Update on Ric Flair Returning as an On-Air Character

The latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has provided an update on Ric Flair returning as an on-air character. As we previously reported, WWE executives and Flair have been in communication trying to determine a new role for “The Nature Boy” on WWE television, and it may be to return as a manager for Dolph Ziggler or The Shield. 

The report claims that the 65 two-time WWE Hall of Famer was scheduled to be evaluated by Dr. Joseph Maroon this week. Flair will undergo a full cardiovascular physical before they bring him back as an on-air talent. The company is said to be taking extra precaution with superstars of Flair’s age due to the recent health scare of Jerry Lawler, as well as the tragic death of WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior.

When discussing possible managerial roles for Flair, the company thinks that he will only work as a babyface, while Flair will always want to play the heel. One guy being discussed for Flair’s services is the Miz.

Several months ago, Flair did an angle with the Miz on television where he tried to help elevate Miz’s face turn by “giving” him permission to use the Figure-Four Leg Lock. Miz recently finished filming “The Marine 4” for WWE Studios, and will be returning to WWE TV very soon. According to this report, many feel like the Miz is damaged goods, and sticking Flair with him would be a “waste of resources.” 

Flair reportedly wants to manage Dolph Ziggler, who he thinks possesses the qualities to one day be a huge star. However, for some reason the company just isn’t as behind Ziggler as they were in 2012, and many believe it would take a lot of convincing to get Flair attached to the guy, because whoever is attached to Flair will seemingly get pushed to the moon and back.

There have also been talks about Flair managing The Shield in their current feud with Evolution, following up on the last appearance Flair made on WWE TV where he gave The Shield the nod against Evolution, his former faction. This may not happen however, as Evolution will likely split back into singles stars following “Payback” and another loss to The Shield which seems predictable.

Flair is reportedly in the gym losing weight and is about five pounds away from reaching the size he wants to be on television. Outside of wanting Flair back in an on-screen capacity, WWE officials also want Flair to be on of the stars of the next season of WWE “Legends House,” which will begin filming soon in Orlando, Florida.

Editor’s Note: 
Woooooo! If they stick Flair with the Miz…I swear to you…it will do more damage to his career than his stint in TNA did. I agree. It would be a waste of resources to stick him with Miz. Period. Other than that, I’m all for bringing him back.