Ric Flair, born February 25, 1949, is an iconic American professional wrestler known as “the Nature Boy.” With a career spanning over 50 years, he is celebrated as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Flair’s tenure includes significant stints with Jim Crockett Promotions, WCW, WWF (now WWE), and TNA.
He is recognized as a 16-time world champion, with multiple accolades including induction into the WWE Hall of Fame twice. Flair headlined major events like Starrcade and WrestleMania, earning numerous “Wrestler of the Year” honors throughout his career.
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Table of Contents
Ric Flair Net Worth
Ric Flair has a net worth of $500,000 and has faced multiple issues with the IRS since the early 1990s, including an $870,000 lien in 2000. His WWE earnings were garnished in 2005, which he attributed to his second wife Elizabeth’s spending.
Legal filings from 2019 revealed he owed $240,000 in federal taxes and $40,000 to Georgia. Additionally, a medical emergency in 2019 left him with a $1.8 million bill. Flair also discussed being $500,000 in debt due to his son’s rehab costs, but found support from Hulk Hogan.
Early life
Fliehr was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and is commonly known as Fred Phillips. He was adopted by Kathleen and Richard Fliehr after his biological mother, Olive Phillips, was unable to keep him due to the baby-kidnapping operation of Georgia Tann.
The family settled in Edina, Minnesota, where he grew up. Fliehr attended Wayland Academy in Wisconsin for four years, participating in wrestling, football, and track, and briefly attended the University of Minnesota after high school.
Career
Flair, known as “The Nature Boy,” debuted in professional wrestling on December 10, 1972, against “Scrap Iron” George Gadaski. He started his career with Gagne’s Minneapolis Boxing & Wrestling Club before joining Jim Crockett Promotions in Charlotte.
In 1981, he won his first NWA World title, later becoming a major attraction in WCW, TNA, and WWE. Flair is a 16-time world champion and the first two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee, recognized for his individual career and as a member of The Four Horsemen.
Personal life
Flair married Leslie Goodman on August 28, 1971, and they had two children, Megan and David, before divorcing in 1983. He wed Elizabeth Harrell on August 27, 1983, with whom he had two more children, Ashley and Reid, before their divorce in 2006.
Flair’s third marriage to Tiffany VanDemark ended in 2009, followed by his marriage to Jacqueline Beems in 2009, which ended in 2014. His fifth wife, Wendy Barlow, married him in 2018 but separated in 2022. Flair’s son Reid tragically died from an overdose in 2013.
Are Rick Flair and Wendy still together?
Ric Flair and Wendy Barlow announced their split in January 2022 after four years of marriage, stating they had mutually decided to go their separate ways. Barlow later confirmed in an interview that their marriage, held in Florida, was never official, as they never applied for a marriage certificate.
Despite this, the couple reconciled in May 2022, but their relationship has been complicated by the earlier announcement and the lack of formal recognition of their marriage.
Conclusion
Ric Flair’s journey through the world of wrestling is more than just about titles and fame; it’s a saga of resilience, reinvention, and influence. His financial story, marked by peaks and valleys, mirrors the rollercoaster nature of his career and life, making him a fascinating figure in sports entertainment.
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FAQs about Ric Flair Net Worth
- How has Ric Flair maintained his net worth?
- Through continuous appearances, merchandise sales, and his enduring legacy in wrestling.
- Did Ric Flair have financial troubles?
- Yes, Flair faced financial difficulties, including legal battles and debt issues.
- What businesses does Ric Flair own?
- Flair has been involved in various ventures, including endorsements and a short-lived financial planning service.
- Has Ric Flair’s lifestyle impacted his net worth?
- Flair’s flamboyant lifestyle, including expensive clothes and luxury cars, has certainly had an impact.
- What are Ric Flair’s future financial prospects?
- With his legendary status, Flair is likely to remain a profitable figure in wrestling and popular culture.
