Ric Flair, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, continues to make headlines even as he navigates the waters of retirement and potential comebacks. The WWE Hall of Famer has been vocal about his admiration for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and its president, Tony Khan, during recent interviews.
Speaking on the Five Star Podcast, Flair praised AEW's performance, stating, "They’re doing a phenomenal job. They’re on a level playing field entertainment-wise with anybody.” Despite his absence from the AEW roster lately, Flair remains supportive of the company, acknowledging the impact it has created within the wrestling and broader entertainment industries.
Although Flair has not been part of AEW programming since March 2024, he has fond memories of his role there, especially during Sting's retirement tour. His last match was touted as his farewell from wrestling, taking place back in July 2022, but speculation about another showdown continues to circulate. Interestingly, Flair recently hinted at wanting one more chance to wrestle, declaring, "Hell yeah, I do!" which has led fans to express concern over his health and safety, particularly due to his age of 75 and his reliance on blood-thinner medication.
Reflecting on his close relationship with Khan, Flair mentioned, “Oh god, we’re very close. I think he’s one of the greatest — not just great promoter, I think he’s one of the greatest people, human beings I’ve ever met.” This bond showcases Flair's appreciation for Khan not only as a promoter but also as a person, reinforcing the camaraderie and respect he feels within professional wrestling.
On the topic of his wrestling career, Flair's previous comments about wanting to die in the ring resurface during discussions about his legacy. A candid admission during the Oral Sessions podcast revealed, “I either wanna die in a ring or on top of Wendy,” emphasizing his passion for wrestling and hinting at how deeply intertwined it is with his identity. This statement has elicited mixed reactions from fans, with many expressing genuine concern for Flair’s well-being should he decide to enter the ring again.
The dialogue surrounding Ric Flair does not end with his potential return to wrestling. He has observed significant changes among younger generations of wrestlers, noting their reluctance to take advice from seasoned veterans like himself. On the same podcast, he lamented, "I don’t give it anymore. They don’t listen to it. I’ve seen it,” marking the shift toward social media-driven feedback and opinions, often at the expense of direct mentorship. He commented on how today’s grapplers often prefer advice from online sources rather than knowledge from those who lived through the art form.
Flair's concerns about the younger talent's approach to feedback resonate with the broader shift within the wrestling business, where online presence impacts the perception and performance of wrestlers. His comments highlight the struggle of legends who feel their hard-earned wisdom falls on deaf ears.
While Flair is currently not signed to any wrestling promotion since his exit from AEW, he continues to stay optimistic about what the future holds for him. The wrestling community remains filled with speculation about whether his long-desired return to the ring will come to fruition. AEW fans and Flair aficionados alike anxiously await any developments as he decides what to do next.
With his storied career spanning decades and featuring countless characters, matches, and rivalries, Ric Flair's legacy is undeniably significant. His unwavering love for the business makes headlines anytime he expresses interest, whether it's ruminations on returning or reflections on his past. For many, Flair embodies the spirit of professional wrestling, forever etched as “The Nature Boy.”