Ric Flair: The GOAT of the wrestling world

Ric Flair
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I know to some people it's weird to be so obsessed with professional wrestling and even more strange to idolize the men and women in spandex. I can't tell you how many times I hear "You know it's fake, right?" I'm not going to defend my fandom here because I've done that before. Instead, I'm going to honor my all-time favorite professional wrestler Ric Flair.

Over the weekend "The Nature Boy" ended up in the hospital. As of this writing on Tuesday he had undergone successful surgery but is not out of the woods yet. Many times we wait until our heroes or even loved ones are gone before we honor them. I didn't want to make that mistake with Naitch.

As a young fan in the mid-80s, I hated Ric Flair like no one else. Outside of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, he was the hottest heel on my TV. When he wrestled my then favorite Kerry Von Erich (who still ranks pretty high with me), I booed loudly. I actually saw the two wrestle in person in St. Louis a year after Von Erich became NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Flair lived up to his "dirtiest player in the game" moniker and go himself disqualified that night, hence retaining the title.

Despite booing Ric when he was in there against my favorites, somewhere along the way I gained a ton of respect for the Nature Boy. I believe it was probably around the time the Four Horsemen were formed and I was starting to develop an eye for the bad guys. There was something about the way Ric Flair talked, walked, dressed and of course wrestled. He was a pompous ass, but I loved everything about it. 

Ric Flair in Cape Girardeau

In 1991 when he defected from WCW and signed with the WWF I was about as happy as I'd ever been with a "fed jumper." I saw him wrestle Piper live at a house show in December of that year. A month later, Flair defied the odds and won the Royal Rumble from position number 3. Not only did he win the battle royal, but also his first WWF(E) Championship.

I was sad to see his first run in WWE come to an end as soon as it did. I enjoyed his work in WCW as well but when he came back months after the company was sold, I popped big time. There couldn't have been a better foil for Vince McMahon in that time period than Naitch. Then when he agreed to wrestle again, it was even better. I was privileged to see him live at WrestleMania 22 and two years later at WrestleMania 24 in what would be his final match with the company.

Flair's final WWE match
Courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

That night was an emotional one for everyone at the stadium. For decades Ric Flair had entertained millions of fans. He put his body on the line taking bumps many others would decline to take. He bled gallons of blood. Sweated buckets of sweat. Cried a river of tears. And in a matter of three seconds, it was over.

Flair and the Undertaker
Courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

On a whim my buddy Chad and I got tickets to the send off show the next night on Raw. We watched in awe as many of our childhood favorites and current Superstars came out to pay homage to the Nature Boy. When Raw went off the air, the celebration continued and as much as I'll likely be judged for it, I found myself wiping the tears from my eyes in between my clapping. 

My love for Ric Flair carried over into my wedding plans. In 1997 after my wife and I said "I do," and we entered the reception area, 2001: A Space Odessy blasted as the emcee introduced the new Mr. and Mrs. Hunsperger to the guests. I let out a loud "WOOO!" as we made our way through the door. That was 20 years ago and my fondness for Naitch hasn't wavered a bit.

Wooo!
Courtesy: WWE

I've had opportunities at different WrestleCon events to meet Ric Flair. I regret not doing that when I could have. He remains at the top of my list of Legends I must meet at some point. So while I know Flair nor his family is reading this post, I feel better sharing my feelings about a man I truly respect and hope has a full recovery. 

One more match: Kevin Von Erich

Second & third generations of the Von Erichs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The news is spreading fast that Kevin Von Erich is stepping back into the ring for one more match. The surviving brother of the famous Texas wrestling family retired in 1995 but has announced he will have one more match in Israel. Kevin will team with his sons Ross and Marshall July 9.

The Von Erichs

Von Erich will turn 60 later this month and drew the comparison when his father, Fritz Von Erich, joined forces with his famous sons against the Freebirds. Fritz was in his mid-50s then. Despite having undergone nine surgeries on his knees as well as back operations, Kevin looks to still be in phenomenal shape. And you can tell Ross and Marshall are ready to rumble.

Ric Flair vs. Kevin Von Erich

The Von Erichs are some of the first wrestlers I remember seeing on TV every Sunday morning. I was hooked after Kerry battled Ric Flair in a steel cage match on Christmas 1982. That lead to one of the greatest feuds of all-time between the Von Erichs and the Freebirds. Kerry quickly became my favorite, but Kevin always displayed a level of athleticism few others could keep up with. In addition to the members of the Freebirds, Kevin had awesome one on one encounters with Ric Flair, Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez.

The Von Erich Brothers
Courtesy: WWE

Kevin opened up about his brothers and their drug abuse in this interview. It's a very telling story. I wish nothing but the best for the Von Erich family. I look forward to watching the father and his sons do battle in the ring one last time. I'm glad Ross and Marshall have had success overseas and look forward to them one day stepping into the ring in the WWE.

I never knew... Kevin Von Erich wrestled in the WWF

Kevin Von Erich vs. Brian Lee
Not sure the original credit, I saw it on @WCCWMemories Twitter

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I'm starting a new feature here on the blog with a story about something I didn't know about. As a lifelong wrestling fan, I feel like there isn't much I don't know. But with the evolution of podcasts hosted by wrestling insiders and the boom in social media, I'm learning there are things I didn't know.

For the first installment, I have to give credit to World Class Memories (@WCCWMemories). They recently tweeted the photo of Kevin Von Erich vs. Brian Lee. At first, I didn't give the picture much thought. But when you look at the turnbuckle pad, you clearly see the WWF logo on it. I never knew Kevin joined his brother Kerry in the Fed.

Heading to the ring
Courtesy: Bud Horne

After doing some research on my "Google machine" I found that Kevin had a dark match against Lee at a Wrestling Challenge taping in Texas. It happened on December 2, 1991. Kevin didn't sign with the World Wrestling Federation, and the article I read doesn't say why. I'm hoping to get him on my podcast in the near future and learn more about this story. We all know Lee went on to become the "fake" Undertaker in 1994 and after that Chainz in WWF. 

This particular match happened six days before WWF came to Cape Girardeau, where I was attending college at the time. Kerry Von Erich, who remains one of my all-time favorite wrestlers, didn't appear on that card. He was wrestling the same day at a WWF show in Los Angeles. I never got to see the Texas Tornado live in a WWF ring, however, I did see him battle Ric Flair for the NWA World Title in 1985. But I digress...

Kerry & Kevin Von Erich
Courtesy: WWE

Kerry was no longer wrestling for the Intercontinental Championship at this time and was facing the likes of The Berzerker and Skinner. How awesome would it have been for Kevin and Kerry to reunite and have a run as a tag team in the WWF? Although good guys vs. good guys were rare back then, a match between the brothers and The Legion of Doom would have been epic. No doubt the Von Erichs could have been top contenders for the WWF Tag Team Titles and would have likely had a run. I know I'm biased, so what do you think? Weigh in here or on the My 1-2-3 Cents Facebook page and don't forget to like it.

Honoring wrestling royalty

Remembering the Von Erichs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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During our trip last week to the Dallas area for WrestleMania, one of the things I wanted to do was visit the grave sites of the Von Erich family.  That probably sounds morbid to some, but I view it as a way to pay respects to one of the greatest wrestling dynasties in the history of the business.

Friday afternoon we headed to Grove Hill Memorial Park.  After watching a YouTube video to explain where the markers are for Fritz, Doris, Kerry, David, Mike, Chris and Jack "Von Erich" we tried to find the spots.  However it was a bit more complicated and after some driving and walking, we finally found the area where three generations of Adkissons have been laid to rest.

Baby Natosha and David's sites

The first marker Chad and I found was that of Natosha Zoeanna Adkisson.  I had forgotten she was the infant daughter of David and Candy and died in 1978, the same year she was born.  Next to her as you might expect is David's final resting spot.  I had just started watching wrestling when David died in Japan.  He was only 25 years old.  His death was the first of many losses in the world of wrestling I'd experienced as a fan.

After David died, the Modern Day Warrior, Kerry became the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight title.  On May 6, 1984 he beat Ric Flair for the gold.  Kerry was my favorite as a kid and remains one of my all-time favorites to this day.  He went on to wrestle in the WWF and became the Intercontinental champion.  In 1993 he ended his own life.  Four years later, the family's patriarch, Fritz died after a battle with cancer.  He and Kerry and buried side by side.

Mike, Chris and Doris

Mike and Chris Von Erich both committed suicide too.  Mike died in 1987 at age 23.  Chris four years later.  He was just 21.  Jack Adkisson, Jr. was just six when he died in 1959.  He was shocked by a downed power line and drowned in a puddle.  Mother Doris Adkisson died in October 2015.  She is buried next to Kerry and Fritz's plot.  

Kevin's appearance at the Hall of Fame

Chad and I stood in silence as we paid our respects to a family that has endured so much loss.  I thought of surviving brother Kevin and remembered his Hall of Fame speech from 2009, telling fans not to feel sorry for him.  The next night we were surprised as Kevin was brought out and gave a brief speech, reminding us of his original words.  

Paying tribute to The Freebirds and the Von Erichs

At WrestleMania on Sunday we paid tribute to World Class Championship Wrestling.  It was my favorite promotion growing up, so when Chad made the suggestion, I jumped at the chance.  He wore a "Badstreet USA" t-shirt representing the family rivals, The Fabulous Freebirds.  My t-shirt was dedicated to Kerry, who wrestled at the Texas Tornado during his stint in WWF.  I slapped the classic claw on Chad in front of AT&T Stadium as we waited to take our seats.  It just seemed like the thing to do.

Legacies the WWE needs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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There's no shortage of second and third generation Superstars in WWE.  Notables on the current roster include Charlotte, Bray Wyatt, The Usos and Natalya.  Being the son or daughter of a legendary wrestler can be a double-edged sword.  We've seen some rise to new heights, while others struggled to make a name for themselves.  Here are a few legacies I'd like to see in WWE sometime soon.

Ross, Kevin and Marshall Von Erich

Rumors that Marshall and Ross Von Erich are going to be a part of NXT have been circulating for quite some time.  The sons of WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Von Erich and grandsons of the late, great Fritz Von Erich (also in the HOF) are amazing in the ring.  They worked briefly for TNA and do a lot of wrestling in Japan.  Growing up I was a huge fan of the Von Erichs and these two young men have picked up where their father and uncles left off.  They've inherited the talent from Kerry and Kevin and take it to the next level.  With WrestleMania being in Dallas this year, I'm still holding out hope that they'll be a part of the NXT show Friday night.  

Tessa in action
(Courtesy: BK Photography)

Tessa Blanchard would be an excellent addition to the Divas Revolution.  She's the daughter of Four Horsemen original and WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard and granddaughter of Joe Blanchard.  Her stepdad is the great Magnum TA, so she's surrounded by wrestling greatness.  Her sling shot back suplex reminds me of her father's finisher 30 years ago.  Tessa is only 20 years old, but has a couple of years experience already.  She will continue to develop and hone her craft and I have no doubt we'll see her on Raw one day soon, and as more than just a member of Adam Rose's entourage.  

Richie Steamboat
(Courtesy: WWE)

Richie Steamboat was a talented member of the FCW roster when it was WWE's developmental territory. He held the FCW title and was a tag champion with Seth Rollins.  Richie is no longer wrestling because of an injury and surgery.  However, in the wrestling business you never say never.   His father, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (also in the hall of fame) came back after a 15 year hiatus and wowed the crowd at WrestleMania 25.  He stuck around briefly and wrestled Chris Jericho a few more times.  I have no idea what Richie is up to these days, but with his bloodline, hopefully he's able to get in the ring again and make his way to the main roster.  

Remembering Doris "Von Erich"

Kevin, Kerry, Doris, Mike and David Von Erich
Courtesy: The Von Erich Family

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The matriarch of one of wrestling's greatest families has died.  Doris "Von Erich" Adkisson died last month in Hawaii surrounded by her son Kevin and his wife and children.  She was 82 years old.  There's a wonderfully written piece by Robert Wilonsky that includes interviews with Kevin and his daughter, Kristen.  Mrs. Adkisson will be laid to rest November 11 in her home state of Texas.

World Class Championship Wrestling was one of the first promotions I started watching at age 10.  The Von Erich brothers, especially Kerry,  hooked me immediately.  The family had just started a feud with the Fabulous Freebirds that remains one of the greatest rivalries of all time.  

Family photo
Courtesy: The Von Erich Family

I don't recall Mrs. Adkisson ever being written into the storylines, but I do remember seeing her on TV at some point.  When I think of all the tragedies she endured as a mother, I've concluded she was one of the toughest people on the planet.  Five of her six children preceded her in death.  She and Fritz lost a son named Jack when he was just a boy.  Then as adults we mourned with the family as David, Mike, Chris and Kerry all died.

The next generation
Courtesy: TNA

The family continues to stay in the wrestling world.  Several years ago granddaughter Lacey (Kerry's youngest daughter) tried her hand at the business.  Now Kevin's two sons, Marshall and Ross Von Erich continue to make a name for themselves.  I'm sure Mrs. Adkisson is with her boys and smiling down on her family beaming with pride as they carry on the family name.  Godspeed to the entire family as they remember a mother and grandmother who appeared to be as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.  Rest in peace Mrs. Adkisson.

Your Favorite Wrestling Fathers

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Last year I blogged about my favorite wrestling fathers/families on Father's Day.  This year, I decided to ask our friends on the My 1-2-3 Cents Facebook Page who their favorites are.  Enjoy and feel free to weigh in on your favorite wrestling families too.

Los Guerreros
Chosen by Jeremy Kroot

The Rhodes'
Chosen by: Tom Kwiat

Paul Bearer
(Sarcastically) chosen by: Chad Smart

The Von Erichs
Chosen by: Ralph Effler

The Harts
Chosen by: Michael Hockenberry

Gone, But Not Forgotten: Gino Hernandez

Gino Hernandez (1957-1986)

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

You have to be an old school fan of wrestling to remember Gino Hernandez.  With the exception of "Quickdraw" Rick McGraw, Hernandez is the first wrestling death that I remember.  I was a huge fan of World Class Championship Wrestling and Gino Hernandez and Chris Adams were two of the company's biggest heels.

It was the cocky Hernandez who persuaded Adams to turn against the ever popular Von Erich clan.  Then the two dominated the tag team ranks and even picked up a third partner in Jake "the Snake" Roberts.  The trio won the WCCW 6 man tag team titles from the Von Erichs and Bobby Fulton.

Gino and Andrea the Lady Giant were paired together at this time too. Andrea would later become Baby Doll in the NWA.  He and Adams also held the tag team titles on a couple of different occasions.  And Gino was a singles champion in the NWA and World Class.  As a kid I remember him being the guy you loved to hate.  He was smug and cocky and in my opinion one of the best heels WCCW ever had.  It's a shame he died too soon to reach his full potential.

Photo by sunnyBoy10 (Flickr)

One of the most memorable matches he had in WCCW was when he and Adams teamed up against Kevin and Kerry Von Erich.  This was a hair match, and I think maybe the first one I'd ever seen as a young fan. The good guys won and the heels had their heads shaved in the middle of the ring.  That probably hurt Gino the most, as he was often referred to as "The Handsome Half-Breed".

A short time later, he turned on Adams, blinding him with a mysterious substance.  A few days later, Hernandez was found dead in his apartment.  The official cause of death was a cocaine overdose.  Investigators though did look into the possibility that Gino was the victim of a drug-related homicide, but no one was ever arrested.  There are some who were involved with WCCW that still believe Hernandez was murdered.

It was 1986, long before Internet or Twitter could break such news.  Even though at the time I didn't like him because he was the heel, I was still sad that he was gone.  I looked forward to his feud with Chris Adams.  I wanted to see more of Gino Hernandez.  Twenty-eight is just too young to die.  I think had he lived, he'd a been a major player in the business.