'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgT/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMlkCg//xAAgEAACAQMEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUGERITITGB/9oACAEBAAE/AEyMuKutP5BFWdrIHpSXyAg3HE/STUyrJM7hVQMxIUD1X//EABYRAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACMv/aAAgBAgEBPwB6P//EABcRAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAhH/2gAIAQMBAT8AbOE//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair finally debuted in AEW on this week's Dynamite to greet Sting before the latter's retirement. Meanwhile, a recent report suggested he was supposed to be a former United States Champion's manager in the Tony Khan-led company. The name in question is Andrade El Idolo.
On the latest edition of Dynamite, The Nature Boy made his first-ever AEW appearance. He was unveiled as Tony Khan's gift for Sting, which fans had anticipated since last week. Upon arrival, Flair embraced The Icon and reflected on their storied history.
It was a heartfelt moment for long-time fans of the Hall of Famers. The two faced each other multiple times during their full-time careers and played a crucial role in each other's success.
On the Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that he assumed Flair would be the manager for his son-in-law, Andrade El Idolo, in AEW. The Nature Boy and Tony Khan seemingly had a 'verbal deal,' but a controversial episode of Dark Side of the Ring derailed the original plan.
"I know that he was gonna go there right when that Dark Side of the Ring thing came out. I don't know this, but I was assuming that he was gonna go as the manager of Andrade. But he and Tony Khan had a verbal deal, and then after Dark Side came out, it was not the right time."
Ric Flair got disrespected by a fellow veteran upon his AEW arrival
After Ric Flair expressed his admiration for Sting and shared a moment with him in the AEW ring, he got rudely interrupted by TNT Champion Christian Cage and his allies. Captain Charisma cut a scathing promo targeting The Nature Boy and said the following:
"I also know there is not a God because if there was a God, Ric Flair would’ve been dead 20 years ago.”
Christian Cage, alongside Luchasaurus and Nick Wayne, ultimately challenged Sting, Darby Allin, and a partner of their choosing to a six-man tag team match at Full Gear 2023. The Icon accepted the heel group's challenge to conclude the segment.
