“Nature Boy” Ric Flair is back in wrestling. Yes, you did read that correctly. All Elite Wrestling announced they signed the 16-time World Champion to a ‘multi-year deal’ in a press release Thursday.
“Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Signs Multi-Year Deal With AEW,” the company announced.
“AEW CEO Tony Khan today announced a multi-year deal with Hall of Famer ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair,” the release wrote. It continued to note later that the wrestling legend’s “Woooo! Energy” drink will be AEW’s “exclusive energy drink,” indicating that far more than wrestling is on the line here.
Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Signs Multi-Year Deal with AEW@RicFlairNatrBoy @AEW @AEWonTV pic.twitter.com/FpQuqW4QGd
— AEWPR (@AEWpress) November 2, 2023
It’s a curious decision by the company for a litany of reasons. It’s hard to gauge any contractual value for any 74-year-old. Not even Flair can be excluded from that. While he is among the most famous pro wrestlers to walk the Earth, it’s been a long time since he had significant interest from wrestling fans. And keep in mind: Flair was associated and appeared on WWE television for over 20 years up until recently.
Pro wrestling companies have long faced criticism for trotting out legends and figures of the past instead of the younger crop. Given the company’s messaging since Day 1, it will be interesting to see how this is sold to them.
But needless to say, this isn’t a happy bunch right now. Flair found himself involved in several insidious incidents over the years and has been credibly accused of sexual assault.
Wrestling fans voiced their extreme displeasure over the announcement on Thursday.
This company isn't serious https://t.co/opnw7vfYJi
— Jesse? | Burn The Ships (@FyreBomb) November 2, 2023
https://twitter.com/Tanner1495/status/1720158759014514780
Terrible look. Can’t really say more than that https://t.co/tSYqQDsHeB
— amy ✨ (@amyhay___) November 2, 2023
https://twitter.com/TheHestercution/status/1720163471222870450
Imagine caring more about some old, washed up, tryin to use his name to stay relevant man then the current roster of talent you have, SPECIFICALLY the women and their safety https://t.co/3GRinhqmOL
— Katie Kinzy Bay Bay👻🩷💜💙 (@KatieWrasslin13) November 2, 2023
Noooooo that's bad. That's really bad. @TonyKhan you lost so much respect here.
God, man. This is gonna kill AEW. https://t.co/7tYJOEqqyP
— Melody /メロディー (@TheLadyLeighton) November 2, 2023
i hate american professional wrestling. https://t.co/KospG0fNJl
— murphymurph🌸 (@brainischickenn) November 2, 2023
you guys know Hogan is next. TNH Part 2 https://t.co/X5w9Zv3yWu
— A🦁 (@itsYDG2) November 2, 2023
I feel so bad for AEW’s social media team https://t.co/EG5MLHFcMQ
— Classic Catch (@ClassicCatch84) November 2, 2023
https://t.co/wtIqAH9gEb pic.twitter.com/OxawztcTQ4
— Deathmatch Barbie (Von) (@xdesustarx) November 2, 2023
[AEW PR]
