Steve Austin Discusses Ric Flair’s Wrestling Return
Steve Austin has given his opinion on Ric Flair’s decision to return to the ring one last time at the age of 73.
The last time Ric Flair stepped in the ring was over a decade ago when he took on Sting in 2011 during his run with TNA – now IMPACT Wrestling.
Many thought that would be the last time The Nature Boy would be seen in action, however, on May 16th, he made the surprise announcement that he would be wrestling one final time at 73 years old.
Flair’s decision to step between the ropes again has been proved to be divisive among wrestling fans, with some feeling he deserves the chance to go out on his own terms, while others fail to see what it achieves.
During an interview with Sportskeeda, Flair’s fellow WWE Hall of Famer, Stone Cold Steve Austin, gave his own thoughts on the match. Austin recently came out of retirement himself after 19 years at WrestleMania 38 to defeat Kevin Owens.
The Texas Rattlesnake praised Ric Flair, calling him the greatest travelling world champion there has ever been.
“Well, it’s gonna be his final match, so I guess he’s in the mood to have one more go and prove he was the man. I’ve said before just talking to you I think he was the greatest travelling world champion that there ever was. There’s a reason he had the belt as many times as he did. He was that damn good. He lived the lifestyle on the road to the nth degree, let’s say.”
On the match itself, Austin wished Flair nothing but the best and said he regrets not being able to see it in person.
“For him to have his final match, I wish him nothing but the best,” Austin continued. “I hold him in the highest regard and have the highest respect for him. I’m behind everything he does in the ring. I look forward to seeing it. I wish I could be there in person. Again, I’m not traveling anywhere right now, but I wish him all the best and I know it’s gonna turn out great and I can’t wait to watch it.”
On July 18th it was announced that Flair’s last bout will be a tag match that will see him teaming up with his son-in-law, Andrade El Idolo, to take on Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett. He has also confirmed that his daughter, WWE’s Charlotte Flair will be in attendance.
H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.