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Ric Flair Issues Public Apology After AEW Controversy

By Lyle Kilbane • Published Nov 18, 2025 07:50 EST
Ric Flair entrance AEW Collision

Ric Flair has broken his silence after he had to miss his advertised appearance on AEW Dynamite.

The November 12th edition of AEW Dynamite saw two brutal Blood & Guts matches take place, with Jon Moxley forced to quit once again in the men’s bout as Kyle O’Reilly led his side to victory over the Death Riders. In the women’s match, Toni Storm surrendered in heartbreaking circumstances to save her partner from certain disaster.

The show took place in Greensboro, North Carolina, a city synonymous with WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. Flair and his old rival, Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat, had been advertised to appear on the show, but it was only Steamboat who ended up doing so. That is despite Flair actually showing up.

The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer has reported on why Flair missed appearing on the show despite actually being in attendance. Meltzer noted that Flair made a brief appearance for the live crowd but then left the building due to being in “a ton of pain” due to a recent rotator cuff tear.

Ric Flair Sorry For Early AEW Exit

Ric Flair has now taken to social media to explain the situation and issue an apology for having to leave Dynamite before making his planned appearance on TV:

I Want To Apologize To Everyone For Having To Leave The @AEW Show Early Last Wednesday Due To My Rotator Cuff Injury. I Appreciate @TonyKhan Giving Me The Opportunity To Be On The Show. It Was Nice Catching Up With All The Great Talent And Ricky Steamboat. I Look Forward To Being Invited Again. After I Have My Shoulder Healed Up, I Will Be Back Up & Running. I Just Want You All To Know That I Would Never Disappoint You Intentionally.