Ric Flair on working with the Von Erichs

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[@thomasedwinthomas]

Mark Madden just won’t let Ric Flair talk uninterrupted.

[@Stratsrule]

IKR!!!!

[@indiglo1971]

Ric Flair talked quite a bit.

[@mikealdana8012]

MM's doing his job (knows his subject matter and etc), but I think there's no human element to the way he conducts these interviews (very robotic/straightforward)...

[@peacethroughstrength172]

At times when he should be quiet and let RF elaborate, he doesnt.

[@paulbookwood6410]

Mark seems to be reading while Ric seems to be just having a conversation.

[@mcm-inc]

Hands down Ric Flair has the best wrestling stories.

[@Canadian_Skeptical]

and a few of them are true

[@randybarnett2308]

@@Canadian_Skeptical wooooooooo!!!👍😀

[@williambarnes7133]

Yes.... But the story about him not being on booze..,..

[@SimplyChaotic98]

Flair and Hogan should team up and take on their biggest foe… the TRUTH

[@TammyLynnHeaden]

No doubt.

[@jamesdelaney3797]

I got to see David Von Erich wrestle at sunrise musical amphitheater. I was 12, and David was my favorite. When he finishe the match he walked down the aisle and gave me a high five. Greatest night of my pre teen life

[@OceanSoul1969]

Madden needs to let Flair talk longer instead of interrupting so much

[@tyronecross2874]

Agreed!!

[@testodude]

Nobody wants to hear Madden blabber.

[@kylecurry577]

Ric Flair is greatest champion in the history of wrestling. His feud in the 80s with Dusty Rhodes was absolute magic!

[@sharonraizor2839]

They were both great in the ring and on the mic!

[@mattstilwell7531]

ric flair greatest wrestler and always an epic interview

[@A_YouTube_Commenter]

The Steamboat matches were 5 stars.

[@jackdunning4819]

John cena was so good you couldn’t even see him

[@michaelb3927]

What?? -Austin 👌🏼🤣

[@dr.options]

The VonErich's were living legends in Dallas! So many great memories watching the matches! Hands down, the Freebirds vs. VonErich feud is the greatest in the history of the industry.

[@robertferguson381]

I wish this Mark guy would stop over talking on Ric ..Ric tries answering or tells a story but the Mark guy keeps interrupting him...he isnt a very good interviewer...so please let Ric talk!!..im here to listen to Flair not this Mark wannabe

[@pandavelli8176]

I have a hard time forgiving him for replacing Bobby the Brain on WCW, that sucked, I was pissed and the Brain rules!!!

[@ProgressiveDiscussions]

He's a very rude loudmouth that keeps on cutting off Rick continuously. He's always trying to talk over Ric Flair. It's very aggravating. He should be soft-spoken and laid-back like the late great Gordon Solie. They should call him Foghorn Leghorn.

[@luisarteaga6505]

It’s so fuckn annoying hearing this Mark talk over “the nature boy”

[@ModzHD17]

@@ProgressiveDiscussionshe’s so loud too. He’s yelling at us

[@TheExpo43]

i absolutely love the way he does not bash kerry von erich, kudos ric

[@keithboyd9582]

I was at the Texas Stadium show with my mom. Tickets were $10 each. One of the greatest moments in my life. Tanks Natch

[@travatawagan]

Tell the story of the atmosphere and those small details

[@keithboyd9582]

@@travatawagan I don't remember a whole lot about the show except of how loud the crowd was when Kerry beat Ric Flair. Might have been the largest pop I have ever heard in person ever. And I remember how hot it was. Me and my mom were luckily sitting in the shade but it was close to 100 degrees that day with no wind.

[@homedeezyfasheezy5662]

I’m curious…what kind of seat did a $10 ticket get you at that event? Ringside/floor level? Beginning of the stands? Up in the nosebleeds? Just curious because I often see how cheap tickets were back in the day. Thank you in advance if you see this and respond!

[@benowen5792]

I was there too. I went to The SuperCross at the Cotton-bowl on Saturday night and on my way back home to OKC we stopped by Texas Stadium for the afternoon match.

[@FerretJohn]

I tend to refer to Fritz Von Erich as the Tywin Lannister of Pro Wrestling, so focused on the Family Legacy, on making the Von Erich name into a Wrestling Dynasty, that he couldn't see what was happening to his actual sons until it was way too late.

[@celieboo]

That's a great analogy..

[@jaminenyamekye2588]

AMAZING ANALOGY

[@-m.d.n-9019]

Very much true , sadly.

[@cripplermaximus]

Why is the guy screaming and interrupting. Unwatchable.

[@Sicwkskxkckckzd]

😂😂😂

[@FamilyManInParadise]

What?

[@hubfootball17]

That's just Mark Madden lol

[@joshuacosby312]

Agreed

[@Copperhead47]

Yeah he’s not very good

[@freebfree65]

Thank you for sharing this. Texans are mighty fond of the Von Erichs and to hear your respectful stories spoke volumes. Wooooo!

[@stankormy5717]

The Von Erichs were wrestling dynasty in Texas!

[@theatreakatheodoremunir7231]

Most Definitely 🙏🏾

[@lanceh3417]

Indeed...i remember going to their matches at the rodeo arena here in Mr pleasant TX in the early to mid 80s.. Vonerichs freebirds kamala kamala Chris Adams junkyard dog missing link...there were 2 famous bars here one was the orange blossom special and then there was tiffanys...one night at tiffanys after a show they all for in a bar fight and our local karate teacher got his ass handed to him

[@tinaharris9403]

My favorite of all time..

[@kitchen6036]

*breaking news!!!

[@BearofTexas]

I used to deliver pizza right by where the Von Erichs lived up in Shady Shores/Lake Dallas.

[@Edwin-cp8gq]

I've been to the cemetery where Von Erichs are buried I sure do miss them 😔😭

[@jamesshaver7977]

I love listening to ric the icon flair talk I only watch all the retro wrestling because with out guys like ric flair it will never be the same Just my own opinion

[@sergiogrimaldo3480]

Ric has been through it all fought the best of the best and some of the greatest stories to tell the G.O.A.T

[@dominiquejones3805]

And still here. Ric is built different

[@ralphking5727]

Worked as a background extra on the new movie, “The Iron Claw” about the Von Erich family. It’s to be released in 2023. You will be interested in seeing the wrestler that portrayed Ric Flair.

[@elmerslick8700]

I hope it is widely released. I don't see many movies in the theaters, but this one has me pumped!

[@SartorialisticSavage65]

Just saw it. 🥲

[@A_YouTube_Commenter]

He was good. I was marking out for him against Kevin.

[@philrm99]

Saw it also. Terrific movie.

[@jman8449]

Great movie but the dude playing Ric Flair was pretty bad

[@marka.graffakasnakebitenat3736]

One thing left out. When Kerry went to the WWF he was told that he could not use his IRON CLAW finishing manuver by Vince. Kerry was very very upset with the decision.

[@chadk890]

He used the claw plenty of times

[@mrpink99]

Yeah they had him use his discus punch as his finisher, & changed the name to the “Tornado punch”

[@Rjensen2]

Is that why he used it ALL THE TIME?

[@Stonehorn]

@@Rjensen2not as a finisher though. It was an awful finisher anyway. It was no better when Foley used a variation of it, but at least Socko was hilarious

[@Jaxattaxs7]

I loved the claw from mankind when foley described how he came up with it on Jim Ross’ podcast it was an entertaining story.

[@paulknight5300]

Kevin Von Eric was always my favorite. But I grew up in Georgia territory and Kevin was the only one that came into Georgia.

[@paulnotar]

I was at the TWA show in Philly, McGonigle Hall @ Temple U. Seeing Kerry live was on my wrestling "bucket list" and while he was not at his peak it was still a great memory.

[@luish777]

Love Rick's stories now that he's sober. Great questions great show.

[@geneticfreak4394]

I’ll never forget the Texas angles Ric did. Living in the ATL, would go and watch him walk that aisle in the Omni. Greatest wrestler ever!!!!!!

[@grumpa5798]

I grew up watching GA Championship Wrestling in the 70's. Loved watching Flair and Wildfire Rich team up against Olie Anderson and Nakita Koloff

[@michelleswafford2647]

Me too !!!

[@quentinjones4588]

I remember Kerry Von Erich debut in the WWF, The Texas Tornadoe !!!

[@markterryonline]

There is a promo where Flair and Fritz are yelling at each other. I always wondered if they were in the same studio together. Classic Flair.

[@joshsimpson79]

Pretty sure upon re-watching that they are not. But it’s still a very good promo.

[@danilecashin4126]

The best match ive ever seen in my life to this day was flair and kevin von erick where they put two rings together. 😊

[@blaze3884]

Say what you want about Ric Flair, but he is a gentleman. Love his stories. Thanks for the memories Ric!

[@Stonehorn]

I like Flair, but in no world is he a Gentleman.

[@zt1053]

The Von Erichs teaming up with Dusty to help fight the horsemen would have been awesome.

[@jeffreyk5734]

This should have happened. The reason it didn't is due to World Class pulling out of the NWA in late February of 1986. At the exact same time Mid-South also became the UWF out of nowhere. Much of 85 was about Bill Watts trying to get one of his guys to become the next NWA World Champion. Terry Taylor, Butch Reed, Dibiase, even Jim Duggan. At first they retained ties to the NWA, but the first Crockett Cup in New Orleans was such a disaster largely due to Economic woes in the southwest that by Mid-May Watts decided to hold the UWF title tournament. Hell, Dibiase and Gino Hernandez would have been great Horsemen. Ted should have had at least a short run as NWA World Champion. He battled for the title against Flair and Race for years. Somehow, people remember the UWF even though it was only in operation for a little over a year when absorbed back into the NWA though they kept the UWF name. Both World Class and UWF as separate entities were huge failures. They needed the NWA.

[@timothygalli9601]

I watched WCCW and NWA when I was a kid before I heard of WWF or hulk Hogan. The VonErichs were my heroes David Kerry Kevin . As a fan who loved the vonerichs I'm so happy for Kevin's son's Ross and Marshall wrestling now . I think the von erichs should be in AEW .

[@aaajimmyb7472]

Wow another amazing video from absolutely the best channel on KZbin. Ric and the von Ericks true magic. Ric made alot of people look good. The interviews with fritz and ric with the bounty from ric .I could watch all day. Thank you and keep up the good work

[@jackson5781]

That territority as well the AWA and JCP should have never fell, those territories were built to last.

[@chrischar9428]

Yeah ok

[@jasonkraatz9574]

David was the best because he could work baby face and heel. I think he was better as a heel and when you can do both you’re onto something. David in the ring was way different than Kerry and Kevin. David was so smooth and natural. Kerry was kind of over the top a bit. Kevin was stiff but so damn gifted. The Von Erich’s were my childhood heroes.

[@johnoneill6077]

I can attest to that. I was stationed 2 hours north of dallas in 86 and man the von Erichs were HUGE. Sportatorium was a heat locker of a dump.

[@martindiraimo3753]

David had great battles with Jimmy Garvin in world class

[@williamamacker3119]

Rick I love your podcast you’re my favorite all-time wrestler I’ve been watching wrestling for 50 years I love all wrestling I think it’s so cool and I love all the different characters and personas that are in it and I thought you were one of the greatest heels of all time and one of the greatest baby faces whichever road you were going down at the time thank you for your awesome podcast and for all the excellent wrestling that you provided for me for entertainment in my eyes you are the greatest wrestler of all time to achieve everything that you’ve achieved thank you again and have a great day 🤘☘️🇺🇸

[@keithboyd9582]

And I remember watching on TV his match against Mike. It was held at the Amon G Carter Convention Center in Ft. Worth.

[@santosrobles1703]

Geno hernandez, Tully Blanchard, Rick flair,Ole & Arn Anderson were the original horsemen in South West wrestling

[@gac5936]

When is the Rick Flair story coming to the big screen!!??

[@stever1791]

Ric Flair is Almost Elvis . A true Legend and such a good guy , People love Ric

[@marka.graffakasnakebitenat3736]

Kerry vs. The Nature Boy would have been one hell of a rivalry. Especially in the WWF.

[@dimpleface2163]

Ric is the man...I'll love this brother forever...I'm 50 now...I remember when they came to Vegas in 1987...I was 16....He walked up to the ring...I was very near him...I kept saying..."Wooooo"...I wanted to at least shake the man's hand...but it didn't happen...but I'm so happy that I was very close to him.

[@johnreese3797]

Flair has told different stories about why Kerry's title reign was so short. I think the real reason was because everyone was aware of Kerry's drug issues and there was never any intention to make him a long term champion. It was a favor to Fritz and in honor of David's memory why he won the title. The most important reason was Crockett certainly didn't want to lose control of the title for his territory. Crockett ran a big show at the Meadowlands on May 29 1984 five days after Flair regained the title. Flair was his guy and Crockett would control the title until selling to Turner in 1988. By losing in Japan it didn't hurt Kerry all that much. Very few could even see footage of the match back then.

[@No1BRC]

The story probably repeated itself when Kerry was in WWF. He had everything to be a huge IC Champion- the pop was insane when he won the belt in a rather short but amazing match against Mr. Perfect. But I feel Vince had to cut him short and fade him out because of his issues. Indeed he performed regularly highly intoxicated.

[@Rjensen2]

No, it was always going to be a favor reign. That's how it worked then. Kerry as a heel would just be stupid.

[@chuckgan]

That 10 minute match with Mike was on 1/31/1984 at the Tarrant County Convention Center. The stipulation was if Mike could last 10 minutes, David, not Kerry would get a future title shot and be able to choose the stipulations of the match. That match would have been where David was supposed to win the title but died a couple of weeks later.

[@jyesucevitz]

I was fortunate that my local Boston channel 25 carried WCCW in the late 80's. I was watching about a year before David's death. I was such a fan of that Texas wrestling back then. the pain the Von Eric family (especially Kevin.) has endured since then is unimaginable and I thank God that I can't imagine it.

[@BDOGreatSaiyanMan]

Beautiful words from Ric

[@robertwiles8106]

I was there at the Parade of Champions. It was BEYOND hot.

[@Matt-cr4vv]

It’s so absurd to think of Fritz’s six sons only one of them was alive by the time he passed. Wild to think how he dealt with that.

[@tink5427]

Kerry didn't miss any dates as champ.

[@bmbxiii2045]

I actually liked the backslide finish. I think finishes like that need to happen more often (just a little) to give the vibe anything can happen on any exchange. You dont tune out the backslide sequence waiting for the highspot. It was simple but i thought really effective

[@stealthbomber2127]

My Uncle bought a ten foot satellite dish in late 1981. They were big wrestling fans like I was and they told me about all of the different territories on the dish. When they found World Class and Mid South it was incredible. The physical style was unlike any of the others. So my uncle invited my girlfriend and me weekly to watch the World Class syndicated show and the Fort Worth show on for two hours. Then when we saw the 1982 Flair vs Kerry two out of three falls at Reunion Arena. They went 45 minutes and then started brawling for another 10 after Kerry was screwed over by special referee Albert Neely. The crowd's intensity was insane. That was the first time I saw the crowd as emotionally involved as they were. It is one of my favorite matches of all time.

[@rogertemple7193]

He is like this with everyone he interviews

[@tthomaselli2]

How come Mark Madden is the guest host of this episode?... I've never seen this, before. Also, I thought Conrad Thompson was the host of Ric Flair's podcast?...

[@123jac]

I am here to hear Ric Flair talking, not the other guy.

[@dr.roberts4508]

One match Ric had with Kerry. In Dallas Flair Carrys Kerry in the match cause von Erich was Too high to wrestle.

[@user-lu9hq6jv4v]

Rick, is a kind and handsome man now as ever!

[@jonathanhensley6141]

I agree had kerry overcame his drug issues he would have become wwf world champion because he had everything that Vince liked. He could talk on mic and had the look and was a good solid worker. I think he would have been a great champion during that time in wwf.

[@Rjensen2]

😂😂😂 You obviously have never heard his interviews.

[@J30witdaswitchyy]

@@Rjensen2wym💀

[@bethpage6696]

I always enjoyed watching you Ric ❤

[@javonjordan789]

The fact that Ric Flair can start a rumor and it turns into a urban legend IS CRAZY!!

[@geraldlord6799]

Rick I've got a Rolex and a limousine but not a jet Yet still working on it.....

[@foroneanotherwinningtogeth1142]

You're ahead of me! I have a plastic watch and have rented a limo. I do actually have a jet, but it's a toy.

[@OGRaka]

Why is Mark Madden yelling haha?! great stuff as always champ!

[@jivancich]

I fn loved those days and The Von erichs

[@fernandoesquiveljr64]

I remember in the mid 80's a wrestling event in Mission Texas at Tom Landry stadium Ric's shorts were pulled down from behind mooning the fans.

[@CooManTunes]

Question. Why is Madden yelling?

[@davestuddaman8127]

Don’t think Texas stadium would have been rented out if someone wasn’t going to win. Not to mention Ric just went 10 minutes with Mike. David got to say where/when the title match was gonna take place. Texas stadium probably wasn’t cheap

[@Rjensen2]

So why did they do it yearly?

[@jeffreyk5734]

I thought it was very noteworthy that Ric said had the first David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions (Texas Stadium) been at night and not in the afternoon they would have had a complete sell out. First time I have ever heard that. Too bad it didn't happen that way. Roughly 60,000 people it would have been or more.

[@Rjensen2]

@@jeffreyk5734 Flair is an idiot. There's no way in hell they would have drawn 60,000+ if the event was a few hours later. That show would have drawn the exact same 34000+. People weren't staying at home because it was in the afternoon. That's just stupid. I have no idea why people take anything Flair says seriously, based on his track record. He's just as bad as Hogan with the truth.

[@ChrisKim-l2f]

An interviewer said he never noticed difference in Kerry von Erich's performance before and after the accident. I remember when I saw him wrestled in WWF, I remember thinking he didn't seemed to give drop kick as often as he used to in WCCW.

[@nlee5034]

It’s so interesting, the difference between the boys’ view of wrestlers, and the public’s. In my eyes, Kerry was the superstar (universally accepted), and Kevin was the best wrestler. But wrestlers all say that David was the best. Maybe they are considering the whole package… in-ring skills, mic skills, wrestling storytelling…

[@gilbertrios5283]

What a Rollercoaster of memories!

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

Flair is a national treasure!

[@home1261]

This man needs a movie made about his life.

[@kenyardpeacock2526]

Who had that style first Kevin Von Eric or Super Fly Sunka

[@kurtwpg]

It's a shame Kerry couldn't have held the belt for 60-70 days and defended it a bunch more times. That would have changed his legacy some and Flair spent so much time with the belt it would have had zero net effect on him.

[@jeffreyk5734]

Arguably, Kerry's best NWA title defense was against very recently dethroned AWA World Champion Jumbo Tsruta in Japan, just prior to his dropping the title back to Flair. You need to look that match up. Kerry was pretty much the heel in that bout too, and it was Best 2 out of 3 falls. I have seen a little bit of footage of Kerry's defenses against Superstar Billy Graham and Ron Bass in Florida. I keep reading this just 18 days as Champion claim. My old Pro Wrestling Illustrated states that Kerry was Champion for 21 days. Now which was it? I'm sticking with 21 days.

[@mikejejenich7116]

Gino hernandez. Is. One of the biggest. What ifs. In pro wrestling………. What could have been

[@kyleomara4932]

Love these videos

[@welterskelter]

I've looked but I cannot locate the match Rick is talking about in 1984. Can anyone help?

[@jonvisser1509]

Can't wait for Von Erich movie. Flair is probably pissed no Nature Boy Movie 🤣🤣

[@adamsmashups4839]

Did Ric mention that he wrestled Chris Von Erich?When was this?

[@Rjensen2]

Never.

[@jeffreyk5734]

Ric wrestled Ricky Vaugn (Lance Von Erich), at least once for the title in Texas, and probably a time or two in the Pacific Northwest before he came back to Texas. I have never seen any footage of the title matches they had. I personally always thought Lance was pretty good, but I knew he was never a Von Erich from day one. He was supposed to be the son of Fritz's non-existent Brother Waldo.

[@Rjensen2]

@@jeffreyk5734 Non existent? Waldo Von Erich was an actual wrestler.

[@jeffreyk5734]

@@Rjensen2 Yes, he was an actual wrestler, but he wasn't Fritz sibling Brother. That is what I meant. Never said that their wasn't a wrestler that went by the name of Waldo Von Erich.

[@jeffreyk5734]

No, he mentioned that he wrestled Mike. He also wrestled Lance. None of this addresses why World Class Championship Wrestling shockingly opted out of the NWA on February 20th 1986. I have heard of bunch of stories. One being that Jim Crockett started charging a huge extra fee every time Flair defended the title and Fritz didn't want to pay it. Another story is Magnum TA and not Kerry or Kevin was pretty much set in stone as the next long term NWA World Champion. The whole dynamic of what the Von Erich's were chasing went up in smoke once World Class pulled out of the NWA. For the past 4 years prior to that it was about David, Kerry and Kevin chasing Fritz unrealized dream of being NWA World Champion. With that aspect totally gone, World Class quickly fell apart. Within a year few people cared outside of Texas about World Class Championship Wrestling I honestly, do not think that the Von Erich's would be as well remembered today as they are if Kerry or another Von Erich hadn't defeated Flair for the title. Kerry never even appeared in the Mid-Atlantic or Georgia with the belt. He was scheduled for a defense against Wahoo McDaniels in St. Louis, picking up Ric's slate. Once Ric regained the title that match never happened.

[@kayesheets3061]

kerry left in an ambulance that night. I remember most tickets were 5 or 10 christmas star wars was 50

[@edwardthayer9386]

👑👑

[@charliewise1971]

What happened between Madden and Flair?

[@EvolvepilatesAu]

Dont know why the interviewer keeps talking over Rick with his own stories? Missed out in Rick clarifying a few things.

[@DanielDemers]

I looked up the match he was referring to, but there was no claw let alone any blood.

[@kayesheets3061]

this would be way better if you quit interrupting him dude learn to be a listener if you're an interviewer

[@JKnksrsly]

ric hasnt aged a day

[@mrgjohnson26]

I'm mad I'm super late Subscribing to da Nature Boy 😂😂😎😎😎😎

[@adamsmashups4839]

I can't remember but in WCCW,did the modern day warrior ever face the dingo warrior?

[@speedgriffon2504]

Did anyone understand the whole Piper and Kerry on the plane story? I never did figure out what Flair was getting at.

[@Jameslfgsmith]

WOOOOOOO WOOOOOOO WOOOOOOO

[@ninomesarinasinger6168]

Man dude, Mark Madden. Let Ric talk!

[@harshtruth5003]

Yes kerry had a good physical body and had talent but him being in hulk hogan's role I think is stretching it no one could take hogan's place.

[@dominiquejones3805]

Who's interviewing who

[@brianonrea]

Came here after watching The Iron Claw movie. Great movie but the character playing Flair was a let down. I guess it's hard to capture the true personality of the nature boy!

[@rosiedebevc1952]

I was happy that Ric Flair was the friends with the Von Erich Brothers. Like Ric Flair said that Frotz Vom.Erich sons were on drugs he said I don't believe you. He was definitely on denial.

[@abbierivers1]

Why is Mark yelling ?

[@brandoncoit9295]

Mark yells as if Ric is on the other side of the house hahaha

[@laurenceshelly6932]

It just occurred to me. Tony has a plan. Vince used to have the plan. You hire all the popular guys from small territories and let them sit back make enough to retire and destroy the company they were building. If it was up to the growing company they would keep their champion until he dies

[@batmanofsanantonio5331]

Mark, just let Ric talk

[@gregoryjowers3629]

Now your talking that was the best times of wrestling for me I love that era of wrestlers 🤼‍♂️ could you add some clips of the match’s ric that would be awesome and talks about the match that would be killer

[@-redacted_by_youtube]

If this guy just put his mike up closer he wouldnt have to yell as much. Its a little weird. Just yelling all the time like hes an announcer ring side or something.

[@masterj4777]

Your wrong Ric!! Kerry Will always be the best period but I love that entire family! Von Eric's forever 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱 The Texas stadium match would be more memorable had Kerry won it with the iron claw which he should have done 👍

[@chrischar9428]

Oh ok. How many matches did you have

[@rphillip1086]

10:25 Fritz starts speaking through Ric