Georgie,

    I went to the Mike Huckabee tailgate rally at the Clemson/Carolina football game today in Columbia, SC.  Huckabee is a former Governor of Arkansas, currently running for President on the Republican ticket.  In recent weeks, Huckabee has added celebrity supporters such as Chuck Norris, Ted Nugent and also-the Nature Boy, Ric Flair.  Flair is a noted Republican, whom has given generously to past GOP candidates and campaigned for the Bush family.  This past week it was advertised that Ric Flair would appear with Mike Huckabee at a rally before the game in the stadium parking lot.  

 Flair, with his wife in tow-was there early and greeted fans.  He left & then reappeared with Huckabee to meet the press.  Huckabee held a press conference, with the typical political jargon-but was punctuated at the end with a resounding “Whoooooooo” from the Nature Boy.  Shortly after the conference, Huckabee stayed to greet the people-however Flair left and most of the crowd followed him.  He signed autographs, took pictures and was very nice to everyone-even when he was really trying to get away.  Flair stopped to sign my wrestling figure, as he signed it-I told him I hoped he popped a huge rating this Monday on RAW-this was one of the few things which was said that actually got his full attention….he looked at me and said, “I hope so too.”.

   I read a few weeks ago where several of your readers indicated that Ric Flair was not one of the most likeable wrestlers when he was asked to sign by a fan….I couldn’t disagree more.  I have met Ric Flair 10-15 times over the years, dating back to the 1980’s.  EVERYTIME I have ever been around Flair, he has always been gracious, accommodating and very approachable.  I have never seen him refuse to sign an autograph or refuse a photo.  I have attended signings, been backstage at events, seen him at public events and met with him privately and on each occasion, Ric Flair has always carried himself as gentleman & a champion.  I know now, many of the younger fans think he is too old and make fun of him, however Flair’s longevity within the wrestling industry is largely due to his character in & out of the ring.  Flair is coming to the end of his in-ring career; I only hope that McMahon will give him one, last final run which a champion of Ric Flair’s stature is so deserving of. 

-Wagdaddy