This week brought the announcement that the iconic Ric Flair, a two-time inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame, has entered into a new, multi-year agreement with AEW. At 74 years old, the wrestling veteran is set to become a consistent presence in Tony Khan’s enterprise.
Not only will Flair grace the screen as part of Sting’s farewell storyline, but he also introduces his business venture, the “WOOOOO” energy drink, into the AEW sphere, thanks to a partnership with Chad Bronstein. This beverage is slated to become the signature energy drink for AEW.
Interestingly, prior to his AEW alignment, Ric Flair had proposed a return to WWE, a notion that didn’t gain traction with the organization, steering him toward his eventual AEW debut.
In a revealing interview with ESPN following his AEW announcement, Flair spoke on a multitude of topics including his most recent match, his potential on-screen roles in AEW, whether he’ll wrestle or take physical roles, the prospect of managing talents, and the backstory of his AEW engagement, rooted in his relationship with Sting.
Flair disclosed that he had suggested a WWE comeback that would also promote his “Wooooo” energy drink. WWE, however, did not take up the offer.
Together with Chad Bronstein, Ric Flair had envisioned the energy drink aligning with WWE as an official sponsor. WWE, wrapped up in their own expansive slate of ventures and an ongoing merger, opted not to pursue the collaboration, a decision Flair says was made with no ill intent toward him or his business.
Flair’s overture to WWE to rejoin the wrestling world was declined, propelling him to explore other avenues, which culminated in his signing with AEW.
During his talk with ESPN, Ric Flair expressed uncertainty about the frequency of his televised appearances with AEW but confirmed his multi-year commitment to the company, which will see him representing the Woooo energy drink while also contributing on-screen for Sting’s retirement narrative. While Sting has declared a retirement timeline with his final bout scheduled for March 2024 at the Revolution pay-per-view, his final adversary remains unconfirmed, though Darby Allin is a speculated contender.
Intriguingly, Flair contemplates a future in AEW beyond Sting’s retirement. He has teased the possibility of a heel turn, a verbal showdown with AEW World Heavyweight Champion MJF, and a managerial role, potentially for his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo.
Recognized as one of the all-time greats in wrestling, Ric Flair reassures fans that despite his age, he is in no physical pain. Though he admits to decreased arm flexibility due to cumulative rotator cuff injuries, he affirms his well-being, being medically cleared for wrestling and physical engagements. However, Flair indicated that stepping into the AEW ring for a match is not on the immediate horizon.
