8 Best Second Act WWE Careers Ever
3. Ric Flair
The first part of Flair's career was the story of his ascension from a simple heel champion to the very heart and soul of the company he wrestled for. This climb ended in the early 1990's, when incompetent management forced Flair out and WCW audiences realized how much they loved the slimy fellow. He triumphantly returned in a match against the invincible Vader, one of the best in either's man's career. And then the decline began, with management prioritizing nearly everyone on their roster over their homegrown legend. By the time the company folded, Flair was a joke, a parody of himself working a dementia angle to the amusement of no one.
When Flair signed with WWE, he was immediately treated with the respect due him for his years of excellence. At first managing HHH, he would also mentor Randy Orton and Batista, even winning a tag team championship with the latter. Post-Evolution, Flair seemed to take a cue from Terry Funk and showcased a deranged tenacity that seemed incongruous with his age. He faced HHH, Mick Foley and Edge in epic bloodbaths to make Vikings blush, and his swan song was the sweet, sad, poetic WrestleMania clash with Shawn Michaels. And after a glorious sendoff, he never wrestled again.
No, sir.