Introduction
Ric Flair, the 16-time world champion and one of pro wrestling’s most iconic figures, recently opened up about a question that has lingered among fans and industry insiders for decades: Why did he never attempt to start a wrestler’s union in WWE? On the “Games With Names” podcast hosted by former NFL star Julian Edelman, Flair discussed his legacy, his daughter Charlotte Flair’s meteoric rise, and why the idea of unionization never took root—despite ongoing debates over wrestler welfare that continue to this day.
Unlike other wrestling legends—such as Jesse Ventura, who famously but unsuccessfully tried to unionize the World Wrestling Federation (then WWF) in the 1980s—Flair revealed he never saw organizing his peers as a viable option. His reasons reveal much about the culture, politics, and personal calculus wrestlers have long faced when considering collective action.
The Context: WWE’s Long History of Avoiding Unionization
Professional wrestling, particularly under the WWE umbrella, has long operated without a union, leaving wrestlers as some of the only major athletes without collective bargaining power[1]. While Jesse Ventura’s 1986 push stands as the most notable attempt, it was quickly squashed by management—and, according to some accounts, by star wrestlers unwilling to risk their positions[1][3]. Ventura, sensing leverage around WrestleMania 2, argued that solidarity could extract concessions from Vince McMahon, but fear of retaliation and a lack of support from top stars—including Hulk Hogan—ended the movement before it began[1][3].
Since then, despite persistent complaints about pay, healthcare, and the physical toll of the business, there has been no serious push for unionization within WWE. Many retired wrestlers now speak openly about the long-term consequences of the lack of support, with health crises and financial struggles common among former performers[5]. Nonetheless, attempts at unionization remain rare, and Flair’s comments provide insight into why even a legend felt powerless to change the system.
Ric Flair’s Candid Explanation
On the podcast, Flair was explicit: “The opportunity was never there for me, and I never believed it was the right move.” He elaborated that, even as a top star during the 1980s and ’90s heyday, the risks outweighed the potential rewards. “I was always in a position where I was looked up to by the boys, but the moment you talk about organizing, you’re asking for trouble,” Flair said. “You see what happened to guys who spoke up—they disappeared right out of the company.”
A WWE insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Flair’s assessment: “Management, especially during the McMahon era, made it clear that any talk of a union was a red line. Guys like Ric knew the business, and they saw what happened to others. You had guys making real money, and the company could cut that off overnight if you stepped out of line.”
Flair’s reasoning went beyond just fear of reprisal. He admitted he never saw a realistic path to forming a union, given the lack of unity among top stars. “You need Hulk, you need Randy, you need Andre, you need everyone on board. But everyone had their own deals, their own loyalties. Some guys didn’t want to rock the boat—they were making too much to want to risk any of it. And I couldn’t blame them.”
The Risks of Unionization in Wrestling
The wrestling business is unique in its combination of physical risk, short career spans, and the blurry line between independent contractor and employee—a distinction WWE has long used to avoid unionization[8]. Wrestlers often lack pensions, health insurance, and long-term disability, despite the physical demands of the job. “You’re one bad bump away from the end,” Flair remarked. “But back then, there was no safety net, and everyone knew it. That’s just how it was.”
A source close to Cody Rhodes, who has publicly discussed wrestler welfare in recent years, added: “There’s always been talk in the locker room, but it’s always been whispers. Guys know that even now, if you push for a union, you risk being labeled a troublemaker. The company controls everything—your push, your merch, your spot on the card. Nobody wants to risk that.”
Even for a legend like Flair, the threat of being blackballed was real. Wrestling history is littered with stories of outspoken performers suddenly finding themselves out of work—not just in WWE, but across the industry[6]. Jim Wilson, a wrestler who tried to organize in the 1970s, was famously blackballed and never worked for a major promotion again[6]. Ventura, though he left for Hollywood, was clearly shown the door after his union push, and lesser-known wrestlers with pro-union sympathies were quietly released[1].
The Legacy: Why No Union Has Formed in WWE
Flair’s explanation underscores a broader truth: In wrestling, collective action has always been undermined by a combination of fear, ambition, and the lack of alternative career paths. Wrestlers depend on promoters for bookings, storylines, and exposure. In the absence of union protection, they negotiate as individuals, often accepting unfavorable terms for fear of losing their spot.
Despite the physical and financial risks, WWE wrestlers remain classified as independent contractors, not employees[8]. This classification has survived multiple legal challenges, and the company has never conceded on the point. “WWE’s legal and financial structure is built around keeping the boys in their place,” said a former talent relations executive. “It’s not about fair play—it’s about control.”
In recent years, the issue has resurfaced as independent contractors in other industries have made gains. However, in WWE, the only major change has been the increased public discussion of wrestler welfare—not any shift toward collective bargaining.
Conclusion: Ric Flair’s Perspective in Context
Ric Flair’s comments offer a rare inside look at why one of wrestling’s most influential figures never pushed for unionization. Fear of retaliation, lack of unity among stars, and the unique power dynamics of the business all played a role. For Flair, the risks were simply too great—not just to his livelihood, but to his legacy.
As wrestlers continue to grapple with these issues, his perspective illuminates why change has been so elusive. While the debate over unionization will likely persist, Flair’s story is a reminder of the real-world consequences that have kept wrestlers from organizing—and why, even now, a union in WWE remains a distant dream.
“You do what you have to do to survive in this business,” Flair said. “For me, that never meant starting a fight I couldn’t win.”
SEO Keywords: Ric Flair, WWE union, wrestler union, WWE wrestler rights, Ric Flair interview, WWE labor issues, pro wrestling union history, WWE independent contractors, wrestling news, Charlotte Flair
Meta Description: WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair opens up about why he never attempted to form a wrestler’s union, citing fear, lack of unity, and WWE’s power structure. Discover the real reasons behind wrestling’s ongoing labor debate.