8 Times Wrestlers Who Wanted To Quit Were Given Championships

7. Ric Flair (WWF World Championship)

Trish Stratus Unforgiven 2006
WWE

Today, reflecting through rose-tinted glasses and glasses of rosé on the Q&A circuit, Ric Flair regards his brief but brightly-burning WWF run at the start of the '90s as the best time of his career. Had you asked 'The Nature Boy' at the time, his outlook wouldn't have been quite so rosy.

Although Flair's spell in Stamford glittered with gold, the introduction of the 'real Worlds' Champion' to the unreal world of WWE just hadn't mixed right. A huge money programme with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VIII was nipped in the bud when Vince McMahon soured on the idea of Flair as a main-event draw, and his position within the company became further strained when his second title victory, a television match against an increasingly disinterested Randy Savage, was so below par that the boss ordered it retaped.

By the time of that match, Flair had already decided he wanted to return to Atlanta. Two months later - further inflamed by being asked to drop the strap to a young Bret Hart - Slick Ric told his employers of his decision, and was released from his Titan turmoil the following February having done the honours for Mr. Perfect.

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.