Ric Flair’s legendary “Wooo” has echoed through arenas for decades, but the story behind it doesn’t actually start in wrestling.
While speaking on the Thanalysis Show, Flair was asked directly about the origin of the iconic sound that became one of the most recognizable catchphrases in wrestling history. Instead of pointing to wrestling inspiration, he traced it back to a well-known entertainer from decades earlier. Flair explained that the famous call was inspired by Jerry Lewis and performances he watched long before he became a household name in professional wrestling.
“Jerry Jerry Lewis. Goodness gracious. Great balls of fire. That that’s before you were born. That’s that’s 1972 stuff.”
The moment revealed how much Flair’s character was influenced by entertainment beyond wrestling itself. His flashy personality, dramatic delivery, and signature “Wooo” helped define his persona as “The Nature Boy,” turning him into one of the most recognizable figures the industry has ever produced.
Over the years, the “Wooo” became more than just a catchphrase. It turned into a rallying cry for fans, a trademark sound heard across arenas, television broadcasts, and even pop culture appearances outside wrestling.
Were you surprised to learn that Ric Flair’s “Wooo” came from Jerry Lewis instead of wrestling? When did you first start shouting “Wooo” as a fan? Let us know in the comments and share your thoughts.
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