It was speculated that Shawn Michaels was referring to Ric Flair when he said he couldn’t mention someone’s name during his WWE Hall of Fame induction speech. Shawn revealed on Twitter that he was talking about Vince McMahon. He wrote:

“There seems 2b confusion on the “who” I couldn’t mention during my speech. It was Vince. He doesn’t want focus on him. U wanna c the real Vince watch the HOF ring presentation on the WWE Diary w/me. The rest is gimmick, don’t believe what u read. It sounds like a schill but its fact. But of course that’s jus 1 guys opinion that actually knows him…for 20+ yrs. Whadda I know.”

Labels: 2011 WWE Hall of Fame, ric flair, shawn michaels

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

WrestleMania XXVII Diary: Shawn Michaels receives a special Hall of Fame gift from Ric Flair

Labels: ric flair, shawn michaels

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments

The is some truth to the recent rumors that Vince McMahon is banning “Ric Flair chops.” Sources say that the chops were actually banned after Shawn Michaels retired and before that, they were banned for everyone except for Michaels. McMahon does have a problem with the “Whooo” reactions that the chops get from fans. Yoshi Tatsu, who may not have gotten the word, did the Flair chops before RAW in Nashville this week and it got the same reaction from fans.

Labels: ric flair, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments

Ric Flair said in a media interview this week in the UK that WWE will be inducting Arn Anderson into the Hall of Fame next year in Atlanta.

Labels: 2011 WWE Hall of Fame, arn anderson, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments

Above is a new promo for the Hulkamania tour of Australia featuring Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan as well as the full card for the November 21st event in Melbourne.

* Nick Dinsmore and The Pimpfatha (Godfather) vs. Rock of Love

* Spartan 3000 Matt Cross vs. Shannon Moore

* Vampire Warrior (Gangrel) & Black Pearl vs. The Nasty Boys with Jimmy Hart

* Brutus Beefcake with Jimmy Hart vs. Heidenreich

* Bikini Challenge with Lacey Von Erich, Stephanie Pietz, Kiara Dillon and Koa Marie Turner

* Sean Morley (Val Venis) vs. Ken Anderson (Kennedy)

* Orlando Jorden & Edward Fatu (Umaga) vs. Solofa Fatu Jr. (Rikishi) & Brian Christopher

* Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan

Labels: hulk hogan, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments

Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair have been removed from the Alumni section of WWE’s official website. That is a sign that there is a bit of bad blood between the two sides. However, for some reason, Eric Bischoff is still listed on the site.

Labels: hulk hogan, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments

- Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights:

* I have always found it amazing when fans cannot understand when someone who is seemingly entrenched in the wrestling business decides to explore other opportunities. Both the Rock and Stone Cold have been dissed because they no longer have the desire to "wrestle" but have both said that they would be interested in making selected appearances at the right place and the right time. For some fans that isn't good enough. I admire "wrestlers" or "wrestling people" who want to explore other opportunities. Life cannot become one dimensional and one cannot allow their own lives to revolve around one, singular entity. That mindset isn't healthy or smart. Unless one is in a very unique position, IE ownership, and that's arguable, one should not allow the wrestling biz or any other biz to become their "life." Those that due usually end up miserable and make those around them unhappy as well. I have great empathy for ex-wrestlers who have to or feel compelled to to hang on to whatever they can within the wrestling business under the guise of "loving the business" while it's really all about not having any marketable skills to replace their income. This is just one of the reasons that I always encourage young wrestlers to be to get college degrees
so that they will have something to fall back on in case becoming a wrestling star doesn't' work out....and it usually doesn't. If 2-3 out of 100 prospect become legit, main event level wrestling stars then a company should feel fortunate.

* No website has any definitive news on why Shane McMahon resigned from his family's company, WWE, on Friday. Perhaps more news sites will elaborate on this matter come Monday as Friday is always the best day to drop big news as sometimes it gets somewhat lost on the weekend. Nonetheless no one knows why Shane seemingly abruptly decided to leave the family business and I don't feel that any one will know the reason until he declares what his next venture will be. Shane has a great formal education not to mention years of "on the job" training since starting out on the ring crew as a teen during the summers. I know Shane has many interests and who's to say that he simply wants to reassess where he is in his life and spend more time with his family which includes two sons? Until Shane himself makes an official statement as to what he is going to tee up next, then every thing any one can read, report or write about is pure speculation. Shane has excellent people skills and a unique skill set in a one of a kind genre that employs basic promotional and organization skills that should be transferable to many businesses.

* Speaking of "Naitch" he called me Saturday morning early to wish me good luck at the Red River Shootout at the Cotton Bowl which was a classy gesture. He's excited to be going to Australia to wrestle but Flair vs. Hogan isn't what I would book as it would be Flair and Hogan together against two, younger athletic guys. Ric going down under to make a big payday doesn't bother me at all nor do I think it bothers HBK who a fan recently asked about in our Q&A section of this site.

Labels: jim ross, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with another blog on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some of the highlights:

- HBO Entourage star Jeremy Priven, who plays one of the most unlikeable albeit entertaining characters on TV, will be the guest host on Raw on a broadcast emanating from the Mohegan Sun Casino on August 3. I hope Priven is as close to his Entourage character on Raw as possible because he is a captivating villain that audiences love to detest. I assume Priven, who is obviously very talented, is simply a great actor because if Entourage’s “Ari Gold” is an extension of Priven’s true personality then the guy is a legit tool. Of course, not that there’s any thing wrong with that.

- Many of my friends are asking me if I think that Shaquille O’Neal will become physically involved in the action this Monday night on Raw as “Shaq Daddy” aka “The Diesel” hosts Raw. First of all I have no clue on this and on many other things in life for the record. However, I sort of doubt it while at the same time it wouldn’t surprise me if Shaq did a little something along the lines of physicality short of having an actual match which I do not see occurring. Shaq is a UFC aficionado and is going to be in good shape so who knows? Another reason to tune into a “Vintage” Monday Night Raw that I hope to watch from the comfort of my Baltimore hotel room.

- I’ve been impressed with the progress thus far of Sheamus and of Drew McIntyre on the limited times that I have seen them in WWE rings. Ireland’s Sheamus can be seen on ECW now and is a big, rugged kid who feels like a classic antagonist. His work ethic seems sound and let’s hope that he continues to thirst for knowledge and stays in a positive frame of mine as his long journey is really just beginning. Same for Scotland’s McIntyre who has yet to officially debut on WWE TV but he, too, has potential. This is also where I generally say that potential won’t buy the groceries over the long haul. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

- The apparent issues that exist between Ric Flair and Bret Hart are unfortunate. I respect both men a great deal and loved both of their in ring work over the years and wish that this matter, that seems to rear its head periodically, would not have been made so public over the years.

- Expect the WWE Title Bout to close Night of Champions Sunday which makes sense to me. That’s what I would suggest to close the show if asked. With all due respect to the other bouts booked on Sunday, I have to prepare myself that the World Title Bout and the IC Title Bout are the biggest bouts on the show and those matches will receive most of my prep time. No, I did not just dis the Women’s Title Bout but they are usually never in the ring too long nor are they positioned much more than bridges to other bouts, unfortunately. That certainly doesn’t mean I won’t do all I can to enhance what I see between Melina and Michelle McCool. I do think that they will be physical.

Labels: bret hart, jim ross, michelle mccool, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:29 AM | Permalink | Comments

Credit: WrestlingObserver.com

While not officially advertised, Ric Flair is expected to be on Raw tonight. He’s doing a short-term program for a number of reasons. He’s obviously been texting them wanting to come back and he does want to wrestle (reaction is mixed on that account, essentially it’s up to Vince but last night’s angle would seem to indicate he’ll probably do something at the next PPV), and they believe the Raw ratings are down because of the lack of star power, and Flair has historically been a ratings draw.

The Flair/Batista angle is meant as sort of a filler program because they want to keep HHH out several more weeks.

Flair has been keeping busy, working an indie show on Friday night in Lincolnton, NC and on Saturday night was at the NASCAR All-Star race as a celebrity guest of Coca Cola. The crowd and the announcers were doing the “Wooo” when they showed him doing it.

Labels: batista, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE did indeed offer Ric Flair the job of SmackDown General Manager before giving it to Teddy Long. Word is that they offered him $250,000 a year to come back as a full-time regular but Flair turned it down because it was far less than the amount of money he is making doing what he is doing these days on his own. Besides Flair, WWE creative also talked about giving the SmackDown General Manager role to Dusty Rhodes. Stephanie called Dusty about doing the job. Dusty has been working in Tampa, FL with the developmental territory at FCW and left the WWE creative team because he didn’t like all the traveling at his age and size.

Labels: ric flair, teddy long

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

We're three matches in at WrestleMania 25 in Houston, and the latest match saw Chris Jericho take on three wrestlers - Ricky Steamboat, Jimmy Snuka and Roddy Piper. But wait, Ric Flair and Micky Rourke also got involved. Here's our thoughts:

Matt Loede - Okay, the end of this was about as bad as the womens battle royal. It easily could have been Ricky Steamboat vs Jericho, as Snuka and Piper added nothing to this. Snuka looked like a 70-year-old woman, and Piper has not taken very good care of himself over the years. Steamboat could wrestle today, on a very limited basis of course. As far as Jericho winning, that was what should have happened.

As for the post-match junk, Flair getting a beat down to set up Rourke coming in was expected. To be honest, the Rourke getting in the ring took WAYYY too long, and no one in the crowd seemed to care. Then Y2J took a cheap, and a miss of a punch to bite the dust? This was pretty bad. At least the two worst matches of the night are now done.

John Sefcik: The legends match was a roller coaster of feelings. It's always great to see legends like Piper and Snuka, but when they put on horrible performances it only sullies our great memories of these guys. These two guys had no business being in this match as they struggled to sell anything that seemed like a match. Ricky Steamboat on the other hand showed he stills has what made him a Hall Of Famer. This match would have been good if it was just him and Jericho. In a way I hope they can get at least one more match out of these two. But with the inclusion of Micky Rourke knocking out Jericho, I think this is buried. The ending of Rourke's lame punch on Jericho only made this match worse. Even the fans didn't seem to care as Rourke came to the ring. I'm not sure what the price would have been, but the WWE should have paid Stone Cold whatever the amount was in order to get him involved to make this match legendary.

Labels: chris jericho, Mickey Rourke, ric flair, WrestleMania XXV

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:34 PM | Permalink | Comments

As seen on RAW, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair made an unadvertised appearance during the Chris Jericho vs. Kofi Kingston bout to distract Jericho and allow Kingston to qualify for the Money in the Bank Match at WrestleMania XXV. Flair simply walked out on stage and distracted Jericho, setting up Kofi's victory. Following the loss, an incensed Chris Jericho dared Flair to return to the ring for a match against him next week on RAW.

It's highly unlikely that Flair will wrestle Jericho next week on RAW or at WrestleMania for that matter. Some feel that Steve Austin will be showing up on next week's show to get involved with Jericho. Back in February, Austin was booked for two different RAW’s, one being the March 16th show.

Labels: chris jericho, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:40 PM | Permalink | Comments

Here is a highlight from Jim Ross’ latest blog entry at JRsBarBQ.com with some interesting thoughts on The Nature Boy’s return.

Ric Flair will be making a special appearance on Monday Night Raw this week (you weren’t naive enough to think that a huge star like Naitch would show up on Friday Night Smackdown for a special guest appearance would you?) As the past has taught us, retired wrestlers rarely make guest appearances on wrestling programs unless they are promoting something, like a book, or they are perhaps going to stick their toe back in the water in some form. I have no idea what is on Flair’s agenda but I am certainly going to change my travel plans to Fresno so I can be there to watch Raw on Monday night prior to taping another Smackdown doubleheader on Tuesday. Flair is still an amazing personality who can verbalize as well as any one in the business today, past or present. As a fan I would pay good, hard earned money any time to hear the Nature Boy step into the ring and listen to Flair speak on any subject with the passion and emotion that helped make Ric famous. Ric Flair, veins popping, with his face beet red and eyes bulging is still great TV and will transcend young fans and their baby booming Dads and Moms.

The issue for me is that I don’t want to see Naitch wrestle again not just one year after retiring. I think Ric keeps himself more special and his retirement, which was an entertainment and emotional work of art, special and an ever lasting memory in the minds of fans worldwide. To see Ric manage someone, be a guest Ref, etc works for me personally.

I would love to see Ric Flair have a role at WM25 in Houston because having the greatest wrestler who ever lived at the year’s biggest event just makes sense. You wouldn’t believe all the NFL greats that were at the Super Bowl on Sunday to be showcased by the National Football League to their loyal fans.

Ric Flair makes any event bigger and his star still shines brightly in my eyes but, simply as a fan, I would rather remember Ric Flair the wrestler, no pun intended, as he was and enjoy his antics and machinations in other forms at an event like Wrestlemania if that indeed is a potential destination for the incomparable “Nature Boy.”

Labels: jim ross, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments

In a new interview with The Houston Chronicle talking about Mickey Rourke and Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 25, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair confirms that he will be at the big show this year in Houston.

Flair wouldn’t give many details but did have this to say: “Let’s just say, I will be at Wrestlemania, and that’s all I’m saying.”

Labels: chris jericho, Mickey Rourke, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

Word coming from within WWE is that Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year and Ric Flair will be doing the honors. So Flair will not be inducting Austin. Within WWE, there are people saying they want Bret Hart to induct Austin but as of this writing, Hart hadn’t been asked. One reason Vince has thrown Hart’s name out there is because it ties into the WrestleMania angle with Austin and Hart’s history and another reason is that Vince has always stayed behind-the-scenes at the Hall of Fame and it will mean more and could be seen as the final stamp of approval on Austin being WWE’s biggest star in history in their eyes because Austin would be the only one Vince would do something like this for.

Steamboat and Ted DiBiase got a lot of votes internally for last year’s Hall of Fame but Vince usually takes those with the most votes into consideration before making his final decision. There’s still talk that the Funks and Von Erichs will be inducted this year.

Labels: 2009 WWE Hall of Fame, ric flair, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with another blog update over at jrsbarbq.com. A few of the highlights this time around:

- I can't remember when I felt compelled to read one "wrestling" book twice but the Bret Hart book is the first. If you are a real fan of the business and you don't read this book then you are not really a fan of the business. Make sense? The book is now available at Amazon.com and would make a great holiday gift idea. Just don't expect Bret to sign yours as he signed mine. :) Bottom line (thanks Stone Cold) is BUY THE BOOK!

- Listening to some young wrestlers talk amongst themselves recently, I was shocked to hear of the variety of subject matters they so "profoundly" discussed. IPods, IPhones, "I" period but nothing about wrestling, counters, submissions, paying their taxes, saving their money, hiring a financial planner, preparing for their future....you get the picture. It is easy for many of today's wrestlers to bitch and moan about their position in their chosen profession or lack thereof and provide an overall woe is me version of their lives to whomever will listen but change for the better, or worse, starts with looking in the mirror. I walked away from this inadvertent eavesdropping shaking my head but thinking that young wrestlers are no different than young stockbrokers (bad analogy), young professionals, etc. All company's can do a better job in putting the right tools in the hands of their people but only the people themselves can make the tools work for them. Broke and seemingly helpless wrestlers from any era can largely blame themselves for not having the common sense or discipline to prepare for their futures.

- The "Naitch" called yours truly today from L.A. He sounded great and was, surprise, staying REALLY busy. He wanted to wish the Sooners good luck this Saturday against the 'Horns. Ric sounded refreshed and happy and truly excited about some upcoming projects that he could not elaborate on at the moment but one could tell he was jacked about the future. I wish my dear friend nothing but the very best and hope that all his ventures are "hits." It sounds as if a MAJOR announcement will be forthcoming from Flair's "people."

- I read of the proposed "tell all" book about "The Warrior" to be written by his ex-wife. Sounds juicy and sensational based on the press release that I read. I doubt that "The Warrior" and yours truly will ever exchange Xmas cards but I don't feel good about this project as I am not a die hard fan of "tell all's" that love to dish the dirt. Warrior is his own man, is outspoken and has every right with which to be so whether I personally agree with him or not but to have one's former life exposed to what ever level is tough to swallow. Even if the book is embellished to a degree some readers will believe every word of it. Perhaps in the eyes of some this story "needs" to be told but I don't see it. It will be interesting to see how well this book sells, any pending litigation that it may incur, etc. Based on societal trends, the book will likely sell well.

Labels: bret hart, jim ross, ric flair, ultimate warrior

Posted by Matt Loede at 5:39 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with another blog update at jrsbarbq.com. Here are some of the highlights:

- The final Friday Night Smackdown airs Friday night on the CW before moving next week to MyNetworkTV with that first show to be taped this Tuesday in Titletown…. Green Bay, Wisconsin. This will be a loaded show that is resembling a PPV-like broadcast as it relates to star power from all 3 WWE brands being represented on the program in a variety of Title bouts.

- The #1 contender for the WWE Title, Jeff Hardy, received 6 stitches in Barcelona, Spain but will miss zero ring time and this is not considered by any means a serious injury nor will it affect Jeff’s in ring schedule. This sort of thing, while unpleasant, goes with the territory.

- I read where Ric Flair “lost” a deal with Coca Cola but I am under the impression that “Naitch” was only in casual talks about he possibility of working with Coke down the road in the Southeast and this was never a done deal.

- From what I understand, and I could be wrong, the upcoming December 22 WWE event in Toronto will be a TV shoot. Whether it is or not, it is always great to return to TO for any reason. Tickets for this one will go fast one has to assume. Not a bad “stocking stuffer” idea for the holidays. I hope it is a broadcast event as TO is one of my favorite cities.

Labels: jeff hardy, jim ross, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 5:04 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with another blog update over at jrsbarbq.com where he talks about last night’s RAW, Ric Flair, Steve Austin and others. Below are the highlights:

- Jim Ross on last night’s RAW: HBK vs. Jericho for the World’s Title in a Ladder Match at No Mercy should be excellent. A show stealer?

Jericho-Punk had a really solid opening, cage match. Both men bring something special to the table. Nice chemistry between 2 athletic talents.

Nice to see Santino Marella, an entertaining antagonist, get to sit at the “grown up” table in a key interview segment.

William Regal pairing w/Layla should earn the underrated Regal more TV time.

Evan Bourne is a rapidly rising star. He’s quickly growing past the “side kick” role. Best shooting star press I’ve ever seen from this young star.

Charlie Haas impersonation of yours truly got Charlie noticed again, which was the point. No worries here as that road has been traveled before. Upside here was that our Bar-B-Q biz got a Mamajuana-like TV mention. Perhaps I need to go on Lawler’s no carb diet after seeing Charlie’s “drum.”

- Jim Ross on Steve Austin again: My blurb on Steve Austin certainly got people talking about Steve returning to ring for “one more match.” To the best of my knowledge, Steve has no intention of returning to the ring, but is working out like a warrior to prepare for his upcoming movie role. Austin does seem like a leading candidate to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 in Houston.

- Jim Ross on Ric Flair: I received 2 great voice mails from Ric Flair Tuesday while I was in route from OKC-Nashville. Ric sounded great, upbeat and busy. His recent controversy seems to have two distinctly different stories. Ric is in the process of recording a DVD interview that he seems excited about. This one should contain some interesting “road stories” and career highlights and lowlights. It was great hearing from Ric who is following his friend Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks and also keeps up with another friend Bob Stoops’ Oklahoma Sooners.

- Jim Ross on the younger guys: It’s been a long time since so many young wrestlers have received TV time. That’s essentially a good thing and puts the onus on the youth of the WWE to step up and accept the responsibility that goes with the territory.

Labels: c.m. punk, jim ross, ric flair, Santino Marella

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross has updates his blog over at JrsBarbq.com. Below are a few highlights:

On concern for Ric Flair due to his recent troubles: “Blackjack Mulligan who probably knows Flair as well as anyone told noted wrestling writer Mike Mooneyham that Jack was worried about what would become of Ric once he retired. Many of us were happy that the WWE hired Ric to be a “Good Will Ambassador” for a healthy amount of money. Some thought that perhaps this would keep the charismatic individual with the seemingly unscratchable itch for excitement and living on the edge content. It didn’t. Then “The Champ” signed with an agency to handle his bookings. This should be a good thing. However, what Ric Flair needs is full time management on a on going basis and not just some one to negotiate a fee and book Ric to go somewhere and sign his name. Ric needs some one to help protect Ric from Ric. The incidents of the past few days have troubled me. Seeing my dear friend with a nasty, black eye as a result of a still somewhat unexplained incident involving his youngest daughter and. allegedly. her boyfriend. Bad publicity soon followed the incident that included Ric’s own daughter get tasered by the police. This is not a good deal any way one slice’s it. Yeah, it might be great cannon fodder for a reality show but is that a good thing? Perhaps “Naitch” should ask “The Hulkster” about that one.”

On the recent news of Justin Credible reportedly working at an Olive Garden restaurant: “Wise ass, Internet, wrestling scribes making light of Justin Credible working at an Olive Garden Restaurant should be ashamed of themselves. There is damn sure nothing wrong with earning an honest day’s work no matter what any one chooses to do for a living. I heard this same crap from friends and relatives when I first got in the wrestling business.”

On new ECW star Jack Swagger: “Jack Swagger, 6′6″-270 pounder, who debuted on ECW this week is another keeper. When he was known as Jake Hager this young man was a division one scholarship athlete at Oklahoma and played for Bob Stoops’ football team as a defensive tackle before leaving the football team to concentrate full time on wrestling where he was an All American for the Sooners as a heavyweight. This young, college educated kid grew up in Perry, Oklahoma which is the home of arguably the greatest wrestler alive today, Danny Hodge. Perry, Oklahoma is to amateur wrestling as Williamsport, Pa. is to Little League Baseball.”

Labels: jack swagger, jim ross, Justin Credible, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:18 PM | Permalink | Comments

From: WrestleScoop.com

Vince McMahon is said to be legitimately pissed off at Ric Flair for doing his new shoot interview DVD with Highspots. The feeling is that the shoot will sell a lot off the fact that Flair was a key part of WWE over the past few years and people will tune in to hear what dirt he has to say and Vince doesn’t want the inner workings of WWE making anyone else money.

The other factor is this comes right in the middle of them doing their Ric Flair feature on 24/7 as well as the DVD that’s in stores, although all of that was planned before Flair left the company. Either way, those clothe to both sides say Vince is really ticked off with Flair over the shoot.

Labels: ric flair, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:27 AM | Permalink | Comments