Ric Flair has revealed that he is currently dealing with a foot injury, while also appearing to confirm that a number of WWE Superstars will be watching as he wrestles his last match.
Back in May Ric Flair announced that he would be returning to the ring one last time at Starrcast V. The WWE Hall of Famer hasn’t wrestled in more than a decade, with his last match to date coming in September 2011 when he was defeated by Sting during a stint with IMPACT Wrestling.
Since the announcement, speculation had been running wild over who would be standing across the ring from the Nature Boy in Nashville.
On July 18th, the rumour and innuendo was finally put to bed as it was confirmed that Flair will team with his real life son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to take on Jay Lethal and fellow Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett.
Following the announcement, Ric Flair appeared on Busted Open Radio to discuss the bout and his preparations. The 16-time World Champion revealed that he is currently dealing with a foot injury, which may require pain killing injections come the big night.
“I have plantar fasciitis in the bottom of my foot. Other than that, I am perfect. That damn thing is sore as sh*t. I’m at the doctor right now. They are gonna start injecting me with stuff,”
When asked whether the injury would affect the match, Flair explained how it impacts his in-ring capabilities, before joking that he’s happy the match is a tag team match as he can “hide himself” a little more.
“I would just deaden it if I have to. You know me. It affects me daily. It’s hard running the ropes with the centre of your foot…the middle of your foot is so sensitive. I’ve been training hard, doing two-a-days.”
The star went on to admit that he felt he owed the match to Jay Lethal, as he has played such a big role in preparing him for the show.
“Absolutely. He’s a great guy. This kind of stuff, if I can pull it off, will be re-writing everything in my legacy again. Little nagging things. I thought I had COVID, then I thought I had pneumonia. You’re waking up every day thinking, ‘What could go wrong?’ Instead of being positive. That’s partly getting older and having lack of confidence, which I’ve had over the years. We’re going to have 9,000 people. I’m looking forward to it.”
During the conversation Flair also confirmed that his daughter Charlotte will be in attendance, although he’s unsure whether she will appear on camera. He added that Rey Mysterio, Apollo Crews, Pat McAfee and Kid Rock are also expected to attend.
“She’ll be there, but I don’t know if she’ll be on camera. She wouldn’t miss that. I don’t think she would miss it, even if Andrade wasn’t involved. She just might not be on camera. A lot of guys are coming. (Rey) Mysterio, Apollo, (Pat) McAfee, Kid Rock will be there.”
Charlotte Flair is currently enjoying a hiatus from WWE, her last appearance coming at WrestleMania Backlash where she was defeated by Ronda Rousey.
H/t to Fightful for the transcription.