What was so great about Ric Flair?

Question

I always hear of "over rated" and what not in the wrestling business. And when you hear greatest of all time, Ric Flairs name comes into conversation alot.
However from what I've seen of him, he didn't seem like anything special or out out of the hat to me? In all the respect, maybe it's because I was born in the 90's, he was abit before my time and maybe for the 80's and 90's he was something special, maybe it was for that time, but I can understand when people talk about Shawn Michaels as one of the greatest, he was alot more entertaining in my eyes. Michaels had alot more personality in the ring, and in terms of an in ring technician I think Bret Hart was better than Flair. And then you have the Undertaker who had the best gimmick ever.. I didn't see Hulk Hogan all that talented at all, but I understand he was a big time celebrity and just his name brought people to the arena, so despite his in ring style not being great I give him credit as an entertainer.

End of the day, I don't know how Flair was rated so well by people, perhaps he is just out dated? But compare him to an AJ Styles or Randy Orton nowadays, what is so special?

Also, this isnt a hate on Flair I found him comedic and don't mind him, just a personal opinion.

Adam · Accepted Answer

Here's the thing, HBK and Bret would not have been as good without Flair. As with every sport/entertainment form, the next generation takes what the current generation does and makes it better. Flair raised the bar, HBK/Bret learned from him and raised it again. Flair took what the previous generation did and made it better. So for me you have to judge him with that in mind. Anyway...

Flair was superb at what he did. The NWA champion during the 80's had to be able to draw money but make the other guy look great while winning. Flair was a master at that. He could make a guy and still go over. He made guys like sting, steamboat etc look incredible. In terms of move set and in ring technician Bret was better. However I feel Flair was better with a wider range of opponents and for longer. Taker was the best gimmick but he took a lot from Flair. His ability to make someone look incredible while staying strong was an ability flair perfected.
Each to their own opinion. I don't consider him the greatest, as i think HBK took what flair did and upped a level in every area. However I think his contribution to the wrestling business puts him the conversation. He wasn't the biggest draw but could draw money. He wasn't the best worker but could work. He didn't have the greatest psychology but had great psychology. Basically what I'm saying is he wasn't a 10/10 at anything but an 8/10 at everything and one of the best all rounders of all time.

Amy Flower · Answer

He’s been in the business a long time, I think he goes back even before the 80s, he inspired a lot of the greats like Austin, HHH, The Rock, Hogan has named flair the greatest of all time. Flair is a amazing promo guy and extremely passionate, even in his later years he could have a good match in the ring with just about anyone.

I would say it’s just a generational thing though, I’m sure his best moments was way back when, special for his time and he has had the longevity and respect of fellow wrestlers and older fans to still be a major name in the business even today.

His wwe run is a small part of his wrestling career, just judging him on that he wouldn’t seem like anything special

DAVID 4 LIFE · Answer

I agree whole heartedly and I'm an old school wrestling fan when Hulk Hogan was number one, Ric Flair is the most overrated wrestler of all time, he always looked old, had rubbish wrestling skills and mediocre on the mic, the guys laughable and bad hair to boot.How anyone can rate him high in any department beggars belief, Bret Hart himself said he was terribly overrated.

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What was so great about Ric Flair?

3 Answers