Ric Flair has attained a legendary status among wrestling fans, becoming so beloved for his years of hard work and great matches that its rendered him a permanent babyface in their eyes. Hes an enduring figure who is somewhat of a pop culture icon and will have a favored place in the memories of fans for the remainder of their lives. But lets not forget that The Nature Boy was at his best when he was cast as a villain. Flair personified the spoiled, rich brat who achieved success through dishonest means, and made and lost millions of dollars causing the audience to get heavily invested in the idea of whoever he was facing finally being the one to give him comeuppance. During the territory days, Ric did big business with anyone with even a decent name and was an expert at making us think the local guy had a shot at becoming the champion of the world. To be the man, you gotta beat the man was an infuriating phrase because the fans knew if their favorite could just get a fair shot at the champ they would dethrone him, but he always managed hold onto the belt by the skin of his teeth. His feuds with men like Dusty Rhodes, Magnum TA and Randy Savage are prime examples of how heeling should be done.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
