9 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE SmackDown From 2007
6. Ric Flair’s Run Should’ve Been Special
Oh what might've been.
You'll hear that a few times in this article, because (as the intro states) SmackDown had a 'near miss' air to it throughout 2007. That was rarely more true than when Ric Flair switched over from Raw in the 2007 Draft on 11 June. The 'Nature Boy' immediately launched into a United States Title feud with rising star MVP.
Once they'd had their fun with that, Flair rejoined old Evolution buddy Batista before an injury forced him to sit on the sidelines for 3 months. When he was healthy again, Ric returned to Raw on the 26 November episode. Ultimately, his jump to Fridays was a waste of time, but that wasn’t WWE or Flair's fault. Well, maybe the company could've shown a bit more patience come to think of it.
Ric felt relatively fresh on a new show after so many years on Raw, so there’s a sense that people were robbed here. The veteran should’ve been a real asset to the blue brand heading into 2008, but he only wrestled 2 matches on the show after shifting back to Mondays; one against MVP, and a 4v2 handicap steel cage with Shawn Michaels vs. Edge, Chavo Guerrero, Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins heading into WrestleMania XXIV.
Management had good intentions when they shifted Flair over in the Draft. He was supposed to be a huge get for Smackers, but the legend would only hang around for a cup of coffee before sticking it in reverse and heading back to the flagship.
What a waste.