Taking opinions about Ric Flair, the person, out of the equation, it was both surprising and nostalgic to see the Nature Boy show up at the Oct. 25 episode of AEW Dynamite in Philadelphia. Now it seems the Nature Boy will be sticking around as well.
AEW announced today that it had signed “a multi-year deal with Hall of Famer ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair,” mentioning his appearance in Philly as Tony Khan’s “gift” for the soon-to-retire Sting.
There is, fortunately, no mention in the press release of Flair returning to the ring. The 74-year-old Flair had what was promoted as his last ever pro wrestling match last year, and while he (of course) has made comments suggesting that it might not really be the end for him, trust us when we say it should be.
So what’s in it for Flair if he’s not going to be wrestling or even playing an on-screen role after Sting retires next spring? His deal with AEW also makes his Wooooo! Energy (gotta remember all five o’s) the exclusive energy drink of the company. The press release announcing the deal says we’ll see it at concession stands at AEW events, on the announce table, and in the wrestlers’ locker rooms.
Well, we won’t see the drink in those locker rooms, but you get the point.
“I’ve been in the wrestling business for over 50 years,” said Flair in the press release. “Together with AEW and Wooooo! Energy, I’ve never been more excited, and I’ve never had more energy! When the Nature Boy promises a show, you know how it’s gonna go! Wooooo!”
Having never tried a can of Wooooo! Energy, yours truly can’t say whether it’s worth this kind of spotlight. “Clean energy without the jitters” does sound pretty good.
But really, as long as Khan doesn’t get the urge to have the “true” final match for Flair, this is all fine. Seriously, don’t do it. Just enjoy the “Wooooo!” and let that be enough.