Ric Flair, widely recognized as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, recently announced that he and his wife, Wendy Barlow, are separating after six years of marriage. Flair, 75, shared the news through an emotional statement on social media, revealing that conflicting work schedules played a major role in the couple’s decision to part ways. The separation comes after a relationship that spanned 13 years, during which they weathered both personal and professional challenges together.
Flair, who is known for his flamboyant persona as the “Nature Boy,” expressed gratitude for the support Wendy provided during one of the most difficult times in his life. He specifically mentioned Wendy’s unwavering presence during his 2018 health crisis, which nearly cost him his life. Flair shared in his statement, “I’ll never be able to thank her enough for standing by my side through my terrible health crisis in 2018. She never left my side! And for that, I will always be grateful!” His words highlighted the deep respect and affection he continues to hold for Wendy, despite their decision to go their separate ways.
Wendy Barlow, 64, is a former All-American-ranked professional tennis player who had a notable presence in the wrestling world as well. The couple’s relationship began nearly 40 years ago when they first crossed paths at World Championship Wrestling, where Wendy worked alongside Flair as the character “Fifi,” his valet. After reconnecting in 2014, following Flair’s divorce from his fourth wife, Jackie Beems, they began dating and eventually tied the knot in a ceremony in 2018.
Flair and Barlow’s separation comes as both are immersed in their individual professional projects, which Flair cited as a challenge to maintaining their relationship. He shared that the difficulties in coordinating their schedules contributed to their decision to part ways. Flair wrote, “We both are working on different projects at the current time and it becomes difficult with my schedule and her schedule to make this work.”
This marks the fifth marriage for Flair, who was previously married to Leslie Goodman, Elizabeth Harrell, Tiffany VanDemark, and Jackie Beems. Flair has four children from his earlier marriages, including the well-known WWE star Charlotte Flair. Despite the challenges in his personal life, Flair continues to be celebrated as an iconic figure in professional wrestling, with his signature “Woooo!” chant and charismatic style forever etched in wrestling history.
