AEW signs 74-year-old wrestling legend to multi-year deal
Ric Flair has signed a multi-year deal with AEW. Flair made his debut appearance on a recent episode of Dynamite, where he joined the soon-to-be-retired Sting for a promo segment. AEW announced Flair's contract via a press release on Thursday.
In an interview with Pro Wrestling Insider, Flair noted how he doesn't think he will wrestle during his tenure with AEW. However, he also didn't rule the idea out.
"No, I don't think I will," Flair said. "If you're asking me if I want to? I have to be careful what I say because it never comes out (the right way). I just made it very clear to everybody that I can take bumps. I have a doctor's release to do anything I want like that. Do I think I'll wrestle again? No. Would I like to? Obviously. I'm never going to say no."
Instead, Flair will likely take an on-screen role during promotional segments and have an input into the company's creative strategy. Flair brings over 50 years of experience with him to AEW. He has been part of WCW, WWF, NJPW and WWE. There isn't much he hasn't seen or done in his career.
The addition of "The Nature Boy" comes hot on the heels of Adam Copeland's arrival. Copeland is a Hall of Famer in his own right and has made an immediate impact within AEW. Earlier this year, Tony Khan had to make the decision to release CM Punk from his contract. The following months were a transitional period for the company.
Now, with some new, yet incredibly familiar faces joining the brand, things are looking up. In recent weeks, AEW has significantly improved its overall storytelling and storyline production. Everything feels "hot." It looks like Khan is hell-bent on ending the year strong, especially after setting a world-record attendance at Wembley just a few months ago.
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