Following his recent surprise appearance on AEW Dynamite, it's been confirmed today that WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has signed a "multi-year" deal with AEW.
It's a surprise to see Flair close the door on returning to WWE and, considering the fact he's 74, it may be in AEW where he finally ends his pro wrestling career. The Nature Boy is already pushing for a match with MJF, though, so he's not close to being finished in his mind, at least.
For the most part, fans are excited to see Flair back on TV, though may have wondered whether this is a smart move on AEW's part. This feels like another example of hotshot booking and Khan is developing a habit of hiring stars from the past to boost ratings.
Who else did that once upon a time? WCW. And TNA. Two companies WWE eventually vanquished (TNA rebranded as IMPACT Wrestling but is now returning to the TNA name to win back fans who have largely forgotten the company exists).
Oddly enough, much of this partnership seems to revolve around Flair's little-known energy drink. Now the "exclusive" drink of AEW, we'd guess it being promoted on TV is a big part of why he signed with Khan's company rather than sticking with WWE.
Here's the press release:
November 2, 2023 – AEW CEO Tony Khan today announced a multi-year deal with Hall of Famer "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, who surprised fans in attendance and viewers at home during last Wednesday’s AEW: Dynamite show in Philadelphia, marking his historic return to TBS by appearing as Khan’s "special gift" for "The Icon" Sting.
Flair’s AEW debut comes on the heels of his longtime friend Sting’s impending retirement announcement, which will culminate with "The Icon’s” final match at AEW Revolution in 2024. Over the course of their 30-year history, Flair and Sting have shared incredible rivalries, momentous matches and a respected friendship.
Khan also announced that Flair’s Wooooo! Energy will become the exclusive energy drink of AEW. During AEW show dates, select host venues will carry the clean energy drink at concession stands for fans to enjoy. In addition, the beverage will be stocked in the wrestlers’ locker rooms, and will also be seen on the announcers’ desk during live broadcasts. Fans watching at home can experience Wooooo! Energy by ordering via woooooenergy.com.
"Last Wednesday, the ‘Nature Boy’ made his epic return to TBS, more than 35 years since the Flair vs. Sting rivalry first began on the Superstation," said Khan. "It’s truly an honor to welcome the legend himself - and Wooooo! Energy - to AEW."
"Ric cemented his legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all-time long ago, and now his world-renowned persona and his amazing wrestling mind will be major assets to AEW’s programming and our position globally. Most importantly, it’s fitting that the final chapter of Sting’s iconic career will unfold on TBS with Ric Flair by his side."
"I've been in the wrestling business for over 50 years," said Flair. "Together with AEW and Wooooo! Energy, I've never been more excited, and I've never had more energy! When the Nature Boy promises a show, you know how it's gonna go! Wooooo!"
"We've all been a part of a ‘Wooooo!' moment. Time stops, crowds erupt, and people unite to celebrate the extraordinary. It's electric. You hear it, feel it, and never forget it," said Chad Bronstein, President and Chairman of Carma HoldCo, parent company of Wooooo! Energy. "This is so much more than a partnership. Together, Ric Flair, AEW and everyone at Wooooo! Energy will create more unforgettable moments for generations of wrestling fans."