Ric Flair to retire?

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Ric Flair to retire?

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

The latest update...

Ric Flair did give his notice on or around 8/20. He is still under contract and still getting paid by WWE. Flair was promised a storyline where he would chase the world title for one final run. The plan wasn't necessarly to give Flair a last title reign, but if the chase worked, one wouldn't be surprised if they allowed the Nature Boy to win one final title. The angle has been descriped as a "Rocky" (from the movies) like angle, and it has been learned that Steve Austin had a hand in on developing the idea, and at the time, Vince and Stephanie McMahon supported the plan. The plan was discussed prior to Flair's move to Smackdown. For whatever reason, the idea never saw the light of day, and apparently Flair giving notice was to serve as a wake up call of sorts to WWE management. Flair doesn't want to job out at this time of his career. From what I understand, most expect Flair to return to WWE.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Rather interestingly Flair did an interview denying this:

The actual quote from Ric Flair when he was asked about whether he had quit World Wrestling Entertainment was, "That is not true. That is not true. I don't know how that got started. What would the WWE do without me? I'm the only guy to go to work every day and have for 34 1/2 years."

Flair said he couldn't comment on the recent suspensions in the company.

To hear the complete Flair appearance on "Primetime with the Packman", visit http://podcast.wfnz.com/wfnz/647128.mp3

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Latest Flair news... does this mean one more title run then?

- Sources close to the Ric Flair/WWE situation are saying Flair's recent claim that he is returning "later his month" is not solid, as they have yet to give "The Nature Boy" a return date. Flair is going to return for a final run that would lead to Wrestlemania. The current plan is for the WWE to give Flair a major sendoff, reports the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

David McKinney · 500 Club Member

I agree with you DM-Flair in TNA would be a bad move. There are enough former WWE stars over there, and they don't need another. While I'm not surprised that TNA is interested, I don't think they should try to do anything.

As far as this new storyline...could Flair possibly win the Royal Rumble? That would be pretty cool. Then, while he is "trying to decide" which brand to go for the title on, he could suggest a four-way tri-branded match. That would be an excellent way to merge the brands, something I think they have been trying to do for awhile without really committing much to it.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Flair is back on RAW next week from Charlotte NC. Whooo!

David McKinney · 500 Club Member

Like he said last night on RAW, Ric Flair will "never retire!"

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

(Unless he loses, of couse).

DoctorOfDesire · 500 Club Member

Flair SHOULD retire, in fact, he should have hung up his boots at least 10 years ago! Flair is a bone fide legend in wrestling, but only fans 'of a certain age' remember when he was one of the most talented, charismatic and over guys in the business. Any fan under 21-ish will only know Flair as a pathetic old guy with saggy man-boobs who only has one offensive move and can't take a bump properly. He should have retired with his dignity intact.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

A bit harsh there Doc. Flair can still go but the WWE seems to be a bit shoddy with their booking of him. I still believe that he would serve them better as the manager/mouthpiece for a new piece of talent, much like guys such as Arnold Skaaland and Buddy Rodgers did in their late days.

DoctorOfDesire · 500 Club Member

I agree with you on that one MiB, but Flair won't do that. He genuinely believes he still has it in him to be a top in-ring performer. Plus, Flair back means that a talented 20-odd year old wrestler gets pushed off TV to be replaced by a 58 year old, and thats not the way forward.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

To be fair though, it's only until WM 24 when he officially (!) retires. the storyline certainly suggests that is the deal and Flair is also suggested to be the top inductee into the HOF 2008. So, I'm sure we can put up with another 4 months of Flair in the ring.

David McKinney · 500 Club Member

I can put up with a lot more than 4 months of Flair. Do you think that he'll win at WM 24 and then retire "at the top" ala Lennox Lewis (big fan), or do you think he'll lose and go out on a down note? Personally, I think the best thing to do would give him a match with Shawn Michaels. The two obviously respect each other, and they have always had a good connection. Then they could make that match great, and it really wouldn't matter if Flair won or not.