Ric Flair to WWE: ‘To be The Man, you gotta beat The Man’ - 4th October 2019

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Ric Flair wants to be compensated by WWE for use of the phrase “The Man.” Provided/WWE

By Mike Mooneyham Special to The Post and Courier
Sep 21, 2019 Updated Oct 4, 2019

Becky Lynch may be one of the hottest performers on the planet, but is she really “The Man?”

That’s a question that’s likely to have legal ramifications if Ric Flair has his way.

After all, the nickname “The Man” has been closely associated with the 16-time world champion for decades.

Flair made famous the catchphrase, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man,” in the 1980s. Now he says that WWE is making money off what he feels is his intellectual property, and he wants to be paid for it.

It’s not that Flair has anything against Lynch. Quite the contrary, as Flair has been a big backer of the fiery Irish star and has cheered on her ascension in the WWE ranks. Flair’s beef is that he expects compensation in exchange for using his name as a merchandising tool, and as of yet WWE has refused to comply.

Flair, 70, has even gone so far as to threaten legal action against his former employer.

Flair said he tried to strike a deal with WWE in private that would allow the company to continue billing Lynch as “The Man” and also compensate him for doing so. However, the two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee says WWE has yet to agree to terms, and has even been disrespectful in doing so.

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(The Post and Courier)

Greg Tingle Facebook

This 'The Man' name situation between 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair (thanks Buddy Rogers for the hip name) and WWE (formally WWF aka World Wildlife Fund with those ice cold Pandas) before it became time to 'Get The F Out' is an interesting one, and a topic which contains legal, ego, branding, business, emotional and historical elements, and much more! The vast majority of the wrestling world loves and respects Ric Flair, for his contributions to the business we know and love known as professional wrestling. Like many of us in life and business, especially around media, entertainment, arts and sports, Ric Flair has not always been wise with his money - it can and does happen all too frequently. Once upon a time there was a wrestler known as Stan 'The Man' Stasiak (real name George Emile Stipich). Now, I don't know exactly know how, when and why Stan got 'The Man' name, but it would have largely been a business, branding and career choice. It worked for him. Of course, the sports and entertainment world wasn't quite as legal / court case minded back in the 1970s, as things were more of a real life 'Gold Dust Trio' situation with the wrestling business, territories, enforcers and such. In the life of a performer, artist, athlete and so one, there are ebbs and flows - ups and downs from a financial and emotional perspective. The business model and financial based business models needs to evolve (pun intended). It is not the WWE's job to bail out ever wrestling legend, or wrestler in general who ever performed in their ring), although WWE has come to the rescue many more times than is in the public domain. The WWE Wellness Program is real, as far as rehab etc. It appears Ric Flair missed the financial management course and guidance that other WWE contractors have enjoyed. An ex wife or two, offspring and debt can be tolling. I've experienced this too, as have many blokes over the age of 40 or so. Now, Ric has a beautiful daughter, Charlotte Flair, who is on the WWE payroll. Charlotte is amongst the very best in the world as what she does. Now, WWE is not about to F up their dealings and contract with Ashley Elizabeth Fliehr just because the "old man" is giving the WWE legal and front line staff a few headaches. It would be great to see an amicable meeting between Ric Flair, WWE (Marketing, Wellness and even Legal) arms organised. Perhaps WWE and Ric came arrive at a Win - Win - Win scenario, because at present its not. Flair has found himself on the wrong side of the balance sheet, despite still doing the business, endorsement and media rounds as a legitimate living legend of professional wrestling. We love Flair, but it seems apparent he is going about things the wrong way. WWE does have many decent people. Perhaps get Ric into the financial planning course and lessons, and revamp and boost up his marketing / merchandise deals, with Flair laying bare his situation on the table. Flair's situation is not that unique. Fans and the vast majority of his wrestling comrades wish the 'Nature Boy' nothing but the best. The Becky Lynch promotion seems to just have brought matters to a head (likely in an emotional and ego way), which most fans and insiders can understand. We all want to be 'The Man' right, just as I like to be 'The Man' for sports and wrestling media in Sydney, Australia, but I'm not suing anyone. You win some, you loose some. WWE, leverage off the Flair history and legend, and see if you can come to a reasonable Win - Win - Win, and help keep the sensational Flair legacy alive and well. We love you Ric, and thanks again champ for the chat in Sydney all those years ago. That was our 'Flair For The Gold' Aussie style, and yes, I did sell the photos and video footage to Channel 7.. it was a Win - Win - Win! Mate, if I was rolling in it at present I would give you a loan. Right now I'm more like the early days of Dwayne Johnson's Seven Bucks Productions (inside joke with the $7 in the pocket). Now shame in the situation. Wishing you all the very best with your next communications with the good folks at WWE). We love you Ric. Woooooo!