Ric Flair Opens Up On WWE Release: 'We Just Didn't See Eye To Eye On Some Business Opportunities'

Ric Flair has opened up about how is release from WWE came about, saying it was a 'mutually agreed-upon decision' because the two parties did not see eye-to-eye on certain business prospects.

Flair was granted his release from WWE earlier this week. Reports of the 16-time World Champion leaving the promotion began to circulate on Monday before WWE confirmed the departure on Tuesday 3 August.

There has been some suggestion that Flair asked to leave the company over WWE's booking of his daughter, Charlotte, with one report even indicating that Flair texted Vince McMahon that he would quit the promotion if they didn't change up the creative direction for the younger Flair.

The two-time WWE Hall Of Famer has refuted those rumours, however, saying it was ultimately a business decision for him and for WWE.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Flair said: "We just didn't see eye to eye on some business opportunities that I wanted to pursue, so I asked for my release.

"There has been no animosity and everything has been on friendly terms. It happens sometimes in business; you just don't see eye to eye. But how could I have any animosity towards the company who made me who I am? They literally made me who I am. Some of my best friends in the world work at the company. How could I possibly be upset with the company where my daughter is currently the most decorated woman's wrestler in history? 

"It was a mutually agreed-upon decision and I will be moving forward to pursue other exciting endeavours such as my own line of wine, my own network, as well as comic books. I had to make this decision personally for my business and my brand."