REVEALED: Why AEW Signed Ric Flair

After appearing as Tony Khan’s surprise gift for Sting on the October 25 edition of AEW Dynamite, All Elite Wrestling and Ric Flair have come to terms on a deal, with ‘The Nature Boy’ believed to have signed a two-year deal with the promotion.

In a press release confirming Flair’s signing, it was noted that Flair’s Wooooo! Energy Drink would also become the signature energy drink of AEW. A report from Fightful Select alleges that the energy drink tie-in is an important part of the deal, as it is believed that the drinks manufacturer behind the brand will cover a significant portion if not all of Flair’s salary during his time in AEW.

The deal is believed to be similar to Randy Savage’s initial WCW deal in the mid-1990s, with Savage’s lucrative deal with Slim Jim paying a hefty chunk of the ‘Macho Man’s salary.

Flair signing with AEW looks to have been all about the money which will likely come through merchandising deals, with t-shirts, and action figures bearing Flair’s likeness likely to be produced by AEW asap if an agreement is in place. There’s also the potential for Flair to appear in AEW video game properties, if a sequel to Fight Forever enters production or in a future update on the current video game. 

AEW's decision to sign Flair has been heavily criticised, especially as it comes only weeks after Tony Khan repeatedly mentioned Vince McMahon's "alleged misdeeds", only to then sign a 74-year-old with sexual misconduct allegations against him. Flair is alleged to have imposed himself on flight attendant Heidi Doyle and forced her to touch his genitals during the Plane Ride from Hell. Flair has denied the allegations.