News

Ric Flair’s Last Match Card Will Feature NJPW Stars

By TJR Staff • Published 24th June 2022
Ric Flair and Antonio Inoki

It has been announced that talent from New Japan Pro Wrestling will be part of the card for Ric Flair’s Last Match.

Despite his age and well-documented health issues, Ric Flair is getting ready to return to the ring one last time. The sixteen-time World Champion hasn’t wrestled since facing his old foe Sting in TNA in September 2011. However, The Nature Boy has been sharing footage of him training in the ring with AEW’s Jay Lethal on social media to show he’s ready to go.

The much-anticipated bout is set to take place under the banner of Jim Crockett Promotions as part of Starrcast V on July 31st. The event has been so successful that it has already moved to a bigger venue to allow more fans to witness the legend’s swansong.

The event surrounding Flair’s retirement has fittingly been named ‘Ric Flair’s Last Match’. So far, two other matches have been announced for the undercard. Josh Alexander will defend the IMPACT World Championship against Jacob Fatu and, in tag team action, the Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin – will clash with The Wolves – Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards.

Now, Starrcast has announced that the show will also feature some of the stars of New Japan Pro Wrestling. It remains to be seen who New Japan will be sending, and if any of them will take part in Flair’s retirement match itself as the other participants in that bout have not yet been revealed.

“BREAKING:

As part of #STARRCAST weekend, we are honored to welcome @njpwglobal as part of Ric Flair’s Last Match at the @NMAuditorium on July 31 in #Nashville!

Tickets for Ric Flair’s Last Match go on sale TOMORROW @ 12pm ET!”

Ric Flair is no stranger to New Japan Pro Wrestling, having taken part in the 1995 G1 Climax tournament and faced off with several IWGP Heavyweight Champions including the founder of the promotion, Antonio Inoki at the infamous Collision in Korea event.

As well as taking part in Ric Flair’s Final Match, NJPW has also announced it will be holding its own show, Music City Mayhem, as part of Starrcast on July 30th. The card for the event will be revealed at a later date.