Ric Flair, one of wrestling’s most iconic yet controversial figures, has once again found himself in the spotlight—this time over an unresolved financial dispute dating back more than a decade. Former Ring of Honor (ROH) owner Cary Silkin has publicly blasted Flair for failing to repay $41,000 owed for missed promotional appearances.
Cary Silkin’s Public Accusation
Silkin, who owned ROH during its rise as a prominent wrestling promotion, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to call out Flair directly. “Please pay me back the 41K you owe me for failing to appear at 4 signings. Sincerely, Cary Silkin,” he wrote. Responding to fans, Silkin expressed his disappointment, describing Flair as one of his childhood heroes who ultimately let him down.
“That was the thing—one of my greatest wrestling heroes turned out to be the lowest scumbag,” Silkin wrote. He further added that unlike other legends such as Bret Hart, Mick Foley, and Dusty Rhodes, Flair was the only wrestling personality who failed to meet his professional commitments.
Table of Contents
Origins of the Lawsuit
The dispute dates back to 2010 when Silkin paid Flair $41,000 in advance for four promotional appearances with ROH. Despite receiving the payment, Flair missed all the scheduled events, prompting Silkin to file a lawsuit in January 2010 to recover the funds. However, the case was dropped in May 2011 when ROH was sold to Sinclair Broadcasting, leaving the financial matter unresolved.
Ric Flair’s Troubled Legacy
This is not the first time Flair has faced criticism for his conduct outside the ring. Known for his extravagant lifestyle and larger-than-life persona, Flair’s career has been marked by financial and legal controversies. Among them was a 2010 lawsuit by Highspots.com over an unpaid loan where Flair reportedly used the NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt as collateral. That dispute was eventually resolved after months of legal wrangling.
In 2021, Flair faced significant backlash following the release of a Dark Side of the Ring documentary covering the infamous 2002 “Plane Ride From Hell.” Allegations of sexual harassment resurfaced, leading to his removal from WWE’s Signature Open and merchandise store. While Flair has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the incident remains a blemish on his career.
Silkin’s renewed public criticism adds to the growing narrative surrounding Flair’s off-ring controversies. While Flair’s in-ring accomplishments—including being a 16-time World Champion—cement his status as a wrestling legend, his personal and professional conduct outside the ring has left many fans and colleagues disappointed.
FAQs
Why did Eric Bischoff sue Ric Flair?
Eric Bischoff, the former WCW president, sued Ric Flair in 1998 over breach of contract. Flair had failed to appear at a scheduled WCW Thunder taping due to attending his son’s wrestling tournament. Bischoff claimed Flair violated his WCW contract by prioritizing personal matters over work commitments. The lawsuit was a significant dispute during their time in WCW but was eventually resolved, with Flair returning to WCW programming later that year.
Why did Ric Flair lose his money?
Ric Flair’s financial troubles stemmed from a combination of lavish spending, poor financial management, and legal disputes. Known for his extravagant lifestyle, Flair often spent beyond his means on luxury items, parties, and travel. He also faced costly divorces, alimony obligations, and unpaid debts. Additionally, Flair’s financial issues were exacerbated by business ventures that failed to generate sufficient income, as well as lawsuits from promoters and merchandise companies. These factors combined to severely deplete his wealth over the years.
Why did WWE fire Ric Flair?
Ric Flair was not explicitly fired by WWE, but his association with the company was significantly impacted in 2021 following the backlash from the Dark Side of the Ring episode about the 2002 “Plane Ride From Hell.” The episode included allegations of inappropriate behavior by Flair, including claims of sexual harassment. In response, WWE removed Flair from its Signature Open and took down his merchandise from their online store. Flair denied the allegations, but the controversy effectively ended his active association with WWE at that time.
What happened to Ric Flair medically?
Ric Flair has faced several severe medical issues, particularly in recent years. In 2017, he was hospitalized for a ruptured intestine and was placed in a medically induced coma for 10 days. Flair underwent surgery and later revealed that he was given only a 20% chance of survival during that time. His health complications were attributed to years of excessive drinking and physical toll from his wrestling career. Despite these challenges, Flair recovered and resumed public appearances, though he has since adopted a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion
Ric Flair’s enduring popularity as a wrestling icon continues to be overshadowed by controversies and unresolved disputes. The public fallout with Cary Silkin underscores the challenges Flair faces in reconciling his storied career with the expectations of accountability and professionalism. As Silkin’s accusations reignite interest in Flair’s past, it remains to be seen whether “The Nature Boy” will address these longstanding issues or continue to grapple with his tarnished reputation.
