This one is for the people who hang out Off The Turnbuckle in the Ill Community. 

On Sunday, March 30, 2008, wrestling fans witnessed the end of an era and on the March 31, 2008 edition of Monday Night Raw, wrestling fans were able to say good-bye and thank you.  It was an era that has spanned for 36 years

In 1972, Richard Nixon began serving his 2^nd term as President of the United States of America.

The 1972 Men’s Olympic Basketball Team was robbed in the Summer Olympics.  The Miami Dolphins  began their legendary 16-0 perfect season perfect and in Verne Gagne’s AWA Territory, the gold standard was born.  Richard Morgan Fliehr debut as "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and the world of professional wrestling  changed forever.

The “Nature Boy” or “Naitch”, as he was referred to later on in his career, became professional wrestling’s biggest icon next to the Immortal Hulk Hogan.  Using the same nickname, look, and finisher of the original “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, Ric Flair continued the legacy the forefathers of professional wrestling had instilled in him years ago up to his retirement.  During a time when professional wrestling is as much part of today’s mainstream entertainment, Flair has always made sure that the traditional aspect of the sport has always been evident for up and coming wrestlers and the fans. 

So you’ll probably ask yourself, “Why in the blue hell is there an article about Ric Flair on Allhiphop.com?” Well the answer to that is simple; Ric Flair was Hip-Hop before there was Hip-Hop.  Let’s look at his Hip-Hop resume:

he was a “Limousine-Ridin’, Jet-Flyin’, Kiss-Stealin’, Wheelin’-Dealin’, Son of a Gun”. 

Whether it was with Tony Shiavone,

or “Mean” Gene Okerlund,

Flair was going to tell you how it is,

or tell you how it should be. 

and he had no problems telling you how much he was worth.

Flair was always "Reeking of sex appeal". 

and when it was time to handle business, they handled business.

Now if Flair’s career doesn’t have Hip-Hop written all over it, I don’t know what does.

From “The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels, to “The Game” Triple H, to “The Olympic Hero” Kurt Angle; Flair was the embodiment of how a champion should be.  From the way a champion dressed, to how they spoke, Flair displayed it.  He was the man every woman wanted, and every man wanted to be. Flair was the blueprint of style and class in professional wrestling.

We all know that pro-wrestling is more entertainment than sport, and that was exactly what Flair did, he entertained us.  Whether it was Monday night, Thursday night, Saturday night or a Pay-Per View, you knew if Ric Flair was the main event, you got your money worth.  He may have not been the biggest or the strongest, but Flair was the best. 

So we as wrestling fans would like to say “Thank You”.  Thank you for coming into our homes and allowing us to live through you each and every time you stepped in to the squared-circle or cut a promo.  Flair said, “Like it or learn to live with it, to be the man, you have to beat the man!”

Mr. Flair, you are the man.  Thank you Ric, Wooooooooo!

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