When WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair rose to fame in the wrestling world, her personal life also came under intense public scrutiny. One of the most discussed aspects of her private life has been her brief and controversial marriage to Riki Johnson, a man who had previously remained outside the limelight.
The divorce, made public through Flair’s autobiography “Second Nature”, sparked backlash and a lawsuit by Johnson, who claimed defamation of character and distortion of facts. While Charlotte presented her perspective in the book, Riki Johnson’s side remained largely overshadowed—until now.
This article dives into Riki Johnson’s side of the story in his short-lived marriage to Charlotte Flair, offering newly surfaced details, personal background, and how the aftermath impacted both of their lives. It aims to provide an unbiased, well-researched look into a chapter of their lives that has been both publicly dramatized and legally disputed.
Quick Bio Table of Riki Johnson
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Riki Paul Johnson |
| Date of Birth | 1986 (Exact date undisclosed) |
| Place of Birth | North Carolina, USA |
| Known For | Ex-husband of Charlotte Flair |
| Occupation | Logistics / Small Business Owner |
| Marital Status | Remarried (as of 2025) |
| Children | Yes (undisclosed number) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $400,000 – $600,000 |
| Notable Events | Defamation lawsuit (2018) |
| Current Residence | North Carolina, USA |
Who Is Riki Johnson?
Riki Paul Johnson is a private individual best known publicly as the first husband of WWE superstar Charlotte Flair, whose real name is Ashley Elizabeth Fliehr. Unlike Flair, who comes from wrestling royalty (being the daughter of Ric Flair), Johnson had no connections to the wrestling industry prior to his marriage.
Little was known about Johnson until Charlotte’s book brought their tumultuous relationship into the spotlight. He then became embroiled in legal and media battles as he sought to defend his reputation and refute claims made in the memoir.
Early Life and Background
Riki Johnson was born and raised in North Carolina, where he spent much of his youth. Growing up in a working-class household, Johnson reportedly had a straightforward upbringing with a focus on sports and education.
Though not a public figure by profession, he was known in his community as an athletic, outgoing individual who valued privacy and kept a relatively low public profile before marrying Flair.
Despite claims and characterizations made in the media, Johnson has never had a public criminal record that reflects the degree of abuse Charlotte described in her book. His legal team has argued that the portrayal was exaggerated and damaging to his personal and professional life.
Career Impact and Achievements
Johnson has worked primarily in the transportation and logistics industry, managing small businesses related to freight and hauling. While he never pursued a celebrity career, sources close to Johnson say he was a “grounded businessman” who preferred to work behind the scenes.
Since the legal drama, he’s reportedly shifted toward roles that allow for more privacy, especially as public attention grew following the lawsuit he filed in 2018 against Charlotte Flair, Ric Flair, and the publisher of Second Nature.
While not widely documented, Riki Johnson’s professional endeavors have been steady and respectable within his chosen industry, earning him moderate success.
Meeting and Marriage with Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair and Riki Johnson met in the mid-2000s, years before Charlotte launched her WWE career. At the time, Flair was still finding her way, and Johnson was working in North Carolina.
They got married in 2008, but the relationship quickly deteriorated. The marriage lasted barely a year, with the couple divorcing in 2009.
In her autobiography, Flair described the relationship as emotionally and physically abusive. She claimed that Johnson’s temper and behavior created a toxic home environment, and she cited these issues as major factors that influenced her personal growth and eventual decision to pursue wrestling.
However, Riki Johnson has consistently denied these allegations. In fact, in 2018, he filed a defamation lawsuit, stating that the claims in Flair’s book were false, defamatory, and had a direct impact on his reputation and employment opportunities.
Court records from the lawsuit reveal that Johnson felt unfairly vilified and publicly shamed without due process. His legal complaint stated that he lost several job opportunities because of the negative portrayal in the book.
Current Life
As of 2025, Riki Johnson lives a quieter life outside the public eye, still residing in North Carolina. He has reportedly remarried and is raising a family away from media attention.
He continues to work in private business, although the impact of the public accusations still lingers in both personal and professional circles. Johnson maintains his innocence and continues to advocate for what he believes is the truth about his past with Charlotte Flair.
According to close sources, he has no desire to return to the public spotlight but hopes that his version of events helps clear the air and allows him to rebuild his life in peace.
Relationship to Charlotte Flair
The relationship between Riki Johnson and Charlotte Flair is completely estranged. They have not been in contact since the legal issues surrounding the Second Nature book.
Charlotte has moved on with her wrestling career and personal life—she is now married to fellow WWE star Andrade El Idolo. Riki, on the other hand, has built a new life far removed from the entertainment world.
While Flair has spoken about the marriage multiple times, Johnson has only addressed the issue publicly through legal statements and close interviews. He claims he has no personal interest in being part of Flair’s public narrative any further.
Current Age
As of 2025, Riki Johnson is approximately 39 years old, having been born in 1986 (exact birthdate not publicly confirmed). Charlotte Flair, born in April 1986, is also 39.
They were married at a young age, which both parties have acknowledged was a factor in their relationship struggles.
Riki Johnson Net Worth
Riki Johnson’s estimated net worth is between $400,000 and $600,000. This estimate is based on his work in the logistics and transport industry, as well as investments in small business ventures in the North Carolina region.
He has not profited publicly from the divorce or from any media surrounding the issue, as he has not signed any entertainment or publishing deals. Most of his income has come from his private business operations.
Conclusion
The story of Riki Johnson and Charlotte Flair is a complex one, entangled with fame, personal trauma, and differing narratives. While Charlotte’s account in Second Nature reached millions of wrestling fans and readers, Riki Johnson’s side remained largely quiet, handled through legal proceedings and private discussions.
Now, with newly surfaced details and a more in-depth look into Johnson’s life, it becomes clear that there are always two sides to every story. Whether or not the full truth will ever be universally agreed upon, Johnson’s voice deserves to be part of the historical record of this highly publicized relationship.
Understanding his perspective not only humanizes the man behind the headlines but also reminds us of the importance of examining public stories with a balanced and respectful lens.
FAQs Riki Johnson
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Who is Riki Johnson?
Riki Johnson is the first husband of WWE wrestler Charlotte Flair, known for his low-profile life and business career in North Carolina. -
When were Charlotte Flair and Riki Johnson married?
They were married in 2008 and divorced in 2009. -
What did Charlotte Flair say about Riki Johnson?
In her book Second Nature, Flair alleged that Johnson was abusive, which he denies. -
Did Riki Johnson sue Charlotte Flair?
Yes, he filed a defamation lawsuit in 2018 over claims made in her book. -
Where is Riki Johnson now?
He lives a private life in North Carolina, reportedly remarried with children. -
What does Riki Johnson do for a living?
He works in logistics and small business operations. -
How old is Riki Johnson in 2025?
He is approximately 39 years old.
