Following the news that Ric Flair is returning one last time, a new report from Fightful has potentially revealed the identity of his opponent.
On May 16th the rumours were proven to be true. 16-time World Champion Ric Flair is coming out of retirement for one last match. Flair announced that he will be stepping back into the ring for the final time at Starrcast, despite being 73-years-old.
Meanwhile, a new report from Fightful Select has offered an insight on who will be standing across from Flair as the opening bell sounds. The report notes that there are plans in order for Flair to square off against fellow veteran Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. However, the match will not be a singles bout.
Dave Meltzer has previously commented that Flair told him the match would see him team with FTR to take on The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express and someone else. It’s suggested that the “someone else” is Ricky Steamboat.
Flair and Steamboat have wrestled each other more than 300 times, most recently back in 1994. Steamboat hasn’t wrestled since 2010. While Flair hasn’t been involved in competitive action since losing to Sting in September 2011.
While the match is yet to be confirmed, it has been in the plans for Starrcast for a number of weeks, with Steamboat meeting organiser Conrad Thompson in person. In addition, the former Jim Corckett Promotions is said to have a heavy presence at the event.
It was recently announced that the fan-fest is scheduled to take place on July 29th – July 30th at the Nashville Fairgrounds.
Starrcast V marks the fifth instalment of the event and will coincide with SummerSlam, which takes place at Nissan Stadium on July 30th.
Commenting on the announcement Thompson said that it would be a“celebration of wrestling like no other.”