Ric Flair was interviewed by David Barron of The Houston Chronicle and The Nature Boy shared his thoughts on the current state of the pro wrestling landscape. Flair says that “it’s a good time” to be a pro wrestler considering all the options for employment out there and gives his comments regarding his 1992 Royal Rumble win due to the fact that the famed WWE event will take place in Houston next year. Quotes are below:
Ric Flair on why it’s a great time to be a pro wrestler:
“This is the greatest time in the last 20 years to be a pro wrestler,” he said last week at Minute Maid Park, where he threw the ceremonial first pitch before a Tigers-Astros game.
“Tony and the Khan family have a lot of money, and they’re going to spend the money to get good. For the young guys coming along, it provides an alternative way. The WWE can pay only so many guys and feature only so many guys. They do a great job of it, but a lot of guys who do have talent never get an opportunity.”
On the significance of a having a Royal Rumble win under his belt:
“Every night you want to get into the ring and separate yourself from the 30 or 31 or however many people are there,” he said. “You want to do something where the fans say, ‘Wow, nobody else can do that.’ You want to leave them with a moment.
“I’ve seen guys put on a spectacular show in the Rumble, and WWE is pushing them hard the next day. It’s a big event, and it gives everybody a chance. It’s an opportunity for everybody to show their skills before 60,000 strong.”
Flair said the 1992 event, which he said included 18 men who have been inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame, was among his greatest moments as a performer.
“You’re talking about Jake (Roberts) and Hulk (Hogan) and Shawn Michaels. Everybody was there,” he said. “It defined me, because I came in after being exhausted by WWE, and I’ll never forget the moment or the opportunity.
“It’s like winning the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game or the slam dunk in basketball. It’s a big deal.”
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