10 Wrestlers Who Completely Changed To Become Main Event Stars

3. Ric Flair

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Instagram/@ricflairnatureboy/WWE

The Change: By his own admission, Ric Flair wasn't quite the party-animal 'Nature Boy' he'd become in later years at the start of his career. Instead, he was a generic brand of wrestler, and actually looked more like Samoa Joe than the bleach-blonde jet-setter fans would revile then fall in love with.

Adopting the 'Nature Boy' gimmick made famous by Buddy Rogers in the late-'70s led Flair on a golden path towards fame and fortune.

How It Helped: The difference between muscle-man wannabe on the left and cocky 'Woo' shouting superstar on the right is startling. As the 'Nature Boy', Flair found his calling. He suited partying every night and out-working everyone else inside the ring regardless of how little sleep he'd had.

Flair projected an image of wealth and self-belief, and he lived the lifestyle he claimed on television. Seeing how he evolved from slightly chubby boots 'n' tights technician to become a master of the promo and resplendent robe-wearing headliner is incredible.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.