AEW’s newest signee is multi-time Hall of Famer and 16-time World Champion Ric Flair.
Following a surprise appearance on the October 25 episode of AEW Dynamite, Flair was announced as a permanent fixture of the roster via press release on November 2nd.
The full press release is as follows:
November 2, 2023-AEW CEO Tony Khan today announced a multi-year deal with Hall of Famer “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, who surprised fans in attendance and viewers at home during last Wednesday’s AEW: Dynamite show in Philadelphia, marking his historic return to TBS by appearing as Khan’s “special gift” for “The Icon” Sting.
Flair’s AEW debut comes on the heels of his longtime friend Sting’s impending retirement announcement, which will culminate with “The Icon’s” final match at AEW Revolution in 2024. Over the course of their 30-year history, Flair and Sting have shared incredible rivalries, momentous matches and a respected friendship.
Khan also announced that Flair’s Wooooo! Energy will become the exclusive energy drink of AEW. During AEW show dates, select host venues will carry the clean energy drink at concession stands for fans to enjoy. In addition, the beverage will be stocked in the wrestlers’ locker rooms, and will also be seen on the announcers’ desk during live broadcasts. Fans watching at home can experience Wooooo! Energy by ordering via woooooenergy.com.
“Last Wednesday, the ‘Nature Boy’ made his epic return to TBS, more than 35 years since the Flair vs. Sting rivalry first began on the Superstation,” said Khan. “It’s truly an honor to welcome the legend himself – and Wooooo! Energy – to AEW.”
“Ric cemented his legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all-time long ago, and now his world-renowned persona and his amazing wrestling mind will be major assets to AEW’S programming and our position globally. Most importantly, it’s fitting that the final chapter of Sting’s iconic career will unfold on TBS with Ric Flair by his side.”
“I’ve been in the wrestling business for over 50 years,” said Flair. “Together with AEW and Wooooo! Energy, I’ve never been more excited, and I’ve never had more energy! When the Nature Boy promises a show, you know how it’s gonna go! Wooooo!”
“We’ve all been a part of a ‘Wooooo!’ moment. Time stops, crowds erupt, and people unite to celebrate the extraordinary. It’s electric. You hear it, feel it, and never forget it,” said Chad Bronstein, President and Chairman of Carma HoldCo, parent company of Wooooo! Energy. “This is so much more than a partnership. Together, Ric Flair, AEW and everyone at Wooooo! Energy will create more unforgettable moments for generations of wrestling fans.”
The Backlash
While most veteran signings have been very well received by fans in the previous 4 years of AEW, the overall consensus has been more negative regarding Flair becoming All Elite.
The main complaint is the contradictory behaviour of Tony Khan who has taken multiple shots at the alleged behaviour of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon but is happy to sign The Nature Boy despite multiple reports that have come to light about Flair, especially during The Dark Side of the Ring Plane Ride From Hell episode, which stopped Flair from signing back in 2021.
Also, with more and more older stars being featured on screen in recent weeks, it is being questioned if the 74 year old is needed on weekly TV when it takes more time away from the rising stars and women’s division.
The Ric Flair Deal
As reported by Fightful Select, Flair has a unique deal where the majority of his salary is being covered by Wooooo energy, similar to Randy Savage’s Slim Jim endorsement while signed to WCW in the 90s. Sources within AEW also believe that there is significant money to be made from merchandise, including video games and action figures.
How Long Is The Deal?
In an interview with Wrestling Observer Radio, Flair confirmed the length of his contract, revealing that he will be with the company for at least 2 years, referencing how old he will be when the deal is done:
Yes. 76 and still talking. Wooooo!
With it first being assumed that Flair was only there to see out Sting’s career at Revolution 2024, Flair will be further involved into late 2025.
Will Ric Flair Wrestle?
Competing in his final match in 2022, Flair has come out of retirement on multiple occasions. During an interview with PWInsider, Flair said the following:
“No, I don’t think I will. If you’re asking me if I want to? I have to be careful what I say because it never comes out (the right way). I just made it very clear to everybody that I can take bumps. I have a doctor’s release to do anything I want like that. Do I think I’ll wrestle again? No. Would I like to? Obviously. I’m never going to say no.”
Quote obtained via Fightful.
Featured image: AEW
