10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Dec 9)
2. Jerry Lee Lewis Inspired Ric Flair's Woo
Even in 2016, few (if any) wrestlers can deliver a chop without at least a handful of fans shouting 'Woo' along with it. Synonymous with the 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair, this sound has become one of wrestling's most instantly recognisable catchphrases. Incredibly, 'Woo' has some very humble origins.
Via his own podcast, Flair talked about where the phrase had come from originally. As it turns out, Ric began saying 'Woo' in 1974 after hearing the Jerry Lee Lewis track 'Great Balls Of Fire'. Listening to the song, the wrestler heard the singer shout a variation of 'Woo' after reciting the song's main chorus.
Looking for inspiration, the soon-to-be legend lifted the sound from Lewis and started using it on wrestling shows. Nowadays, it's impossible to envision any Ric Flair appearance without the trademark 'Woo'.
Looking back to the 1970's though, Flair simply decided to incorporate an expression of excitement from the rock n' roll singer into his own act. Since then, it has become second nature and 'Woo' has turned into one of wrestling's best-loved slogans.