The Nature Boy Ric Flair is no longer under contract with WWE. It is reported that Flair requested the release himself after he was displeased with his decisions regarding his booking.
While WWE has not made an official statement, the Nature Boy's release has been confirmed by Wrestling Inc. and Fightful. Flair was last seen on RAW with Lacey Evans at the start of the year. Evans and Flair were involved in a relationship storyline that WWE was forced to abandon once Evans revealed that she was pregnant.
Flair's release is set to take effect today. It is reported that Flair wished to speak with WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon regarding the circumstances of his release. With news that the Nature Boy has been released, it seems McMahon has granted him his wish. News of Flair's release comes shortly after the company announced that they'd let Bray Wyatt go. Like Wyatt, many were hopeful that the Nature Boy would return to television soon. In 2020, Flair negotiated a new contract with WWE after his old one was set to expire. Since establishing his new contract, Flair had been making sporadic appearances on television.
When asked about his previous storyline with Evans, the Nature Boy expressed his disdain and insisted that neither he nor Evans were incredibly comfortable with the subject. According to Flair, he believes that McMahon has always viewed him as "the 'kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin'" character he's always been. Despite this, Flair wished Evans nothing but best and noted that his distaste for the storyline had nothing personal to do with her.
The storyline between Flair and Evans was meant to help get her over with the audience. While Flair nor Evans were overtly optimistic about their storyline, it seems that Flair used it as grounds to obtain a release from his WWE contract. Flair's daughter, Charlotte is still under contract with the company and she will not likely follow in her father's footsteps.
Charlotte is set to face Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match at SummerSlam for the RAW Women's Championship later this month. Despite Charlotte's continued success with the company, unfortunately for long-term fans of the Flair family, no one should expect the Nature Boy will make another WWE appearance anytime soon. It feels like the end of an era for many long-time fans.
Source: Wrestling Inc.