The Flairs set to make debut as a tag team
Normally, I don’t pay much attention to banner ads on wrestling Web sites, but I came across one recently that made me do a double take. The ad, which featured a photo of Ric Flair stylin’ in a blue sequined robe, promoted his appearance at a Dec. 6 event in Charlotte, N.C. At first glance, it didn’t seem any different than all the other ads out there hyping Flair’s various tour stops.
I noticed, however, that this one was also promoting a match: The Flairs vs. The Nasty Boys w/Jimmy Hart. I immediately jumped to the conclusion that Ric was coming out of retirement to team with his son Reid, who is just about ready to make his pro wrestling debut.
But then I wondered why I hadn’t seen this huge news reported anywhere.
I quickly learned that Ric will indeed be part of the Flairs team that night, but it will be as a manger to his two sons, Reid and David (formerly of WCW), who will be tag team partners.
I was relieved to see that Ric is staying retired – at least for now anyway. With all due respect, I don’t want to see him wrestle again, regardless of whether it’s on an independent show in Charlotte, an arena show in Japan or even at WrestleMania. His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, last match at WrestleMania XXIV against Shawn Michaels and farewell ceremony on Raw put an emotional exclamation point on one of the greatest careers in wrestling history. All of that would be lessened if he ever wrestled again.
While Ric’s career had a perfect ending, this is a perfect beginning for Reid’s career. I can’t think of a more fitting debut for the 20-year-old Reid than teaming up with his half-brother and being managed by his father in Charlotte.
Comments
Nasty Boys will have a size advantage (I would suspect), more experience and a manager that's not afraid to interfere, but it is in Charlotte and pro wrestling, therefore I would expect the Flairs to go over. Just a guess.
Posted by: Bradley | November 20, 2008 4:55 PM
I'm about to make your day Eck. Bret Hart is on Comcast Sportsnet between now and 6 pm. So hang up the phone on your girlfriend HBK and watch the Mark Man!
Posted by: eric | November 20, 2008 5:17 PM
I just have this feeling that one of these days Ric is going to come back to wrestle at some seedy Indy show inside a high school auditorium.
Frankly, I'm surprised he has made it this long without stepping back in the ring.
Posted by: Elevation | November 20, 2008 7:05 PM
The Nasty Boys are still around?
Posted by: PikesvillePerson | November 20, 2008 7:06 PM
I don't know about that one. I think David Flair deserves much credit for the Death of WCW. He was terrible and had zero charisma. Championship gold? Hot girlfriends accompanying him to the ring? Please. I'd rather watch Cryme Tyme chant "money money yeah yeah" for an hour than watch David Flair wrestle.
I'm willing to give Reid a chance, however; I'm sure his skills have improved a bit since his WCW matches. :-)
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: David might not have been championship material, but I can't lay any blame for the death of WCW on him.
Posted by: Barney | November 20, 2008 7:47 PM
According to WWE.com, the match has been canceled. Doesn't say why, but "wishes Ric Flair's son a speedy recovery." Kev, do you know what happened?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: That story on wwe.com was in reference to a different match. Reid had been scheduled to make his debut this Saturday, but had to back out for "health reasons."
Posted by: Gwen | November 20, 2008 8:33 PM
I'd say his health reasons were severe anxiety. I can't imagine the pressure that would be on Reid, and I imagine is a large part of what doomed David.
I see Ric as the pinnacle of the game, ala Michael Jordan and Dale Earhardt.
Michael has a son, you've never really heard of in modern basketball circles. And popular or not, Earnhardt Jr has never been the race car driver his father was.
From what I've read, he feels like he needs more seasoning, which likely came from his father's advice. Dusty's sons, Ortons, Dibiase, etc... none of them were Ric Flair. same would be
true if Nick Hogan were to ever try it. I would also imagine if Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels sons were to ever try it.
that merely the pressure and weight of trying to be in the same class as their dad's would be too great...
Posted by: Jimmy | November 21, 2008 12:08 AM
any idea who knobs partner will be? Maybe his good buddy, Hulk Hogan!
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I'm assuming it's Jerry Sags.
Posted by: the magnificent mark | November 21, 2008 9:25 AM
I saw a match on TV that David had in Puerto Rico after the death of WCW. He was doing his dad's gimmick and trademark spots and he did it very well. He was very entertaining and it would be interesting to see if he still does his dad's gimmick.
Rich
Posted by: Rich | November 21, 2008 2:54 PM
"The Nasty Boys are still around " ?
Better question , David Flair is still around ??
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | November 21, 2008 4:58 PM
I saw David Flair at an indy show a couple months ago. He didn't wrestle, but he came in the ring while one of the wrestlers (who also promoted the show) cut a promo. He's gotten chubbier since his WCW days and he has a couple tattoos on his left arm.
My question is, why is everybody hyping this as Reid's debut? He teamed with Ric against David Flair and Vince Russo. He was only 10 years old, but that still counts as a debut in my opinion lol
Posted by: Chris Slater | November 22, 2008 1:45 AM
Aren't David and Reid Flair half brothers, not step brothers as you wrote in your post?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: You are absolutely right. I will correct it. Thanks.
Posted by: Stefan Hogan | November 26, 2008 1:57 PM