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Post by "Playboy" Don Douglas on Sept 5, 2007 0:28:03 GMT -5
I just saw the thread title. Didn't see this coming. A little piece of me wants him to get this worked out with WWE. Another part of me wants Gabe to to say [RD]Somebody,get Ric Flair on the phone!!![/RD] I'm the same way. Part of me would like to see Flair go out respectfully in WWE. Another part of me would mark like a f***ing madman seeing him pop up in ROH.
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Post by ultimatekennedy on Sept 5, 2007 0:32:05 GMT -5
I only thought that going to Smackdown would be a nice change but ultimately I was pretty sure it would be bad. Naitch will retire with a wimper if he quits though. He needs some kind of half hour long tour de force against someone like Michaels or Trips to go out with style.
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Post by chickenwhopper on Sept 5, 2007 0:35:45 GMT -5
You fail to see how people like Flair think. No matter what sort of things they might tell Flair, I guarentee Flair would still feel his need to be there. And most wrestlers have a hard time with retirement, especially guys like Flair who will only stay in the spotlight as much as they're allowed. Remember back when Funk was "given a thank you" with his many retirement matches and even title reigns as a form of "thanks". It means nothing if the person is unwilling to give it up. And I truly believe that Flair is much more motivated to stay around than Funk ever was if given the opportunity. I still don't see him sticking around as a full-time wrestler. Flair seems to me to be the type that if he felt he was a top-level guy, would want and expect to be used as a top-level guy. If they adamently told him "You aren't going to be a top guy", I don't think he'd stick around if that's what he wanted to be. As far as still being involved, I don't see him being cast out of the business when he retires from active wrestling. He's got manager written all over him, can be a better announcer than most would give him credit for, and is a lock for an agent position. In Funk's case, it didn't help that various promoters kept throwing cash at him, and he didn't have any kind of job with WWE. That's contradictive on their part then, because the only reason to have a belt is to have a top guy, that's the reason why the belt itself exists. And any sort of role with him being near the ring is only going to make his drive to wrestle still be there, especially since he's Ric f***ing Flair, and it would indeed work out in storylines with who he's managing. I think the best story (my own opinion as to what I think is the best mind you) is for Flair to engage in a very bitter feud with someone telling him that he's done. Have Flair engage in several bouts where he proves that he's got a little left in the tank. Have it cultimate in a huge match situation (WM, what have you), hell it could even be for the title. However, Flair would not go over. He would go the distance (30 minutes or more) and fight to a bloody pulp but come up just short. As the winner's hand is raised, Flair walks up the entrance ramp knowing that he's got nothing more to prove. However before he makes it to the entrance, someone comes out, then someone else, then someone else. Then the whole entrance ramp fills up with the lockerroom and they all "decide" that they can put their differences aside for a moment to acknowledge the man who put so much into the business and someone they all look up to. The winner of the match grabs a microphone and tells Flair to come back to the ring. There, the winner puts the belt on Flair's shoulder and tells him he's the real winner (this isn't a true title change, but purely symbolic of Flair's entire career). Have Flair announce to the crowd that this 35+ year run as the dirtiest player in the game has been great and he couldn't think of any other way he'd want to go out. Have that close out Mania, which would be a truly beautiful story where he is a true winner.
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Post by "Playboy" Don Douglas on Sept 5, 2007 0:40:34 GMT -5
That's contradictive on their part then, because the only reason to have a belt is to have a top guy, that's the reason why the belt itself exists. And any sort of role with him being near the ring is only going to make his drive to wrestle still be there, especially since he's Ric smurfing Flair, and it would indeed work out in storylines with who he's managing. I think the best story (my own opinion as to what I think is the best mind you) is for Flair to engage in a very bitter feud with someone telling him that he's done. Have Flair engage in several bouts where he proves that he's got a little left in the tank. Have it cultimate in a huge match situation (WM, what have you), hell it could even be for the title. However, Flair would not go over. He would go the distance (30 minutes or more) and fight to a bloody pulp but come up just short. As the winner's hand is raised, Flair walks up the entrance ramp knowing that he's got nothing more to prove. However before he makes it to the entrance, someone comes out, then someone else, then someone else. Then the whole entrance ramp fills up with the lockerroom and they all "decide" that they can put their differences aside for a moment to acknowledge the man who put so much into the business and someone they all look up to. The winner of the match grabs a microphone and tells Flair to come back to the ring. There, the winner puts the belt on Flair's shoulder and tells him he's the real winner (this isn't a true title change, but purely symbolic of Flair's entire career). Have Flair announce to the crowd that this 35+ year run as the dirtiest player in the game has been great and he couldn't think of any other way he'd want to go out. Have that close out Mania, which would be a truly beautiful story where he is a true winner. I wouldn't have a problem with this, really. But if a title win and quick loss would motivate him to keep going, coming so close in such a big fashion would likely do the same. And while I agree the belt is supposed to be for top guys, I can't honestly look at Morrison and Khali and see them as top guys, so they've already shot that to hell.
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Post by Thynny Fat Ass on Sept 5, 2007 0:44:31 GMT -5
xwf99.com has just reported that Ric Flair has agreed to come back with a HUGE storyline! They've changed some plans around last minute, and at Raw, Vince will announce that RIC FLAIR IS HIS SON! How funny would that be?
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Post by chickenwhopper on Sept 5, 2007 0:44:36 GMT -5
And yes I wholeheartedly agree that Morrison and Khali aren't worth the time as champs, but like I've said before, you can't excuse that for giving the belt to a guy who is equally hard to watch in the ring half the time. Don't get me wrong, if Ric Flair could possibly muster up the ability to put on matches that remind me of how he was back in 2002 even, I'd have no problem putting the belt on him, however that is not the case anymore sadly.
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Post by Big L on Sept 5, 2007 0:45:09 GMT -5
either way he's not gonna wrestle that much longer
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Post by chickenwhopper on Sept 5, 2007 0:45:46 GMT -5
xwf99.com has just reported that Ric Flair has agreed to come back with a HUGE storyline! They've changed some plans around last minute, and at Raw, Vince will announce that RIC FLAIR IS HIS SON! How funny would that be? Not very
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Post by chickenwhopper on Sept 5, 2007 0:47:02 GMT -5
either way he's not gonna wrestle that much longer I've been thinking this since 1998 I wouldn't put it past Flair to go till 70 if given the chance and no I'm not kidding.
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Post by "Playboy" Don Douglas on Sept 5, 2007 0:51:13 GMT -5
I think Flair could still go well enough. Flair could have a better match with ME today than Khali could have with....anyone.
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Post by s1mplemathematics on Sept 5, 2007 0:55:30 GMT -5
When companies hit rough skids, people start leaving. Everyone gets frustrated and tempers flare. I wouldn't be surprised if the WWE continues to unravel like this until some drastic changes are made.
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Post by chickenwhopper on Sept 5, 2007 0:56:05 GMT -5
I think Flair could still go well enough. Flair could have a better match with ME today than Khali could have with....anyone. Again...I agree with you In fact I've pretty much agreed with you on everything besides on how he should go out
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Post by machinegun on Sept 5, 2007 0:56:14 GMT -5
THAT'S NOT FAIR TO FLAIR
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Post by "Nature Boy" Ric Moranis on Sept 5, 2007 1:29:22 GMT -5
Given the timeline of Flair quitting the WWE on 8/21, I think he must have been reading the boards two weeks ago when me, Joey Only, Chickenwhopper, and others were debating whether or not he deserved another World Title run on Smackdown.
Let's face it, because Flair always danced all night long, kissed all the girls, made 'em cry, and drank like a widemouth bass along the way, he looked about 35 years old when he was 25, looked 45 when he was 35, 55 when he was 45, and um...looks really old now that he's 58. But the guy can still go, and does just as much or more in the ring than most of the WWE roster (and I'd include HHH and Orton). And due to the miracle of anti-aging medicine, which is what you're allowed to call HGH when you're past 55, he looks as good or better than he did physique-wise in 1998.
And there's a reason why he still pops some of the biggest ratings on Smackdown, even though... 1. He never talks anymore. 2. He's not around only twice a year for nostalgia pops like Hogan, but a weekly character.
That reason is, people like to watch Ric Flair wrestle. Vince doesn't get it now. Jim Herd didn't get it in 1991. Shane Douglas didn't get it in 1994. Bischoff didn't get it in 1998. Scott Steiner didn't get it in 2000. Some of the IWC don't get it anymore. But it's a fact, and the old man has rating quarter hours as recent as a month or two ago that back up his pouting over his push.
I really don't get where people on here say Flair doesn't "do anything" in the ring anymore. The guy's got more five star matches than any other American worker, yet he's ALWAYS had less moves than Cena. And he can still pull off every single move in his repertoire from 1981. He was never a highlight reel, or a showstopper on offense. But the cat knows more about facial expressions, psychology, intensity, and pacing than roughly 100 Randy Ortons. Still does.
If Flair wants to wrestle till he's 70, let him. The Funks do, and IMO, Flair's more famous, legendary, and better than both (separately). Flair could help out ROH, TNA, do some Japan spots, help out some indies. Hell, he could go to the WWE about five different times before he hangs it up. I've got no problem with him wanting to forge on. He doesn't have much left in the tank, but whatever he's still got left is better than most. And that's why his matches are still ratings draws on the WWE's Friday Night wrestling show, even though the shows largely watched by little kids who never saw Ric Flair in his prime, or even probably get why he's such a big deal.
In conclusion, whoo.
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Post by Mozenrath on Sept 5, 2007 1:30:57 GMT -5
Lack of push? What does he want them to do with an 80-year old man, give him the title? If you had any idea how sick I am of the idea of his "one last run", you'd know how happy I am you feel that way.
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"Hollywood" Cactus Matt
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Post by "Hollywood" Cactus Matt on Sept 5, 2007 1:32:32 GMT -5
Given the timeline of Flair quitting the WWE on 8/21, I think he must have been reading the boards two weeks ago when me, Joey Only, Chickenwhopper, and others were debating whether or not he deserved another World Title run on Smackdown. Let's face it, because Flair always danced all night long, kissed all the girls, made 'em cry, and drank like a widemouth bass along the way, he looked about 35 years old when he was 25, looked 45 when he was 35, 55 when he was 45, and um...looks really old now that he's 58. But the guy can still go, and does just as much or more in the ring than most of the WWE roster (and I'd include HHH and Orton). And due to the miracle of anti-aging medicine, which is what you're allowed to call HGH when you're past 55, he looks as good or better than he did physique-wise in 1998. And there's a reason why he still pops some of the biggest ratings on Smackdown, even though... 1. He never talks anymore. 2. He's not around only twice a year for nostalgia pops like Hogan, but a weekly character. That reason is, people like to watch Ric Flair wrestle. Vince doesn't get it now. Jim Herd didn't get it in 1991. Shane Douglas didn't get it in 1994. Bischoff didn't get it in 1998. Scott Steiner didn't get it in 2000. Some of the IWC don't get it anymore. But it's a fact, and the old man has rating quarter hours as recent as a month or two ago that back up his pouting over his push. I really don't get where people on here say Flair doesn't "do anything" in the ring anymore. The guy's got more five star matches than any other American worker, yet he's ALWAYS had less moves than Cena. And he can still pull off every single move in his repertoire from 1981. He was never a highlight reel, or a showstopper on offense. But the cat knows more about facial expressions, psychology, intensity, and pacing than roughly 100 Randy Ortons. Still does. If Flair wants to wrestle till he's 70, let him. The Funks do, and IMO, Flair's more famous, legendary, and better than both (separately). Flair could help out ROH, TNA, do some Japan spots, help out some indies. Hell, he could go to the WWE about five different times before he hangs it up. I've got no problem with him wanting to forge on. He doesn't have much left in the tank, but whatever he's still got left is better than most. And that's why his matches are still ratings draws on the WWE's Friday Night wrestling show, even though the shows largely watched by little kids who never saw Ric Flair in his prime, or even probably get why he's such a big deal. In conclusion, whoo. AWESOME. All I can say. Awesome.
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Post by "Playboy" Don Douglas on Sept 5, 2007 1:35:22 GMT -5
Given the timeline of Flair quitting the WWE on 8/21, I think he must have been reading the boards two weeks ago when me, Joey Only, Chickenwhopper, and others were debating whether or not he deserved another World Title run on Smackdown. Let's face it, because Flair always danced all night long, kissed all the girls, made 'em cry, and drank like a widemouth bass along the way, he looked about 35 years old when he was 25, looked 45 when he was 35, 55 when he was 45, and um...looks really old now that he's 58. But the guy can still go, and does just as much or more in the ring than most of the WWE roster (and I'd include HHH and Orton). And due to the miracle of anti-aging medicine, which is what you're allowed to call HGH when you're past 55, he looks as good or better than he did physique-wise in 1998. And there's a reason why he still pops some of the biggest ratings on Smackdown, even though... 1. He never talks anymore. 2. He's not around only twice a year for nostalgia pops like Hogan, but a weekly character. That reason is, people like to watch Ric Flair wrestle. Vince doesn't get it now. Jim Herd didn't get it in 1991. Shane Douglas didn't get it in 1994. Bischoff didn't get it in 1998. Scott Steiner didn't get it in 2000. Some of the IWC don't get it anymore. But it's a fact, and the old man has rating quarter hours as recent as a month or two ago that back up his pouting over his push. I really don't get where people on here say Flair doesn't "do anything" in the ring anymore. The guy's got more five star matches than any other American worker, yet he's ALWAYS had less moves than Cena. And he can still pull off every single move in his repertoire from 1981. He was never a highlight reel, or a showstopper on offense. But the cat knows more about facial expressions, psychology, intensity, and pacing than roughly 100 Randy Ortons. Still does. If Flair wants to wrestle till he's 70, let him. The Funks do, and IMO, Flair's more famous, legendary, and better than both (separately). Flair could help out ROH, TNA, do some Japan spots, help out some indies. Hell, he could go to the WWE about five different times before he hangs it up. I've got no problem with him wanting to forge on. He doesn't have much left in the tank, but whatever he's still got left is better than most. And that's why his matches are still ratings draws on the WWE's Friday Night wrestling show, even though the shows largely watched by little kids who never saw Ric Flair in his prime, or even probably get why he's such a big deal. In conclusion, whoo. AWESOME. All I can say. Awesome. Seconded.
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Post by Mozenrath on Sept 5, 2007 1:36:53 GMT -5
I won't argue he's not over. Sure, let him wrestle. Doesn't mean I'm content living in the past.
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Post by "Playboy" Don Douglas on Sept 5, 2007 1:38:03 GMT -5
When the past is so much better than the vast majority of the present, I say bring it on.
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Post by Mozenrath on Sept 5, 2007 1:39:44 GMT -5
That's why you buy the DVDs.
Flair is a shadow of his formers self. With bad hair, a double chin, and a gut to go with it.
I like his former work, but there are few non-Khalis in WWE that don't absolutley smoke him in the ring.
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