When the ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair was introduced in AEW, he was just a retirement gift for Sting. Tony Khan wanted to present ‘The Icon’ with the man who inspired him to be who he is today. Flair was part of Sting’s retirement tour. However, since his involvement in AEW, Flair has been taking some serious bumps in the ring.
AEW fans have taken to social media to talk about this as it is something Flair was never cleared to do and visibly cannot do anymore.
Ric Flair wasn’t supposed to take a bump in AEW
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As mentioned earlier, when Flair joined AEW, he was there to support Sting as he embarked on his retirement tour. Fans of the wrestling legend were excited about this, and the duo has been doing great in AEW. However, one thing fans were not expecting was the physical involvement Flair would have in the matches. While it is admirable and respected, it is visible he cannot do it anymore.
Ric Flair has not been considered for any in-ring performing [in AEW], but has been actively pushing to do more physical spots.
— @FightfulSelect pic.twitter.com/nrlLj0bxWZ
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 12, 2024
This came during the last episode of AEW Collision. During the Darby Allin and Sting’s match, Flair got involved. It was clear that he was out of breath, and even after a few chops and minor bumps, he was clearly out of it. According to Fightful Select, Flair was never supposed to get physical in AEW.
He was merely there for Sting’s retirement tour. However, he claimed that he could take a few minor bumps, to which Tony Khan agreed. The final match will be at AEW’s Revolution 2024 against The Young Bucks. While this was a great send-off for ‘The Icon’ Sting, Flair cannot wrestle or take bumps as he did back in the day. Fans were quick to notice this, and when the news regarding Flair not performing in AEW was released, they were quick to react.
Fan reaction to Flair’s in-ring performance in AEW
Once the news broke, fans quickly posted their thoughts about Flair competing in AEW on social media. They were shocked to hear the news that he wasn’t supposed to perform. While many admired him for it, the majority said that he shouldn’t be.
Fans still consider the Shawn Michaels match to be Flair’s last match in pro wrestling.
why can’t Ric just accept his match with shawn as the end of his career? It was the perfect emotional send off pic.twitter.com/7PW41bjNq9
— ً (@tylerduran21) January 12, 2024
Fans are hilariously waiting for his first match in AEW.
Can't wait until Ric Flair has his first match in AEW this year….
— Xylot Themes (@XylotThemes) January 12, 2024
They have questioned his involvement in Sting’s farewell tour.
He got real physical yesterday. I thought he was there just to support Sting on his retirement tour
— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) January 12, 2024
All the fans love Flair but don’t want to see him wrestle anymore.
Love him but the man should stop the physical spots
— ThatGingerRoman (@Thatgingergame1) January 12, 2024
Fans could tell he couldn’t do it anymore.
We could tell…. 🤦
— Chaz The EV GamblingX Bettor (@PositiveEVBet) January 12, 2024
They want him to sit on the sidelines and be safe.
Let it go old man. Its over
— NBA Cringe Takes (@NBA_Cringe) January 12, 2024
They pointed out where it was visible that Flair could not do it anymore.
He could barely get out of the ring last night
— Samriddhi Singh♥️ (@Samridd90774225) January 12, 2024
Fans were surprised that Flair himself wanted to perform in the ring in AEW.
It's interesting to hear that Ric Flair has been pushing for more physical involvement in AEW, even though he hasn't been considered for in-ring performing. Wrestling fans may have varying opinions on whether they'd like to see him in more active roles.
— Lateefo Ki Duniya (@DuniyaLateefo) January 12, 2024
They also acknowledge his sacrifice to the industry.
Flair truly bleeds this industry and you know a lot of fans are not wanting to see him on that stage at this point in his career but you know I want to see it getting that short Glimpse last night a flare giving the chops I mean I was taken right back to the peak of 99 again
— Pro Wrestling Reality (@PWRBlog) January 12, 2024
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While admirable, some fans feel sad about it.
He really wants to die live on TV. This is sad.
— HIM Soto (@Qnzfinest84) January 12, 2024
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What do you think about Flair performing bumps in AEW? Tell us down below.
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