Ric Flair plans on going all out in his return to the ring.
On July 31, “The Nature Boy” will wrestle for the first time since 2011 in what is being billed as his last match. Flair, 73, has battled health issues in recent years, but he has been cleared to compete one last time. When he does, the legend will aim to show everyone that he’s still “The Man.”
In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Flair guaranteed that he’ll come off the top rope during the match; he was previously known for his spot where he’d flip over the ropes, run the ring apron, and jump off the top turnbuckle.
“That’s what I’m working on,” Flair said. “It’s just a timing issue. I’ll guarantee I’ll be coming off the top rope. Whether it’s the flip or not, I don’t know.”
Even before Flair’s in-ring return was confirmed, he generated buzz by posting videos of himself training with AEW star Jay Lethal. In the same interview, Flair called these sessions an “experiment” that tested his pacemaker.
“That was just an experiment to make sure my pacemaker didn’t come unplugged from landing on the mat,” said Flair.
Regarding his health, Flair made it clear that doctors have cleared him, and now he’s working on his pacing and his movement so he can be in good wrestling shape. He also noted that he has lost weight since his last match; he’s now 223 pounds, whereas he previously weighed 240.
“And now it’s just picking up the pace where I’m moving faster and just reacting [during a match],” said Flair.
Fans will have to wait and see what happens when Flair wrestles again; no matter what, the wrestling world will likely be watching.
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