Dutch served in the Army during the Vietnam war while assigned to the 25th infantry division as a grunt(11B) "Tropic Lightning" Thank you for your service!!
He's a good dude. Sure, Dutch, make your money, but he will sign anything for anyone who wants it who can get there, because he loves the business. It doesn't really matter. A dude fire uon his $200, life savings to go see him, that means more than a dude spending a three hour, $2,000 paycheck. That's why Dutch is the best.
One thing Flair is notorious for, not just my own experiences but having heard from others, is extending the allotted time given for an appearance. You book Flair for two hours to sign autographs, and everyone in line has already paid for them, but around 90 minutes in Flair starts to get a little more chatty, and those signatures take a little longer to sign. Then two hours are up and there are still 50 people in line, and you gotta pay for an extra hour.
I saw this exact thing happen at a sports bar in Charleston, SC. Not only was he late, but he stalled before signing autographs. The establishment had to go further into their pocket. The event had been scheduled four months in advance. Nothing about his appearance was a surprise. There were no excuses for this behavior.
Yeap. Ric Flair is only loyal to money and he's never on time for personal appearances. He stalls on signing autographs to "eat up clock" so he can get an extra hour's pay. That's the old school way from back in the territories. A lot of them did it. But Ric Flair never stopped doing that even when he didn't need to.
Thank you Dutch for the insight on the homeless thing. I lived on the streets for many years and it almost took me. When you're treated like hurt, told your dirt everyday you start to believe it. And it becomes hard to believe your worth anything. All it took was someone to see me and treat me like a human being for the first time in a long time. It reminded me of my value in myself. And since then, I've traveled the world as a musician, on a record label with international distribution. And now? I get to work with folks in the wrestling business who I've watched on TV as a little kid. Folks would be surprised how much a little bit of humanity goes a long way. And even just a positive conversation can get someone's head out of that mess.
I did a stand up show with Dutch about 7 years ago in Clarksville, TN. He treated everyone respectfully and never acted like he was above being in a green room with a bunch of comics no one has ever heard of. It was very cool to get to meet him, as I’m a huge wrestling fan. Felt a little bad for getting a better crowd reaction that night.
@@Manetho72 it was at a venue called “Kings Nightclub.” The building is an animal hospital now. Also, I gave up on stand up because I lack hustle. Absolutely hated trying to get booked.
I met Tully Blancard at a golf course one time, he was super nice and appreciated us saying how we loved watching him in jcp , I'll remember that day forever
To be honest, at this point I don't think Dutch or even Jim Cornette for that matter can help AEW. Tony has ruined AEW and it's reputation to the point where now people are making fun of it, it's just silly beyond believe. Showing the CM Punk and Jack Perry footage was the final nail in their coffin. Their ratings are the lowest they've ever been, the attendance is like 3000 people per show, the arenas look empty as hell, it's embarassing. As far as being a legit serious wrestling company, they're done for.
I worked at a hotel in Virginia Beach back in the early 2000s, and Flair stayed one night. I was pissed because I was away, but when I got back my coworker was on some fuck Ric Flair energy. He said Flair was at the hotel bar. My coworker wasn’t going to take any of his time, just say I love your work and I’m a fan. He said that Flair said, and I’m paraphrasing, “Fuck off. I’m trying to enjoy my drink.” lol 😂
X Pac broke the myth on his legendary drinking too when Ric asked them to have shots with him, "Yeah he goes all night cuz he drinks those pussy kamikazees, I was like I'm not even breakng sobriety for that"
He’s always differentiated things by pointing out that he kept the belt and refused to return it because Herd refused to return the deposit he had placed on the belt as the NWA required when they made someone champion. The arrangement was laid out that the person who won the belt was required to place a $25,000 deposit which would then be returned at the end of their time as the champion along with the interest accumulated on their deposit for the period of time they held it. With Flair he just never took the deposit back because over that period of time he held the title was so much of it and whenever he would lose it the title went back to him fairly quickly so it was easier to just leave the deposit there since he was the champion for so much of the time period. And if you look at things it makes sense why he just left it. The date he won the title the first time to the date the NEA vacated the belt when he went to the WWF was almost 10 year to the day. Over that decade the NWA recognizes 8 reigns as the Champion for 3,059 days or roughy 8.4 years. When Herd refuse to return the deposit he left with the belt and when they later settled and returned the deposit to Flair and they got their belt back. Ric had much more justification for what he did than Bret had.
Keeping the belt is one thing taking it on national TV with your competitor is another..... it's funny because Vince offered Harley Race 250k to no show the first starrcade which is where flair won the title, Harley refused out of loyalty and giving his word ...... to bad flair never had any loyalty
Was a Flair fan until twice he didn't sign his book for me when no one else was around. It's not that he didn't sign it, it's just the way he did it. No eye contact, just "No."
Ric Flair is an unpleasant opportunist. He was a season ticket /PSL holder for the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte for years way back, and the team would sometimes play his "Wooo" when the Panthers would make a good play and he also made appearances with players ect. After all of his personal drama ( bad divorce, business and personal bankruptcy, money issues, road rage, police dramas, ect ) the team slowly stopped associating with Flair. Apparently Flair, who seems overly emotional, decided he was no longer a fan and started cheering for others. Same with ACC sports.
Richard Fleer died in that plane crash. When he lost the weight and embraced the *Flair* that was it. Dick Flair still being alive in 2024 is both a surprise and likely a small miracle
I stood in line for a long period of time at a Walmart years ago to meet Ric. They cut the line off right as we got to him. While we didn't get to meet him, he did allow my young nephew to be the last person he saw that night.
Flair did that to me when I got his autograph and he made me feel like I wasted my time being a fan of his since the time I was too young to be a fan of his at 3 years old. I don’t hold him to it anymore but it pissed me off back then.
This does check out. Flair was crying uncontrollably about how kind Vince was to him when he needed help the most Then monthly after the money Vince gave him he sued them over a trademark he never even kind of had trademarked
Dutch has that southern class that Flair obviously missed out on. Kind and honorable man overall, and that is worth shouting about, wrestler or otherwise. I will leave the jokes to evwryone else lol
It’s funny when you go back and read Flair’s book. He despised Hogan at the time it was written and he makes it very clear in the book. Hogan gives him money and now he’s one of his best friends.
@@RG-lr4pk He’s a ‘what have you done for me lately?’ friend. Look at his comments when he was originally trying to get a contract with AEW. Said the only person he wanted to celebrate him after he died was Tony Khan. After everything WWE did for him!
Didn't Flair stiff ROH back in the day (Cary Silkin/Sinclair era)? I vaguely remember a story of him no-showing something for them over money I think and then jumping to TNA.
I agree with Dutch…… why do people wanna see a 75 year old man around a wrestling ring…. It’s the equivalent to being a 60 year basketball player or football player.
When you have to pay four wives alimony there is no loyalty. You go where the next big pay check is. If some wealthy person in Dubai wanted him to wrestle for a seven figure check he would despite his health.
I went to a convention a few years back. Ric was on the promo. Thought it would be pretty cool to take a quick picture with him and the guy was already gone by the time I got there lol. It must've only been around noon. But... Christian was cool as hell and hung out with us for a while
The more I watch Dutch, the more I appreciate him as a person. Thank you for the memories where you made me hate your persona. Such the person I respect more each day.
Bret Hart. CM Punk. Hulk Hogan. Ric Flair. It happens, they start living like and believing their own bs. Setting personal feeling aside about any talent, i think we can easily point out a handful of guys that start living the gimmick
@@Timmichanga361I don't see how any of them compare. Hogan was just a calculated jerk who knew the old tricks of the business and politicised a lot. Don't let him wriggle off that hook lol. Punk has stated himself lately (although he certainly answers his critics on an ad hoc basis a la damage control) that he blurs the lines as closely as he can for the fans eyes. Maybe he is just a politician but not as obvious as people like Jericho. Jury is out. Bret was just someone who took himself very seriously, even more so than those of us fans.who year for wrestling being more serious... He is VERY serious about everything he does.
The gimmick version of Ric Flair is the only version of the human that has existed since the 1980s. That's why he can't let himself properly retire. He doesn't know how.
Sorry, been a wrestling fan since the 80's, and I have never been Flair fan, even back then. So Dutch 's assessment of Flair's character doesn't surprise me at all! 🤣
Fliehr had a good promo and was it . Prat fall over the top rope every match. His two watches annoy me, specially the I watch 400 plus for a watch that like came out a kinder egg..
Its like what Shane Douglas said about flair for all these years with some guys it's 'dont meet you're heroes' and flair fell into that category with a lot of people who were either fellow wrestlers who looked up to him or fans who Ric just eventually blew off or treated poorly because nothing is more important to Ric flair then Ric flair
Flair is only loyal to himself. And, given the fact he's started drinking again after he nearly died and the doctor told him to, I question that loyalty.
Rick sounds like some of the privately educated kids I went to college with. Those types have perfected the art of no selling social interactions with "common folk."
Let's not also forget Ric Flair turning up on two podcasts while drunk, talking about Reid, his deceased son while on a comedy podcast, then just grabbing his stuff and leaving. Ric Flair ONLY cares about Ric Flair! Three failed marriages and numerous indiscretions should tell you that.
This reminds me of John Cena honestly. A few years ago when Brock was tearing up the WWE, John went out in interviews and said Brock was the greatest of all time. Now that Roman was the champion for so long, he’s gone out and said Roman was the greatest of all time. In a few years I’m sure he’ll say Cody is the greatest of all time. He’s a total pick me for the company
Anyone who ever thought Ric Flair gave a big fat shit about anyone but himself was an idiot. He has never even cared about his own family unless they can benefit him financially or give him a opp to steal their spotlight. They way he acts when he accompanies Charlotte to the ring is sickening. He just can't let it go even for his child. I've said it before but if Flair needs money any true fan would rather pay to hear him and others sit, have a beer, and talk old times. Please stay out of the ring. It's too heartbreaking to watch😢😢😢😢
Look at how Ric burns his friendships. It does look like once you can't do anything for him, it takes nothing for him to walk away. I was a huge fan of his back in the day but since the stories came out at how he treats his "friends" and how shamelessly he self promotes, my love for him has waned. Went to this year's Wrestlecon and he was there but i only wanted to meet Arn and i did and he couldn't have been more of a gracious gentleman.
@GeeCoach35: One thing that I have noticed about the guy who used to be "Arn Anderson" is that he doesn't have to shout to make himself heard in 2024. Back in the Horseman era seemingly all of them ("Arn" and Tully especially) shouted their Promos very forcefully. Since they're retired they can speak at a normal tone that doesn't strip their glottal gears. A fascinatingly subtle and mature transition to the next phase of their lives.🤔😉🎤🐴💎👔👞👞🤼♂️B.W.
Conrad Thompson, Vince McMahon, and Hulk Hogan Really goes to show the character behind the character. Triple H brought Flair by his side and reminded him of who he once was! Flairs words but I guess that was a lie?
Dutch is speaking facts, met Jake Roberts a few times and he was a scum bag, never will spend another dime on him again, Karrion Kross and Paul Ordorff were super nice, chatted about a few matches and made a person feel heard, I will always support them in anyway possible.(RIP Mr Wonderful).
@@mariemiles7287 about 4 or 5 years ago(well after he got “clean”) we had him on tour and was around him for a week or so. He chastised kids at the merch stand when there was no line and they paid for the vip meet and greet just for saying they were big fans of his(his response was “the shoes a work kid figure it out and go somewhere else”) he was also rubbing some teenage girls head and her shoulders during a match in when he was supposed to be the outside enforcer. He no showed an after party he was booked for so he could watch football(that was the only after show the sponsor ever bought and they were such big fans that he even had a Jake tatoo). He decided instead to go enjoy alone time in his hotel watching football instead of putting in the half hour minimum that he was paid for. He was also rude to many fans and was very unstable. Only talent worse to deal with was brutus the drunk beefcake.
Flair is a product of a different era but unlike some, he has never managed to evolve with the times. He's eighty years old and still acts like a drunken frat boy.
This surprises any1? It had to be Reid but I always thought it was David, he'd show up at youth & hs wrestling meets & act like his 6th place son was world champ.
I love how the thumbnails have two Dutch faces depending on the tone of the clip. Angrier clips are open mouthed Dutch and neutral or cheerful ones get head tilted slightly Dutch.
Dutch is right. Ric's not loyal. The fact that he has stated numerous times he's a WWE guy. And the next time you see him he's over in AEW or some other promotion. C'mon Ric who the hell are you kidding with that...? You go where the money is PERIOD. And all you have to do is say that instead of making up different reasons/excuses...(g)
I have to disagree with the Flair and Loyalty as far as a personal experience. Ric was coming to a lot of South Carolina Gamecock football games when we were abysmal. The reason was he was a close friend of Steve Spurrier, who shockingly had became our head coach(Spurrier is a coaching legend known for his explosive offensives that made the Florida Gators a powerhouse in the SEC and country in the 90s. His offense was and still is one of the most copied offenses of all time. The reason people were shocked that he became our coach was because he turned down some legendary programs known for winning, where we were almost always on the bottom of the conference. The tailgate show told people that Ric was stopping by the broadcast area, and welcomed us to come meet him. I got excited and got over there, and got a picture with him. To his defense, Rick is the only celebrity to tell me to take an extra photo "just in case." I really enjoyed the experience! He was not a celebrity that was a "huge lat down" that you would have rather not met. He was awesome! Having said that, I have been really disappointed with Ric. The stories that you hear and comments he makes...I tend to think he is getting too old and "not all there" to have a microphone. I know that his "last match" was embarrassing. Rip doesn't understand that we really DIDN'T WANT TO SEE HIM ON THE "GREATEST RETIREMENT MATCH POSSIBLE" WITH SHAWN! SHAWN made him look like a million dollars and I was emotional(crying) that night and the next night when Triple H brought out all his friend. THEN....TNA HAPPENS...and I just flipped the channel when he came onl. Same with Hogan. Not to mention, both are taking valuable TV time from the youngsters that should be featured at that time. Rip doesn't get that whole "make them miss you!" where he hasn't been there forever and what a pop ....I doubt he even got a pop with AEW entrance. Maybe I am wrong, but I do not see people getting super stoked about Ric Flair in action. Even his promos ...sounds like an old man trying way too hard.
Like most I have all the respect in the world for Flair's career and legacy he left behind in pro wrestling. But for years now I've thought exactly what has been stated here by Dutch. And let's be honest the facts are there to validate all he said. I think at this point in Flair's life he's just happy someone remembers him and wants to associate with him on some level. His loyalty is only to money wherever he can get it next. And that's understandable considering how much of it he squandered through the years. After all the money he drew and made as a top guy for years, Flair should have a kings fortune today.
I've been homeless before Dutch, so I applaud the money statement. It's to help when can. For example I bought a lady sat outside a food place food and coffee, person walls past why you helping that beggar? My reply because I know exactly what she's going through, I second reply was I seen living in a hostel that drive normal to drink . Homeless 35 years ago and it still affects my mental state ..
Dutch isn't lying when he said that he's more over with the younger crowd than Flair. Dutch and James have something really good going here with this show, and it's becoming one of the premier wrestling podcasts.
Ric Flair may not even be responsible for his own actions anymore. I feel he is suffering from misdiagnosed concussions over his life and perhaps he truly does NOT know who he really is anymore and ONLY knows the wrestling character. Dementia is a horrible aspect to consider. He was over 70 and still expects to perform. His brain may be swiss cheese at this point and perhaps that is why he drinks like a fish every day. Its a shame because he is single handedly dismantling his own legacy now.
Someone else picked up on the sports team disloyalty Flair seems to have. I remember as a kid watching Nitro in 99-2000 somewhere in there Flair was always talking about being a Florida Gators fan in promos. He did a heel promo in Kentucky praising the Gators and putting down the wildcats & got a pop from the crowd in Florida talking about being a Gator fan. In 2019 I went to a convention Flair was appearing at in Louisville Kentucky (He didn’t at that convention have his price go up on his autograph it was $100 for an autograph/selfie combo and stayed consistent to be fair to what was said in this video) but I had a Notre Dame hat on and the guy behind me had an LSU shirt on and when we got up to flair he was talking about what a huge Georgia Bulldog fan he was and how the Bulldogs kicked ND’s ass earlier in the season & they’re gonna kick LSU’s ass to win the SEC championship. It was all in fun I didn’t take that personally but I did think back to all of those times he was seemingly a Florida fan & thought he must’ve gotten aboard the Georgia train after Florida started losing & Georgia started winning more.
Saw him march off stage on Kill Tony. His drunken stupor and endless ranting about how they “mistreated” the comedians showed his true colors. I swore he fell asleep on stage because he was wasted.
"Brand Loyalty to a wrestling company?" Whoever wrote that comment about Ric Flair not being loyal to WWE (referring to it as “Brand loyalty”) is honestly one of the most ignorant and immature statements I have heard from a wrestling fan. It sounds like a question that a child may young teenager might ask, because they nevcer worked anywhere, and do not know how the real world works. But it also speaks to WWE’s success, in that they have built up BRAND loyal fans. These are the folks who hate wrestlers when they’re in other companies, but love them when they appear in WWE. Mercedes Mone is a traitor now. CM Punk sucked in AEW, but they love him now that he’s “home”. MJF sucks, but we hope he appears in the Royal Rumble of WM40. Jade Cargill is a no talent hack in AEW - but we love her now and she is a superstar in WWE. That right there is BRAND loyalty.
Dutch, it was a very different time back then. At the Sportatouriam, the cameras were highly effective.., with great in-ring Movement. But that crowd sounded like a whole bunch of High school cheerleaders. Why didn't they pipe in some low-end Crowd voices..😮 maybe
I don’t get the appeal of autographs. My most cherished memories are the 5, 10 and even 15 minute conversations I’ve had with celebrities. I talked to Ernie Hudson for seemingly forever and he seemed appreciative I brought up some of his other work like Oz versus the same Ghostbusters routine I’m sure he gets asked all the time. Also talked to Michael Berryman from the Hills Have Eyes for almost 20 minutes, nicest guy in the world I didn’t even give him any money, he was just hanging out by the entrance taking a break. An autograph is just something that goes in the drawer to be forgotten but memories last a lifetime.
this is why i refuse to do the "comic con" thing. paying hundreds of dollars to stand in line for HOURS just to get a 10 second hi how ya doin picture seems worthless.
Much respect for Rick Flair for his wrestling career. His personal life is a totally different thing. When Flair was in the hospital battling for his life his ex wife Wendy stood by him and took care of him. At the end of his marriage with Wendy once again the shows and the bar were more important than Wendy and she got fed up with his life style. Wendy deserved better from Rick. Wendy I wish you the best and God bless you.
Being "loyal" to a company is stupid. Especially when a company doesn't give a dam about you. At the end of the day Rick only has a few more years left. He needs to get his money and enjoy it while he can.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Dutch never misses an opportunity to roast Ric Flair 😂😂
Its hilarious when Dutch goes “WOOOO!”
🤣🤣 Jim Cornette and Dutch Mantell needs to do a Collab.
@@jeffmendez02Jim and Dutch vs Flair and Russo would put butts in seats
Ric gladly gives him the ammo.😉
@@sethputnamsghost Remember Ric Flair on Kill Tony?? 😂😂
Dutch served in the Army during the Vietnam war while assigned to the 25th infantry division as a grunt(11B) "Tropic Lightning" Thank you for your service!!
😂😂😂
He's a good dude. Sure, Dutch, make your money, but he will sign anything for anyone who wants it who can get there, because he loves the business.
It doesn't really matter. A dude fire uon his $200, life savings to go see him, that means more than a dude spending a three hour, $2,000 paycheck.
That's why Dutch is the best.
The 25th is a pretty high speed unit, I think I missed the joke lol
Tropical thunder
Ric Flair is loyal to Ric Flair, that's it. Never going to change.
It be a hell of a time partying with him though!
True
That's how it should be
Sounds like most athletes.
I met Ric Flair one time and wished I hadn’t. Dutch is spot on.
😂😂😂😂
What happened?
One thing Flair is notorious for, not just my own experiences but having heard from others, is extending the allotted time given for an appearance. You book Flair for two hours to sign autographs, and everyone in line has already paid for them, but around 90 minutes in Flair starts to get a little more chatty, and those signatures take a little longer to sign. Then two hours are up and there are still 50 people in line, and you gotta pay for an extra hour.
I saw this exact thing happen at a sports bar in Charleston, SC. Not only was he late, but he stalled before signing autographs. The establishment had to go further into their pocket.
The event had been scheduled four months in advance. Nothing about his appearance was a surprise. There were no excuses for this behavior.
Yeap. Ric Flair is only loyal to money and he's never on time for personal appearances. He stalls on signing autographs to "eat up clock" so he can get an extra hour's pay. That's the old school way from back in the territories. A lot of them did it. But Ric Flair never stopped doing that even when he didn't need to.
Yeah me bad experience
Ric doing a "broadway" autograph signing...
@@GLJosh😂
Thank you Dutch for the insight on the homeless thing. I lived on the streets for many years and it almost took me. When you're treated like hurt, told your dirt everyday you start to believe it. And it becomes hard to believe your worth anything. All it took was someone to see me and treat me like a human being for the first time in a long time. It reminded me of my value in myself. And since then, I've traveled the world as a musician, on a record label with international distribution. And now? I get to work with folks in the wrestling business who I've watched on TV as a little kid. Folks would be surprised how much a little bit of humanity goes a long way. And even just a positive conversation can get someone's head out of that mess.
Totally
I did a stand up show with Dutch about 7 years ago in Clarksville, TN. He treated everyone respectfully and never acted like he was above being in a green room with a bunch of comics no one has ever heard of. It was very cool to get to meet him, as I’m a huge wrestling fan. Felt a little bad for getting a better crowd reaction that night.
Sure bra
@@Manetho72 it was at a venue called “Kings Nightclub.” The building is an animal hospital now. Also, I gave up on stand up because I lack hustle. Absolutely hated trying to get booked.
I met Tully Blancard at a golf course one time, he was super nice and appreciated us saying how we loved watching him in jcp , I'll remember that day forever
Tully was a wrestling machine I think he is very underrated
Tony should hire Dutch to teach him how to book.
To be honest, at this point I don't think Dutch or even Jim Cornette for that matter can help AEW. Tony has ruined AEW and it's reputation to the point where now people are making fun of it, it's just silly beyond believe. Showing the CM Punk and Jack Perry footage was the final nail in their coffin. Their ratings are the lowest they've ever been, the attendance is like 3000 people per show, the arenas look empty as hell, it's embarassing. As far as being a legit serious wrestling company, they're done for.
I worked at a hotel in Virginia Beach back in the early 2000s, and Flair stayed one night. I was pissed because I was away, but when I got back my coworker was on some fuck Ric Flair energy. He said Flair was at the hotel bar. My coworker wasn’t going to take any of his time, just say I love your work and I’m a fan. He said that Flair said, and I’m paraphrasing, “Fuck off. I’m trying to enjoy my drink.” lol 😂
X Pac broke the myth on his legendary drinking too when Ric asked them to have shots with him, "Yeah he goes all night cuz he drinks those pussy kamikazees, I was like I'm not even breakng sobriety for that"
I cant believe ric had the balls to say bret didnt do the right thing when he's the one that jumped ship with the title
It's not the same thing they owe flair alot money that Jim herd refused to pay
Right... I've always had the same sentiment.
He’s always differentiated things by pointing out that he kept the belt and refused to return it because Herd refused to return the deposit he had placed on the belt as the NWA required when they made someone champion. The arrangement was laid out that the person who won the belt was required to place a $25,000 deposit which would then be returned at the end of their time as the champion along with the interest accumulated on their deposit for the period of time they held it. With Flair he just never took the deposit back because over that period of time he held the title was so much of it and whenever he would lose it the title went back to him fairly quickly so it was easier to just leave the deposit there since he was the champion for so much of the time period.
And if you look at things it makes sense why he just left it. The date he won the title the first time to the date the NEA vacated the belt when he went to the WWF was almost 10 year to the day. Over that decade the NWA recognizes 8 reigns as the Champion for 3,059 days or roughy 8.4 years. When Herd refuse to return the deposit he left with the belt and when they later settled and returned the deposit to Flair and they got their belt back. Ric had much more justification for what he did than Bret had.
Keeping the belt is one thing taking it on national TV with your competitor is another..... it's funny because Vince offered Harley Race 250k to no show the first starrcade which is where flair won the title, Harley refused out of loyalty and giving his word ...... to bad flair never had any loyalty
Was a Flair fan until twice he didn't sign his book for me when no one else was around. It's not that he didn't sign it, it's just the way he did it. No eye contact, just "No."
Good on you Dutch, a lot of respect for you sir.
Ric Flair is an unpleasant opportunist. He was a season ticket /PSL holder for the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte for years way back, and the team would sometimes play his "Wooo" when the Panthers would make a good play and he also made appearances with players ect. After all of his personal drama ( bad divorce, business and personal bankruptcy, money issues, road rage, police dramas, ect ) the team slowly stopped associating with Flair. Apparently Flair, who seems overly emotional, decided he was no longer a fan and started cheering for others. Same with ACC sports.
Richard Fleer died in that plane crash. When he lost the weight and embraced the *Flair* that was it. Dick Flair still being alive in 2024 is both a surprise and likely a small miracle
Flair’s loyalty is to the greenbacks, the payoff.
He has four ex wives to pay alimony to each month.
Not really. He tends to spend it just as quickly as he receives it. Flair has a bum attitude towards money.
Yup, McMahon and Crockett Jr. Have both paid Flairs federal taxes. He's ripped off ROH a bunch of money years ago. He's just an irresponsible person.
And the booze.
Isn’t that what every wrestler is in it for?
I stood in line for a long period of time at a Walmart years ago to meet Ric. They cut the line off right as we got to him. While we didn't get to meet him, he did allow my young nephew to be the last person he saw that night.
Flair did that to me when I got his autograph and he made me feel like I wasted my time being a fan of his since the time I was too young to be a fan of his at 3 years old. I don’t hold him to it anymore but it pissed me off back then.
Dutch comes across as just a nice, honest guy. Love his insights as he just calls them as he sees them.
This does check out. Flair was crying uncontrollably about how kind Vince was to him when he needed help the most
Then monthly after the money Vince gave him he sued them over a trademark he never even kind of had trademarked
Dutch has that southern class that Flair obviously missed out on. Kind and honorable man overall, and that is worth shouting about, wrestler or otherwise. I will leave the jokes to evwryone else lol
Ric grew up in MN, LOL....
It’s funny when you go back and read Flair’s book. He despised Hogan at the time it was written and he makes it very clear in the book. Hogan gives him money and now he’s one of his best friends.
Conveniently, most of the people he bashed in his book were no longer working with the company.
Would your opinion of someone not change if they helped you in a bad time?
@@RG-lr4pk He’s a ‘what have you done for me lately?’ friend. Look at his comments when he was originally trying to get a contract with AEW. Said the only person he wanted to celebrate him after he died was Tony Khan. After everything WWE did for him!
I do believe Vince gave him extra opportunities even later in life. The Evolution Gig comes to mind immediately…
Didn't Flair stiff ROH back in the day (Cary Silkin/Sinclair era)? I vaguely remember a story of him no-showing something for them over money I think and then jumping to TNA.
Yes I believe it was for $40,000 or something like that? Mid 5 figures.
I agree with Dutch…… why do people wanna see a 75 year old man around a wrestling ring…. It’s the equivalent to being a 60 year basketball player or football player.
Flair has always seemed like a "what have you done for me lately? " guy
Dutch you deserve to be in every wrestling hall of fame that there is my friend.You are a class act
For what?
@@georgehutchins3419 if you have to ask for what then you wouldn’t understood
When you have to pay four wives alimony there is no loyalty. You go where the next big pay check is. If some wealthy person in Dubai wanted him to wrestle for a seven figure check he would despite his health.
No fidelity either, by the sound of it.
He's be a portapotty in Dubai if the price was right, Woo!
I went to a convention a few years back.
Ric was on the promo. Thought it would be pretty cool to take a quick picture with him and the guy was already gone by the time I got there lol. It must've only been around noon.
But... Christian was cool as hell and hung out with us for a while
Isn’t it strange to say that Dutch is more relevant to the business than Flair is. It’s true. Love Dutch
What's true is how big of a boot licker you are fan boy
No it's not clown
The more I watch Dutch, the more I appreciate him as a person. Thank you for the memories where you made me hate your persona. Such the person I respect more each day.
Dutch had some very thoughtful statements to make here.
"That bastard..."
7:34 Right out of the Lonely Virgil playbook
I theorize that sometimes the gimmick rubs off onto you. Example: Steven Seagal
Bret Hart. CM Punk. Hulk Hogan. Ric Flair. It happens, they start living like and believing their own bs. Setting personal feeling aside about any talent, i think we can easily point out a handful of guys that start living the gimmick
@@Timmichanga361I don't see how any of them compare.
Hogan was just a calculated jerk who knew the old tricks of the business and politicised a lot. Don't let him wriggle off that hook lol.
Punk has stated himself lately (although he certainly answers his critics on an ad hoc basis a la damage control) that he blurs the lines as closely as he can for the fans eyes. Maybe he is just a politician but not as obvious as people like Jericho. Jury is out.
Bret was just someone who took himself very seriously, even more so than those of us fans.who year for wrestling being more serious... He is VERY serious about everything he does.
Exactly! Rick definitely still thinks he’s the 25 year old nature boy.
The gimmick version of Ric Flair is the only version of the human that has existed since the 1980s. That's why he can't let himself properly retire. He doesn't know how.
Goldberg it the one I always think of
Sorry, been a wrestling fan since the 80's, and I have never been Flair fan, even back then. So Dutch 's assessment of Flair's character doesn't surprise me at all! 🤣
Fliehr had a good promo and was it . Prat fall over the top rope every match. His two watches annoy me, specially the I watch 400 plus for a watch that like came out a kinder egg..
Flair lacks professionalism and maturity outside of the ring he gets drunk and starts exposing himself to both men and women hes disgusting
Rick needs the money because I don't think he ever curbed his spending since the glory days lol
it's become clear that Ole was right every time we see Naitch do all the shit he has done over the past decade.
Its like what Shane Douglas said about flair for all these years with some guys it's 'dont meet you're heroes' and flair fell into that category with a lot of people who were either fellow wrestlers who looked up to him or fans who Ric just eventually blew off or treated poorly because nothing is more important to Ric flair then Ric flair
Flair is only loyal to himself. And, given the fact he's started drinking again after he nearly died and the doctor told him to, I question that loyalty.
Rick sounds like some of the privately educated kids I went to college with. Those types have perfected the art of no selling social interactions with "common folk."
Preach, Mr. Mantell! Preach!
Ngl we need more wrestlers with the same mindset as Dutch or at least a similar mindset
Let's not also forget Ric Flair turning up on two podcasts while drunk, talking about Reid, his deceased son while on a comedy podcast, then just grabbing his stuff and leaving. Ric Flair ONLY cares about Ric Flair! Three failed marriages and numerous indiscretions should tell you that.
This reminds me of John Cena honestly. A few years ago when Brock was tearing up the WWE, John went out in interviews and said Brock was the greatest of all time. Now that Roman was the champion for so long, he’s gone out and said Roman was the greatest of all time. In a few years I’m sure he’ll say Cody is the greatest of all time. He’s a total pick me for the company
Yeah this isn’t anything like that actually
Anyone who ever thought Ric Flair gave a big fat shit about anyone but himself was an idiot. He has never even cared about his own family unless they can benefit him financially or give him a opp to steal their spotlight. They way he acts when he accompanies Charlotte to the ring is sickening. He just can't let it go even for his child. I've said it before but if Flair needs money any true fan would rather pay to hear him and others sit, have a beer, and talk old times. Please stay out of the ring. It's too heartbreaking to watch😢😢😢😢
Look at how Ric burns his friendships. It does look like once you can't do anything for him, it takes nothing for him to walk away. I was a huge fan of his back in the day but since the stories came out at how he treats his "friends" and how shamelessly he self promotes, my love for him has waned. Went to this year's Wrestlecon and he was there but i only wanted to meet Arn and i did and he couldn't have been more of a gracious gentleman.
@GeeCoach35: One thing that I have noticed about the guy who used to be "Arn Anderson" is that he doesn't have to shout to make himself heard in 2024. Back in the Horseman era seemingly all of them ("Arn" and Tully especially) shouted their Promos very forcefully. Since they're retired they can speak at a normal tone that doesn't strip their glottal gears. A fascinatingly subtle and mature transition to the next phase of their lives.🤔😉🎤🐴💎👔👞👞🤼♂️B.W.
Ric is VERY LOYAL to ever has his next check!
Sounds like most athletes
Dutch, you made me even more of a fan.
they don’t call him slick ric for nun 🗣️😂
Ric is loyal to the money.
Doesnt he owe more than he has?
@@Timmichanga361 I just said "the money" not "his money"🤣.
@@GLJosh 😂😂😂
I have watched Dutch for a long time and he has always put on and also given a great show fantastic performer
Conrad Thompson, Vince McMahon, and Hulk Hogan
Really goes to show the character behind the character. Triple H brought Flair by his side and reminded him of who he once was! Flairs words but I guess that was a lie?
Really thoughtful words from Dutch at the end there. Respect.
Flair is pretty loyal to whomever is giving him a paycheck at any particular moment …
How dare Dutch speak this way about Sparticus
glad i got to know you through this podcast dutch...one of the good ones partner.
Dutch is speaking facts, met Jake Roberts a few times and he was a scum bag, never will spend another dime on him again, Karrion Kross and Paul Ordorff were super nice, chatted about a few matches and made a person feel heard, I will always support them in anyway possible.(RIP Mr Wonderful).
What happened with jake roberts? Was it recent or years ago? xx
@@mariemiles7287 about 4 or 5 years ago(well after he got “clean”) we had him on tour and was around him for a week or so. He chastised kids at the merch stand when there was no line and they paid for the vip meet and greet just for saying they were big fans of his(his response was “the shoes a work kid figure it out and go somewhere else”) he was also rubbing some teenage girls head and her shoulders during a match in when he was supposed to be the outside enforcer. He no showed an after party he was booked for so he could watch football(that was the only after show the sponsor ever bought and they were such big fans that he even had a Jake tatoo). He decided instead to go enjoy alone time in his hotel watching football instead of putting in the half hour minimum that he was paid for. He was also rude to many fans and was very unstable. Only talent worse to deal with was brutus the drunk beefcake.
Dutch seems like a genuinely nice guy
Flair is a product of a different era but unlike some, he has never managed to evolve with the times. He's eighty years old and still acts like a drunken frat boy.
dutch's honesty is refreshing
Ric Flair Should’ve Retired From Wrestling 150 Years.
Its great how modern tech has exposed how a lot of these people really are
This surprises any1? It had to be Reid but I always thought it was David, he'd show up at youth & hs wrestling meets & act like his 6th place son was world champ.
I can listen to the dutchman bury flair all day
I love how the thumbnails have two Dutch faces depending on the tone of the clip. Angrier clips are open mouthed Dutch and neutral or cheerful ones get head tilted slightly Dutch.
Yeah his lack of loyalty is proved by his four ex wives.
Dutch love your podcast.Aew needs your opinion on advice and advertising
Dutch is right. Ric's not loyal. The fact that he has stated numerous times he's a WWE guy. And the next time you see him he's over in AEW or some other promotion. C'mon Ric who the hell are you kidding with that...? You go where the money is PERIOD. And all you have to do is say that instead of making up different reasons/excuses...(g)
I have to disagree with the Flair and Loyalty as far as a personal experience. Ric was coming to a lot of South Carolina Gamecock football games when we were abysmal. The reason was he was a close friend of Steve Spurrier, who shockingly had became our head coach(Spurrier is a coaching legend known for his explosive offensives that made the Florida Gators a powerhouse in the SEC and country in the 90s. His offense was and still is one of the most copied offenses of all time. The reason people were shocked that he became our coach was because he turned down some legendary programs known for winning, where we were almost always on the bottom of the conference.
The tailgate show told people that Ric was stopping by the broadcast area, and welcomed us to come meet him. I got excited and got over there, and got a picture with him. To his defense, Rick is the only celebrity to tell me to take an extra photo "just in case." I really enjoyed the experience! He was not a celebrity that was a "huge lat down" that you would have rather not met. He was awesome!
Having said that, I have been really disappointed with Ric. The stories that you hear and comments he makes...I tend to think he is getting too old and "not all there" to have a microphone. I know that his "last match" was embarrassing. Rip doesn't understand that we really DIDN'T WANT TO SEE HIM ON THE "GREATEST RETIREMENT MATCH POSSIBLE" WITH SHAWN! SHAWN made him look like a million dollars and I was emotional(crying) that night and the next night when Triple H brought out all his friend. THEN....TNA HAPPENS...and I just flipped the channel when he came onl. Same with Hogan. Not to mention, both are taking valuable TV time from the youngsters that should be featured at that time. Rip doesn't get that whole "make them miss you!" where he hasn't been there forever and what a pop ....I doubt he even got a pop with AEW entrance. Maybe I am wrong, but I do not see people getting super stoked about Ric Flair in action. Even his promos ...sounds like an old man trying way too hard.
Spurs Up!
Like most I have all the respect in the world for Flair's career and legacy he left behind in pro wrestling. But for years now I've thought exactly what has been stated here by Dutch. And let's be honest the facts are there to validate all he said. I think at this point in Flair's life he's just happy someone remembers him and wants to associate with him on some level. His loyalty is only to money wherever he can get it next. And that's understandable considering how much of it he squandered through the years. After all the money he drew and made as a top guy for years, Flair should have a kings fortune today.
I’ve never bought into flair. Never understood the hype. People act like he’s a god and I just don’t get it. Same with hulk hogan
I am in total agreement never understood why either them were so revered ..
I've been homeless before Dutch, so I applaud the money statement. It's to help when can. For example I bought a lady sat outside a food place food and coffee, person walls past why you helping that beggar? My reply because I know exactly what she's going through, I second reply was I seen living in a hostel that drive normal to drink . Homeless 35 years ago and it still affects my mental state ..
Dutch isn't lying when he said that he's more over with the younger crowd than Flair. Dutch and James have something really good going here with this show, and it's becoming one of the premier wrestling podcasts.
Stop lying
Isn't Flair only at AEW in order to promote his energy drink? I don't think many people want to see him on TV at this point tbh.
His energy drinks, his woo-wings and probably waiting for the moment to announce another last match
Dream Match is going back in time in the Mid South Coliseum for the NWA World Title Ric Flair vs Dutch Mantell.
Damn, Dutch turning babyface at the end there.
Ric Flair may not even be responsible for his own actions anymore.
I feel he is suffering from misdiagnosed concussions over his life and perhaps he truly does NOT know who he really is anymore and ONLY knows the wrestling character.
Dementia is a horrible aspect to consider. He was over 70 and still expects to perform.
His brain may be swiss cheese at this point and perhaps that is why he drinks like a fish every day.
Its a shame because he is single handedly dismantling his own legacy now.
The rampant alcoholism didn't help. My aunt has the same. Don't make excuses for him unless there's actual grounds to.
@@ButWhatIfItIs No one asked about your aunt. Don't make excuses for yourself.
He’s always responsible, it just may not be his fault.
Brutal takedown
Dutchman tell you are a class act! By the way, how is your tag partner Barbie jaggers
Dutch makes Eric Bischoff look like the good guy by far in that Flair Bischoff deal back in the day
What wristbands does Dutch wear anyone know?
May have to do with his grandaughter who was hit by a drunk driver and passed away, not sure.
Someone else picked up on the sports team disloyalty Flair seems to have. I remember as a kid watching Nitro in 99-2000 somewhere in there Flair was always talking about being a Florida Gators fan in promos. He did a heel promo in Kentucky praising the Gators and putting down the wildcats & got a pop from the crowd in Florida talking about being a Gator fan. In 2019 I went to a convention Flair was appearing at in Louisville Kentucky (He didn’t at that convention have his price go up on his autograph it was $100 for an autograph/selfie combo and stayed consistent to be fair to what was said in this video) but I had a Notre Dame hat on and the guy behind me had an LSU shirt on and when we got up to flair he was talking about what a huge Georgia Bulldog fan he was and how the Bulldogs kicked ND’s ass earlier in the season & they’re gonna kick LSU’s ass to win the SEC championship. It was all in fun I didn’t take that personally but I did think back to all of those times he was seemingly a Florida fan & thought he must’ve gotten aboard the Georgia train after Florida started losing & Georgia started winning more.
You were at Wrestlecon?
he goes where they pay him LOL
Flair was doing a commercial for online ED pills
Wheelin' and dealin'
Sounds like Ric Flair just like everybody else, what a surprise
Well he has been a consistent fan of 2 things…. Michigan football and Ric Flair
Except he went to school at Minnesota.
@@patbrooks9823 He did but he is a Michigan fan.
Hes a michigan douche @@jamesdriskill5784
Saw him march off stage on Kill Tony. His drunken stupor and endless ranting about how they “mistreated” the comedians showed his true colors. I swore he fell asleep on stage because he was wasted.
Not to many people’s autographs I want and certainly wouldn’t pay for it
"Brand Loyalty to a wrestling company?"
Whoever wrote that comment about Ric Flair not being loyal to WWE (referring to it as “Brand loyalty”) is honestly one of the most ignorant and immature statements I have heard from a wrestling fan. It sounds like a question that a child may young teenager might ask, because they nevcer worked anywhere, and do not know how the real world works. But it also speaks to WWE’s success, in that they have built up BRAND loyal fans. These are the folks who hate wrestlers when they’re in other companies, but love them when they appear in WWE. Mercedes Mone is a traitor now. CM Punk sucked in AEW, but they love him now that he’s “home”. MJF sucks, but we hope he appears in the Royal Rumble of WM40. Jade Cargill is a no talent hack in AEW - but we love her now and she is a superstar in WWE. That right there is BRAND loyalty.
Dutch, it was a very different time back then. At the Sportatouriam, the cameras were highly effective.., with great in-ring Movement. But that crowd sounded like a whole bunch of High school cheerleaders. Why didn't they pipe in some low-end Crowd voices..😮 maybe
People like Flair are a reason I will not pay money for some trivial reason like a signature or a chat. It poisons their mind.
I don’t get the appeal of autographs. My most cherished memories are the 5, 10 and even 15 minute conversations I’ve had with celebrities. I talked to Ernie Hudson for seemingly forever and he seemed appreciative I brought up some of his other work like Oz versus the same Ghostbusters routine I’m sure he gets asked all the time. Also talked to Michael Berryman from the Hills Have Eyes for almost 20 minutes, nicest guy in the world I didn’t even give him any money, he was just hanging out by the entrance taking a break. An autograph is just something that goes in the drawer to be forgotten but memories last a lifetime.
this is why i refuse to do the "comic con" thing. paying hundreds of dollars to stand in line for HOURS just to get a 10 second hi how ya doin picture seems worthless.
Much respect for Rick Flair for his wrestling career. His personal life is a totally different thing. When Flair was in the hospital battling for his life his ex wife Wendy stood by him and took care of him. At the end of his marriage with Wendy once again the shows and the bar were more important than Wendy and she got fed up with his life style. Wendy deserved better from Rick. Wendy I wish you the best and God bless you.
Seen dusty Rhodes do the same thing one night told fan you have to pay me to take my picture
Ok rick is now doing cialis ads on tv. Lol damn hel go to wherever will write him a check
Ric Flair is risking eternal damnation if he doesn't change.
Being "loyal" to a company is stupid. Especially when a company doesn't give a dam about you. At the end of the day Rick only has a few more years left. He needs to get his money and enjoy it while he can.