Flair’s AEW Signing Mirrors Randy Savage’s WCW Deal

Summary:
– Ric Flair’s AEW contract is significantly funded by his “Woooooo” energy drink sponsorship.
– This arrangement echoes Randy Savage’s WCW deal, which was largely covered by Slim Jim sponsorship.
– Flair’s presence in AEW opens opportunities for merchandising, including video games and action figures.

Ric Flair, the legendary NWA, WWF, and WCW World Champion, has recently inked a multiyear deal with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This move was confirmed following his surprise appearance on an episode of AEW Dynamite, where he delighted fans by showing up to support Sting. Intriguingly, the financial structure of Flair’s AEW contract has drawn comparisons to a historic wrestling deal from the 1990s.

Sources close to Flair revealed that his AEW contract is largely financed through a sponsorship deal with his “Woooooo” energy drink. This setup is reminiscent of Randy Savage’s mid-1990s switch from WWF to WCW, where his contract was significantly subsidized by a sponsorship from Slim Jim. Eric Bischoff, former WCW executive, had previously noted how the Slim Jim deal covered a substantial part of Savage’s salary.

The strategic move to bring Flair into AEW isn’t just about his in-ring presence or on-screen charisma. AEW sources point to merchandising as a key motivation behind the deal. With Flair’s iconic status, opportunities abound for merchandising, ranging from video games to action figures and general merchandise. These avenues are expected to be lucrative for AEW, leveraging Flair’s enduring popularity.