Interview: Ric Flair on 2017 Health Scare, Charlotte Flair, Missing Wrestling, His Robes

Florida newspaper The News-Press held a recent interview with Ric Flair discussing his 2017 health scare, Charlotte Flair’s wrestling career, the origin of his famous “Woo” catchphrase, why he misses professional wrestling, and the origin of his famous robes.

On the topic of his health scare last year, Flair stated he has been feeling great since the ordeal and is very grateful to be able to get another chance in life.

“I’m doing great! It was a year anniversary last Tuesday. I’ve healed, and I had the second operation to repair the stoma.

I feel great. And I’m blessed, man, no kidding. It’s been phenomenal.

Someone gave me another chance. Not someone, but you know, The Man gave me the opportunity. I feel very special and I feel very happy to be in the position I’m in.”

On the topic of his daughter Charlotte Flair’s wrestling career, Flair stated he considers her to already be beyond his own legacy as a wrestler.

“I live my life vicariously through my daughter. She’s doing phenomenal. She’s above and beyond the legacy.”

On the topic of the origin of his famous “Woo” catchphrase, Flair stated the phrase originated in 1974 and was just a random idea.

“It started in 1974. It’s just something I came up with. You know, I started doing it (laughs), and it just caught on. Thank God!”

On the topic of why he misses professional wrestling, Flair stated it was hard for him to retire since he saw wrestling as a way of life instead of just simply being a job.

“I’m not saying it wasn’t hard, but I didn’t look at it as just work. I loved it. It became a way of life for me. I loved it, and I miss it a lot now.

But like I said, I really enjoy watching my daughter, and I attend a lot of events. And through my relationship with her, I stay in touch with a lot of the kids who all come out… It’s been a wonderful experience.”

On the topic of the origin of his famous wrestling robes, Flair praised former seamstress Olivia Walker for creating the memorable robes from his career.

“I had mine made by Olivia Walker, who passed away. She was a seamstress that made all the stuff for Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, Tammy Wynette…

She worked with all the country-and-western people, and I was fortunate enough to meet her. She made all my robes until the day she passed away. She was the best.”