Real Reason For Ric Flair’s Shocking AEW Dynamite Appearance

Written by Alex Hunt • Published 26th October 2023
Real Reason For Ric Flair's Shocking AEW Dynamite Appearance

Ric Flair has debuted in AEW.

The Nature Boy walked out in front of an AEW crowd for the first time ever on the October 25th episode of Dynamite, revealed to be the surprise gift to Sting from Tony Khan.

The Icon and Darby Allin were in the ring one week after Sting announced that he would be retiring at Revolution 2024. Continuing to give thanks, The Icon joked that he had to give the microphone back to Tony Schiavone. On behalf of Tony Khan, Schiavone gave his own thanks to the former World Champion and put over the match with The Nature Boy at the first Clash of the Champions that aired on TBS.

Schiavone then announced it was time for the gift, with some familiar music playing in Philadelphia as Flair made his entrance. The 16-time World Champion declared that there are few moments in life that are magical and joined Schiavone in putting over The Icon for his performance at Clash of the Champions. Flair ended his address by calling Sting the nicest guy he has ever met and jokingly chopped The Icon.

The celebrations were short lives as Christian Cage interrupted proceedings, taking multiple shots at Flair. The segment ended with the announcement that Sting, Allin and a mystery partner will face Christian Cage, Luchasaurus and Darby Allin at Full Gear.

Flair will appear alongside Sting for The Icon’s final match at AEW Revolution 2024, which now has a date and venue set.

Ric Flair Finally Appears On AEW Following Previously Scrapped Appearance

While Flair’s appearance was in part to acknowledge Sting’s legendary career, there was another motive for calling in The Nature Boy. Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that Flair and many stars are being utilised to generate as large a rating as possible as the media rights are up in the near future.

Meltzer also confirmed that a previous Flair appearance was scrapped following the allegations that came to light in the Plane Ride From Hell episode of Dark Side of the Ring:

“I know that he was gonna go there right when that Dark Side of the Ring thing came out. I don’t know this but I was assuming that he was gonna go as the manager of Andrade. But he and Tony Khan had a verbal deal, and then after Dark Side came out, it was not the right time.

“It’s the (TV) contract year and I think they’re really trying to hotshot as many stars for ratings purposes because of the name value and things like that, but by doing that you’re also ageing the show, and nostalgia when it comes to TV ratings is usually a short drug, not a long-term thing.”

Flair has broken his silence on the shock appearance on social media, hinting that he may be sticking around for a little longer:

Following the debut, a new update has been provided in the October 27th edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that states that Flair had no affiliation with WWE and may also attempt to promote one of his side projects during this run:

Flair had no contractual ties with WWE. He probably would have come in earlier as they were in talks when the Dark Side of the Ring episode hit and pretty much all talks ended. But Tony Khan wanted him to be part of the Sting storyline and he’s supposed to be on the show as part of this through March. I believe part of this is also that AEW will help promote his “Whoooo” energy drink, or at least that is what is being talked about

H/t to WrestleTalk.