated wrestling historian Tim Hornbaker tells Flair’s complete story, with meticulous attention to detail and exhaustive research, creating a must-read for fans of wrestling, sports, and popular culture.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2023
60 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 7, 2023
This is a chronicle of the life of Ric Flair, from his birth and adoption in 1949 to his legendary career up to the present day.
I've read one of Ric Flair's books and watched numerous interviews, including the 8 hour one from Highspots, so I knew a lot of this information or at least Ric Flair's version of events. Hornbaker takes a factual approach and sifts through a lot of embellishments and hazy 50 year old memories and presents the definitive account of Ric Flair's career.
I've read one of Ric Flair's books and watched numerous interviews, including the 8 hour one from Highspots, so I knew a lot of this information or at least Ric Flair's version of events. Hornbaker takes a factual approach and sifts through a lot of embellishments and hazy 50 year old memories and presents the definitive account of Ric Flair's career.
October 10, 2023
Disappointing. And not just because Hornbaker is content to sweep Flair’s documented sexual harassment into a series of footnotes or else take Flair’s own word as veracity that a particularly galling allegation of sexual assault “didn’t happen.” He seems to write from a perspective that, as an objective history of Flair’s world title lineage, it is acceptable to merely note these claims in passing but that focus should be almost entirely on Flair’s professional accolades. Which are indeed tremendous but given his character work as a womanizing playboy, how can one separate the private allegations from his professional demeanor? Some can (Hornbaker obviously among them), I cannot. But even as a history, this is rather dull and incomplete: a recitation of dates and lineal title legacies with a lot of the juicier details left to footnotes or merely alluded to without comment. This makes for a frustrating read given the entirety of Flair’s career featured significant backstage political turmoil that Hornbaker mostly omits.
For anyone unfamiliar with this era of the business or who never understood what Flair meant to it and how he did indeed work over 300 dates a year, sometimes twice in one day, as the last “real” world champion, this is a good primer on just that facet of his life. But as biography beyond that, it’s a failure.
For anyone unfamiliar with this era of the business or who never understood what Flair meant to it and how he did indeed work over 300 dates a year, sometimes twice in one day, as the last “real” world champion, this is a good primer on just that facet of his life. But as biography beyond that, it’s a failure.
December 7, 2023
Ric Flair’s career spans over FIVE decades (only recently ending), during which he has earned numerous accolades and championships. From his early days in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) to his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and ultimately his stints in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), Flair has left an indelible mark on the industry. His flamboyant larger-than-life persona has captivated audiences for decades, making him one of the most recognizable figures in the world of professional wrestling. He’s one of those rare cases where he truly transcends the sport, becoming a household name in many parts of the country. Known for his charismatic promos and his ability to captivate the crowd, Ric Flair’s in-ring skills and entertaining performances have solidified his status as a wrestling legend.
While recent controversies may have tarnished Flair’s reputation to some extent, I think it is negligent to entirely dismiss the man out of hand. Ric Flair’s contributions to professional wrestling cannot be ignored or denied. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of the sport, and his impact will continue to be felt for years to come. Tim Hornbaker has taken great care to analyze the entire life of Flair, from his upbringing in the 1950’s Midwest, to his school days, and most notably his pro wrestling career. The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair is perhaps the most well-researched book on Flair that I have ever read, and one that should be in any wrestling fan’s library.
Ric Flair had a life that could have taken a completely different path from the one he ultimately embarked upon. A lot of people may not realize this, but Flair was abandoned as a child and adopted by Kathleen and Dr. Richard Reid Fliehr. As a young man, Flair stood out as a charismatic and popular high school football star, drawing attention with his athletic prowess and magnetic personality. His ability to charm and captivate others was evident from an early age, making him a true standout among his peers. However, despite his undeniable talent and charm, Flair struggled in the academic sphere. This likely was frustrating to his parents, who where in the academic sphere, his father being a doctor and his mother being a journalist and writer.
School was never a priority for him, and he found himself on the verge of failing out multiple times. In fact, he was even held back a year during his senior year of high school due to academic challenges. He made it into college, but wasn’t particularly focused on his studies, and moved from school to school chasing an elusive football spot. When this alluded him due to his GPA, he chose a rather unique college experience – one that involved spending most of his time in the fraternity dormitory (even after leaving school entirely), indulging in the carefree lifestyle of parties and socializing. This setback could have discouraged many, perhaps even leading him to a life being a washed-out loser, but Flair’s determination and resilience ultimately led him down a different path. When reading this book, I couldn’t help but realize that Flair’s life embodies the old adage that it’s the unexpected turns, the road less traveled, that lead to the most extraordinary destinations.
For Ric, that destination was professional wrestling. Flair had familial and personal connections to Verne Gagne through his school and his mother’s theater work, and a friendship with Ken Patera after a chance encounter at a bar where he was bouncing. After learning of Patera’s goals to be a cross-over professional wrestling star (Patera was an Olympic athlete), Ric Flair was intrigued enough to convince Gagne to allow him to join a training camp. Ric was worried his family would be upset but gained the blessing of his wife and his parents. Ric’s father said, “Go ahead, do it. Just make sure you are the best.” After training in grueling conditions in a barn on rural property, Flair had his debut match against “Scrap Iron” George Gadaski in 1972 for the AWA, and the rest was history.
Eventually, Ric Flair would come across numerous wrestling stars of the time, including a man that would start out as his mentor and eventually become perhaps his most notorious rival – Dusty Rhodes. Dusty took Flair under his wing, providing guidance and mentorship to the aspiring wrestler. Rhodes recognized Flair’s talent and potential, and he saw something special in the young athlete. Over time, their bond grew stronger, with Rhodes teaching Flair the tricks of the trade and helping him refine his in-ring skills. At one point, Ric Flair even expressed interest in portraying Dusty Rhodes’ kayfabe brother, “Rambling” Ricky Rhodes. Thankfully, that idea never came to fruition.
The majority of this book talks about Flair’s greatest triumphs in his career, something that came in the aftermath of a 1975 plane crash that nearly ended his life. Considering the fact that a man like Flair was able to re-invent himself and surpass everyone’s expectations when most men would have retired entirely is impressive to say the least. The book goes over the build up to, and subsequent win of his NWA Heavyweight Championship, and eventually his move to Jim Crockett Promotions which would later become World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The book concentrates on this time period, and largely does not stray too far past the death of WCW.
Those later years are touched on, including the less than great episodes in his life such as the infamous “plane ride from hell” and other accusations that currently plague his career. The book is not a hit piece by any means, and the book strongly advises one to look at the full picture of Flair’s life. Whether you are a fan of his or not, I appreciate that the book pulls no punches and shows both sides of the man, the good, the bad, and everything in-between. I appreciate this approach a lot and it goes to show how good Tim Hornbaker is at his craft.
Tim Hornbaker has really established himself as a prominent figure within the realm of wrestling-related biographies and historical books. His illustrious career spans numerous releases, each fleshed-out with his characteristic attention to detail and meticulous sourcing of facts. As an avid reader and enthusiast of wrestling, I find myself consistently appreciating the depth and accuracy that Hornbaker brings to his writings. He is an author that I really look up to in many ways, and as I venture into graduate school this winter, I’d really like to do something like him even though I am old and contending with a nine to five job.
Hornbaker’s prowess as a historian is evident in his ability to make sense of old news articles, many of which often dismissed or disregarded the world of professional wrestling. By carefully examining these primary sources, he unveils hidden narratives, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on historical events that might have otherwise been overlooked. If he is unable to find something he says it, even though it would be easy to ride on with hearsay or assumptions. It is this attention to detail that sets Hornbaker apart and solidifies his position as an accomplished wrestling historian. Through his writing, Hornbaker not only preserves the legacy of wrestling but also showcases the significance of its cultural impact.
I know there are other Flair books out there, such as Ric Flair: To be the Man written by Flair and Keith Elliot Greenberg. While that book was fine, you could tell it was pumped full of things written in-character and some pretty big tall-tales, an issue I find with the large majority of the books written under the WWE Umbrella. The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair by Tim Hornbaker treads on similar territory at times, but goes at everything from an investigative angle. No rock is left unturned, and even the unflattering moments of Ric’s life are discussed. I appreciate this a lot, and as a result I found this book to be far superior. If you are looking for a great book on the life of Ric Flair, you really can’t do much better than this book, and I’d highly recommend it for any wrestling fan.
ECW Press ALWAYS makes great wrestling books, including The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers: The Masters of the Craft of Professional Wrestling, Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling’s Original Sheik, Wreslecrap, and the classic The Death of WCW, just to name a few. To see all these and more that I’ve read, click HERE.
Note: I was provided a free copy of this book by ECW Press in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks to them for their consideration.
Full review here: https://arcadiapod.com/2023/12/07/rev...
While recent controversies may have tarnished Flair’s reputation to some extent, I think it is negligent to entirely dismiss the man out of hand. Ric Flair’s contributions to professional wrestling cannot be ignored or denied. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of the sport, and his impact will continue to be felt for years to come. Tim Hornbaker has taken great care to analyze the entire life of Flair, from his upbringing in the 1950’s Midwest, to his school days, and most notably his pro wrestling career. The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair is perhaps the most well-researched book on Flair that I have ever read, and one that should be in any wrestling fan’s library.
Ric Flair had a life that could have taken a completely different path from the one he ultimately embarked upon. A lot of people may not realize this, but Flair was abandoned as a child and adopted by Kathleen and Dr. Richard Reid Fliehr. As a young man, Flair stood out as a charismatic and popular high school football star, drawing attention with his athletic prowess and magnetic personality. His ability to charm and captivate others was evident from an early age, making him a true standout among his peers. However, despite his undeniable talent and charm, Flair struggled in the academic sphere. This likely was frustrating to his parents, who where in the academic sphere, his father being a doctor and his mother being a journalist and writer.
School was never a priority for him, and he found himself on the verge of failing out multiple times. In fact, he was even held back a year during his senior year of high school due to academic challenges. He made it into college, but wasn’t particularly focused on his studies, and moved from school to school chasing an elusive football spot. When this alluded him due to his GPA, he chose a rather unique college experience – one that involved spending most of his time in the fraternity dormitory (even after leaving school entirely), indulging in the carefree lifestyle of parties and socializing. This setback could have discouraged many, perhaps even leading him to a life being a washed-out loser, but Flair’s determination and resilience ultimately led him down a different path. When reading this book, I couldn’t help but realize that Flair’s life embodies the old adage that it’s the unexpected turns, the road less traveled, that lead to the most extraordinary destinations.
For Ric, that destination was professional wrestling. Flair had familial and personal connections to Verne Gagne through his school and his mother’s theater work, and a friendship with Ken Patera after a chance encounter at a bar where he was bouncing. After learning of Patera’s goals to be a cross-over professional wrestling star (Patera was an Olympic athlete), Ric Flair was intrigued enough to convince Gagne to allow him to join a training camp. Ric was worried his family would be upset but gained the blessing of his wife and his parents. Ric’s father said, “Go ahead, do it. Just make sure you are the best.” After training in grueling conditions in a barn on rural property, Flair had his debut match against “Scrap Iron” George Gadaski in 1972 for the AWA, and the rest was history.
Eventually, Ric Flair would come across numerous wrestling stars of the time, including a man that would start out as his mentor and eventually become perhaps his most notorious rival – Dusty Rhodes. Dusty took Flair under his wing, providing guidance and mentorship to the aspiring wrestler. Rhodes recognized Flair’s talent and potential, and he saw something special in the young athlete. Over time, their bond grew stronger, with Rhodes teaching Flair the tricks of the trade and helping him refine his in-ring skills. At one point, Ric Flair even expressed interest in portraying Dusty Rhodes’ kayfabe brother, “Rambling” Ricky Rhodes. Thankfully, that idea never came to fruition.
The majority of this book talks about Flair’s greatest triumphs in his career, something that came in the aftermath of a 1975 plane crash that nearly ended his life. Considering the fact that a man like Flair was able to re-invent himself and surpass everyone’s expectations when most men would have retired entirely is impressive to say the least. The book goes over the build up to, and subsequent win of his NWA Heavyweight Championship, and eventually his move to Jim Crockett Promotions which would later become World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The book concentrates on this time period, and largely does not stray too far past the death of WCW.
Those later years are touched on, including the less than great episodes in his life such as the infamous “plane ride from hell” and other accusations that currently plague his career. The book is not a hit piece by any means, and the book strongly advises one to look at the full picture of Flair’s life. Whether you are a fan of his or not, I appreciate that the book pulls no punches and shows both sides of the man, the good, the bad, and everything in-between. I appreciate this approach a lot and it goes to show how good Tim Hornbaker is at his craft.
Tim Hornbaker has really established himself as a prominent figure within the realm of wrestling-related biographies and historical books. His illustrious career spans numerous releases, each fleshed-out with his characteristic attention to detail and meticulous sourcing of facts. As an avid reader and enthusiast of wrestling, I find myself consistently appreciating the depth and accuracy that Hornbaker brings to his writings. He is an author that I really look up to in many ways, and as I venture into graduate school this winter, I’d really like to do something like him even though I am old and contending with a nine to five job.
Hornbaker’s prowess as a historian is evident in his ability to make sense of old news articles, many of which often dismissed or disregarded the world of professional wrestling. By carefully examining these primary sources, he unveils hidden narratives, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on historical events that might have otherwise been overlooked. If he is unable to find something he says it, even though it would be easy to ride on with hearsay or assumptions. It is this attention to detail that sets Hornbaker apart and solidifies his position as an accomplished wrestling historian. Through his writing, Hornbaker not only preserves the legacy of wrestling but also showcases the significance of its cultural impact.
I know there are other Flair books out there, such as Ric Flair: To be the Man written by Flair and Keith Elliot Greenberg. While that book was fine, you could tell it was pumped full of things written in-character and some pretty big tall-tales, an issue I find with the large majority of the books written under the WWE Umbrella. The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair by Tim Hornbaker treads on similar territory at times, but goes at everything from an investigative angle. No rock is left unturned, and even the unflattering moments of Ric’s life are discussed. I appreciate this a lot, and as a result I found this book to be far superior. If you are looking for a great book on the life of Ric Flair, you really can’t do much better than this book, and I’d highly recommend it for any wrestling fan.
ECW Press ALWAYS makes great wrestling books, including The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers: The Masters of the Craft of Professional Wrestling, Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling’s Original Sheik, Wreslecrap, and the classic The Death of WCW, just to name a few. To see all these and more that I’ve read, click HERE.
Note: I was provided a free copy of this book by ECW Press in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks to them for their consideration.
Full review here: https://arcadiapod.com/2023/12/07/rev...
September 12, 2023
"The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair" is an enthralling biography that delves deep into the life of one of wrestling's most iconic figures. Written by celebrated wrestling historian Tim Hornbaker, this book offers a comprehensive and unflinching look at Ric Flair's journey through the world of professional wrestling.
Hornbaker's meticulous attention to detail and exhaustive research shine through as he uncovers the truth behind Flair's incredible in-ring achievements and the often tumultuous hardships he faced outside the ring. The narrative doesn't shy away from the controversies and struggles that marked Flair's life and career, providing readers with a candid and honest portrayal of the man behind the Nature Boy persona.
What makes this biography truly compelling is its ability to capture the essence of Ric Flair's impact on the world of sports entertainment. Flair's pioneering career and his transformation into an iconic figure are expertly chronicled, offering readers a deeper understanding of his lasting legacy. Whether you're a die-hard wrestling fan or someone interested in the intersection of sports and popular culture, this book is a must-read.
Tim Hornbaker has crafted a gripping portrait of a wrestling legend, one that will resonate with readers and leave them with a newfound appreciation for the enduring legacy of Ric Flair. This biography stands as a testament to the enduring influence of one of the sport's greatest performers, making it a valuable addition to the libraries of wrestling enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike
Thank you to NetGalley and ECW press for this advanced copy.
Hornbaker's meticulous attention to detail and exhaustive research shine through as he uncovers the truth behind Flair's incredible in-ring achievements and the often tumultuous hardships he faced outside the ring. The narrative doesn't shy away from the controversies and struggles that marked Flair's life and career, providing readers with a candid and honest portrayal of the man behind the Nature Boy persona.
What makes this biography truly compelling is its ability to capture the essence of Ric Flair's impact on the world of sports entertainment. Flair's pioneering career and his transformation into an iconic figure are expertly chronicled, offering readers a deeper understanding of his lasting legacy. Whether you're a die-hard wrestling fan or someone interested in the intersection of sports and popular culture, this book is a must-read.
Tim Hornbaker has crafted a gripping portrait of a wrestling legend, one that will resonate with readers and leave them with a newfound appreciation for the enduring legacy of Ric Flair. This biography stands as a testament to the enduring influence of one of the sport's greatest performers, making it a valuable addition to the libraries of wrestling enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike
Thank you to NetGalley and ECW press for this advanced copy.
December 11, 2024
Tim Hornbaker delivers a genuine biography on one of the all-time greats in professional wrestling. He covers everything from the wrestler's childhood and early days in the ring to a life-altering plane crash, the NWA Championship, Jim Crockett, the Four Horsemen, WCW, WWF, WWE, TNA, and his personal life. Hornbaker spills all the secrets about the dirtiest player in the game.
October 3, 2023
4.5 stars
This book was a lot! And I mean that in a good way! The author covers Ric’s entire life, the research that he did was extensive, and impressive.
This is a must read for any Ric Flair fan, and for any wrestling fan.
If Ric isn’t on your wrestling Mt. Rushmore, I don’t want to know you!
Read the book…. Wooooooooooo!
You won’t be disappointed!
This book was a lot! And I mean that in a good way! The author covers Ric’s entire life, the research that he did was extensive, and impressive.
This is a must read for any Ric Flair fan, and for any wrestling fan.
If Ric isn’t on your wrestling Mt. Rushmore, I don’t want to know you!
Read the book…. Wooooooooooo!
You won’t be disappointed!
November 29, 2023
4 1/2 Stars: A thorough chronicle of Ric Flair’s storied career, with stops at all of the high and some of the low points. Don’t come for insight into Flair’s family life or personal misdeeds, instead come for a lengthy history lesson on the best pro wrestler of all time!
Side note: the heart attack on 12/14/98, which my 12 year old self saw in person, gets mention here, making me especially happy!
Side note: the heart attack on 12/14/98, which my 12 year old self saw in person, gets mention here, making me especially happy!
October 22, 2023
As practically a life long fan of Ric Flair, I already knew a great deal about The Man and his career. Still, I was hoping this book would provide some insight into Ric "the person" from those who knew him along the way. That is where this book let me down. While the author does a great -- and very detailed -- job of covering the chronological events of Ric's life / career, there is very little (if any) commentary from friends, family and fellow wrestlers. Sure, there are some quotes from old newspaper articles and magazines, but apparently no real sit-down interviews were done with anybody solely for the book. Steamboat? Windham? Sting? Other members of the Four Horsemen? Nope, no word from any of them.
The most interesting parts of the book were the years covering Flair's childhood through college, and his time training at Gagne's barn. After that, this book mostly reads like a Pro Wrestling Illustrated biography (like they used to put on the back of the centerfolds). It just recapped every angle / storyline Ric was involved in over the years, with too much repetition regarding travel details and attendance numbers.
Is it a bad book? Not at all. Just don't expect a lot of new information -- especially if you witnessed most of Flair's NWA / WCW / WWE career.
The most interesting parts of the book were the years covering Flair's childhood through college, and his time training at Gagne's barn. After that, this book mostly reads like a Pro Wrestling Illustrated biography (like they used to put on the back of the centerfolds). It just recapped every angle / storyline Ric was involved in over the years, with too much repetition regarding travel details and attendance numbers.
Is it a bad book? Not at all. Just don't expect a lot of new information -- especially if you witnessed most of Flair's NWA / WCW / WWE career.
November 13, 2023
A very detailed and well-researched book. But, as a long-time fan, I did not learn anything new at all. It was great re-living moments, but nothing is really revelatory or groundbreaking in this book…
September 30, 2023
It's hard to keep a reader happy with all the events of Flair's many decade-filled life (some stuff would get glossed over or else it would be an 800-page book), also with it being a biography, not an autobiography, one may be skeptical in how much is put in or what is omitted without the topic subject having no say in it. I did enjoy the brief part on Buddy Landel,but was a little disappointed with the lack of Sting stories, who was one of Flair's biggest rivals in the 1990s. Also, the importance of his relationship with Ken Patera was glossed over a bit, but you can read the more in-depth story by getting Patera's book. (a must have)
For an in-depth review, visit my page at : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
For an in-depth review, visit my page at : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
July 17, 2023
Tim Hornbaker has written a number of good books on professional wrestling and this is definitely one to add to that list.
You can tell Tim's a fan on the amount of detail in this book such as specific dates and various angles that Ric Flair has participated in over the years, some of which I'd forgotten about.
The only thing I could find fault with is that I think more could have been done is where Flair's conduct has been alleged to be questionable or indeed any of his personal difficulties there's not as much detail as there could have been. I personally would have wanted to get to the bottom of everything.
A great book though and well worth purchasing.
You can tell Tim's a fan on the amount of detail in this book such as specific dates and various angles that Ric Flair has participated in over the years, some of which I'd forgotten about.
The only thing I could find fault with is that I think more could have been done is where Flair's conduct has been alleged to be questionable or indeed any of his personal difficulties there's not as much detail as there could have been. I personally would have wanted to get to the bottom of everything.
A great book though and well worth purchasing.
September 25, 2023
Tim Hornbaker is one of the best legitimate professional wrestling journalists today, and his latest biography is fantastic. 'The Last REAL World Champion' is the complete story of beloved "Nature Boy" Ric Flair. It's both well-researched and well-written, and keeps conjecture and opinion out of things. A great read about a great subject - Flair is part of the fabric of Americana at this point. I feel just as lucky that I got to see him wrestle as I feel having gotten to see the likes of Michael Jordan and Johnny Cash. 🤼♂️📚
October 25, 2023
Absolutely the definitive biography of Ric Flair. “The Last Real World Champion” is a trip through wrestling history and the history of one of the most prolific and well-decorated performers of all time. Although the challenges of his life have not been ignored, the focus is clearly on his career and place within the wrestling business. Enjoyable and moves quickly as well as extremely well researched. One of the best wrestling books that focuses on one individual.
September 13, 2023
A comprehensive, complete chronical on the career of legendary professional wrestling "real world" champion, Ric Flair!
Hornbaker's book comes with extreme detail and recaps, something that is particularly more challenging to come by for Flair's earlier years of wrestling. The amount of coverage makes this a long and thorough read, but also a must-read for professional wrestling fans.
Hornbaker's book comes with extreme detail and recaps, something that is particularly more challenging to come by for Flair's earlier years of wrestling. The amount of coverage makes this a long and thorough read, but also a must-read for professional wrestling fans.
October 4, 2023
An excellent look at the career of Ric Flair. I do agree that some of the negative stuff was summarized, but those events were things Ric has spoken about publicly for years.
If you want to get a better understanding of the territory days, this is a great start.
If you want to get a better understanding of the territory days, this is a great start.
September 25, 2023
Comprehensive exploration of the storied and colorful career of one of the best professional wrestlers in history.
October 9, 2023
A detailed but still surface-level review of Flair's wrestling career. Interviews with Flair himself and any major figures around his life would have strengthened this work.
July 17, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher ECW Press for an advanced copy of this biography on the professional wrestler that most strive to be like, who wrestled all over the world, winning, losing or going to a draw with not only style, but skill both on the mat, and on the mike.
To some he is the "Dirtiest Player in the Game,". To others he is the Wrestler not only of the Decade but for all 5 decades he fought in the ring, a man wanted to be, women wanted to be with, and bartenders were super happy to see. This man could go bell to bell wrestling for hours with any wrestler, any style, any where, and close out every after hours club, move the party to his hotel, and get up to work out. The stories about the Man, in the ring, outside the ring, family, and financial are legendary. Ric Flair, the "Nature Boy", strode the world of professional wrestling, making a career, making money, having 5 star matches, and creating quite a lot of controversies during his career. Wresting historian and author Tim Hornbaker in The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair looks at the life of this fabled athlete, trying to get to the facts about the Man, a task that can be hard in the illusionary world of Professional Wrestling.
The boy who would later be known as first Richard Morgan Fliehr was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1949, and was placed for adoption through the infamous Tennessee Children's Home Society. The Fliehr's lived first in the Detroit area, and later Wisconsin. Fliehr was a a great athlete but a poor student, and after a semester in college, married and went into insurance. Being a long time professional wrestling fan, Fliehr heard that veteran wrestler and promoter Verne Gagne was training new wrestlers, and Fliehr decided to try out. After some hard lessons, Fliehr, took the name of Ric Flair and made his debut on or around December 10 1972. Flair was good, but his greatest gift was the fact that he wanted to learn, combined with his positive attitude and willingness to do anything to gain knowledge. Soon Flair went South, were his skills at making the crowds hate him, along with veteran wrestlers teaching him the ropes began to move him up the card. A near fatal plane crash forced Flair to adopt a new style more grappling than brawling, and the "Nature Boy" was born. Soon his pay was going to pay for expensive robes, custom suits, bar tabs and more. And his pay was quite good, as Flair was fast become popular not just with the crowds, but with his fellow wrestlers who knew Flair could make them look like a million dollars, which is about what Flair spent on his lifestyle.
A book that follows the facts about Flair, with lots of information on training, the matches, and a bit about his private life, which was highly chaotic, even though his matches in the ring were highly technical. Hornbaker is good at describing life as a wrestler, the travelling, the politics, and aches and pains, and what has changed over the years. However, while much is spent on the matches, even television matches, a lot of what I would consider important things are kind of just mentioned, but not gone into. At one point Hornbaker mentions that Flair wrestled in North Korea in front of 170,000 people, but there is only two lines about this. I know about it from a behind the scenes television show about wrestling, but I don't know if casual fans would know about this, and some background would be nice. Also the accusations that have been raised are mentioned, but not gone into, which in a book about a person, especially since the accusations are pretty bad, really should be told.
The book follows Flair up till his last match, though in wrestling one never says never, and his many recent health issues. The Nature Boy lived a very fascinating life, one he has always been honest about in many ways. Fans will enjoy this as it lacks the breathless writing of Flair's two autobiographies, and the book does contain a lot of good information about the Man and his battles.
To some he is the "Dirtiest Player in the Game,". To others he is the Wrestler not only of the Decade but for all 5 decades he fought in the ring, a man wanted to be, women wanted to be with, and bartenders were super happy to see. This man could go bell to bell wrestling for hours with any wrestler, any style, any where, and close out every after hours club, move the party to his hotel, and get up to work out. The stories about the Man, in the ring, outside the ring, family, and financial are legendary. Ric Flair, the "Nature Boy", strode the world of professional wrestling, making a career, making money, having 5 star matches, and creating quite a lot of controversies during his career. Wresting historian and author Tim Hornbaker in The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair looks at the life of this fabled athlete, trying to get to the facts about the Man, a task that can be hard in the illusionary world of Professional Wrestling.
The boy who would later be known as first Richard Morgan Fliehr was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1949, and was placed for adoption through the infamous Tennessee Children's Home Society. The Fliehr's lived first in the Detroit area, and later Wisconsin. Fliehr was a a great athlete but a poor student, and after a semester in college, married and went into insurance. Being a long time professional wrestling fan, Fliehr heard that veteran wrestler and promoter Verne Gagne was training new wrestlers, and Fliehr decided to try out. After some hard lessons, Fliehr, took the name of Ric Flair and made his debut on or around December 10 1972. Flair was good, but his greatest gift was the fact that he wanted to learn, combined with his positive attitude and willingness to do anything to gain knowledge. Soon Flair went South, were his skills at making the crowds hate him, along with veteran wrestlers teaching him the ropes began to move him up the card. A near fatal plane crash forced Flair to adopt a new style more grappling than brawling, and the "Nature Boy" was born. Soon his pay was going to pay for expensive robes, custom suits, bar tabs and more. And his pay was quite good, as Flair was fast become popular not just with the crowds, but with his fellow wrestlers who knew Flair could make them look like a million dollars, which is about what Flair spent on his lifestyle.
A book that follows the facts about Flair, with lots of information on training, the matches, and a bit about his private life, which was highly chaotic, even though his matches in the ring were highly technical. Hornbaker is good at describing life as a wrestler, the travelling, the politics, and aches and pains, and what has changed over the years. However, while much is spent on the matches, even television matches, a lot of what I would consider important things are kind of just mentioned, but not gone into. At one point Hornbaker mentions that Flair wrestled in North Korea in front of 170,000 people, but there is only two lines about this. I know about it from a behind the scenes television show about wrestling, but I don't know if casual fans would know about this, and some background would be nice. Also the accusations that have been raised are mentioned, but not gone into, which in a book about a person, especially since the accusations are pretty bad, really should be told.
The book follows Flair up till his last match, though in wrestling one never says never, and his many recent health issues. The Nature Boy lived a very fascinating life, one he has always been honest about in many ways. Fans will enjoy this as it lacks the breathless writing of Flair's two autobiographies, and the book does contain a lot of good information about the Man and his battles.
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October 28, 2023Any book that boasts nearly sixty pages of notes, you know is super thorough. That is precisely what one finds in the most revealing work, THE LAST WORLD CHAMPION (THE LEGACY OF “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR).
I have been a fan of wrestling since the classic days of wrestling back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, long before Ric Flair really began making his mark on the sport. Richard Flair was born in 1949 and was adopted, by Kathleen and Richard Fliehr. Obviously his wrestling name was later changed too, and he was first known as Rick Flair, then shortened to Ric.
Slowly and surely when he came on the scene, he began creating his persona, learning from the likes of Verne Gagne in the AWA (American Wrestling Association). Verne was training such future stars as The Iron Sheik, Jim Brunzell and Ken Patera. His first match was December 10 1972 against George “Scrap Iron” Gadaski, who he wrestled to a ten minute draw with.
He was like a sponge sometimes, watching and understanding the tricks of the wrestling trade, what it took to make the fans either love or hate you. Ric eventually left the AWA and headed to the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) in 1974, where he worked for Jim Crockett in the Mid-Atlantic area. Once again he proved his worth, but he almost saw his career shortened in 1975. He was on a plane October 4 of that year, where in Wilmington North Carolina, the plane crashed with several wrestlers on board. Only the pilot died, but another wrestler Johnny Valentine, saw his career end because of an almost fatal back injury.
Hornbaker tells in detail how Flair moved from one circuit to another and claimed titles. His work ethic was top drawer, going above and beyond the call of duty often in the matches. Flair once said with a boasting tone, “To be the man you’ve got to beat the man.” He backed his words with actions and the number of feuds that he got into during his fifty year career pretty well offers a who’s who of the greats of the sport.
He had a long run with Dusty Rhodes, a man he admired greatly. There was one bloody match after another, and when Rhodes was pinned by Flair and forced out of the sport, he returned as the Midnight Rider with a mask. The gimmicks were top notch, as Flair battled the likes of Ricky Steamboat, Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper and dozens more. He fought NWA World Champion Harley Race, who he defeated and then lost to, then beat again, an ongoing battle for supremacy. He even got into a feud with Nature Boy Buddy Rogers, late in Buddy’s career, as Buddy was the original “Nature Boy” and the two feuded for the name.
Reading about the hundreds of foes Flair fought, brings back great memories for wrestling fans, highlighting Flair’s life in the ring. He fought his final match in 2022 in TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Wrestling, but is still close to the sport as his daughter Charlotte is a big star in WWE.
For a complete look at Flair’s life, times, and opponents, THE LAST REAL WORLD CHAMPION is the last (and only book) you need to read about the Nature Boy!
I have been a fan of wrestling since the classic days of wrestling back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, long before Ric Flair really began making his mark on the sport. Richard Flair was born in 1949 and was adopted, by Kathleen and Richard Fliehr. Obviously his wrestling name was later changed too, and he was first known as Rick Flair, then shortened to Ric.
Slowly and surely when he came on the scene, he began creating his persona, learning from the likes of Verne Gagne in the AWA (American Wrestling Association). Verne was training such future stars as The Iron Sheik, Jim Brunzell and Ken Patera. His first match was December 10 1972 against George “Scrap Iron” Gadaski, who he wrestled to a ten minute draw with.
He was like a sponge sometimes, watching and understanding the tricks of the wrestling trade, what it took to make the fans either love or hate you. Ric eventually left the AWA and headed to the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) in 1974, where he worked for Jim Crockett in the Mid-Atlantic area. Once again he proved his worth, but he almost saw his career shortened in 1975. He was on a plane October 4 of that year, where in Wilmington North Carolina, the plane crashed with several wrestlers on board. Only the pilot died, but another wrestler Johnny Valentine, saw his career end because of an almost fatal back injury.
Hornbaker tells in detail how Flair moved from one circuit to another and claimed titles. His work ethic was top drawer, going above and beyond the call of duty often in the matches. Flair once said with a boasting tone, “To be the man you’ve got to beat the man.” He backed his words with actions and the number of feuds that he got into during his fifty year career pretty well offers a who’s who of the greats of the sport.
He had a long run with Dusty Rhodes, a man he admired greatly. There was one bloody match after another, and when Rhodes was pinned by Flair and forced out of the sport, he returned as the Midnight Rider with a mask. The gimmicks were top notch, as Flair battled the likes of Ricky Steamboat, Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper and dozens more. He fought NWA World Champion Harley Race, who he defeated and then lost to, then beat again, an ongoing battle for supremacy. He even got into a feud with Nature Boy Buddy Rogers, late in Buddy’s career, as Buddy was the original “Nature Boy” and the two feuded for the name.
Reading about the hundreds of foes Flair fought, brings back great memories for wrestling fans, highlighting Flair’s life in the ring. He fought his final match in 2022 in TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Wrestling, but is still close to the sport as his daughter Charlotte is a big star in WWE.
For a complete look at Flair’s life, times, and opponents, THE LAST REAL WORLD CHAMPION is the last (and only book) you need to read about the Nature Boy!
May 28, 2024
The author's style never changes book-to-book, and that's a good thing. He doesn't let a good story get in the way of facts, meaning that we get the true, or at least documented, story every time.
The fun part about that, which can be confounding for a researcher, is that Ric Flair had so many varied experiences - in so many cities, against so many opponents - that even he has no idea what's real and what's made up at this point. Will we ever get the real truth? I believe this book will be the closest we will ever get.
As for the title, I think there may be only one other possibility of a "last real world champion." This is just a devil's advocate case, but I'll make it: Hulk Hogan. When the World Wrestling Federation overran the wrestling world in the 1980s, it left little in its wake. Hulk Hogan was the undisputed champ and, let's face it, there was no competition left. That said, the WWF retreated into a bubble and lived as if the rest of the wrestling world, the struggling companies that remained viable, didn't exist. Hogan, therefore, did not defend his title against any of those unaffiliated company champions or contenders. But, as stated, there was not much left. The WWF was the center of the wrestling universe.
I tend to lean toward Hornbaker's line of thinking, that the last true world champion was the one who traveled the country in the territory era of the National Wrestling Alliance, drawing money in matches against regional superstars and raising all NWA ships in the process. Flair was a fighting champion, as was Hogan. I think either way we can say that today's champs who defend their titles maybe once a month at pay-per-views have no idea what the top guys of old went through. Ric Flair wanted the good things that came with the life of that top dog, and put in the work to be that man, night after night.
The book opens with some of the most interesting history of Ric Flair's life, the early years. We've seen most of his life live and on television for decades, but where did he come from? That story is presented in wonderful detail, helping us to understand how the boy Ric Fliehr became "The Man" Ric Flair.
The fun part about that, which can be confounding for a researcher, is that Ric Flair had so many varied experiences - in so many cities, against so many opponents - that even he has no idea what's real and what's made up at this point. Will we ever get the real truth? I believe this book will be the closest we will ever get.
As for the title, I think there may be only one other possibility of a "last real world champion." This is just a devil's advocate case, but I'll make it: Hulk Hogan. When the World Wrestling Federation overran the wrestling world in the 1980s, it left little in its wake. Hulk Hogan was the undisputed champ and, let's face it, there was no competition left. That said, the WWF retreated into a bubble and lived as if the rest of the wrestling world, the struggling companies that remained viable, didn't exist. Hogan, therefore, did not defend his title against any of those unaffiliated company champions or contenders. But, as stated, there was not much left. The WWF was the center of the wrestling universe.
I tend to lean toward Hornbaker's line of thinking, that the last true world champion was the one who traveled the country in the territory era of the National Wrestling Alliance, drawing money in matches against regional superstars and raising all NWA ships in the process. Flair was a fighting champion, as was Hogan. I think either way we can say that today's champs who defend their titles maybe once a month at pay-per-views have no idea what the top guys of old went through. Ric Flair wanted the good things that came with the life of that top dog, and put in the work to be that man, night after night.
The book opens with some of the most interesting history of Ric Flair's life, the early years. We've seen most of his life live and on television for decades, but where did he come from? That story is presented in wonderful detail, helping us to understand how the boy Ric Fliehr became "The Man" Ric Flair.
February 26, 2024
Bring a lifelong fan of Ric Flair, I feel like I know a great deal about his life and career. I have read books, watched documentaries, and of course seen many of his matches. When I saw a new book on the Nature Boy, it was a no-brained that I would read it. Seeing that it was written by Tim Hornabaker, known for several very good wrestling biographies, was an added bonus.
The book covers the life of Ric Flair from his adoption as a child, his upbringing, and his long career in wrestling. People may be surprised to learn some of the details of his early life, such as his adoption by a physician and wife, both of whom were active in community theatre. Flair had a normal life growing up. This book goes deeply into his personal life and helps you see the man away from the wrestling world.
The wrestling stories, of course, are what makes the book special. His training with Verne Gagne, the early days in the ring, the birth of the Nature Boy, and the many years on top of the NWA, WCW, and WWF are an amazing walk through wrestling history. All the big names on the time are there: Dusty Rhodes, Harley Race, the Four Horsemen, Sting, and many others.
If you are a wrestling fan of any level I think that you will really enjoy this look back at the career of Ric Flair. The book has just enough detail to hold your interest without drilling down too deeply. I highly recommend it.
The book covers the life of Ric Flair from his adoption as a child, his upbringing, and his long career in wrestling. People may be surprised to learn some of the details of his early life, such as his adoption by a physician and wife, both of whom were active in community theatre. Flair had a normal life growing up. This book goes deeply into his personal life and helps you see the man away from the wrestling world.
The wrestling stories, of course, are what makes the book special. His training with Verne Gagne, the early days in the ring, the birth of the Nature Boy, and the many years on top of the NWA, WCW, and WWF are an amazing walk through wrestling history. All the big names on the time are there: Dusty Rhodes, Harley Race, the Four Horsemen, Sting, and many others.
If you are a wrestling fan of any level I think that you will really enjoy this look back at the career of Ric Flair. The book has just enough detail to hold your interest without drilling down too deeply. I highly recommend it.
March 21, 2024
This book might be somewhat of a love letter to its subject but it doesn't step away from the facts. An eye-opener to those who know their pro wrestling and certainly so for those that don't, The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of "Nature Boy" Ric Flair (2023) by Tim Hornbaker breaks down the legendary career of the greatest 'sports entertainer' in history. What a fascinating life he's had, adopted illegally as a baby by a kind family, entering the wrestling industry to provide for his young family, surviving a plane crash and then adopting a persona that not only propelled him to the top of his profession but took over his life outside the ring. All of this is laid out but more impressively, so is the schedule that Flair has maintained for the past 50 years, clocking up literally millions of air miles to defend his title to fans all around the planet, something that no wrestler has done (or had to do) since. This book sticks to the facts, even the uglier episodes but it does so without judgement. Flair's achievements, his drive and his innovations that changed and improved the sport are undeniable, combining athletic talent and unmatched charisma to elevate the game. He is one in a million and this book pays a worthy tribute. Wooooo!
April 18, 2025
This isn’t a personal story of Ric Flair. It starts with his childhood and adoption. It doesn’t get into his marriages in detail. It gets into wrestlers faced over the years. There are five big names a that come back over and over.
I watched wrestling on television. I had no idea just how many times Hulk Hogan and Flair faced each other on house shows that weren’t televised. I had no idea how many times he faced Bret Hart.
Ric Flair lost a lot of matches. He won a lot of championships and titles. He also did what was best for the business or the story. Flair gave up a title or contest if it would lead to something good for all. He cheated rather than win clean and yet, people watched him. He always bled. In the end, he looked good making everyone else look good. He put over wrestlers in feuds.
As a booker, he wasn’t great. He didn’t have that same level of making everyone look good.
The movie, The Great Santini, was about a military man that didn’t have a war to fight, so he fought with everyone around him. Flair in retirement was like this. He went through multiple quick marriages. He fell out with children and came back. He gave up retirement and went back to wrestling no matter what it did to him. He may have a match going on today.
I watched wrestling on television. I had no idea just how many times Hulk Hogan and Flair faced each other on house shows that weren’t televised. I had no idea how many times he faced Bret Hart.
Ric Flair lost a lot of matches. He won a lot of championships and titles. He also did what was best for the business or the story. Flair gave up a title or contest if it would lead to something good for all. He cheated rather than win clean and yet, people watched him. He always bled. In the end, he looked good making everyone else look good. He put over wrestlers in feuds.
As a booker, he wasn’t great. He didn’t have that same level of making everyone look good.
The movie, The Great Santini, was about a military man that didn’t have a war to fight, so he fought with everyone around him. Flair in retirement was like this. He went through multiple quick marriages. He fell out with children and came back. He gave up retirement and went back to wrestling no matter what it did to him. He may have a match going on today.
July 8, 2024
If you want a good chronological summary of Ric Flair's wrestling career - chronicling matches, feuds, championship reigns etc. - this is the book for you. If you want an inside story of the man Richard Fleihr however, you need to look elsewhere.
Ric Flair is often considered the greatest professional wrestler of all time. He was tremendously successful. He also has had his share of controversies and personal losses. They are dutifully mentioned here, but the lion part of this biography reads more like a tribute to his great career. For instance, Hornbaker spends more time describing his matches with Harley Race and Hulk Hogan than he does writing about the untimely death of Flairs youngest son Reid. The infamous "Plane Ride from Hell" barely gets a mention.
If you want to know the highs AND lows of Ric Flairs career, I recommend you watch EPSN:s excellent "30 for 30" episode about him instead.
Ric Flair is often considered the greatest professional wrestler of all time. He was tremendously successful. He also has had his share of controversies and personal losses. They are dutifully mentioned here, but the lion part of this biography reads more like a tribute to his great career. For instance, Hornbaker spends more time describing his matches with Harley Race and Hulk Hogan than he does writing about the untimely death of Flairs youngest son Reid. The infamous "Plane Ride from Hell" barely gets a mention.
If you want to know the highs AND lows of Ric Flairs career, I recommend you watch EPSN:s excellent "30 for 30" episode about him instead.
February 24, 2024
It's a readable book for wrestling fans, but it could have been more.
Much like he did with his Buddy Rogers biography, Hornbaker documents an extensive amount of matches Flair had over the years, many of which I had no idea had transpired. He also presents a more believable chronicle of Flair's career than Flair himself often does.
That said, by just plowing through match results, Hornbaker does a sub-par job of explaining Flair's in-ring excellence. Shouldn't the greatest stretch of the supposed GOAT's career, the kickoff to his Steamboat series through the I-Quit match with Funk during 1989, warrant more than a few pages from a wrestling historian? What made these matches so special? Hornbaker only answers in platitudes.
With Flair's career already chronicled through multiple documentaries, books, DVDs, and YouTube clips, I wouldn't call this book essential.
Much like he did with his Buddy Rogers biography, Hornbaker documents an extensive amount of matches Flair had over the years, many of which I had no idea had transpired. He also presents a more believable chronicle of Flair's career than Flair himself often does.
That said, by just plowing through match results, Hornbaker does a sub-par job of explaining Flair's in-ring excellence. Shouldn't the greatest stretch of the supposed GOAT's career, the kickoff to his Steamboat series through the I-Quit match with Funk during 1989, warrant more than a few pages from a wrestling historian? What made these matches so special? Hornbaker only answers in platitudes.
With Flair's career already chronicled through multiple documentaries, books, DVDs, and YouTube clips, I wouldn't call this book essential.
October 3, 2023
Author Tim Hornbaker does a good job telling the story of the life of superstar professional wrestler Ric Flair. He takes a deep dive into Flair's life and gives as close to a factual account as possible. His storytelling is nice at developing Flair from a rookie with Vern Gagne and his rise to superstardom and probably the most famous wrestler of all time. He also tells about the influence he's had on pop culture as well as the wrestling world. The middle part of the book quickly describes a lot of the matches that Flair participated in throughout his career.
Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2024
A travelogue of Flair's career that sometimes forgets to add context or emotion, Maybe that was the intent to simply show what it was like to be the nature boy during the big gold belt years. The miles of travel, the shows, the pay offs. But once more Flair remains unattainable as a human being. You cannot doubt his love for wrestling but the why of it is never really explored. Nor is the Legacies darker implications ever really mentioned. I didn't hate this book, I love to stare at stats, especially wrestling ones, but I find it hard to say read this as soooo many other books have done better in getting to known the man, at least a bit better and tell a way better story.
September 11, 2023
As an examination of Flair's wrestling career, this book is quite thorough. Some of it deals in too much detail of the "he went there, then he went there" variety. And while the author is clearly a fan, it is commendable that he does discuss criticisms of Flair's career as it went along. However, it also must be said that the author deals with some unsavory events in as cursory a manner as possible. That tends to defeat the idea of providing a complete biography.
November 13, 2023
This book was good don’t get me wrong. It was well researched and clearly a passion project for the author.
Buuuuut…it’s just a history of wrestling. You write a book about Ric Flair you’re expecting a book full of Ric Flair stuff. It’s like if your mom says you’re going to Disney World and then she takes you to the dentist.
Not a bad book if you want a history do Ric Flair the wrestler. I was trying to read about Ric Flair the degenerate though.
Buuuuut…it’s just a history of wrestling. You write a book about Ric Flair you’re expecting a book full of Ric Flair stuff. It’s like if your mom says you’re going to Disney World and then she takes you to the dentist.
Not a bad book if you want a history do Ric Flair the wrestler. I was trying to read about Ric Flair the degenerate though.
January 27, 2024
An excellent hybrid career history and life history. Hornbaker also makes a strong case for why Flair is the greatest world champion from the territory days when the wrestling industry was much different. All but the most devoted Ric Flair fans are likely to discover something new from this book. Although it doesn't take a deep dive into some of Flair's personal controversies, it's worth picking up for any wrestling fan and especially any Ric Flair fans.
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