WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has broken his silence on rumours that he is set to fight Hulk Hogan in his return match in July.
In early May, the 73-year-old posted video footage to his Twitter account. It showed him in wrestling training with current AEW wrestler Jay Lethal. The footage fuelled fan rumours that Flair would be making a return to the ring.
That news was then confirmed by the man himself on May 16. Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “The rumors are true! I’m going to walk that aisle, style and profile, one last time! July 31st! Nashville, Tennessee! Jim Crockett Promotions!
“I will prove once again. That to be the man. You’ve got to beat the man! Now we go to school! WOOOOO!”
Whilst some fans are looking forward to seeing Flair in the ring one more time, it is fair to say that most have expressed serious worries.
The age of Ric Flair, who will turn 74 next year, is one factor. The other factor relates to his severe health concerns. ‘The Nature Boy’ suffered partial kidney failure in 2017 and was fitted with a pacemaker.
He was placed in a medically induced coma. Flair himself claimed he had just a 5 per cent chance of living. He also said he had no memory for six months after the kidney failure, and that WWE even prepared a video package in the event of his death.
Fortunately, Flair did recover. However, fans are questioning his decision to return to wrestling five years on, even for one night only.
Who is Ric Flair’s opponent?
Despite fan concerns, it appears that Ric Flair’s return to the ring will go ahead. It is on July 31, with ‘The Nature Boy’ headlining the Scarrcast V event.
The identity of his opponent is, as yet, unknown. However, former WWE wrestler Brian Blair inadvertently suggested that wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, 68, may be coming out of retirement to face Ric Flair.
He said (quotes via WrestlingNews): “I’m looking forward to seeing Flair and Hogan at SummerSlam [which is the same weekend as Starrcast].
“Well, I think if Ric were gonna die anywhere, he’d wanna die in the ring. Terry [Bollea, Hogan’s real name] has had his fair share of surgeries, way too many. I’m getting ready to call Terry in a couple of minutes.
“But I wish them the very best. I know that fans are the ones that have been really egging it on, that really wanna see it. So it’s sparked them, and all I can say is it’ll be interesting, and I pray that they both come out in one piece.”
Ric Flair speaks out about Hulk Hogan rumours
Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair are two of the most prominent Superstars in the history of professional wrestling.
Hogan was the undisputed face of WWE (then WWF) during his first spell with the company between 1983 and 1993. In addition, he headlined multiple WrestleManias and held the WWF Championship for four years between 1984 and 1988.
After departing WWF, he moved to WCW, forming the famous New World Order stable. He then returned to WWE in 2002, and took on The Rock at WrestleMania 18 in one of the most legendary matches in the company’s history.
Flair, meanwhile, is officially recognised by WWE as a 16-time world champion. He is renowned as one of the most technically gifted wrestlers of all time. He engaged in legendary feuds with the likes of The Undertaker, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Mick Foley.
The idea of Hogan and Flair fighting each other has caught the attention of fans. Now, ‘The Nature Boy’ has discussed the rumours for the first time.
Speaking on his podcast, ‘To Be The Man‘, Flair stated when asked whether Hogan would be wrestling (quotes via WrestlingNews): “Not that I know. I think you would have run that by me.
“He’s invited. I’ve talked to him personally to come to the roast and come watch the match. But yeah, he hasn’t confirmed for sure, but I’m pretty sure he’ll be there.”
With Hogan seemingly attending the match, it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if the pair did end up squaring off in some capacity. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.
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