Hall of Fame ceremony has Flair
By John Powell - Cineplex Entertainment
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Orlando, Florida - Even big, bad wrestlers can cry.
 |
| Ric Flair at the Hall of Fame ceremonies. (Photo: Courtesy of the WWE.) |
When ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair took the stage at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony last night at the Amway arena in downtown Orlando, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Inducted into the Hall, Flair’s almost hour-long acceptance speech had grown men like The Big Show and Edge shedding some tears.
In putting his unparalleled career into perspective, Flair thanked everyone from his personal lawyer, who bailed him out of precarious situations here and there, to the make-up people behind the scenes to the seamstress who designed his famous wrestling robes.
“I will never retire,” exclaimed Flair as he stepped up to the microphone after a standing ovation which lasted five minutes or more. Flair eventually had to plead with everyone to take their seats.
Throughout his speech which had everyone in the arena listening intently as if they were witnessing Flair versus Steamboat one last time, Flair told story after memorizing story. Stories about Ken Patera, his ‘Four Horsemen’ cohort and best friend Arn Anderson and Andre The Giant.
Flair also took time to honour many of today’s young stars who have made a difference in his life. Grapplers like Edge, The Big Show and John Cena.
“You don’t know how truly good you are,” Flair told The Big Show who began tearing up immediately.
Despite his phenomenal 16 World Championship Title reigns and career milestone upon career milestone, Flair had no doubt what his greatest accomplishments were.
“My children are the true legacy of my life. They are my heroes. I am so proud of them,” said Flair unable to choke back the tears.
While Flair was the undisputed highlight of the evening, Hall of Famers Mae Young, The Brisco Brothers, Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson, 'High Chief' Peter Maivia, Eddie Graham and announcer Gordon Solie were also recognized for their contributions to the wrestling industry.