Tony Khan Discusses Ric Flair’s Impactful Presence in AEW
Summary
– AEW President Tony Khan reveals Ric Flair’s unique arrangement with AEW, involving his WOOOO Energy Drink.
– Flair’s presence in AEW is not a financial burden but a lucrative sponsorship deal for the promotion.
– This partnership highlights the evolving nature of sponsorships and collaborations in professional wrestling.
AEW President Tony Khan disclosed a unique arrangement involving wrestling legend Ric Flair. Unlike traditional wrestling contracts, this deal sees Flair essentially ‘paying’ AEW with his presence, linked to his WOOOO Energy Drink sponsorship.
The arrangement came to light following Flair’s sensational return to wrestling, announced as a gift to Sting, who had declared his retirement set for AEW Revolution 2024. The wrestling world was still buzzing from this news when it was officially declared that Flair had signed a multi-year deal with AEW. This contract included an exciting twist: a partnership with Flair’s iconic WOOOO Energy Drink, which has since been prominently showcased during AEW TV broadcasts.
Flair’s presence in AEW, both on television and in the squared circle, has been a constant since his debut on AEW Dynamite. In an interview with Joseph Staszewski of the New York Post, Tony Khan emphasized the profound significance of Flair’s involvement. Sting, a longtime friend and rival of Flair, holds him in high regard, crediting Flair with a substantial part of his storied career.
Khan pointed out that Flair’s presence had brought in a lucrative sponsorship deal for AEW. “We’re not paying Ric Flair; Ric Flair is essentially paying us,” Khan stated. AEW collects revenue from WOOOO Energy for all of Flair’s appearances, marking a new era in wrestling sponsorships and collaborations.
However, this partnership has not been without its challenges. Reports emerged that AEW had to make edits to Flair’s comments during the December 1 episode of AEW Rampage, highlighting the unpredictable nature of ‘The Nature Boy.’
Ric Flair’s partnership with AEW and the inclusion of WOOOO Energy Drink adds an exciting dimension to the wrestling world. It raises questions about how this collaboration will impact AEW’s future and its ongoing competition with other wrestling promotions. This unique arrangement could pave the way for more innovative sponsorships and partnerships in professional wrestling, changing the landscape of how promotions and wrestlers engage with brands.
