The pressure of a second-generation wrestler entering the wrestling business is always going to be massive. David Flair learned that the hard way when joining the WCW roster with no relevant experience as Ric Flair's son. WCW tried really hard to place David in a big role due to his father being among the most popular stars on the show and in the business' history.
David being rushed into the business saw him having the opposite story of his sister Charlotte Flair’s success as a major superstar. The various changes in WCW saw David trying to learn the business but never being able to get over. David saw his chances at success fading away following the end of WCW and a failed WWE developmental stint. But life after wrestling has seen him make it in another field without the pressure of being Ric’s son.
David Flair Failed In WCW
The WCW career of David Flair was meant to be a big deal with the importance of his debut and the changes in his character. David attempting to hold his own in segments involving main eventers Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash and his father Ric Flair showed he wasn’t ready for the big time. WCW still hoped to force him into a bigger role since promotions used to dictate things to the audience easier in previous eras.
Other pushes would WCW believing a new character would change his course. David becoming the protégé of his father and wearing the robes of The Nature Boy just turned fans against him even more for playing a cheap version of his father. The best success came when David played an unhinged character teaming with Crowbar and dating Daffney.
WCW still only saw him contributing as a lower mid-card act, but he didn’t feel forced in that role. Unfortunately, Vince Russo booking David in a feud with Ric just led to the same issues resurfacing. WCW even tried to place Stacy Keibler with David as a manager and love interest to get the audience to care more, but it just never worked.
David Would Ultimately Leave The Wrestling Industry
The end of WCW in 2001 saw things changing drastically for David Flair. WWE did pick up David’s contract as one of the WCW names to remain employed, but he was there to move to developmental. The powers that be in WWE realized that David wasn’t good enough to take time away from their roster, so he was sent down to learn with the less-experienced talent with hopes of a main roster call-up.
WWE did use David in one noteworthy storyline when his father Ric Flair had a feud with The Undertaker heading into WrestleMania 18. Undertaker was playing a sadistic heel at the time and went to developmental to brutally attack David. The segment was done to sell the emotion Ric would have during this feud after Undertaker bloodied his son.
David never received another major opportunity in WWE and would eventually get released. WWE’s roster was deeper than ever after WCW and ECW ended, and David's services were no longer needed. David had one more attempt in wrestling when signing with TNA shortly after to reunite with Vince Russo in the Sports Entertainment Xtreme faction. The fit didn’t work, and David once again saw another opportunity end in disappointment.
David Flair Lives A Quiet Life Outside Of Wrestling
Many fans wondered if David Flair would make another try in wrestling when his younger brother Reid and sister Charlotte each started training. David did come out of retirement for an independent match teaming with Reid against the Nasty Boys with Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan in their respective corners. However, it was only done to team with his brother and work with his dad again.
David made the big decision that most wrestlers would have to at some point when making his final few indie appearances in the late 2000s. Wrestling was already becoming part of his past when moving into a completely new field. David started working for his mother-in-law’s company, The Seal Wire.
The new career path of David sees him managing a company that produces copper and steel wires. David lives a relatively quiet life now compared to his legendary father and sister, but he has found happiness outside of wrestling. The new job is just a part of his life as he’s now married with two children. David’s daughter is a gymnast, continuing the family tradition of athletics. Fortunately, David's failure to crack into the wrestling industry didn’t prevent him from having a great life.