Ric Flair 30 For 30: Quotes, Promos Make Nature Boy A Wrestling Icon

Ric Flair, arguably the greatest professional wrestler of all time, is known for several aspects of his career. The Figure-four Leg Lock, the Four Horsemen and living the gimmick away from the squared circle will forever be associated with the Nature Boy’s persona.

But for all of Flair’s great matches and 16 world title runs, it was his ability on the microphone that made him a true icon and should be featured prominently in ESPN's 30 For 30 documentary entitled “Nature Boy.” The WWE Hall of Famer is responsible for some of the most memorable promos in the history of the wrestling business, and his catchphrases have become a part of pop culture.

The biggest stars to ever make it in WWE all have one or two famous quotes or catchphrases that cross over into the mainstream. The Rock’s “If ya smell what The Rock is cookin’,” is known by those that have never seen one of Dwayne Johnson’s matches, and Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “And that’s the bottom line because Stone Cold said so,” helped turn him into maybe the most popular wrestler ever.

When it comes to Flair, most fans think of just one word.

“Woo!” is as much a part of wrestling as any catchphrase in history. It’s just about impossible to watch an episode of “Monday Night Raw” and not hear the live crowd yell it in unison at some point, and it’s often chanted at random sporting events. Flair’s grandiose personality has made him a popular figure in the world of hip-hop, and “Woo!” finds its way into plenty of rap songs.

Often punctuated with a “Woo,” Flair’s promos featured several catchphrases that will forever be remembered. He described himself as a “limousine ridin’, jet flyin’, kiss stealin’, wheelin' dealin’, son of a gun,” creating the cocky persona that has been imitated by heels for decades. As hateable as Flair was during his height with The Four Horsemen, his “stylin’ n’ profilin’” was so entertaining that he couldn’t help but be cheered by a portion of the audience.

“To be the man, you gotta beat the man,” ranks up there with some of the most popular wrestling catchphrases. It even inspired the name for Flair’s autobiography that was published in 2004.

Whether he was talking about his championships, his riches or even his sex life, Flair was as charismatic as anyone that’s ever laced up a pair of wrestling boots. Other greats might have been more skilled in the ring, but no one was more captivating with a mic in their hands.

It’s part of the reason why Flair was a main-event wrestler for so long, and he still brought plenty to the table as an on-screen character in WWE in his 60’s. Even if he never steps foot in a wrestling ring again, Flair’s most famous quotes will keep him a part of the business for years to come.

Here are a few of Flair’s other memorable catchphrases:

“Space Mountain may be the oldest ride in the park, but it still has the longest line!”

“Whether you like it or not, learn to love it, because it’s the best thing goin’ today.”

“Diamonds are forever and so is Ric Flair.”

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