Ric Flair's iconic 'WOOOOO!' catchphrase keeps him in the spotlight decades after WWE fame
Three years after putting on his wrestling boots for what he's called his last-ever match, Ric Flair has said
he's more popular than ever
.
Throughout an illustrious career in the squared circle which lasted nearly five decades, Flair tallied considerable accomplishments, including reigns as an 8-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, 6-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and two-time WWF Champion. Despite the 76-year-old's prediction that Cody Rhodes would stop John Cena from doing so at
WrestleMania 41
, which featured
a controversial appearance from Travis Scott
, Cena recently surpassed Flair's hallmark of 16 WWE world championships.
In July 2022, Flair hung up his wrestling cape for good in a grudge match featuring Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal, with Andrade El Idolo by his side, during the 'Ric Flair's Last Match' event.
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Flair became an international sensation not only through his shiny mane, flashy attire, and boundless charisma but also thanks to his famous catchphrase that has endured over the decades. Almost 50 years after he first toyed with his trademark "WOOOOO!", the chant has embedded itself into contemporary culture.
While racking up around 3,000 miles every week driving to wrestling events in the 1970s, Flair often had Jerry Lee Lewis tunes accompanying him. It was Lewis' sharp "woo!" from his 1961 hit 'Great Balls of Fire' that caught Flair's attention and led him to incorporate it into his television promos.
The "WOOOOO!" shout began as Flair's signature call and quickly captured the hearts of audiences nationwide, who would yell it out in unity when he stepped into the wrestling ring. Today, the "WOOOOO!" can be heard well outside the confines of wrestling arenas. "I just look at it now, it's flattering," Flair shared exclusively with
Mirror U.S. Sports
.
"It keeps me relevant and probably more recognized now than I've ever been."
Flair believes he might be more recognized now that he's ever been
(Image: Getty Images)
Notably, prominent rappers and musicians like Metro Boomin, Offset, Snoop Dogg, and Bad Bunny have woven the distinctive cheer into their music whilst shining the spotlight on Flair in their videos. "They made that song 'Ric Flair Drip' ... and that took off," Flair remarked.
"Snoop said I was bling before bling was bling, and pretty soon I made that thing for Bad Bunny. I've become really, really close friends with Post Malone. It's just amazing." Numerous sports teams from leagues all over North America are celebrating big moments like an
NFL
first down or an MLB homerun with the famed "WOOOOO!"
"14 National Hockey League teams use it after they score a goal," cited Flair. Even the drinks industry hasn't escaped the "WOOOOO!" with Flair launching
WOOOOO! Energy
in 2023, his "better-for-you" energy drink infused with functional mushrooms. Keen to broaden its market reach, he's exploring overseas distribution options, including partners in Shanghai.
Flair quipped, "If we get in China and Japan, I'll be hard to locate. I'll be doing one of these [interviews] from my own 747."
Flair's iconic 'WOOOOO!' has been featured in several popular songs
(Image: Getty Images)
However, despite the popularity of the "WOOOOO!", Flair acknowledged that few people respect its trademarked status. "it's impossible to enforce it. We've tried," he admitted. "I'd have to sue everybody."
That hasn't stopped Flair from going after several businesses that have used the "WOOOOO!" without permission, though with limited success. "I've tried it with a car dealership here that uses it in Vegas. They just tear up the letters and throw them away," he said.
One notable exception is McDonald's, which complied with Flair's request. "The only person we shut down was McDonald's, because they did it in a commercial," he said. "And rather than pay me - that commercial had to have cost them millions to produce or hundreds of thousands anyway - they just elected not to pay me and took it down."
For now, though, Flair is content to see his iconic "WOOOOO!" thriving in popular culture and sports.
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