Review: Brian Shields’ ‘Second Nature’
The legacy of Ric Flair and the rise of Charlotte intertwine in this heartbreaking saga of survival and redemption.
If Ric Flair is Space Mountain, “Second Nature” is Kingda Ka.
Published last year, the Flair family memoir is the most emotional wrestling book since Jeanie Clark’s “Through The Shattered Glass.” Hell, it may even surpass it.
Ric and his daughter Charlotte delve into their highest of highs – being honored with the greatest retirement ceremony in the history of sports and entertainment, winning the Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 32 – and their lowest of lows, which range from a post-retirement identity crisis to losing a son and brother to drug addiction.
It’s the unbelievably heartbreaking saga of pro wrestling royalty, yet it’s also relatable to every family in America. Both Flairs should be commended on their brutal honesty, making readers feel like friends more than fans. Co-author Brian Shields has several WWE publications to his credit (“30 Years of WrestleMania,” “WWE Encyclopedia”), but this is his finest work; translating their inner turmoil and angst into an eloquent, inspirational and captivating story of survival and redemption.
I hate when authors stress that “you don’t have to be a wrestling fan” to enjoy their book. Shields hasn’t done that, but it certainly rings true: common issues like divorce, addiction, domestic abuse, insecurity, aging and grieving are all spotlighted. But what makes the Flairs’ story different from most is their common solution of pro wrestling, a never-ending grind on the body and mind that offers not only an escape from their hardships, but a reason to push past them.
The book is divided into two parts, starting with the Nature Boy’s final days as an active member of the WWE roster and his reluctance to accept the end of an incredible 35-year career. Because the “Old Yeller” promo is my favorite, I loved how Ric revealed his feelings on the buildup to WrestleMania XXIV as well as all the behind-the-scenes trimmings. His analysis of the match with Shawn Michaels is worth the price alone – similar to Mick Foley’s and Stone Cold’s play-by-play accounts of their various matches.
The second part focuses on Charlotte’s grandiose childhood, in which her father’s wealth provided a magical upbringing of extravagant dinners, parties, vacations and everything else a child could ever want. Unfortunately, the only thing a child truly wants Charlotte was robbed of in her teenage years, as her parents split up amid growing tension and eventual infidelity. As she opens up about her broken home, decorated athletic career and horrifying relationship with her first husband, it feels as if Charlotte has handed over her diary, courageously letting the world into her darkest hours. You’re left wondering why WWE has never told her full story on TV before, as elegant robes, multiple titles and a breathtaking moonsault could never represent the resilient hero she truly is.
Ric, Charlotte and their mutual love of pro wrestling are bound by Reid, who tragically passed away at only 25 years old in 2013. It’s tough to read both father and sister blame themselves for not being more helpful in Reid’s struggle against drug addiction, as they endlessly wonder what they could have and should have done to make a difference. It’s the same inner monologues that all family members of addiction victims have, and it compels you to console these larger-than-life characters as if they were your best friends.
Shields does a tremendous job cramming in Flair’s history during the beginning, just in case readers were unfamiliar with his first autobiography in 2004. Of course, it’s been over a dozen years since that book came out, so a new generation of fans (as well as Charlotte supporters) is learning about the greatest pro wrestler ever. “Second Nature” also serves as a perfect companion to the ESPN 30 for 30: Nature Boy, which masterfully illustrated the personal sacrifices that Flair made in order to be professionally revered.
“Second Nature: The Legacy of Ric Flair and the Rise of Charlotte” is available on Amazon.
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