Ric Flair Reportedly Earned A 'Top Star Salary' In WWE Prior to Release

Ric Flair was reportedly being paid a salary equivalent to a current top star in WWE at the time of his departure from the promotion. 

Flair and WWE reportedly parted ways on Monday with the company confirming the news of the 16-time World Champion's departure on Tuesday 3 August. The two-time Hall Of Famer's release came amid speculation regarding his unhappiness with creative decisions concerning himself and daughter Charlotte Flair.

While multiple reports indicated that Flair had complained directly to McMahon about creative in WWE, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter writes that this may not have been the only reason involved in the decision to let Flair leave. 

It is noted by Meltzer that Flair was on a 'tremendous ambassador contract' with WWE, one that paid him more than he ever earned during his best years as a World Champion in WCW, and that the 72-year-old was earning an amount of money equivalent to a top star working within the promotion on a nightly basis.

With WWE cutting costs over the past few months and other top earners such as Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt departing WWE, amid reports WWE President Nick Khan is determined to keep the company in the black, financially, the decision to release Flair could have just as much been down to his salary as it was because of disagreements around creative.

Flair himself has said in a statement the decision to part ways with WWE was mutual so he could pursue other business opportunities.