Dave and Johnny previewed WWE Crown Jewel, including Roman Reigns v. LA Knight and John Cena v. Solo Sikoa.
Dave and Johnny talked about Ric Flair in AEW after signing a multi-year contract with AEW, Bryan Danielson suffering an injury, and MJF teaming up with The Acclaimed.
Why is Ric Flair in AEW?
In the November 3rd episode of Wrestling Uncensored, co-hosts Dave Simon and Pro Wrestler Johnny North engaged in a candid discussion about the complexities and controversies surrounding the legendary Ric Flair’s career and potential return to the ring. The conversation, ripe with insider knowledge and unfiltered opinions that fans have come to expect from the show, delved into the ethical and practical considerations of Flair’s wrestling at his age, especially given his health history and the recent backlash from his portrayal in the media.
Simon and North debated the merits and risks of Flair returning to wrestling, acknowledging the financial allure that such a comeback presents. They touched on Flair’s pacemaker and the inherent dangers of wrestling with such a device, as well as the broader implications of Flair’s past actions, including the infamous “plane ride from hell” incident detailed in the “Dark Side of the Ring” series.
The conversation shifted to the broader context of wrestling culture, with Simon pointing out the industry’s history of controversial figures and actions, suggesting that if Flair were to be “cancelled,” it would set a precedent that could implicate many other wrestling icons. Simon argued that despite Flair’s imperfections and the problematic aspects of his past, his contributions to the sport and his larger-than-life persona cannot be easily dismissed.
They also discussed the emotional toll of personal tragedies on Flair, such as the death of his son Reid, and the complexities of his early life, including being stolen as a baby in a black-market operation. These elements paint a picture of a man who has lived as dramatic and tumultuous outside the ring as his performances within it.
The conversation concluded with a reflection on Flair’s legacy and his place within the wrestling world. Despite the controversies, Simon and North seemed to agree that Flair’s impact on professional wrestling is indelible, and his desire to rectify his last match is understandable, if not without its concerns. They also speculated on the potential of Ric Flair in AEW, and the implications for his daughter Charlotte’s career with her husband also signed to AEW.
The conversation captured the essence of wrestling’s ongoing struggle to reconcile the flawed humanity of its heroes with the larger-than-life legends they become. It’s a narrative as old as the sport itself, where the lines between performance and reality are often as blurred as the boundaries of the ring.
Before reading on, listen to the podcast (link below) or watch the episode on YouTube (link above)
What was AEW’s Motivation?
We’re going to delve into the reasons behind this surprising move. Flair’s signing has sparked much speculation and debate, with different groups offering various perspectives.
Some argue it’s all about the money, while others criticize AEW’s decision due to the controversies surrounding Flair. However, AEW has confirmed his signing and emphasized the potential impact his presence can have.
So, let’s explore the motives behind AEW’s decision and the implications for the promotion.
Key Takeaways
- Ric Flair’s signing with AEW is primarily motivated by the financial aspect, with the energy drink tie-in playing a significant role in the deal.
- AEW is banking on Flair’s potential merchandising opportunities, including t-shirts, action figures, and video game appearances.
- The decision to sign Flair has faced heavy criticism due to his sexual misconduct allegations, which Flair has denied.
- Flair’s presence in AEW is expected to bring a legendary figure to the promotion, attract new viewers, benefit younger talent, and enhance storytelling.
Financial Motivation
AEW signed Ric Flair primarily for the financial benefits it brings to the promotion. Flair’s signing is a strategic move to capitalize on his brand and merchandising potential. With Flair’s legendary status and iconic persona, AEW aims to attract new viewers and fans, which can lead to increased revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorship deals.
Flair’s association with the energy drink Woooo! further adds to the financial motivation behind his signing. The energy drink tie-in is an integral part of the deal, with the manufacturer potentially covering a significant portion of Flair’s salary.
Like Randy Savage’s WCW deal with Slim Jim, Flair’s merchandising potential and the financial benefits it brings make him a valuable asset for AEW.
Merchandising Opportunities
For AEW, signing Ric Flair opens up a world of merchandising opportunities. Flair’s iconic status and larger-than-life persona make him a marketable figure, and AEW can capitalize on his popularity by releasing a range of merchandise featuring his likeness. T-shirts bearing Flair’s image, action figures modelled after his legendary persona, and his inclusion in AEW video game properties are just a few of the potential avenues for merchandising.
The demand for Flair-related merchandise will likely be significant, as his fanbase spans multiple generations, and his impact on the wrestling industry is undeniable. By leveraging Flair’s merchandising potential, AEW can’t only generate additional revenue but also further solidify his presence within the promotion.
However, this decision to sign Flair isn’t without controversy.
Controversial Decision
Signing Ric Flair has sparked controversy and raised questions about AEW’s decision-making. Flair’s history of alleged sexual misconduct has cast a shadow over his signing, with critics arguing that AEW shouldn’t associate itself with someone facing such serious allegations.
The timing of Flair’s signing, coming after AEW’s owner Tony Khan publicly criticized Vince McMahon, has also fueled speculation about the motive behind the decision. Some believe that AEW signed Flair to take a dig at WWE and gain attention in the wrestling world.
Others question the ethical implications of giving Flair a platform and financial support while the allegations against him remain unresolved. AEW’s choice to sign Flair has undoubtedly divided opinions and added a layer of controversy to the promotion’s decision-making process.
Eric Bischoff is happy for Flair and his AEW commitment.
AEW’s Confirmation
After weeks of speculation and rumours, the news finally broke, confirming Ric Flair’s signing with AEW. AEW officially announced the signing in a press release, ending the speculation surrounding Flair’s future in professional wrestling.
This confirmation comes as a surprise to many, as Flair’s departure from WWE had only recently been announced. AEW’s decision to sign Flair is seen as a strategic move to bring a legendary figure to their promotion and attract new viewers and fans. Flair’s experience and expertise in the industry can also benefit younger talent in AEW, while his charisma and personality can enhance the promotion’s storytelling.
With this confirmation, AEW has solidified their position as a major player in the wrestling industry.
Potential Impact on AEW
Ric Flair’s signing with AEW is expected to have a significant impact on the promotion. Flair’s legendary status and name recognition bring attention and media coverage to AEW, attracting older wrestling fans familiar with his legacy. His presence adds credibility to AEW’s roster and enhances the promotion’s overall reputation.
Furthermore, Flair’s involvement in merchandising opportunities can generate additional revenue for AEW, as his name and likeness can be used on t-shirts, action figures, and video games. Flair’s experience and knowledge can also enhance storytelling and character development, benefiting the younger talent in AEW.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision by AEW to sign Ric Flair may have raised eyebrows and sparked controversy, but it undoubtedly holds great potential for the promotion.
From the financial benefits and merchandising opportunities to Flair’s legendary status and storytelling abilities, there are many reasons why AEW saw value in bringing him on board.
Only time will determine what impact there will be of Ric Flair in AEW and the rest of the AEW roster, but one thing is for sure – the wrestling world will be watching with bated breath to see what unfolds next.
Learn about the Top 35 Most Famous Wrestling Moves in this article on our website.
How did WWE Crown Jewel 2023 turn out? Take a look at our post-event coverage.
