Ric Flair Admits Wrestling Career Cost Him Precious Time With His Children

Ric Flair built one of the most legendary careers in wrestling history, but he now admits that chasing greatness came with a personal price — time he wishes he had spent with his children.

During his appearance on the Thanalysis Show, Flair was asked to share advice about life and success after decades at the top of the wrestling world. The conversation shifted into reflection, and Flair didn’t shy away from admitting that becoming the best meant sacrificing time at home. He explained that the wrestling business during his era demanded nonstop travel, especially for world champions who were expected to perform nearly every day.

“Well, it's the — I get asked that a lot and it's easy to say this now but when you want to be the best at something and to be the best, I just had to sacrifice and I — Yes. I regret not spending more time with my children, but I was traveling.”

Flair went on to describe just how brutal the schedule was during his prime years. Unlike today’s lighter touring schedules, he said wrestlers of his generation rarely had downtime and were constantly moving from city to city. He painted a picture of how exhausting the routine became, explaining how little time he actually spent at home despite having a family.

“So but that went with the — that went with the job. Even guys that were the world champion we worked every day back then. So you saw your kids in the morning, you saw them lunch, and then you get home at 3:00 in the morning, get up, work out. They've already gone to school and you go to another town.”

Flair has spoken openly over the years about both the highs and the regrets tied to his career, and this reflection continues that pattern. While he remains proud of everything he accomplished inside the ring, he made it clear that missing family time remains one of the biggest personal costs of his success. Ric Flair’s career turned him into one of the most recognizable names in wrestling history, but moments like this reveal the reality behind the spotlight — that greatness often comes with trade-offs that can’t be undone.

What do you think about Ric Flair admitting that his wrestling career cost him time with his children? Do you think today’s wrestlers face the same sacrifices, or has the business changed too much? Share your thoughts and leave your feedback below.

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