Imagine being hailed as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, only to humbly admit that someone else might just be better. That’s exactly what Roman Reigns did, and it’s a moment that’s sparking conversations across the wrestling world. John Cena has crowned Reigns the GOAT, and even Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque has drawn parallels between him and the legendary Undertaker. But here’s where it gets intriguing: when asked to name someone better than himself, Reigns didn’t hesitate to point to the iconic Ric Flair.
During a lighthearted segment with Fanatics, WWE’s merchandise partner, Reigns was challenged to stop an interviewer whenever a name superior to his own was mentioned. With a grin and a casual wave, he brushed off mentions of Bron Breakker, Seth Rollins, and Cody Rhodes. Even LA Knight’s name elicited a smirk rather than a pause. But when Ric Flair’s name entered the conversation, Reigns’ demeanor shifted. He stopped, smiled, and emphatically declared, ‘Ric Flair.’
And this is the part most people miss: Ric Flair’s legacy isn’t just about his in-ring prowess—it’s about his relentless dedication to the craft. Historian Tim Hornbaker aptly dubbed Flair ‘The Last Real World Champion’ in his 2023 biography, highlighting Flair’s grueling schedule of defending the NWA World Championship across continents, often wrestling over 300 matches a year. Whether facing Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, or Ricky Morton, Flair’s performances were consistently electrifying, turning every bout into a must-watch event. His ability to elevate younger stars like Lex Luger and Nikita Koloff is a testament to his unmatched skill and showmanship.
Roman Reigns, in many ways, mirrors this excellence. Over the years, he’s transformed several wrestlers into world-championship-level performers, solidifying his place as ‘The Head of the Table.’ Yet, his acknowledgment of Ric Flair as ‘The Man’ underscores a profound respect for the legends who paved the way. But here’s the controversial question: In an era of evolving wrestling styles, does Flair’s traditional approach still hold up as the gold standard, or has the game changed too much? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to ignite passionate opinions on both sides.
