Ric Flair Makes AEW Debut, Revealed To Be Sting's Gift From Tony Khan

Ric Flair looks to be All Elite.

The 16-time world champion made his All Elite Wrestling debut on the October 25 edition of AEW Dynamite as he was revealed to be Tony Khan's gift to Sting. Flair joined Sting and Tony Schiavone in the ring, during which The Nature Boy reflected on his and Sting's history on the network, referencing their match on TBS from the first Clash of the Champions in 1988. 

Christian Cage, of course, interrupted the reunion and after commenting on Ric Flair not being dead, he issued the challenge for Full Gear of himself, Luchasaurus, and Nick Wayne vs. Sting, Darby Allin, and another partner. The other partner was briefly teased to be Flair but Sting said they would find a third partner for the Full Gear match. 

Ric Flair had what was billed as his last match in the summer of 2022 at the event 'Ric Flair's Last Match'. He and Andrade El Idolo defeated Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal in Flair's retirement clash. 

Flair has been the source of much controversy in recent years following the 2021 Dark Side of the Ring episode covering the Plane Ride from Hell. The flight itself was WWE travelling back to the United States following a European Tour in May 2002 and Flair was accused of sexual misconduct during the episode, with flight attendant Heidi Doyle alleging that Flair imposed himself on her and forced her to touch his genitals. Doyle later agreed an out-of-court settlement with WWE over the Plane Ride from Hell, while Flair has denied the allegations. 

The allegations caused Flair to be briefly removed from the WWE opening and it may have scuppered a planned AEW debut, with claims suggesting that Flair planned to work with the promotion in 2021.