“I Liked the Way Vince Ran It”: Ric Flair Slams WWE Under Triple H, Calls Tony Khan’s AEW “Very Professional”

While Vince McMahon might have been a controversial figure as the head of the WWE, it seems that the former WWE CEO still has some championing his reign. McMahon has not entirely left the promotion, instead taking up a position more hands-off from the WWE, as the executive chairman of TKO Group Holdings. This has led one former WWE legend to take a hit at the promotion and its current leadership.

Nature Boy Ric Flair recently expressed his opinions on the current state of WWE and pro wrestling in general. The 16-time WWE World Champion went so far as to praise Tony Khan’s running of AEW, calling it much more professional than the older promotion.

Ric Flair has a lot to say about WWE

Talking about how much more political WWE has gotten in his opinion, Flair decided to shed some light on the topic during his recent appearance on Outkick with Charlie Arnoldt. He believed the reason why WWE has gotten more “political” might be due to the internal power struggle at the company. Flair said, “The fight for control. Everybody wants to run WWE.” Speaking about the time when the reins were in Vince McMahon‘s hands, he said, “I liked the way Vince (McMahon) ran it. For better or worse, everybody knew where they stood more than they do now.”

Back in 2022, Vince McMahon had to step down from the role of CEO due to various allegations made against him along with a life-altering surgery. This was the first time in history that the reins of the company were handed over with Stephanie McMahon stepping in to fill her father’s shoes.

She teamed up with Nick Khan as co-CEO of the company. Along with that, she was named as the interim chairwoman of the company. Her husband, Paul ‘Triple H‘ Levesque took over the creative department in the chairman’s absence. However, McMahon returned in 2023 and struck a deal with UFC to form TKO Group Holdings. Since then, McMahon’s decision-making power has been reduced significantly hence, leading to a power struggle in the company.

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Flair’s comments certainly shed light on the inner workings of WWE post McMahon’s influence, but his comments on AEW, his current promotion, seemed to hit the nail on the coffin. Flair had plenty of praise stacked up for WWE’s rival, AEW.

Ric Flair on AEW and pro wrestling

Talking about how much pro wrestling has evolved since the initial days, Flair said, “I like the fact that the kids make a lot of money. That’s the most important thing.” He further added that the younger talents have much more guidance when it comes to managing their money and paying taxes. Flair believes that AEW is way ahead in this aspect as compared to other promotions. “AEW, very professional, it’s an easier pace,” he said.

The reason why Flair was able to comment on this is because he is the latest addition to the AEW roster.  In November 2023, it was announced that Flair had signed a multi-year deal with AEW. His addition was a surprising one as Tony Khan presented him as a ‘gift’ to Sting for his upcoming retirement. Following the signing, Flair has appeared in AEW just once during the AEW Full Gear PPV. What do you think about Flair’s comments on pro wrestling, WWE, and AEW?

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