WWE Announces Ric Flair’s Release, Flair Comments + More Info

WWE officially announced that Ric Flair has been released. Interestingly, they didn’t “wish him the best in all his future endeavors” as they typically do in these announcements.

We have come to terms on the release of Ric Flair as of today, 8/03/2021. https://t.co/VfoxW4fo1N

— WWE (@WWE) August 3, 2021

It was previously reported that Flair asked Vince McMahon for his release, but according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, that may not be the case.

“I’ve seen it said that it was [Flair’s] decision to leave and I just know from people I know who are closer to the situation who say that it was Vince’s decision,” Meltzer said.

Meltzer also said that Flair complained to Vince McMahon about Charlotte Flair’s booking before his release.

“He had sent a message – I think it was a text message – to Vince McMahon and it was basically complaining about Charlotte’s booking and her situation. And now he’s gone.”

Update: Ric Flair released a statement on Twitter saying that he requested his release and he’s “not upset with WWE at all.”

I Am Officially Able To Respond To All The Press Related To My Requested Release From WWE, Which They Have Given Me. I Want To Make It Really Clear With Everyone That I’m Not Upset With WWE At All. They Solely Are Responsible For Putting Me In The Position Of Life That I’m In Right Now, Where I’m Seen In The Brightest Light Ever. We Have A Different Vision For My Future. I Wish Them Nothing But Continued Success! Thank You For Everything! Nothing But Respect!

pic.twitter.com/hQHkVWJlks

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 3, 2021

After re-signing with WWE in May of last year, Flair was interviewed by Wrestling Inc and talked about his friendship with Tony Khan and how Khan wouldn’t even ask him to come to AEW because he “respected his loyalty to [WWE].”

“Well it’s not for life but I hope they keep renewing me,” Flair said. “Tony [Khan] told me that he wouldn’t even ask me to come to work [at AEW] because he knows how tight I am with [WWE]. Our friendship is one thing but he respects my loyalty to the company. That’s how much respect [Khan] has for me and my relationship with the company, which speaks volumes to what kind of guy Tony is.”