Report: Ric Flair Didn't Request WWE Release - WWE Fired Him

More details on Ric Flair's departure from WWE, which WWE have now confirmed.

by Andy H Murray
Ric Flair
WWE

Ric Flair's WWE departure may not have been his own decision after all.

Speaking on today's episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that people close to the situation have told him that Flair's release was Vince McMahon's call. Fightful and Wrestling Inc. broke news of the departure on Monday, with their sources stating that Ric had asked for his release, which was then granted by the company.

Meltzer stated that prior to being let go, Ric had sent Vince McMahon a message complaining about his daughter Charlotte's booking. Fightful Select had previously reported on the pro wrestling legend contacting Vince directly to express his frustration at undisclosed creative decisions.

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WWE officially confirmed Flair's release today (Tuesday 3 August). Note the lack of "future endeavours":-

Though far from a regular television performer, Flair's latest WWE run effectively commenced in December 2012, when he returned from his ill-fated stint in TNA. He became a Raw regular through his and Charlotte's storyline with Lacey Evans earlier this year, though this was cut short when Evans announced her real-life pregnancy.

Flair had what Meltzer described as a "great" contract with WWE, though his non-compete status is currently unclear.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.