Ric Flair Makes AEW Debut On Dynamite To Support Sting
Ric Flair appeared on AEW Dynamite to show his support for one of his greatest pro wrestling rivals and friends: Sting.
Going into AEW Dynamite in Philadelphia, one of the things that the company promoted was that AEW’s Owner, CEO & GM Tony Khan would present Sting with a gift that Tony Schiavone called a “historic gift.” Schiavone would go on to say that “nothing like this has ever happened to a wrestler in pro wrestling.”
It was one week earlier on the October 18th edition of AEW Dynamite when Sting announced that after 40 years in pro wrestling, the 64-year-old Stinger was going to retire at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view that will likely take place in March 2024. Sting’s reasoning was that he had his AEW debut match at Revolution 2021, so he wanted to retire at that PPV three years later.
This week on AEW Dynamite, Sting was in the ring with his good friend Darby Allin and legendary announcer Tony Schiavone. Sting thanked Darby Allin for being the best tag team partner he has ever had. Tony Schiavone called for Sting’s surprise to come out and that led to 16-time World Champion and two-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair making his entrance to a huge ovation.
Ric Flair and Sting had a big embrace in the ring. They are arguably the biggest names in the history of WCW who also had legendary matches together in the NWA. They specifically spoke about the legendary Clash of the Champions match from 1988 that ended in a draw, but it also put Sting “on the map” as a top guy in the company.
As he delivered his promo on AEW Dynamite, Flair praised Sting as a performer, but also for the man that he is.
“You know that in life there are moments that are magical. There are few and they are far between. And that’s the magic of the chemistry of whatever you do that makes you the best. 35 years ago, Sting and I made history on TBS. Brother, I’ve told him this, to go 55 minutes in a match 35 years ago or tonight is hard. He never took a deep breath. He is not only one of the greatest wrestlers in the history of this business, but dammit, he’s probably the nicest guy I’ve ever known.”
“So, when I got an invitation from Mr. Khan to be a part of this, time flies, but I want to ride this out with you man. Woooo!”
That was Ric Flair’s way of saying he will likely be making more appearances with AEW in support of his friend Sting.
The two men even had a funny moment in the ring when Flair laid in a classic chop on The Stinger just like the Nature Boy did during their legendary matches together.
Sting’s reunion with Ric Flair was interrupted by TNT Champion Christian Cage
Christian Cage, the TNT Champion, ruined the reunion between the Stinger and The Nature Boy with a scathing promo while Luchasaurus & Nick Wayne were with Cage. Christian said he knows that Flair isn’t dead, but said if there was a God then Ric Flair would have been dead 20 years ago. Ouch. The fans chanted “f**k you Christian” at him.
This led to Christian issuing a challenge for the AEW Full Gear PPV on November 18th: Christian Cage, Luchasaurus & Nick Wayne vs. Sting, Darby Allin and a partner of their choice. Sting accepted the match.
Later in the show, Sting and Allin had a backstage segment with Adam Copeland. Sting wanted Copeland to team with them, but Copeland said he didn’t want to fight his best friend Christian.
As for Ric Flair, it’s not known yet when he will appear on AEW TV again, but it sounds like he’ll be sticking around for the rest of Sting’s run over the next six months.