After months of waiting, this WWE Hall of Famer has finally returned to AEW.
Last seen at Revolution 2024 during Sting’s final wrestling match, Ric Flair has largely been absent from All Elite Wrestling television since then. However, after months of waiting, The Nature Boy appeared tonight. Earlier this week, via a social media announcement, Ric Flair confirmed his 17th May Collision Beach Break appearance.
The 16-time World Champion claimed himself to be appearing as part of the tribute to Steve “Mongo” McMichael, who passed away on April 24 at the age of 67. As part of the video accompanying the message, Flair cherished his memories with Steve McMichael.
Tonight, later in the show, the Steve Mongo McMichael tribute was taped as announcer Tony Schiavone hosted. The Nature Boy returned tonight and claimed that the Jacksonville-based promotion was giving its roster a chance to celebrate Steve McMichael.
At the age of seventy-six, he expressed gratitude for his extensive network of friends and acknowledged the tributes paid to McMichael. He said to be the man, you have to beat the man, and Mongo was more man than anyone Flair has ever known as he endured a six-year battle with ALS. McMichael’s wife, Misty, provided unwavering support and subsequently acquired nursing skills. The crowd chanted for Mongo while Flair thanked AEW and Tony Khan for letting him honor McMichael.
AEW Star Ric Flair Claims This WWE Hall Of Famer Is Tied With Vince McMahon
Speaking in a 2023 interview with comedian Theo Von on This Past Weekend, Ric Flair called Cody Rhodes’ father, Dusty Rhodes, one of the most innovative minds in pro-wrestling, tied with Vince McMahon.
“Great guy. He was so lovable, and one of the most innovative, right there tied with Vince McMahon.”
In other news: CM Punk has teased his last Instagram appearance.