Ric Flair has revealed the reason for his recent absence from AEW programming, citing health concerns as the primary factor.
The WWE Hall of Famer had been a controversial figure on AEW television in late 2023, appearing as a gift from AEW President Tony Khan to honour Sting’s retirement tour. However, Flair disappeared from TV shortly after, prompting speculation about his status with the company.
In a new interview on From The Master’s Class, Flair explained:
“The reason I’m not on TV now is Tony [Khan] didn’t know I was on blood thinners…That’s why.”
Flair said the medication raised concerns about potential in-ring incidents, especially involving blading, an old-school wrestling practice of self-inflicted bleeding to enhance drama.
“At Sting’s last match, I had already made a blade. I was ready to go. He said [no]… I made blades for all the guys in the old days,” Flair said.
Flair joked that he saw blading as an essential part of his performance style.
“If I couldn’t cut myself, we weren’t gonna make it through the match,” he joked. “You try wrestling Rufus R. Jones for an hour… That’s a long hour-Broadway.”
Flair officially retired from wrestling in 2022 following the controversial Ric Flair’s Last Match, in which he teamed with Andrade against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal. Flair passed out mid-match and has since admitted he wished he could redo the performance.
Since stepping away from in-ring action, Flair has focused on his business ventures, including Wooooo! Energy Drinks and a cannabis brand co-launched with Mike Tyson in states where marijuana is legal.
Which Two Actors Named Ric Flair In Their Greatest Wrestlers Of All Time Lists?
Hollywood actors Jon Bernthal and Ben Affleck named Ric Flair in their lists of greatest wrestlers ever. Bernthal named the likes of Junkyard Dog, Hillbilly Jim, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage, before Affleck named Flair which Bernthal agreed with. Affleck then also named Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter, and The Iron Sheik.
H/t to WrestlingInc.com