WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has recently found himself at the center of a social media storm following two controversial posts on X, previously known as Twitter. At 76, the wrestling icon sparked outrage with a joke about sexual consent and a jab aimed at fellow wrestling announcer Jim Ross, who is currently recovering from cancer surgery.
In his first post, Flair shared a mock sexual consent form cleverly titled “The WOOOOO Compromise.” Accompanied by a nostalgic photo of himself from the 1980s, the faux document humorously declared that “both parties involved agree to ride Space Mountain and engage in sexual relations on this night.” The document featured signature lines for “Adult 1” and “Adult 2,” both purportedly 18 years or older. Flair captioned the image with, “Consent is everything,” followed by his famous catchphrase, “WOOOOO!”
This wasn’t the first time Flair made light of consent issues; he had shared similar content amid the rise of the #MeToo movement back in 2018. Given the serious nature of consent in today’s society, his decision to repost a similar joke has been met with considerable backlash. Flaunting a sense of disregard for past controversies, many fans expressed disbelief that he would joke about a subject that has sparked significant changes in the wrestling industry and beyond.
Flair’s history brings additional weight to this latest faux pas. In 2002, during the now-infamous “Plane Ride from Hell,” he faced allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct with a flight attendant. This incident, which gained renewed attention from the documentary series Dark Side of the Ring, led many in the wrestling community to distance themselves from him in the years that followed. Given these past accusations, his recent joke about consent struck a discordant note and raised eyebrows among fans and commentators alike.
The backlash didn’t stop there. Flair’s second post drew ire for taking a jab at WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross. Ross, who has earned respect for his contributions to wrestling as a long-time announcer, recently underwent surgery for colon cancer. Despite this, Flair used the opportunity to criticize him, stating, “Jim Ross will always be Jim Ross, seeking attention.” This comment was perceived as particularly insensitive, coming from a man who has had a fraught relationship with the realities of physical health and his own past misbehaviors.
Fans quickly came to Ross’s defense on social media, commenting on the tone-deaf nature of Flair’s remark, given the serious health challenges Ross is facing. Comments ranged from urging Flair to reconsider his words to outright ridicule of his apparent thirst for attention, especially in light of his own past.
Flair later deleted both posts but not before he issued a defiant statement defending his humor. "If you can’t take a joke from a 76-year-old man, then you are living life too seriously," he stated, suggesting that he was merely attempting to bring a little lightheartedness to his followers. Yet, the attempt to frame the situation as innocent fun fell flat for many.
Critics were quick to point out that Flair’s remarks echoed sentiments he’d expressed about Ross in the past where he had previously suggested that Ross had lost credibility. The animosity seems to stem from comments Ross made during the Dark Side of the Ring documentary, which inadvertently cast a shadow on Flair’s legacy.
Throughout his career, Flair has enjoyed many accolades in the wrestling world, with brief stints in retirement and numerous comebacks. However, his antics on social media have increasingly blotted his legacy. Most remember the recent incident where he was caught on tape arguing over a bill at a Florida pizzeria, only to raise eyebrows again with a tone-deaf response regarding Hurricane Milton victims while he partied in Las Vegas.
The changing culture among wrestling fans is evident as they become less tolerant of figures like Flair, whose off-the-ring behaviors overshadow their in-ring accomplishments. Today, the question has shifted from just focusing on legendary matches and championships to assessing the impact of wrestlers’ actions beyond the squared circle. Fans want to know how public figures behave and respond to current social norms surrounding sensitive topics, including consent and personal accountability.
As society evolves and modern audiences crave more accountability from their heroes, figures like Ric Flair must adapt to the new expectations or risk tarnishing their legacies. The wrestling community has begun to draw lines; it is no longer just about the feats performed in the ring, but also about the integrity and character displayed outside of it. As this situation demonstrates, personal behavior continues to play an increasingly important role in shaping how icons like Flair are viewed by fans and future generations.
