For this week's Question of the Week, we originally asked Torch readers for their thoughts on the Ric Flair retirement program following last week's Raw where Flair was the centerpiece of the show. Our re-mixed QOTW looks at the Flair program after his non-appearance/mention on Raw last night. You can still sound off with your thoughts on the Flair program, as I'll be posting the best responses throughout the week.
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Eric Gall, Torch reader, of Bridgeport, CT: Two weeks in, and the Ric Flair retirement program is not looking good. This is what Flair has been holding out for? In my mind, Ric Flair is the greatest wrestler to ever lace up a pair of boots; if he is indeed retiring, the only honorable way to send him out is by him becoming The Man for the 17th time at WrestleMania. Anything less than that is a slap in the face to Ric Flair, and a slap in the face to professional wrestling. Do you really think Hogan will be jerked around like this when he decides that he wants to hang it up for good? No way. Raw seems to find time to consistently give a midget - A MIDGET! - multiple segments week after week, but they can't find the time to fit in Ric Flair? And no, moving Flair to Smackdown is not a good move. Everyone knows Raw is the 'A' show; moving Flair to Friday nights for his final run is a clear indication that he is not a top priority. If Triple H and Michaels are really the friends of Flair that they're supposed to be, maybe they can get a hold of that run sheet again and give Flair the star treatment he deserves. I'm not holding my breath on Ric Flair going out the way he should, and my guess is that he'll get a half-assed effort by the McMahons in overseeing his last six months as an in-ring competitor.
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Gregg Pitt, Torch reader, of Charleston, S.C.: I'm a native of Charleston, South Carolina where the NWA was the BIG show through the late 1980's, whereas the WWE was cartoonier and less believable.
When I was a kid, I loved Dusty Rhodes, the Rock & Roll Express, and absolutely hated Ric Flair. As I got older, (and a little wiser) I understood why. Whether he was a good guy or bad guy, Ric never stopped short of being spectacular. I can't begin to express the respect and admiration I have for him and the years of joy and entertainment in which he's provided me and thousands of fans.
When WCW and mainly Eric Bischoff were trying to bury his career, it made me extremely angry and sad. One year after WCW folded, it was great to see The Nature Boy back on TV and this time, getting the respect he so richly deserved. As usual though, over time, he's put in a mid-card role and putting younger talent over. It's tremendous for the younger talent because they launch their career by getting one over on the greatest professional wrestler of all time. On the other hand, year by year, Ric has done what's best for the business only to be put down and not given what he deserves...one final title reign.
I know why: Vince McMahon made the overrated/overpaid Hulk Hogan, but he didn't make Ric Flair. Ric was already the best when he went to the WWF the first time. That's the only reason why Vince gives Hogan more liberty and Ric less. It looks as if Ric's last match will be at WrestleMania...unfortunately, I probably won't see it...which brings me to my point.
Last night, I attended WWE Raw at the North Charleston Coliseum. After Ric's return last week, I expected some major Flair time in his 1970's/80's stomping ground: "Flair Country". To my dismay, for the THIRD YEAR IN A ROW, Ric Flair did not appear. The first year, he had to deal with a road rage accusation and last year, his divorce. Two completely understandable situations that were unfortunate for the fans. However, last night there was NO GOOD reason for Ric to not be a part of Raw. Granted, he didn't receive the ovation of a lifetime last week, but how could that be expected after being put down consistently for months and even years?
Shame on Vince McMahon and the entire WWE for not doing the right thing for tradition and the business. It might not be in existence, but the NWA in the 1970's/1980's was a better product than any existing WWE, TNA, or any past/current group.
No one can take away what Ric Flair means to this business, this part of the country, and to tens of thousands of fans.
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