Ringside Review: Wrestlers pay tribute to Flair
After “Raw” on May 19 had gone off the air, the fans got to see something a little extra.
They were in Greenville, S.C., and hometown boy Ric Flair had just finished his main-even match with Triple H. Flair had carried HHH most of the match, by doing all of the moves he has been doing for over 30 years. But on this night, he was more like the “Nature Boy” of 20 years ago.
The moves seemed to be a step faster, the “woo’s” a little louder, and the slaps a little harder.
When the match was over, Ric got a standing ovation for his night’s performance. It was not the first or the last, but this time the fans got a little help from the wrestlers.
One by one the superstars of the WWE went to the ring. There was no pretending, no gimmicks or acts, but there was honesty and realism in this tribute to one of the best of all time. There were no good guys or bad guys, these were men and women who truly love Rick and all that he has done for pro wrestling.
Spike Dudley says this about Ric Flair on WWE.com: “Ric still arrives at every show early to get in the ring and teach the younger wrestlers. He certainly doesn’t have to do this, he wants to because he loves the business.
“Ric gives and gives and gives. He does this with a smile, with dignity, and with class.”
If I could have one wish as a pro wrestling fan, it would be to see Ric and Hogan one last time in a match. Ric would win, and Hogan would tell the world that Ric Flair was the better man. The last part will never happen.
• Where is Nathan Jones? The 7-foot Australian was being pushed as the next big heel, that didn’t work. Next, they put him with the Undertaker, and the Undertaker got hurt. Now Nathan was hurt on May 13 while practicing for “SmackDown” on the same night Chavo Guerrero was injured.
Jones had a large piece of bone taken out of his elbow by Dr. James Andrews on May 15 and should be back very soon.
• Texas Pro Wrestling has a full card of action on deck for tonight at Jake’s Auction House.
In the night’s main event, Outlaw Lee Condry and Vicious Vandy take on Chase Stevens and Andy Douglas, with Chris Shivan in their corner, for the tag team championship belts.
In other action, Williams and Kilo will square off in a special match against Slade and Payne, and the ladies return as Miss Fan battles Miss Shay.
Cody takes on Scottie tonight, and Bobby Lowe will battle the legendary Gypsy Joe.
Tickets are $7 at the door, and children 10 and under are admitted free. Doors open at 6 p.m., with bell time set for 8 p.m.
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