Ric Flair. The name conjures images of diamond-studded robes, the roar of the crowd, and the confident swagger of a wrestling icon. 1985 marked a pivotal year for “The Nature Boy,” solidifying his place as one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling. But behind the “Woooo!” and the champagne wishes, how secure was Ric Flair’s financial kingdom at his absolute peak? The truth, as we’ll explore, is far more complex than the glitter and gold suggest.
While pinpointing Flair’s exact net worth in 1985 is difficult, we can piece together a compelling picture of his income, expenses, and the financial decisions that would shape his future. This hub acts as your guide to understanding the intricacies of Ric Flair’s financial life during that era, and the pillars that supported – and sometimes crumbled – beneath the weight of his flamboyant lifestyle.
Dominating the Ring, Decimating the Bank Account?
Flair was undoubtedly earning a substantial income in 1985, driven by his championship status and drawing power. Later in his career, he commanded millions in WCW in the 90s, and even a respectable WWE contract after returning in 2001. However, his spending habits mirrored his persona: extravagant and at times, reckless. He wasn’t just playing the “Nature Boy” on TV; he was living it. This meant custom-made robes costing tens of thousands of dollars, expensive jewelry, luxury cars, and the constant hum of limousines and private jets. It’s a lifestyle that requires serious cash flow, but was Flair really earning enough to sustain it?
The Seeds of Financial Trouble: Taxes, Loans, and Bad Investments
The allure of the spotlight sometimes overshadowed sound financial planning. Unfortunately, early on, Ric Flair struggled with tax obligations. Failing to pay taxes consistently throughout the 1980s led to chronic IRS issues that plagued him for years. It’s not unreasonable to assume these problems were already brewing during that 1985 peak and beyond, impacting his finances significantly.
Flair also faced poor investments and took out numerous loans that he struggled to repay. He even borrowed a significant sum from Vince McMahon to cover tax debts, though the debt was later forgiven. He also dipped his toes into ventures like “The Ric Flair Finance program,” which unfortunately did not succeed.
Beyond the Ring: Deconstructing the Nature Boy’s Financial Ecosystem
To truly understand Ric Flair’s financial situation, we need to look beyond his wrestling income. His revenue streams included not only his base salary but also merchandise sales, appearance fees, and endorsements. He even boasts of a lucrative annual income at age 76. As such, it is essential to break down these different income sources and how they stacked up in 1985.
Beyond his wrestling career, there are other revenue streams which have made an impact on Flair’s total net worth. These include business ventures, partnerships and media appearances, and other income streams. Flair has a wine label, a BBQ sauce line, and even an energy drink sponsorship with AEW.
The story of Ric Flair’s finances at his peak reveals a cautionary tale of living large and the potential consequences of prioritizing image over financial stability. It proves that even at the pinnacle of success, sound financial planning is essential.