Legend Turns Down Ric Flair Reunion Match

After rumors that Flair’s final match was going to be with one of his biggest rivals, it now seems that isn’t going to be the case. Earlier this week, rumors circulated that Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, perhaps Flair’s best in-ring rival, would be unretiring to wrestle in what is being billed as Flair’s Final Match. 

That rumor appeared squashed before it got off the ground, and now Flair is without an opponent for his July match. Steamboat gave a sound reason for not wanting to wrestle again during a signing. He wanted to protect his legacy and the fans’ memories of him.

“I know when I wrestled Jericho at WrestleMania 25, then we had the return match at Backlash in a singles, but at 69, and I know it’s a six-man tag and I could get a little this and that in, but with all due respect to our fans, I want them to remember me that last time I was in there with Jericho when they chanted, ‘You still got it.’ I don’t want to scar that phrase. Even that night with Jericho, you know, I was working for the WWE. I was one of the trainers at the school and was pretty active in the ring, so I had a lot of confidence in myself. But knowing Ricky now and not being in the ring for a number of years, I don’t want to tarnish the memory that the fans have of me.”

(Via Fightful)

The match and several other Flair-themed events will occur at the Nashville Country Fairgrounds July 29-31 as part of Starrcast weekend. 

Wrestling Legends Question Why Flair Is Returning

Gerald Briscoe supports The Dragon’s decision not to get back into the ring. 

Former WWE and TNA ref Bryan Hebner is wondering what the Nature Boy is thinking as well.

“Like I said, I love Ric Flair, but I think this is going to tarnish more than it’s going to be helping his legacy. I’m just not excited about it. I really think it’s stupid. If it’s about money, I guess you got to do what you got to do, but to me, there’s nothing positive about this. Not one thing.”

I haven’t seen a lot of wrestlers support Flair in his return. I think many people know this isn’t a wise decision for the Nature Boy and won’t do anything to help his legacy. 

A Ric Flair Weekend

It will be a busy weekend for Flair. Besides his last match, the Nature Boy will be roasted and participate in the “final” reunion of the 4 Horsemen. 

All of this appears to be promoted by Conrad Thompson. Thompson is a mortgage broker and super wrestling fan who hosts several podcasts with wrestling legends such as Jeff Jarrett, Eric Bischoff, and Bruce Pritchard. He is also Ric Flair’s son-in-law. So perhaps, he knows best what Ric is capable of. 

Again, this match is a bad idea, in my opinion. I hope it is just a multi-man tag match where Flair doesn’t have to do anything other than a few chops, some strutting, and locking in the Figure-4 for the win.

What are your thoughts on Ric Flair’s return to the ring? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.