Today in Pro Wrestling History: On September 17th, 1981 in Kansas City, Missouri, Ric Flair captured his first World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Dusty Rhodes for the National Wrestling Alliance title. The match, which had legendary champion Lou Thesz as the special referee, marked the beginning of Flair’s illustrious career as a titleholder.
Today in Pro Wrestling History (September 17): Ric Flair’s First World Title

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