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Pertaining to the recent events of Hall of Famer Ric Flair coming out of retirement, Conrad Thompson stated his disappointment with Ricky Steamboat refusing to face The Nature Boy.
The 16-time world champion recently confirmed reports of his in-ring return. Earlier this week, rumors were circling that Steamboat also coming out of retirement to fight Ric Flair and FTR alongside The Rock 'n' Roll Express. But The Dragon has since doused those rumors by saying he won't be returning to the squared circle.
During a recent interview with Wrestling Inc., Thompson made it clear that he thinks highly of Steamboat. He also noted that the legend's comments weren't the whole story about the rumored in-ring return.
"There’s no way for me to have that conversation with you and not be negative, or hurtful or rude and I am not going to comment on it because I think a lot of Mr. Steamboat and hold him in high regard," said Thompson. "I know what really happened and he knows what really happened and I am disappointed that he put a statement out before we had an opportunity to put a bow on things. But, that’s not the whole story and what the whole story is, is nobody’s business I suppose.” [H/T Wrestling Inc]
Moreover, he added that he was a fan of The Dragon, but he would not get in a "mudslinging situation."
“I appreciate his body of work very much and I am always going to be a fan of his, but I am not going to get into a, ‘he said, she said,’ mudslinging situation when it is someone that I know, like, and trust, and respect a great deal,” Thompson continued. [H/T Wrestling Inc]
Check out the entire interview below:
Ric Flair announced his comeback in July this year
Flair last wrestled in September 2011; he faced long-time rival Sting on an episode of IMPACT Wrestling. This bout came three years after his retirement match in WWE, as he had returned to the ring in TNA.
After having several non-wrestling roles over the years, the 73-year-old recently tweeted that he was indeed going to perform at Jim Crockett Promotions in Tennessee. Check out the tweet below:
Ric Flair has reportedly been training with AEW star Jay Lethal for his upcoming in-ring return. The two worked together during their time on IMPACT Wrestling. With Steamboat's refusal, it remains to be seen who will step up to face The Nature Boy one last time.
