Ric Flair's online customer service rant
Ric Flair, apparently channeling Chris Jericho’s online customer service rants, posted the following on X and Instagram:
I Spent $1500 At [Piesanos Stone Fired Piza] To Be Disrespected More Than I Ever Have In My Entire Life. After Taking 20 Pictures With Customers And Staff, I Was Asked To Leave Because Of An Issue I Had With The Kitchen Manager Taking Too Long In The Bathroom. I Would Highly Recommend That Anyone Who Wants To Enjoy A Relaxing Time In Gainesville At A Nice Restaurant To Never Visit This Place! WOOOOO!
(See the screencaps at the bottom).
I have questions. It appears Flair was in Gainesville for the University of Florida’s graduation with his partner Wendi Barlow, who had at least one child graduating.
It is great that Flair was posing for pictures and he is generally a great guy for that kind of thing. It’s great luck for the staff and customers that they got those free pictures, considering how much his rate has increased over the past few years for meet & greets at conventions and other events.
Because the wording is not clear, my first question is who was taking too much time in the restroom - Flair or the Kitchen Manager?
Another question, had Flair been drinking alcohol and what kind of shape was he in?
Regardless, there are a lot of things we don’t know in this situation and as much as I want to give the Nature Boy the benefit of the doubt here, it’s hard for me to do so.
I am married to someone who has worked in the hospitality industry for a long time and, especially since COVID, behavior like this online usually leaves out way too many details while trashing the restaurant, hotel, or other establishment.
Too many servers, managers, and other staff get abused by customers and unless I hear otherwise, I’m giving the restaurant the benefit of the doubt.
There are at least two sides to every story and at best this was a miscommunication between both parties and an apparent overreaction by Flair. I could be wrong, but my gut is telling me I’m not.