WWE legend Ric Flair turns 73: Then and Now - A look at the charming 'Nature Boy'

WWE legend 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair celebrates his 73rd birthday on February 25, 2022. We take a look at pictures of the WWE superstar with his wife Wendy Barlow, along-with other nostalgic pictures of the WWE legend from his wrestling days as well as trace his epic career. 

Updated On: 2022-02-25 08:00 AM IST

Pictures Courtesy/ Ric Flair Instagram and Wendy Barlow Instagram

Born on February 25, 1949, Ric Flair is a wrestling manager and former wrestler, currently signed with World Wrestling Entertainment.

Ric Flair has had a wrestling career that spanned over 40 years, where he has starred for different wrestling bodies such a World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Total Nonstop Action (TNA) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Ric Flair was born in Tennessee, USA, to parents Luther and Olive Phillips. He was then adopted by Dr. Richard Fliehr and Kathleen Fliehr.

Ric Flair was a noted athlete in school and used to excel in inter-school wrestling, football and track tournaments.

 A 69-year-old Ric Flair married a 58-year-old Wendy Barlow in September 2018, in a function attended by close family and frinds. The couple have known each other for more than 30 years before marriage.

Ric Flair's wedding with Wendy Barlow is his fifth marriage.

Ric Flair's daughter Charlotte Flair, who is an accomplished WWE superstar, was born from his second wedding to former wife Elizabeth Harrell.

In picture: Ric Flair with wife Wendy Barlow, daughter Charlotte Flair and Andrade during the Friday Night Premiere of SmackDown on Fox

Prior to Wendy Barlow, Ric Flair was married for times - Leslie Goodman (1971-1983), Elizabeth Harrell (1983-2006), Tiffany VanDemark (2006-2009) and Jackie Beems (2009-2014)

In picture: Ric Flair with his wife Wendy Barlow soaking up the sun at Turks and Caicos Islands

While shooting for a documentary named '30 for 30' for ESPN, Ric Flair had shockingly claimed to have slept with around 10,000 women during his storied wrestling career.

In picture: Ric Flair with Nancy Benoit then known as Woman and Miss Elizabeth during his tenure as world champion in WCW

Ric Flair went on to further reveal about his drinking habits saying, 'I'll drink at least 10 beers, and probably five mixed drinks (every day).'

In picture: Ric Flair gets into Baywatch mode with some friends at Rosemary Beach, California

Ric Flair, who made his wrestling debut in December 1972, retired from all forms of wrestling in December 2012.

Ric Flair is a record-tying 16-time WWE World Champion. The only other WWE superstar to have won 16 WWE world championships is John Cena.

Ric Flair is the first-ever two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee, having entered in 2008 and 2012.

Ric Flair has been part of many factions throughout his career, most notably - The Four Horsemen. He was also part of Evolution.

On July 6, 2004, Ric Flair released his autobiography titled To Be The Man.

Ric Flair's son Reid died of drug overdose in March 2013.

Ric Flair, who was quite a controversial personality in wrestling, happened to have many feuds with other professional wrestlers. The most notable of them are Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, Bruno Sammartino, Shane Douglas and Mick Foley

Ric Flair posted this throwback picture of a Valentine's Day he spent with his wife Wendy, he wrote, "Had a Wonderful Valentine's Day in the Penthouse with @ricflairnatureboy
#throwback"

At Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Ric Flair won many awards like Feud of the Year (1987, 1988, 1989, 1990) as well as Match of the Year (1983, 1984, 1986, 1989, 2008).

Ric Flair is a three-time WWE world tag team champion (twice with Batista and once with Roddy Piper) and one-time Intercontinental champion

Ric Flair is a two-time WWE World champion, six-time WCW world champion and eight-time NWA world champion.

Ric Flair won the Royal Rumble in 2002 - the first time a WWE title was on the line at the event.

Ric Flair posted this throwback WWE picture with his wife Wendy Barlow. he wrote, "She Has Always Been By My Side! WOOOOO! @thewonderouswendy #throwbackthursday"

Ric Flair posted a picture from the Tailgate Party in Dallas, Texas, that he attended with wife Wendy Barlow.

Ric Flair was known for his outrageous costumes during his wrestling days.

Ric Flair posted this picture of himself with a few former WWE superstars and wife Wendy Barlow. Can you identify these other two WWE superstars from the 80s?

Ric Flair posted this picture of himself and wife Wendy Barlow attending an event.

Ric Flair was always an animated character in the ring. He posted this picture of himself from his days in the administration of WWE, giving some sort of an interview duing one of the episodes in the 1990s

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