Ric Flair, the 16-time World Champion and WWE Hall of Famer, has once again found himself in the midst of controversy. The wrestling legend’s latest incident involves a heated exchange at a restaurant in Gainesville, Florida, which ended with Flair berating the restaurant manager and offering a waitress a $1,000 tip. The situation quickly escalated, and a video of the altercation has made its way online, showing Flair in a profane and confrontational mood.
Flair’s Complaint and the Restaurant’s Response
Flair, known for his flamboyant personality and storied career, claimed he was treated disrespectfully at Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza in Gainesville. He stated that he “graciously took 20 pictures with customers and staff” after spending $1,500 at the restaurant. Despite this, he was asked to leave following a disagreement with the kitchen manager, which Flair attributed to the manager spending too much time in the bathroom.
However, a video shared on TikTok by user @bussines11.11 shows Flair in a different light. The footage captures Flair visibly frustrated, using strong language towards the manager, and challenging him to a physical fight outside the restaurant. At one point, Flair calls the manager a “dip****,” indicating just how heated the exchange had become.
Footage from the restaurant that Ric Flair says he was kicked out of
“I’m gonna give you a $1,000 tip just to say to him kiss my ass.”pic.twitter.com/3nBngQHW2M
— Vick (@Vick_8122) May 7, 2024
The $1,000 Tip and Aftermath
As the altercation unfolded, Flair decided to offer a waitress a $1,000 tip, perhaps as a gesture to diffuse the situation or to apologize for his behavior. Despite this unexpected act of generosity, the incident raised eyebrows due to Flair’s aggressive behavior and choice of words.
The co-owner of the restaurant later defended the decision to ask Flair to leave, supporting the staff’s actions during the incident. Given Flair’s history of controversies and outspoken behavior, it’s no surprise that this latest episode has generated considerable attention.
Flair’s Past Controversies
Flair’s recent incident at Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza is not the first time he’s been at the center of controversy. His involvement in the infamous “Plane Ride from Hell” was brought back into the public eye when it was documented on Vice’s “Dark Side of the Ring.” The episode recounted the aggressive behavior of intoxicated wrestlers, including Flair, who was accused of flashing two stewardesses and allegedly sexually assaulting one by backing her against the wall while only wearing his ring robe.
The producers of “Dark Side of the Ring” emphasized that the episode wasn’t about mischief but rather highlighted the serious impact on the flight crew forced to handle the aggressive behavior of the wrestlers on board.
What’s Next for Ric Flair?
As Flair continues to navigate the aftermath of this recent incident, his behavior will likely remain under scrutiny. The incident at Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza and his history of controversies raise questions about how WWE and the wrestling community will respond to his actions.