The Nature Boy has opened up on WrestleMania (Credit: WWE)

Ric Flair has backed WWE to bring smiles to people’s faces this weekend at a time people need a break.

The legendary Nature Boy knows all about the significance of WrestleMania, having competed at the Show of Shows in the past, and even appearing in his retirement match with Shawn Michaels in 2008.

Although Flair would later get back in the ring during a spell with TNA – now IMPACT Wrestling – fans across the globe still recognise the significance and poignancy of the iconic moment.

Reflecting on the WrestleMania 24 match, Ric exclusively told Metro.co.uk: ‘I was nervous, extremely nervous. That was at a time when my self-confidence levels were up and down.


‘I should have realised that being with Shawn alone was the greatest thing anybody could have ever given me. He just led me through the match, and afterwards it was a really emotional moment for me, my family.



‘The best answer I have is that was the greatest moment of my life, the saddest moment in my wrestling career, and I wish I’d never wrestled again after that.’

Despite the Hall of Famer’s regret, he realises that the fans remember the HBK match as his true farewell.

Ric is a living legend (Credit: WWE)

‘I just couldn’t stay away. At the end of the day people remember that like it was my last match, and that’s the important thing,’ he said.

This weekend, WWE’s annual flagship show will look very different to the usual huge stadium extravaganzas.

However, Ric – whose daughter Charlotte will face Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women’s Championship – thinks the spectacle will shine through despite being filmed without a live audience.

Ric is so proud of his daughter Charlotte (Credit: WWE)

‘It’s WrestleMania,’ he pointed out. ‘If there’s one person or 100 or 2,000 it’s that moment.

‘You’re wearing the best outfit you’ve had on all year long, you’ve prepared yourself. You’ve been to the gym, you’ve trained, and you’ve walked out of the door on camera in front of the world with everybody watching!

‘At a time like this, we need something new and fresh to look at. I think the audience will be huge!’

Charlotte faces Rhea Ripley (left) for the NXT Women’s Title this weekend (Credit: WWE)

Naitch remembers his own days performing in front of relatively small crowds early in his career, but he thinks WWE will be able to pull something truly special out of the bag.

‘It’s difficult, but I believe the packages and the technologies they’ll present will make it look as live as possible,’ he pondered. ‘I wish we were there and having all the fun, but it’s phenomenal and it’s gonna be great. I’m excited for it.’

And as a father, Ric is undoubtedly proud to see his own daughter taking the spotlight and entertaining people when the world needs an escape more than ever.

‘I am, most assuredly, thank you,’ he smiled. ‘She’s been very excited about it. I don’t wanna give away too much, but it’s gonna be fantastic!’

*WrestleMania 36 is The Only WrestleMania Too Big For Just One Night. You can watch on April 4 AND April 5 from midnight on the WWE Network, which costs £9.99 a month and includes a library of WWE content on demand, or get a free 30-day trial.

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