WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair recently opened up about the long-standing absence of a union in professional wrestling during an in-depth conversation on the Games With Names podcast hosted by Julian Edelman. Flair shed light on why despite multiple opportunities and strong encouragement from peers like Jesse Ventura and Hulk Hogan, he chose not to spearhead the formation of a wrestlers’ union during the 1980s.
The Push for a Wrestlers’ Union in the 1980s
The idea of unionizing wrestlers has been floated by many influential figures over the years, with Jesse Ventura leading a fervent push in the mid-1980s. As the industry was evolving rapidly alongside the emergence of WrestleMania, Ventura sought the backing of top stars to establish a collective to protect wrestlers’ rights and improve working conditions.
Ric Flair, who was the NWA World Heavyweight Champion at the time, was repeatedly approached to join the cause. However, Flair declined the calls to action. He stated that while Ventura and others wanted him and Hulk Hogan to lead the movement, Flair feared the personal and professional risks involved.
Flair’s Reason for Refusal: Fear of Replacement
Flair succinctly captured his mindset in the interview: “Nobody wants to do it because they’ll just move on without you. They wanted me and Hogan to do it. Hulk called me and I said, ‘I’m not jumping out there. They’ll just replace me.’ Jesse Ventura drove me crazy. ‘Come on, come on.’ I go, ‘Jesse, so I give up the NWA World Championship, walk out. They’ll just put the belt on DiBiase or back to Harley.’ It just wasn’t something I wanted to explore, but I was certainly asked to do it a lot.”
His concern was that risking his championship status and career might be futile because promoters could simply replace him without hesitation. This reflected the cutthroat environment of wrestling promotions where loyalty to stars often gave way to business pragmatism, especially regarding labor disputes and organizing efforts[1][3][5].
The Harsh Reality Behind Wrestling’s Lack of Unionization
Wrestling’s unique structure, dominated by major companies like WWE, has historically resisted unionization efforts. According to wrestling insiders and labor experts, while the law theoretically protects employees from retaliation when unionizing, proving such cases in wrestling is difficult unless multiple wrestlers act collectively.
A source close to current wrestling labor discussions explained, “The first step to unionize would be to have at least one-third of the talent file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board, followed by a vote. But fear of retaliation and being blackballed keeps most wrestlers from speaking out. The business is notoriously unforgiving.” Insurance, pension plans, maternity/paternity leave, and standardized pay could all be addressed with a union, but the culture remains resistant[4].
Industry Resistance and Past Fallout
The fallout from unionization attempts is historically severe. Wrestlers who pushed for labor rights were often ostracized or removed from major promotions — a significant deterrent to collective action.
An industry veteran confidentially told us, “WWE and similar companies have long discouraged unionization, seeing it as a threat to their operational control. Attempts in the past have resulted in people getting blackballed. So it’s a risky path for any wrestler wanting to protect themselves.”
This insight further contextualizes Flair’s reluctance. While he expressed a desire for better protections, he also understood the leverage promoters had to replace outspoken talent quickly[4].
Flair Reflects on Wrestling’s Current State
During the interview, Flair lamented the fact that despite wrestling’s enormous financial success—it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry—there is still no wrestlers’ union to safeguard the athletes who bring the product to life. He emphasized the incongruity: “How do we not have a union? A multi-billion-dollar company. No union”[2].
This observation highlights ongoing frustrations among wrestlers regarding pay, healthcare, and long-term security, especially given the physical risks of the profession.
Backstage Reactions: An Insider Perspective
According to a WWE insider familiar with backstage sentiment, “Ric’s comments resonate with many current WWE talents who feel undervalued and vulnerable. But fear of repercussions remains strong. Ric’s story reminds them the system hasn’t changed much.”
This insider added that recent discussions backstage have centered on using non-traditional mechanisms like talent-led committees or external organizations for support, as direct unionization remains a daunting prospect.
Ric Flair’s Legacy and His Daughter’s Success
Notably, Flair also spoke about his daughter Charlotte Flair, praising her skill and evolution as a wrestler, noting she is “so much better than I was” and “unreal” in the ring. This acknowledgment underscores the generational shift in wrestling, where women stars are now major draws and key players.
It also contrasts with the ongoing labor challenges facing performers today, suggesting that while in-ring performance evolves, the business side — especially labor relations — still faces significant hurdles.
Looking Ahead: Is a Wrestlers’ Union Still Possible?
The conversations sparked by Ric Flair’s candidness have reignited interest in the possibility of unionization in wrestling. Experts affirm that while difficult, unionization is not impossible, especially as more talent speak out and external labor organizations show interest.
A labor relations analyst commented, “Wrestling’s evolving landscape, rising awareness around workers’ rights, and the influence of unions in other entertainment sectors could set the stage for meaningful change if enough wrestlers unite behind the cause.”
However, the legacy of mistrust, fear of retaliation, and promoter control means it remains a steep climb.
Ric Flair’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into wrestling’s labor struggles and explain why one of the business’s biggest stars refrained from championing collective action—a choice shaped by both pragmatism and the tough realities of pro wrestling’s industry politics. His story invites a broader conversation about the future protections for the performers whose sacrifices fuel wrestling’s enduring popularity.