When Ric Flair Wrestled Chris Taylor

People who are often destined for greatness are overlooked. This is the case with Ric Flair. Most likely the first time Ric Flair appeared, on national television, was December 7th, 1973 on the CBS Morning News. However the news story was not about him, it was about the Olympian Chris Taylor.

Chris Taylor won the Bronze Medal at the 1972 Olympics. He weighed 415 pounds, and was a very gifted amateur wrestler. Every where he went, Chris was met by crowds of fans. Even in the Soviet Union. 

At the time professional wrestling was controlled by local promoters and rarely did a star have a national following. When Taylor made his transition from amateur to professional Chris was already an international star. His second match was against Ric Flair and was covered by the CBS Morning News. 


The reporter covered the accomplishments Taylor made on the collegiate and amateur level. Even his father was in the audience and interviewed after the match. Ric Flair's time as a collegiate wrestler was mentioned, and that was about it. Taylor won the match with a back breaker.

At this time Ric Flair did not have bleached blond hair or sported a fancy robe. This would come later. Sadly Chris Taylor retired in 1977 due to poor health, and died in 1979 at the age of 29. Ric Flair went on to become a multi-time world champion and occasionally still makes special appearances. 

At present Ric Flair's daughter, Charlotte, is signed with the WWE where she has held women's championships on many occasions.