‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair, WWE Hall Of Famer, Signs Podcast Deal With CBS Sports
“Nature Boy” Ric Flair, one of the most recognizable and iconic professional wrestlers ever to step foot inside the squared circle, has signed a deal with CBS Sports that will see the two time WWE Hall of Famer interview personalities across the entire spectrum of pop culture for the company’s Play.it podcast network, reports Mike Johnson of PWInsider.
The 65-year-old Flair has remained an influential personality on the zeitgeist of American pop culture, even since retiring from full time in-ring competition, often channeled by collegiate and NFL football teams alike by way of tribute as players often imitate Flair’s cocky signature strut as well as the “Nature Boy’s” iconic call, “WHOOO!”
The prospect of an interview podcast driven by the former 16-time world champion is intriguing, to say the least. While Flair often offers thoughtful and considered opinions on everything from sports to the reason why the WWE Universe has been hesitant to embrace upstart wrestling phenomenon Roman Reigns, Flair is also infamous for coming off the rails, sometimes drawing attention to himself and occasionally appearing to be intoxicated, as was the case during a symposium for the WWE 2K14 symposium during the 2013 SummerSlam pay-per-view event. That event was designed to promote the release of the company’s latest video game offering, but was viewed by WWE officials as spiraling out of control, largely due to Flair’s behavior. The incident ultimately cost long time WWE employee and on-air play-by-play voice Jim Ross, who was hosting the symposium and was tasked with maintaining order, his job, as he was unceremoniously fired soon after.
Since returning to the WWE in 2012, Flair has been used on camera sparingly due to concerns over Flair’s often wild behavior, as well as recurring health concerns. Most recently, he has appeared in support of his daughter, former NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte, who is expected to debut on the main roster and television programming in the near future. Flair told the U.K.’s Burton Mail just last week that the reason WWE does not utilize him on their programming as frequently is out of concern of fellow performers being able to follow his act.
“I appear on WWE programming about eight or nine times a year now. I think I could offer more and I think the management would like to use me more but it is about the offers that have to follow me that they have to consider as well. I can be a very tough act to follow. I can still be active and will be for many more years to come, but they also have to take into account the other superstars at the same time.”
Flair becomes the second personality from the world of professional wrestling to sign with CBS’ Play.it network. Last month, former ECW World Champion and current TNA color commentator Taz debuted his podcast on the network.
