After college, Flair is trained by Vern Gagne & Billy Robinson. He made his pro debute on December 10, drawing with George "Scrape Iron" Gadaski.
This is when the "Nature Boy" character was born.
The trademark "wooo" was added to his gimmick.
Defeats Paul Jones to win Mid-Atlantic TV title.
October 4: Involved in plane crash and injures his back seriously. He was told he could never wrestle again.
February: After a tough recover, Flair returns to the ring.
Wins Mid-Atlantic TV title from Rufus R. Jones
February: Starts first reign as NWA Tag Team champion when he and his partner, Greg Valintine, defeat Gene and Ole Anderson.
Septmeber: Defeats Bobo Brazil to start first NWA U.S. title reign.
November: Defeats Gene and Ole Anderson with partner Greg Valentine to start his second reign as NWA Tag Team champions.
May: Defeats Mr. Wrestling (Tim Woods) for his second NWA U.S. title reign.
April 1: Defeats Ricky Steamboat for the NWA U.S. title.
July: He and the "Nature Boy" Buddy Rodgers had one of the most memorable grudge matches in the history of the sport. Flair won the match using the figure 4 leg-lock.
August 12: Defeats Baron Von Raschke & Paul Jones with partner Blackjack Mulligan (seen here facing him.)
November 24: Defeats former partner Greg Valentine for the NWA U.S. title.
April 19: Defeats Jimmy Snuka for the NWA U.S. title.
September 19: Starts first NWA World title reign, defeating Dusty Rhodes in in Kansas City, Mo.
November: Has a series of world title matches with Rowdy Piper. (Article)
June 10: He ends his first NWA World title reign after he loses the title to Missouri Champion Harley Race.
July 15: Defeats David Von Erich in the tornament final for the vacated Missouri Championship.
November 24: Defeats Harley Race in a cage match at Starrcade '83 to win the NWA World title for a second time. This was the first time the NWA World title changed hands in a cage.
-Challenges WWF champ Bob Backlund to a title-vs.-title match. The match ends up a draw.
May 6: In another memorable match, Flair is defeated by Kerry Van Erich for the NWA World title at Texas Statium in Irving, TX, in front of 43,000 fans.
May 24: Starts third reign as NWA World champion by defeating Kerry Von Erich in a re-match in Yokosuka, Japan.
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