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When you think of pro wrestling, you think of Ric Flair. The "Nature Boy" became an icon of the industry with his flamboyant personality, unparalleled charisma, and in-ring prowess. However, in 1991, the wrestling landscape was rocked by a contract dispute that led to Flair's shocking departure from WCW and jump to WWE. At the center of this dispute was a bond worth $25,000, which ultimately marked the end of an era and forever altered the course of wrestling history.
Ric Flair's Initial WCW Run
Ric Flair's initial time in WCW, formerly known as Jim Crockett Promotions, was nothing short of extraordinary. Flair's journey in the promotion began in the early 1980s when he emerged as a rising star, capturing the attention of wrestling enthusiasts with his unique blend of athleticism, charisma, and unparalleled mic skills. Flair's rise to prominence coincided with his "Nature Boy" persona, a flamboyant and charismatic character inspired by the legendary "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers.
With his slicked-back blond hair, lavish robes adorned with sequins and feathers, and trademark "Woo!" catchphrase, Flair quickly became one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in professional wrestling. Beyond his in-ring achievements and championship wins, Flair's promos and interviews were a major highlight of his time in WCW.
RELATED: How Vince McMahon Saved Ric Flair From Being Financially Broke
Why Ric Flair Left WCW In 1991
During a candid conversation with mediaman.com.au, Ric Flair shed light on the factors that led to his departure from WCW and his subsequent move to WWE while retaining the WCW World Title. He said. "Jim Herd is the total reason I left. He had a lot to do with the destruction and bankruptcy of the company – 10 years before it did bankrupt. He will go down as the biggest idiot of all time. It was nothing I did – you know you have a right to protect yourself. It came about over $25,000…" Ric explained, "There was a time in my life when I thought I was invincible. I knew I was the best at what I did – I never thought of myself better than other people in any other way, apart from the wrestling where I knew I was the best wrestler alive. I went from that character to a guy who was forced to cut his hair, a guy who Jim Herd wanted to wear an earring. He wanted to make me into a gladiator!"
But this was not all, as Ric revealed the ultimate kicker, “He was taking an established commodity – who’d been the flagship of the company – and changing it stupidly. When the NWA was in existence, it was controlled by a board of directors. Whoever the champion was, they had to put up a $25,000 bond. It was a statement to say that the champion wouldn’t leave with the belt." Ric added, "I put up a bond for 25 grand, and when I asked for my money back, Herd said, ‘F**k you and the belt!’" Flair was absolutely livid at Herd who he warned about his anger. "I said, ‘It’s not f**k me, it’s f**, you – watch where the belt is next Monday.' I called Vince, and I said, ‘I’ll come [to the WWE] as the champion if you want me to be.'" Flair revealed, "I sent the belt to WWE, and Bobby Heenan took it out on TV the next week."
RELATED: Ric Flair's Legal Battle With WCW Over The NWA World Championship, Explained
The Aftermath Of Ric Flair's Move From WCW To WWE
In the same interview, Flair discussed his time in WWE and his eventual return to WCW. Ric Flair revealed how a dream match in WWE never happened. Ric Flair versus Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania was the original game plan. "I’ve heard several reasons why it didn’t happen. I don’t know for sure, but political issues and things were happening with the company. But it was nothing I was too upset about."
Ric then discussed WCW's reaction to him leaving with the belt. "As soon as WCW realized the damage, they filed a lawsuit to have me send back the belt. All over 25 grand! Here you have a company spending millions of pounds on nothing, and they couldn’t give me my 25 grand." He added. "I said to Herd, ‘I’ll give you three months [to return my deposit],’ and guess what? Ninety days later, he was gone! Ultimately, when I came back, they gave me the 25 grand plus interest." Ric revealed that his move back to WCW is something he regrets. But as we all know in the end he did still have a legendary career.
