As you might be able to tell, I'm a bit of a mark for Ric Flair. While I might not necessarily agree with his actions as of late (nor do I agree with the decision to tarnish what should've been the finest legacy in the history of this business by signing with TNA), he remains my favorite wrestler of all time. I actually joined this forum to post in this thread and recount the story of my fondest wrestling memory.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. I had followed Flair's career since my mother's boyfriend had exposed me to NWA wrestling in 1987. During this time, everyone across the country was fawning over Hulk Hogan and the WWF marketing machine. I remained a loyal Flair fan throughout the years, always favoring the masterful ring work and expert mic skills of "The Nature Boy." I'd seen all the greats -- even of today -- and still none come close. Still, it was on my birthday in 1998 that I truly believed that the entire country felt like I did watching at home in Queens, NY. That Nitro on September 14th has been seared into my cerebelum. Etched in my psyche as the most emotional, real night in what is often referred to as a "fake" sport.
Seeing James J. Dillion come down to the ring in the tuxedo gave me chills right off the bat. I'd followed J.J's career since he was referred to as "Nature Boy Dillion." Often overlooked for his contributions to the sport, I knew what he meant -- especially to The Horsemen. He was part of the nucleus - Arn, Flair and J.J. He introduces to the ring probably the most underrated, under appreciated worker of all time in "The Enforcer," Arn Anderson. While still on the entrance way, he throws up those 4 fingers and you know -- you just know. You feel it. It's something no other stable could produce, ever -- those goose bumps. Arn delivers a promo that only Arn can deliver. Terse and intense, Arn brings out the Horsemen in succession. I'll never forget him using the line he'd used in the past..."We don't wear white hats...we're not nice guys! I said it, I meant it...be careful what you wish for..." He does the shtick about being punch drunk and nearly forgetting the 4th Horsemen. Keep in mind that during the entire promo, the crowd is rabid; they interrupt at several points with boisterous "We Want Flair" chants. As Arn assures both the crowd and Bischoff, everyone will get what they want.
When Arn screams "Ric Flair, get on out here.." The ovation was -- indescribable. A pop that cannot be compared or comprehended. I cannot put to the words the emotions that came over me. It was overwhelming. As a young man, I didn't express much emotion even when the situation warranted it. On this night, watching Nitro on my birthday, I cried uncontrollably. I wept at the thought of Ric Flair, the greatest ever, being humbled by this outpouring of adulation from peer and fan alike. It defined my love for pro wrestling, that experience.
I've been to two Wrestlemanias (10 and 27, with plans on going to 28). I've been to very nearly 1,000 shows live (many PPV's, house shows and independents). I've been in Madison Square Garden during Austin's meteoric rise to the top. I've seen The Rock at the height of his popularity. All of their pops have been tremendous; I've been right there cheering along with the rest of the crowd. Still, no pop comes close to the deafening decibel level combined with the raw emotion that Flair's return invoked.
Among them all, Ric Flair's return and reuniting the Horsemen still gives me goose bumps and to this day causes me to get a little misty eyed.
