No one other than Ric Flair can claim the position of becoming the biggest wrestler without the help of Vince McMahon’s company. Ever since the early ’70s, being a wrestler who came before all the golden era greats, like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Jake Roberts, he has been popular for his over-the-top gimmick as The Nature Boy, which he carried everywhere he went.

But that wasn’t all. Flair also had a flair for wrestling techniques, and he impressed anyone who saw him for the first time. His influence runs deep in the current sphere of wrestling. Wrestlers like MJF, Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler, and more have tried their luck on the gimmick with various results.

But no one has been able to reach the heights of Flair in recent years. They say that only the babyfaces get all the spotlight, but Flair showed the world that heels make the wrestling world go around.

The history of The Nature Boy and his decorated career

It all started way back in the ’70s when Flair worked for the AWA and had memorable fights with Dusty Rhodes and Andre the Giant. But it wasn’t until he entered the Jim Crockett Promotions’ roster. This is where he became The Nature Boy and his popularity rose among wrestling fans.

READ MORE: “Please Do Not Risk Your Body”: Fans Not Happy as Ric Flair Teases a Comeback Just Months After Wrestling His Last Match

When he won the NWA World Championship, Flair defended it all over the globe, even NJPW. This earned him a reputation for being a good worker throughout the entire wrestling circuit. But his career would meet its first downfall when he worked for WWE in the ’90s. Meanwhile, he did have the big win at Royal Rumble and had matches with Savage and Roddy Piper, but none weren’t memorable as they used to be.

When he would work for WCW, that’s when Flair’s skills were top-notch. His matches with Sting were something that everyone looked forward to every time WCW decided to hold it, whether for a championship or not. He is also known as the four horsemen of the NWA in its early days. His last match was earlier this year in a tag team with his son-in-law, Andrade El Idolo. which went in a different direction than expected.

Fans chime in to give their best wishes to Ric Flair for his 50-year anniversary

But today, Flair is celebrating his 50th anniversary in the wrestling business. And the fans obviously wanted to wish him as well.

These are just a few reactions of people to Flair’s bling celebration. You can go to his Twitter and see many more fans celebrating with the 16-time World Champion.

WATCH THIS STORY: Oldest Wrestlers to Hold the WWE Championship

Let us know some of your favorite moments from The Nature Boy’s extended career in the comments below.