Wrestling legend Ric Flair isn’t getting paid a dime

A wrestling supremo has revealed Ric Flair’s bizarre agreement with AEW means the wrestling icon is paying to stay with the promotion.

Chief Jay Strongbow said long ago: “In this [wrestling] business, you can make friends or you can make money.”

Well, it seems wrestling legend and 16-time world champion Ric Flair has got plenty of money because essentially he’s working for free.

In a surprising turn of events, AEW President Tony Khan has revealed the wrestling legend is essentially working for free, thanks to a lucrative sponsorship deal with “Wooooo Energy”.

Flair makes his debut in AEW following the recent announcement of his close friend Sting’s impending retirement. Sting, known as “The Icon,” is set to conclude his illustrious career with a final match at AEW Revolution in 2024.

Khan stated, “We’re not paying Ric Flair; Ric Flair is essentially paying us. We’re getting paid by Wooooo Energy for all of his appearances, so we’re collecting revenue from them.”

If only the same could be said for Jeff “Never drew a dime” Jarrett.

But I digress …

Wrestling legend Ric Flair works for free thanks to ‘Wooooo Energy’ AEW sponsorship. Picture: AEW

Despite the sponsorship, Khan clarified that Flair’s involvement did not influence Sting’s decision on the duration of his wrestling career.

The Nature Boy’s inclusion is significant to Sting, who considers Flair instrumental in his career.

“I’ve never mentioned this to the press or even in the dressing room, but real men cry,” said Sting, speaking to Sports Illustrated.

“I’ve been emotional, full of tears, twice in my career. The first was Panama City, when Ric and I had the last WCW match on Nitro. The second was last week on Dynamite.”

The partnership with “Wooooo Energy” brought in a high-paying sponsorship for AEW, emphasising a unique dynamic where the sponsored individual essentially becomes a paying contributor.

Mr Khan clarified that Flair’s involvement did not influence Sting’s decision on the duration of his wrestling career. Picture: AEW

With Sting’s unbeaten streak highlighted in recent AEW shows, the story of his final match gains added intrigue.

While traditional wrestling narratives often involve retirees ending their careers on a loss – or a shocking return to the ring – Sting has the opportunity to depart on a high note.

“When Ric came out and I heard his music play, it hit me,” said Sting. “I had this flashback, and it made me emotional. Ric is the guy who put me on the map. We’ve travelled around the world together, and Ric helped make me. Now he’s going to finish with me.

“After all the travel, all the matches, all the press slams, all the chops, and all the woos – woooo! – I experienced the same feeling on Dynamite this past week with Ric that I did on that final Nitro. Except this time, it was so much more positive.”

Mr Khan expressed, “It will be something really special to see if he can continue the unbeaten run. If he makes it to Revolution unbeaten, will somebody be able to take it away from him in that moment, and it will be a very dramatic thing.” Regardless of the match’s outcome, the primary goal remains to “get Sting out healthy and happy after everything he’s done for AEW and pro wrestling.”

—with New York Post

Originally published as Wrestling legend Ric Flair isn’t getting paid a dime