Ric Flair sets date, location for last wrestling match

Ric Flair confirmed an ESPN report that his final pro wrestling match will take place during SummerSlam weekend in Nashville.

When it comes to “one more match” for the legendary Ric Flair, we now know when and where that will be.

ESPN’s Marc Raimondi reported Monday morning that Flair would wrestle one final match at the Nashville Fairgrounds on July 31. The independent card will be produced by Thuzio in conjunction with Jim Crockett Promotions, and  streamed live by FITE TV.

That announcement was quickly confirmed by Flair himself on Twitter.

The date and location for Flair’s last match are significant: WWE is in Nashville for SummerSlam, which will take place July 30 at Nissan Stadium. It’s also the site for the Starrcast V wrestling fan convention, which will take over the Nashville Fairgrounds from July 29-31. With no opponent named yet for Flair, speculation is certain to center on the Starrcast guest list for this year and any notable names from the Nature Boy’s past.

The 73-year-old Flair hasn’t been seen in a professional wrestling ring for more than a decade. His most recent bout took place against Sting on a TNA IMPACT taping on Sept. 12, 2011. Flair’s iconic WWE retirement match came at WrestleMania XXIV in 2008 in a memorable loss to Shawn Michaels, though he returned one more time a year later and faced Randy Orton in an unsanctioned match on Raw.

It’s always difficult to say for sure if wrestling retirements will stick, but if this is indeed the last time Flair walks that aisle, it would make for some nice career symmetry for Flair as it would come 50 years since his pro wrestling debut in 1972. Considering he’s had a number of health issues over the years, many wrestling fans and friends of Flair would undoubtedly prefer if he truly leaves his boots in the ring this summer.

Tickets for Flair’s final match go on sale Friday, May 27 at 12 p.m. ET at RicFlairsLastMatch.com.