Ep 15. Nature Boy

In season 4 episode 15 of the documentary series 30 For 30, titled Nature Boy, viewers are taken through the life and career of one of the most iconic wrestlers of the twentieth century, Ric Flair. The episode follows Flair from his early days as a wrestler in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) to his rise to fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the 1980s and 1990s.

The episode starts by introducing viewers to Flair's early life growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and his introduction into the world of professional wrestling. From there, we see Flair's rise through the ranks of the NWA, where he became known for his flamboyant persona, colorful robes, and his catchphrase, "Woooooo!".

Throughout the episode, we see how Flair's style of wrestling helped him stand out from the pack. He was a high-flyer, who incorporated acrobatic moves into his matches, which was unusual for wrestlers of his size. We also see how Flair's personality outside of the ring was just as vibrant as his character inside of it. He was known for partying hard, and his love of the limelight made him one of the most recognizable figures in the wrestling world.

However, as the episode progresses, we learn that Flair's rise to fame also had a darker side. In the mid-1980s, Flair's excessive partying and promiscuity began to catch up with him. His first marriage fell apart, and he became addicted to alcohol and painkillers. Flair's addiction took a toll on his physical and mental health, impacting his personal relationships and his career in wrestling.

As the documentary continues, we see how Flair was able to overcome his addiction and make a successful comeback to the wrestling world. The episode explores Flair's long-standing feud with wrestler Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, which is widely considered to be one of the best rivalries in wrestling history. We see some of their most memorable matches and how their feud became one of the biggest draws in wrestling at the time.

Overall, Nature Boy offers viewers an in-depth look at one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in professional wrestling history. Through interviews with Flair himself, as well as his family members, friends, and fellow wrestlers, the episode provides a fascinating portrait of a man who both epitomizes the glory days of wrestling and the toll that that lifestyle can take on a person.