Top 3 matches of Ric Flair in WWE history

Richard Morgan Fliehr, better known by his fans as Ric Flair was one of the iconic superstars in WWE. With a career that spanned nearly 40 years, Flair has 16 world championship belts to his name.

Among his unique achievements, Flair is one of the few WWE Superstars to have completed The Triple Crown. The Triple Crown consists of the Intercontinental Championship, WWF Championship, and World Tag Team Championship.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Flair competed in Japan as well. Flair’s career almost ended when he was a victim of a violent plane crash in North Carolina. The doctors said he could never wrestle again but he would resume his career eight months later.

However, his revival led to a change in his technique. Flair, who was previously known to be a power brawling style wrestler, adopted the “Nature Boy” style for which he was known throughout his career.

Here we take a look at the 3 best matches of Ric Flair.

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#3 Championship Match: Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk

Ric Flair vs Terry Funk

This 1989 encounter was the blow-off for the feud between Funk and Flair. Terry Funk was not the typical opponent against “The Man”. Funk was violent, sadistic, and was a raw fighter. As a result, Flair was on the receiving end of a brutal battle in the 1989 Clash Of Champions match. Of course, a normal match won’t live up to the hype, so it was booked to be an “I Quit” match.

Although the match lasted less than 20 minutes, it was an action-packed match which was rare at that time. Versatile objects like tables, chairs, and microphones were used as weapons.

Terry Funk brought out an uncommon side in Ric Flair’s game, as he showed a level of persistence no one had shown before. Flair came out as the champion due to his versatility in the ring.

#2 Starrcade 1983: Ric Flair vs. Harley Race

Ric Flair vs Harley Race

Although Flair had been world champion once before, this match undoubtedly established him as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Harley Race was a multiple time champion and the newly built Starrcade event was centered on Ric Flair.

Flair was becoming “The Man”, and Race did not intend to give up the title so easily. Harley Race issued a bounty that Ric Flair would have to quit wrestling if he loses the match.

The intensity of the match was exciting all through and has been memorable even after so many years. After a series of attacks and narrow escapes, Flair got the better of Race and defeated him.

Although the match did not feature any ladders or cages, Flair’s versatility in the ring and Race’s urge to win made it one of the greatest matches in WWE history. The event also had a name; “A Flair For The Gold”.

#1 WrestleWar 1989: Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat

Ric Flair vs Ricky Steamboat

This match was the ending of Flair’s famous trilogy with Ricky Steamboat. This bout is perhaps the greatest example of pure wrestling from old-school WWE. The match put Flair in the tag of legends of all time. Steamboat would represent “The Family Man” accompanied by his wife and son, while Flair opposed him as an immoral, “living ladies man".

No crazy actions or gimmicks were imitated by either of the superstars to draw the audience artificially. Flair and Steamboat were the foundation for which many people began their wrestling careers.

A 31-minute match of perfection ended with the victory of “The Man” over Ricky Steamboat, reclaiming the world championship, and becoming a fan favorite wrestler in the process.