Ex-NBA Star Claims Ric Flair Talked Them Out Of WWE Career

Ric Flair caused a former NBA star to second-guess a switch to wrestling.

During a career spanning 18 years, Dwight Howard was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Championship in 2020. That’s not to mention the Olympic Gold Medal he won in 2008.

However, as his basketball career began to wind down, Howard attended a WWE try-out during SummerSlam weekend in 2022. One of Howard’s promos from the session ended up going viral, and his enthusiasm reportedly made a good impression on all involved.

Following the try-out Triple H said the ball is in Howard’s court regarding a potential in-ring career and future appearances. Despite this, Howard is yet to return to WWE and he’s now revealed that’s largely down to a conversation with a WWE Hall of Famer.

Ric Flair Questioned Dwight Howard’s Wrestling Future

Howard, who has dealt with knee issues throughout his career, told TMZ Sports that Ric Flair questioned whether his body could hold up in the ring.

“I was talking to Ric Flair, he said I don’t know if my knees is good for wrestling.

My knees feel good, it’s just wrestling,” he continued. “You’re talking about picking up 300-pound dudes and all that stuff. Nobody wants to do that for their whole life!”

Although his NBA career is behind him, Howard signed with the Taiwan Mustangs as a player and part-owner in May 2024. He’s also indicated an interest in launching a career in stand-up comedy.