Ric Flair on His Documentary, Reid’s Death, Drinking Problems, ESPN

Recent episode of Busted Open Radio podcast show had Ric Flair as the guest discussing his ESPN 30 For 30 Documentary which aired earlier this week. Some of the topics discussed included Flair’s drinking problems, the making of his documentary, and working with ESPN for his film.

When asked about his “Nature Boy” persona featured in the film, Flair stated he is done with being the “Nature Boy” after his recent health scare.

“‘Naitch’ is done, it’s Richard Morgan Fliehr from now on (laughs). After you see this 30 For 30”

On the making of his 30 For 30 documentary, Flair revealed he worked on this film for two years and at times was a hard experience especially the portion involving the passing of his son Reid Flair.

“First of all, they’re really intense, it took two years to do. There were some ups and downs, but I’m very honest in it. There’s some great moments about wrestling, great moments about how much fun I had, and then there’s the tragedy of my son dying and me second-guessing myself, wondering if I could’ve been a better father, because he was like my best friend.”

On the topic of Reid Flair’s death and his drinking problems, Flair stated some of his worst drinking occurred after his son’s passing. Reid’s death was something he struggled to cope with emotional and used drinking as a way to escape from his pain.

“That’s when I really, really went to work drinking. I drank from the time the bars opened at 10 a.m. to two o’clock every day I wasn’t working for a year, at least. I just couldn’t shake it any other way. And all of that is in the film.”

Later in the interview, Flair stated he had a very enjoyable time working with ESPN and appreciated the importance they placed on his film compared to previous 30 For 30 films.

“They (ESPN) think so too. It was so awesome, the people I’ve worked with,” Flair said. “I’ll tell you how big it is: they’re gonna play a minute-long clip of it on Monday Night Football the day before it airs. That’s what kind of exposure, what kind of push they’re giving it. They’ve never done that with a 30 For 30 before.”