The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
To be the man has its positives, drawbacks
Mark Podolski reviews the ESPN’s “30 for 30” documentary on pro wrestling legend Ric Flair, whose life as the “Nature Boy” had the highest of highs in lifestyle and lowest of lows in his personal life.
In ESPN’s newest 30 for 30 documentary film “Nature Boy,” ex-wrestler and elite smack talker Ric Flair describes why he took his nickname.
“Nature Boy” originally belonged to former wrestler Buddy Rogers, but Flair wanted it, too. In classic Flair style, he took the name and ran with it. And partied. And drank. And womanized. And became one of the most popular wrestlers of all-time.
The film, which debuts on ESPN Nov. 7, chronicles the life of Flair, who’s real name is Richard Fliehr.
He probably wishes he was born with the given name “Nature Boy.”
If there’s one thing the film hammers home about Flair during his career as 16-time heavyweight champion is there was no separating Flair and his wrestling persona “Nature Boy.”
One could argue Flair was the persona and “Nature Boy” was the real person.
Flair basically admits that in the film.
“It became a disease,” said Flair.
During his hey day from the late 1970s to the early 2000s, Flair described himself, in order, as: • A kiss stealing • Wheelin’ dealin’ • Limousine riding • Jet flying • Son of a gun Don’t forget about his “Woooooo!!!” to end every rant.
It’s hysterical stuff as a performer, but that’s the oddity of the film. What viewers saw for years on TV as Flair ranted on sporting his trademark shades and flowing blonde hair was the real thing.
Flair’s story of virtually non-stop wrestling, excessive drinking and womanizing — which he admitted ruined his family life — would be a cautionary tale if Flair wasn’t so likable and hilarious — as “Nature Boy.”
On the surface, a scene Flair describes in the film about a visit to a sports psychologist should be jaw-dropping to the viewer, but I dare anyone to admit they didn’t crack a laugh or two — probably more — while watching.
Former wrestler Triple H — now the vice president of WWE — doesn’t hold back in his criticism of Flair’s antics outside the ring.
It finally came to a head for Flair last August, when a health scare had the wrestling world on edge hoping for his recovery. He did just that.
Flair’s now 68, and well past his prime. Perhaps him agreeing to participate in the documentary is his way of dealing with the past.
That includes four divorces, infidelity, regrets about not being there for his children, the death of a son and feuds within wrestling circles.
Flair lays it all out for the world to watch, and that’s not an easy thing to do.
On the lighter side, there’s tons of archive footage from the early days of Flair’s wrestling career when he was a mega-star in the south with the National Wrestling Alliance, and then World Championship Wrestling.
Eventually, he joined the ultra-popular World Wrestling Federation (now the
WWE) where Hulk Hogan reigned.
Hogan might be more popular than Flair to the masses, but he concedes to Flair as the better wrestler and showman.
A sit-down interview with Flair and the film makers carries the narrative throughout.
At the end of the interview, Flair is asked how he would like to be remembered.
He answers truthfully. It’s sad.
Slowly, Flair fades from the screen.