WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has praised AEW President Tony Khan for continuing to support him financially despite admitting that he does very little work for the promotion.
Ric Flair discussed his relationship with Tony Khan in an interview with Biff Poggi on NewsNation, describing the AEW president as generous and respectful. The 16-time world champion suggested that Khan’s admiration for his wrestling career is the primary reason he continues to receive support from the company.
“He’s a nice guy, he’s generous. I work for him, and I don’t do anything,” Flair said. “I think he takes care of me out of respect for me. He grew up on me. He’s just a wonderful guy.”
Flair also discussed WWE, expressing concern about how many employees have left the company in recent years. He suggested that the departures have created uncertainty among those who remain employed, including people he worked closely with during his own WWE career.
“[WWE has] fired so many people that were an intricate part of my career when I was there. I don’t understand the rhyme or reason for it,” Flair said. “Some of the people — the guys that did my documentary on Peacock, two of the guys that did it have been fired.”
Despite his concerns, Flair stressed that WWE has always treated him well and that he has no desire to speak negatively about the company, particularly with his daughter Charlotte Flair still working there.
Ric Flair Suggests Tony Khan Could Be Wrestling’s Greatest Promoter
Ric Flair also addressed WWE’s current management structure following the company’s merger into TKO Group Holdings. Although he believes WWE President Nick Khan has considerable influence, Flair admitted he doesn’t know exactly how decisions are made within the organisation.
“I think Nick Khan is pretty much the boss over there, but at the same time, I don’t know how much power Nick Khan has. He used to be the man,” Flair explained. “But, you know, Hunter is the booker now, or the head of creative they call it.”
When asked who makes important decisions in professional wrestling, Flair returned to Tony Khan. He suggested that the AEW president consults with a group of trusted individuals before making decisions, much like WWE’s management team.
“Tony has a group of people, which I’m sure they do at WWE, that he circles up with. And Tony does it right there. Tony Khan may be the greatest promoter of all time,” Flair said.
When Poggi asked whether he meant professional wrestling or the wider entertainment industry, Flair clarified.
“I’m saying in wrestling,” Flair responded. “He may not be as smart as Vince McMahon, but only through, you know, years and years. Because Vince was really smart and very clever. But Tony’s a great guy, generous to a fault.”
Flair’s comments underline his admiration for Khan, whom he credits with continuing to look after him despite his limited involvement in AEW programming.
