10 Wrestlers Who Got Smaller To Get Bigger

6. Ric Flair

Akira Tozawa Transform
Terrance Machalek/WWE

Few people who survive one would ever describe a plane crash as the best thing that ever happened to them. Ric Flair is an exception to most of life's rules.

Before the Cessna 310 aircraft carrying Flair and colleagues Johnny Valentine, Bob Bruggers, Tim Woods and David Crockett plummeted to the ground on its fateful flight to Wilmington, NC, Flair was a bulky mass of brawn, possessing a physique - and style - similar to the likes of AWA pummeler The Crusher. The crash changed all that.

Flair miraculously survived the disaster - the pilot was sadly not so fortunate - but was told by doctors he'd never wrestle again. The youngster defied medical opinion, embarking on an inspirational process of physical therapy, shedding the pounds in the process. The injuries sustained forced a complete rethink of Flair's style - resulting in the The Nature Boy persona who went on to absolutely boss the business.

In this post: 
Akira Tozawa
 
First Posted On: 
Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.