HeadLocker — Jay Shannon
What’s Next for Ric Flair?
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, takes a look at the possible options for Ric Flair’s future.
At Wrestlemania XXIV, Ric Flair battled Shawn Michaels in a Career Threatening Match. Shawn used Sweet Chin Music to end Flair’s 36-year wrestling career, maybe. In this edition of HeadLocker, I want to run down the possible options for Flair, if his wrestling career is truly over.
Manager
Most successful managers are former wrestlers that have moved on after their in-ring careers came to an end. Gary Hart, Bobby Heenan, Lou Albano, Freddie Blassie, Mr. Fuji and many more have passed their wisdom on to younger talent.
Flair would most likely accompany his son, Reid, to the ring. It is also quite possible that Flair would create a new version of The Four Horsemen/Evolution. There are numerous candidates that would fit well into the group: Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Batista, Reid, Randy Orton and Big Show are all likely candidates. Ric could keep the “old school” style of wrestling alive. The world of wrestling is devoid of managers, currently. Flair would likely add the title of Greatest Manager of All Time to his resume if he chose this option.
Odds: 2 to 1
Announcer
Ex-wrestlers have always done well in the announce booth. Tazz, Jerry Lawler, JBL and others have done their turn at the table. Flair could bring an encyclopedic knowledge to the broadcasts. The best option for Flair would be to replace Coachman on Smackdown. Lawler/Ross and Tazz/Styles are already great teams. Smackdown has the weakest announce team of the three brands.
The only drawback to Flair at the booth would be the temptation to be drawn back into the ring by some cocky youngster that wanted to make a name for himself by challenging the legend. Of course, this could be part of a larger plan to allow Flair to come back.
Odds: 10 to 1
General Manager
Ric Flair was the guiding force behind WCW for many years. Flair also was the on-screen business partner of Vince McMahon, at one time. Flair’s arrogance and swagger would serve him well as a GM on any of the three shows.
It is doubtful that Flair would take the ECW GM position. It is just too small to warrant his talent. Smackdown has a well-established management duo in Vickie Guerrero and Teddy Long. Raw has a weak GM in William Regal. Regal’s on-screen duties have decreased over the last few months. Raw would be the best place for Flair to become the GM.
Odds: 20 to 1
Road Agent
Flair has a good eye for talent. He has discovered and molded the careers of dozens of stars over the past 30+ years. He would be an asset to the Road Agent team.
The main drawback with being a road agent would be the travel schedule. Flair has invested in numerous non-wrestling ventures, so being on the road might be a problem.
Odds: 100 to 1
Developmental Trainer
In much the same way that Flair has shaped careers in the past, Flair could be a huge help to the developmental system. Flair would likely be sent to Florida to help with the main developmental group.
Another option would be the creation of a secondary developmental area near Flair’s current home. That option would allow Flair to continue with his outside interests, while still working for the WWE.
Odds: 50 to 1
Writing Team
Flair has worked with the writing teams in both WCW and WWE. He would be able to add some fresh “old” ideas into the product. He might even be able to do a great deal of the work from his home. This would allow Flair to keep active and still have a “real” life outside the squared circle
Odds: 10 to 1
TNA
At his Farewell Address, Flair stated that he would never wrestle in This ring, ever again. The rumor mill cranked up into high gear after that comment.
TNA has long been thought of as “The New WCW”. Flair might still have some resentment towards the McMahons over the death of the original WCW. He might want to help elevate TNA to rival or eclipse the WWE. It is unclear what the relationship is between Jeff Jarrett and Ric Flair might be. It is also questionable how Flair would interact with Vince Russo.
Odds: 500 to 1
A Complete Exit
Ric Flair has been involved in wrestling for close to four decades. The likelihood that he would simply walk away from wrestling is almost laughable. While Flair might want an extended break to focus on other venues, there is just no way that Flair could totally divorce himself from the industry that has been such a part of his life for his entire adult life.
Odds: 1,000,000 to 1
In conclusion:
Ric Flair made one of the classiest exits in the history of wrestling. The Farewell Address and Tribute were very touching. If one were to accept that Flair’s in-ring career is truly finished, there are several options for Flair. In the end, Flair will most likely have some form on interaction in the wrestling world. Pro wrestling just could not afford to completely lose the most exciting and most talented star to ever walk into an arena. While I do hope that Flair gets some time off to rest and relax, I wait with anticipation for Flair’s return…in whatever capacity he chooses.
–Jay Shannon
JayofPWD@SBCGlobal.net
(4/7/08)
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