Ric Flair: "I DEMAND someone hold the rope open for me when I enter the ring"

[Ambiguous Turd]

This is going to be a spin off topic from the other thread on Flair demanding respect from peers, despite being anything but a role model in his private and public lives, as well as sometimes his professional life as well.

But the main focus of this thread is on Ric Flair's arrogance in demanding the official to hold the rope open for him as he makes his entrance. This has happened in both WWE and is not happening in TNA, as well. Whenever Flair approaches the ring he orders the official to hold the rope open for him. When in WWE, he would expect it to be done before he got to the ring, and would visibly get upset at people like Charles Robinson and others if that rope wasn't held open for him by the time he got to the ring.

Now, one could clearly argue that this is Flair just being a Heel and doing Heel tactics, but that isn't the case at all. Flair did this mostly when he was a FACE in the WWE, and doing something like this is most definitely not something a Face would do ... demanding the rope be held open for him as he enters the ring.

I personally feel that this is clearly the real Ric Flair coming through and showing his arrogance in how "great" he thinks he really was and is .... and is conceited enough to really think people should be holding the rope open for him any time he comes to the ring as a sign of respect for his "greatness".

What I would have to say would be "Who the Fuck do you think you are, compared to any other legend out there that has worked and busted his ass for the same number of years in the business?"

What say you?

 

[The Con Volt]

You know, I could take any number of Scotty Steiner quotes to further drive home the notion that Ric Flair the man is one of the most vile, degrading, full of shit people in the history of wrestling. And a favorite quote of mine came to mind while I was reading this post. "Those who deserve respect, should not have to demand it."

And in my opinion, Ric Flair the WRESTLER deserves every ounce of respect that can be allowed him. But Ric Flair the MAN has started to come to the surface of even his on-screen character in recent years. And honestly, I agree with Steiner. I mean, I'll "woo" along with Ric til the day he dies, but I don't think I can willingly have the same respect for the man anymore. If I were a ref and got yelled at by a man demanding I hold the ropes open for him, I'd say, "Nope, not gonna do it. If you've got a problem with that, then come in here and teach me a lesson." Cuz honestly, I think Flair might actually NEED someone to do it! Look, all I'm saying is that if Ric Flair even HAD the same respect he still thinks he has, then all referees would do it without even asking.

 

[ncwriter2908]

I thinkyour reading to much into it. It was just part of his entrance. It worked as either heel or face. It just became part of his entrance. He was an old warrior who deserved respect. He didnt demand to much he lost alot in WWE. So he wasnt bitching abuot jobbing alot. As a heel it got easy heat. As a face it was looked at as the refs and everyone respecting what he has done with his career.

As far as Ric Flair the man? Well lets not judge him so fast. A long list of wrestlers are dead or former addicts of drugs and painkillers. HBK,Taker,Stiener,Pillman,Rude,Beniot ect... Stone Cold beat up his wife and didnt seem to gain much heat about it. Hall is not the only drug user he is just the most talked about. I guess because he isnt as over as he use to be.

 

[jazzua]

Generally, I think you are correct in saying this type of anger would come from a heel. While Flair was a Face during the majority of this, I say he is the one face that anger from a ref not holding the rope open would work for. His whole career was about respect, from a storyline standpoint and in reality. So it makes sense, that a face Flair, would get pissed about not being shown the "respect" he feels he deserves. However, I don't feel this has anything to do with his on screen character at all. This is Flair being Flair. People may forget from time to time, Flair is his on screen character in alot of ways. While I don't think Flair has the right to demand a man to hold the ropes open for him as a sign of respect, I do feel as though he has done enough to be given that type of kudos from who ever may be the official in the ring.

And above, to actually take anything coming out of Scott's mouth as reality, I simply ask, really? This man has been known to do nothing but run his mouth about almost anyone in the business. When I have to listen to it coming from a guy who only got gold b/c everyone else in his company bailed, I don't take much of it to heart. But I will, again, agree with you. Respect isn't asked for, it's given.

 

[Notorious718]

I agree that while Flair does deserve respect for everything that he's accomplished in his career, his attitude still leaves much to be desired. If I were a ref and he ordered me to hold the ropes open for him, I'd be like "fuck you." DEMANDING respect the way is does is appalling to me and it pisses me off to no end when I see him treat referees that way. While I do respect Ric Flair the wrestler, I have little respect for Ric Flair the man.

Now, one could clearly argue that this is Flair just being a Heel and doing Heel tactics, but that isn't the case at all. Flair did this mostly when he was a FACE in the WWE, and doing something like this is most definitely not something a Face would do ... demanding the rope be held open for him as he enters the ring.

On a side note, Pope D'angelo Dinero also does this "hold the rope open for me when I enter the ring" thing even though he's a face right now. However I'm not sure if that's just part of his gimmick or if he really is being an arrogant ass like Flair.

 

[Trill Co$by]

This is just another case of a wrestler not realizing that he's only as great as Gagne let him be. Not to mention, for someone who gave up twice on wrestling... he sure does seem to think he's the best. I mean sure he's a 16 time world champion, but how many of those reigns were transitional?

Not to mention that a lot of his non-scripted promos were kinda stale. It took a genius over at turner networks to realize that he needed the help.

His matches were as good as his opponents let him be, and not only that, but he oversold more than the rock. I respect the paved roads, but I just don't think he's as great as people are claiming he is. I'm sorry, but I don't see it.

 

[Miko]

To be honest he's probably just pissed off because because it strains his back going through those ropes. So when he gets a pang from bending down too far he just takes it out on the referee.

On a side not he really aint as great as he's made out to be, even during the guys youth I dont think he was all that. I am still of the opinion that the only reason he's considered great these days is because HHH and HBK sucked his cock at every opportunity, like you said in your post Sid "who the fuck is he compared to all those other legends?". There really are plenty better.

 

[waylonmercy]

A referee badmouthing Ric Flair would be career suicide. If any of you really think you would tell off Ric Flair if you were a referee would be lying. WWE referees Im sure are the highest paid referees in wrestling and holding a ring rope open for Ric Flair is minimal when you probably have Vince McMahon yelling at you backstage for making a mistake in the ring. Are you going to tell off Vince McMahon too? If you would good luck finding work because referees take a lot of slack.

As for the topic in hand, I think Ric Flair has gotten special permission to have referees open the ring ropes for him and may be giving referees the eye for not following procedure or he's just playing an arrogant face Ric Flair.

 

[scorpioking1026]

To be honest I never really noticed. Flair's whole cherade(?) to the ring was never that fascinating to me. And as far as actually stepping into the ring, the only time I fully paid attention to that was when a woman wrestler such as Melina, Trish Stratus, or Stacy Keibler were doing it. I think a lot of it has to due with the fact that even when Flair was a heel and "the dirtiest player in the game" I don't recall every seeing the sadistic intense look while making his way to the ring like a Joe which I always thought was a shame cuz with that gimmick of "dirtiest" you would think he would show that towards the ring more.

I highly doubt this is done because of some ego trip that Flair is permantely on. I think its really just done out of respect. Cuz if it was an ego trip kind of deal, I find it hard to believe that either WWE or TNA would stand for it at this stage in his career. He's nowhere close to being the "whole damn show" anymore that's for sure.

As for other legends, I can't recall off hand and am too tired and lazy to look on youtube but I'm sure guys like Snuka, Piper, and Steamboat at one time or another had some hold the ropes for them during that Y2J vs Legends vs Mickey Rourke angel. But if by chance that I am wrong, and Flair is the only one getting it done, I can only defend what is going on in TNA.

With Flair's role in TNA now, the rope holding thing could just be a part of his character. He is in control of the world champ so in theory he owns TNA. Therefor he walks around like he does own it. That is the only explanation that I could possibly see behind besides the respect thing.

Refeeres are employees too and if he was "bullying" them to do it, I think they would file enough complaints to stop it from continueing.

 

[Poop Master Flex]

Personally I think flair doing these kinds of actions is total BS. Flair (like a lot of wrestlers to be fair) has an inflated ego, its just that Flair's ego is more inflated than most. Demanding a referee to hold the ropes for you is ridiculous, its not like they are his servants or something, and I don't see other greats in wrestling do that (even someone like piper doesn't do that and he could probably use the help getting into the ring with his hip replacement).

I respect everything the man did in the industry but there is a difference between showing someone respect and kissing someones ass. It sounds to me like he expects them to kiss his ass. I respect the man but if he asked me to do that, I would probably flip him the bird.

 

[JJYanks121]

This is a topic I agree with you on, Sid. NOBODY is above the business. To expect that treatment and to flip out when you don't get it is like a 5 year old not getting a toy and throwing a temper tantrum. Yes, it's nice for to help the elderly, and people probably should do that. I mean, I was always taught to hold the door for people and I guess this is similar, but these are ropes. Worse case, he goes through them with very little effort even with no one holding them. I noticed it a while back as well, and it's partially why I've never been a Ric Flair fan. I think he's held a grudge for a long time about not having the fame of WWF guys even though he felt he was the better wrestler, and this is is way of "getting the respect he always deserved". I know he was probably good, but you just don't act like that. It's that attitude that leads men to cheat on their wives, break the law, and do other stupid things because they feel their accomplishments put them "above" typical societal standards. It never does and these people should learn to act like adults and deal with life. Ric should suck it up and deal with it. If someone remembers to hold the ropes, fine. But if not, deal with it, the world will not end!

 

[not a loser like u]

FOOLS! first of all this is pro-wrestling (i.e its fake!!), flair having someone hold open the ropes is just a gimmick to showcase him as being an all time great, the only one who deserves to have the ropes. Just like bret hart let mcmahon spit in his face, or JR kissed mcmahons ass. this is not because mcmahon has an inflated ego and is telling everyone whos boss, its part of the show. Stop over analyzing everything and try to enjoy the product.

 

[kevinc2415]

FOOLS! first of all this is pro-wrestling (i.e its fake!!), flair having someone hold open the ropes is just a gimmick to showcase him as being an all time great, the only one who deserves to have the ropes. Just like bret hart let mcmahon spit in his face, or JR kissed mcmahons ass. this is not because mcmahon has an inflated ego and is telling everyone whos boss, its part of the show. Stop over analyzing everything and try to enjoy the product.

Thank you for saying this wrestling fans over analysis every single little thing instead of just enjoying it. Ric flair has sold out just as many shows worldwide as any other wrestler out there. Ric was one of the first entertainers in wrestling as well as being a great wrestler he was doing the ropes thing when he started the nature boy gimmick.

 

[Sparky]

FOOLS!

Why are you sooo mean to me?

first of all this is pro-wrestling (i.e its fake!!),

Your kidding right, they don't really hit each other? somebody tell me it Isn't true.

flair having someone hold open the ropes is just a gimmick to showcase him as being an all time great, the only one who deserves to have the ropes.

He deserved to take the ropes home with him?

Stop over analyzing everything and try to enjoy the product.

It's a wrestling forum. It's what we do.

I think it's something that became apart of his gimmick. Now don't quote me on this, but HBK said in his book that you learn new things being a heel that you keep later on when your face again. Obviously He started doing the rope thing as a cocky heel and kept doing it because it fitted his Character so well. You must remember, the guy was Stylin and profilin He had his own Limo, He was that cool and famous that he Didn't want to touch the ropes in his entrance. It don't make him a bad guy for that.

 

[RockNRollWag]

Wow...people see a post..and they decide to agree with the poster...always.....Since when don't people respect Flair? Suddenly he's just an everyday wrestler that doesn't deserve the ropes held for him? This is coming from the same people that I'm sure would be saying how great he is in another post.

P.S. Lord Sidious...you are a sad fucker...you spent every day all day on this website...get a job and get out of your mom's basement...***.

 

[Chicago1989]

I kind of do think Ric Flair is somewhat arrogant. I mean I'm not surprised...the guy's a legend, a millionaire, and a "16-Time World Champ". You should expect someone with all that to be arrogant behind the scenes.

I knew someone who told me that he used to work for catering at sporting events and he told me that when guys from the WWE would perform at The Arena at Harbor Yard (Bridgeport, CT), guys like Ric Flair would come and leave a complete mess at the caf. Which shows no consideration.

So there's further proof, I suppose, of his arrogance. But that doesn't mean that I don't respect his contributions though. I do respect him.

 

[flocker]

It may be a little arrogant. I can't imagine slick ric EVER being a face. It just wouldn't really work. A tweener sure. A cool heel, absolutely. But a face, a true blue babyface, WHAT A WASTE.

If it really is a pompous thing, why does he NOW hold the ropes for AJ?

He has been nothing but a pro for YEARS. He has put over everyone. He sells to guys he could clearly no - sell.

Every match he had in Australia was a freaking blade job. The wrestlemania match with HBK was awesome, and he almost NEVER wrestles anymore. He makes AJ interstesting when he's not wrestling. Who else has ever made AJ intersting on the stick?

It's an angle, it's a work. If it pisses you off, it did its job.

 

[MisterTNA]

I don't understand why all of a sudden this is an issue. When Flair was fucking over Vince, and Shawn, nobody seemed to give a shit. Now that he demands some refs in TNA to open the ropes it's a problem?

Anybody that would shit on what Vince and Shawn did, by joining Hogans crapfest tour then going to TNA doesn't have any respect. Now I'm not saying that Vince or Shawn are great people. But they did right to Flair. Wasn't like Flair vs Kennedy, or Flair vs Carlito, or Flair vs MVP was actually making WWE much money. They gave him the send off of a lifetime. And what does he do? He fucking shits on so he can have another hoorah on a tour, and a stint with TNA.

So does anything this piece of shit does surprise me? Nope

 

[AndarielHalo]

It's seemingly blasphemy among smarks and marks alike, but in my honest opinion, I see absolutely nothing great in Ric Flair's work today. Maybe it's unfair of me to judge without having seen his wrestling in the 70s and 80s, but I bet I can even guess what it would be based on the shell of a performance he's put on in the last few years: slaps, chops, flop on the ground, elbows, punches, suplexes, strut, clothesline, figure four leglock.

Though i'm confident any great wrestler paired with him and his charisma could put on five star classics.

His promos are incoherent messes of him screaming and going "Woo" as often as possible and bragging about how he's the best thing ever and all should bow down and worship him. He really only has two modes: Completely on and crazy, and faux-legit seriousness.


And then (and there's always an "And then there's this") there's the stories told of his booking days in WCW, particularly lengthy in Mick Foley's books and the like. To summarize without going in-depth on something I know nothing about beyond second-hand accounts: He was a quintessentially bad booker.


Note these are only my opinions and not facts. I can say even based on all of my opinions on this, I do not hate him as a person or a wrestler, nor do I consider him a bad person or bad wrestler.


I would much rather watch a Mick Foley "anti-hardcore" promo or a Raven promo or a Chris Jericho promo of either the "HOLD NUMBER 1: ARMBAAAR!" or "you're all sycophants" variety, or even an incoherent Scott Steiner mush-mouthing than an average Ric Flair promo.

 

[Suneeboy]

This is one of those things that you can make a case for either side. Is he being arrogant as a person? Maybe…but I don’t think we can say that for certain in regards to having a ref hold the ring ropes.

We are looking into this a little too much, but that’s what we’re supposed to do. Its fun!

However, this is his ring entrance, and he’s done it for decades. I think what started as a heel tactic and gimmick has become common place. Can The Undertaker come out without the lights going off? Can HHH come out without a water bottle? Can Bret Hart put his shades in his pocket as opposed to giving it to a child? The answer is no to all 3.

With that said the same should be said for this situation. He should be visibly upset at referees for not holding open the ropes, because like it or not, it has become a part of the show. It is his entrance…hell its even in video games. Whether he is breaking kayfabe is another story, but you must respect a wrestlers entrance, and if it includes the referee being a prop for 3 seconds then so be it. It is not Flair being arrogant, or him being an asshole. I think it is the referee disrupting the show.

The ref holding the ropes is Flair’s “pyro”, “confetti”, and “lighting”. They should do it, and if they don’t right away I feel Flair has every right to be upset.

 

[Miko]

Yeah, the whole ropes thing is people digging too much into this, sure Flairs probably a cunt, sure I think he's crazy overrated, sure I think he was crap even when he was at his best, but demanding someone holds the ropes on screen is just playing your character, something that ALL wrestlers do.

This whole thread is a wind up

 

[wazaveli]

I Don't think that its such a bad thing. Remember this is wrestling and where he is doing this, is on a wrestling show.
And in this world of wrestling, as an arrogant prick of a Heel, yeah it works well to piss people off and as a face you have to stand back and respect what he has accomplished and what he has done for the business in the 35+ Years he has been in it.

I know he is a prick and cocky and an alcoholic in his real life, but at the end of the day it is His life not mine. What he does at 2:30 am on a friday night or any hour of the week other then when he is on my TV I don't care.

 

[The Revelation]

Regardless of his personal life... IT"S RIC FLAIR FOR GOODNESS SAKE! If he wants a referee to hold the ropes he deserves to have it done! Remember?! THE GREATEST WRESTLER WHO EVER LIVED! Professionally no one can touch him. He deserves it... case closed

 

[smarktown]

Really? The guy who, heel or face, had one gimmick his entire career... Rolex, Armani, champagne and limousines... luxury... has always expected the ropes to be held for him and you think it's more than a gimmick?

Ric Flair's gimmick regardless of heel or face is that of someone so wildly successful and high society that he expects doors to be opened for him. It's not that hard to figure out.

 

[Kliq]

I personally love it. It doesn't matter how much of an ass someone is outside of the ring, when you've been doing it for 30+ years, you get a gold watch and some respect. It has become part of his character, face or heel. Open the ropes for the man. I don't care if he flips you off backstage and calls you a bitch, open the ropes for the guy. Is he arrogant for wanting it done? Sure, why not. But in all honesty is it a topic for conversation? I don't think so. Do you open the door for a 60 year old at McDonalds? Yes. Do you hold the ropes open for a legend (regardless if you think he is that great or not) of the business you're a part of? Of course you do, and if you don't, he has every right to "demand" it.