Ric Flair Reveals He Turned Down Offer to Jump to WWE and Face Randy Savage for World Title for First Summerslam in 1988 in Interview Before His Recent Hospitalization

– SI.com recently published a Q&A session with WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair that was conducted on August 9 before his recent hospitalization. During the interview, Flair actually revealed that he nearly made the jump to WWE in 1988, and he was going to face Macho Man Randy Savage in the main event at Summerslam for Savage’s world title. Below are some highlights to Flair’s recent interview. As previously reported, Flair is currently in the hospital dealing with medical issues. His condition was last reported as critical, and his girlfriend stated that Flair is dealing with “multiple organ problems.”

Regarding his possible Summerslam ’88 appearance, Flair instead opted not to leave the NWA. The original Summerslam 1988 main event was Randy Savage teaming with Hulk Hogan against Andre the Giant and Ted DiBiase with Jesse Ventura as the guest referee.

Flair on the plan that he would go to WWE in 1988 and face Savage in the main event at Summerslam: “It’s true. I was on my way to work for Vince [McMahon] and wrestle Savage at the Garden. My contract was up and Vince McMahon had been in touch with me. But I decided my best move was to remain in the NWA because I was so attached to my friends in the Four Horsemen. I thanked McMahon for the offer. I just couldn’t get myself to leave. I was too attached to my friends down there and too loyal to the NWA. Ultimately, it worked out, and I ended up working for Vince later. I respected Vince so much for asking me, but at that point, I just could not find a way to leave.”

Flair on career longevity and if he has advice for Tom Brady after turning 40: “First of all, I met Tom Brady a couple of years ago, and he was a respectful, phenomenal guy. I didn’t even expect him to know who I was, and he went out of his way to come over and introduce himself to me. The number one thing to his success is God looking out for him and keeping him healthy, but he trains hard and works hard. He takes care of his body and doesn’t party a lot. For those who want to be successful in sports, you have to put in the time at the gym. My whole life, even if I was out all night and no matter how much I drank, I always worked out before I did anything. That contributed to a lot of my success, and it kept me very healthy.”

Flair on his 30 For 30 documentary and his one vice: “I’m thrilled about it, but yes, I had one vice. I’m not going to point my finger at anybody else. My vice was drinking. I didn’t have any pain issues, addiction problems, marijuana, cocaine, nothing like that. I dealt with the fact that I kept myself up all night and had a good time, but I never put a good time ahead of my personal loyalty to myself or working out. I never had a great body, but I was always in the best shape.”

Flair on his favorite athlete: “Where do you want me to start? I’ve personally met LeBron James and Michael Jordan, and I’ve also become close with Julio Jones. I have so much respect for athletes today. I travel and spend so much time on the road, but the one guy I love to death and have never met is Tiger Woods. He’s going through a tough time right now, but somehow I feel Tiger will come back. He’s that great. With all due respect to these other greats, like Rory [McIlroy], there will only be one Tiger Woods. 14 Majors and a national championship at Stanford University? I’m predicting his comeback, and golf is hoping it happens. I’ve got to know so many other athletes, even more recently. I’m having a great time with all of it. It’s a mutual respect for each other, and I’m thankful they think of me as an athlete and even possibly someone to help motivate them.”