Ric Flair To AEW Reportedly “A Lock”
Ric Flair might be 72 years old but The Nature Boy is seemingly showing no signs of slowing down with his next move following leaving WWE reportedly “a lock.”
On the 2nd of August Wrestling Inc. first reported that Flair was heading out of WWE since rejoining the company following a spell in TNA in 2012. The Nature Boy had reportedly asked for his release which was granted. WWE released a short statement the following day confirming the news but minus the usual language about the “best in their future endeavours.”
According to Fightful Select, Ric Flair was frustrated with booking decisions and even spoke to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon directly to address his concerns. Flair’s last storyline saw him paired on-screen with Lacey Evans as she feuded with Flair’s own daughter Charlotte. The plug was pulled on the story after Evans announced that she was pregnant and so stepped away from WWE for the time being.
Ric Flair gave his own statement on social media following the news, saying:
“I Am Officially Able To Respond To All The Press Related To My Requested Release From WWE, Which They Have Given Me. I Want To Make It Really Clear With Everyone That I’m Not Upset With WWE At All. They Solely Are Responsible For Putting Me In The Position Of Life That I’m In Right Now, Where I’m Seen In The Brightest Light Ever. We Have A Different Vision For My Future. I Wish Them Nothing But Continued Success! Thank You For Everything! Nothing But Respect!”
Now Dave Meltzer in his latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter has suggested that Ric Flair is seemingly headed to the land of All Elite:
“While nothing has been announced, the word going around is that it seems to be a lock Ric Flair will be headed here when he is legally able.”
Ric Flair is likely beholden to a ninety-day non-compete clause which is standard procedure when talent leaves WWE while still under contract. Flair’s future son-in-law Andrade El Idolo is a relatively new addition to the AEW roster and the Mexican star has recently commented that he wants the “whole family” in the company.