The wrestling world is abuzz with the recent decision of the legendary Ric Flair to join AEW, and it seems WWE is not taking it lightly.
Ric Flair : A Surprising Appearance at Full Gear
Ric Flair, also known as The Nature Boy, made waves with his second appearance for AEW at Full Gear. Accompanying Sting, Darby Allin, and Adam Copeland to ringside for their trios match against Christian Cage, Luchasaurus, and Nick Wayne, Flair added an unexpected twist to the event. He even got physical, delivering a brief chop to Cage before facing a low blow from the TNT Champion. This appearance marks the beginning of a multi-year deal that Flair has signed with AEW.
WWE’s Mixed Feelings
Flair’s last appearance on WWE TV was during the Raw XXX celebrations, where he introduced his daughter, Charlotte Flair, for her match. Despite no longer being part of WWE, Flair’s signature “Wooooo” can still be heard on WWE TV each week in the opening Then, Now, Forever, Together montage. However, it seems the relationship between Flair and WWE is not as robust as it once was.
During an interview with Shannon Sharpe, Flair hinted at potential issues, stating that an invitation back to WWE for WrestleMania in April is highly unlikely due to his decision to sign with AEW. Flair expressed confusion over the discontent, considering his significant contributions to the wrestling business. He emphasized his desire to do what he loves without undermining his previous employer.
Unveiling the Unspoken Tensions
While Flair did not explicitly disclose the cause of the tension, he hinted at some unspoken issues during the interview:
“I think some people are upset with me now that I went to work at AEW. I don’t know why. If you’re acknowledging, and you think I’ve contributed to the business, and I know I have because I hear it every day, you would think they would let me do whatever I want to do. As long as it doesn’t affect them. I’m not going to get on TV and say ‘AEW is better,’ I’m not doing something stupid. I’m just working. That’s all I know how to do. They’re mad. Not mad, but they did something…I’ll tell you off camera.”
Flair suggested that jealousy might be a factor, quoting the old saying, “you want to hear someone is doing good, but not too good.”
WWE’s History of Avoiding AEW References
This situation is not the first time WWE has chosen to distance itself from AEW talent. During the Raw XXX show, D-Generation X reunited without Billy Gunn, allegedly due to a dropped agreement to use him on-screen. Reports suggested that Tony Khan’s desire to have AEW referenced on WWE TV led to the change in plans.
The Possibility of Flair Wrestling Again
With Flair’s move to AEW, speculation arose about the possibility of him stepping back into the ring for one more match. Concerns were raised, especially considering Flair’s previous statements about his retirement match. A WCW veteran has even expressed reservations about the iconic wrestler competing again.
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling, Ric Flair’s decision to join AEW has created ripples that extend beyond the squared circle. As fans eagerly await further developments, the tension between Flair and his former employer adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing narrative of wrestling rivalries.
