Eric Bischoff can see Ric Flair adding value to AEW if used in the right way.
Ric Flair was recently announced as the newest member of the AEW roster, signing a massive deal with Tony Khan’s promotion. First appearing as a surprise gift to Sting on October 25th, it is still not entirely clear what the long-term goal for The Nature Boy is. Additionally, although currently associated with Sting, Flair has confirmed that he will be around for multiple years despite the fact that The Icon will be retiring in March 2024, leaving the next stage of The Nature Boy’s career uncertain.
Appearing on Strictly Business, Bischoff believes that younger talent who are inexperienced in promos will benefit by having Flair as a mouthpiece:
I know what he can add, you know, nobody has a crystal ball. And nobody knows what’s in the mind of Tony Khan and his creative or if Ric will have any influence over that. But I think, you know, just my first gut instinct is that Ric will end up managing, he’ll end up being a mouthpiece he’ll end up representing some young talent that is on its way up that needs that credibility, that needs this, as they say in the wrestling business for years now the rub, and who better to get a rep from than the guy like Ric Flair? That’s what I see.
Ric Flair Has Now Been A Part Of WWE, TNA & AEW
With Flair now a member of AEW, some have speculated that the 16-time World Champion may come out of retirement for one last hurrah. Bischoff continued, stating that a match seems unlikely but physicality in segments is not entirely out of the question:
I really can’t see Ric, you know, doing much in ring, other than maybe a run-in or a, you know, involvement, but not necessarily matches. But more than anything, I think Ric’s gift of gab, his persuasiveness on the mic will probably lend itself more than anything to what we see on camera. I don’t know how much work will get involved behind the scenes. But that could be interesting as well.
The Hall of Famer concluded by referencing the AEW creative. Bischoff stated that although Flair’s knowledge of production is limited, his many years of experience in storytelling could improve the product:
Look, Tony needs somebody. He needs somebody. You know, Ric doesn’t have a lot of television experience. He’s got, you know, decades of decades and decades of success as a wrestler. In terms of formatting and actually writing television, I don’t think that’s necessarily Ric’s strength. But if you can tap into his mind and his experience and his understanding of psychology and help translate that into perhaps, better storytelling, I think that could be very valuable.
If you use any quotes from this article please credit Strictly Business and leave a h/t to Inside The Ropes.