Ric Flair, the professional wrestling legend, has just fought the last match of his illustrious five-decade-long career. Often cited as the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) of professional wrestling by publications and his fellow professionals alike, Flair drew love and admiration for his superior wrestling skills while also being the subject of much hate due to his on-stage evil persona.

Born in 1949, the 73-year-old legend has had successful stints with all the major wrestling promotions like World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP). He has won a total of 16 World Championship titles in his career, a record Flair shares with another WWE legend, John Cena.

Also Read| WWE releases legendary wrestler Rick Flair

The self-titled “dirtiest player in the game” has been a part of two of the most iconic wrestling stables in the history of the sport, namely, the Four Horsemen while in WCW, and Evolution at WWE. Besides Flair, the Four Horsemen included Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, and Tully Blanchard. His Evolution team members were Triple-H, Batista, and Randy Orton.

In his last match, the Nature Boy took on the tag team of Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal, with Andrade El Idolo as his partner. The veteran fighter was not daunted even after he received a severe cut on his head, and ended up winning the match which was attended by his daughter Charlotte Flair, along with other friends and family members. Here’s a clip of the legend speaking to the crowd after the fight:

Also Read| John Cena shares picture of weightlifter Sanket Sargar after silver win at CWG

A lasting legacy

Although Flair himself borrowed parts of his in-ring persona from the likes of Gorgeous George, his own influence on pop culture can hardly be denied. His iconic “Wooo” chant has been referenced in a number of songs over the years. Flair’s influence on the current crop of WWE performers can hardly be overestimated. Most narcissistic, self-indulgent pro-wrestling heels usually lift a page out of Flair’s books.