Ric Flair Discusses WrestleMania 41 Absence, Charlotte – Stratton Promo, John Cena’s Potential Record Breaking Title Win – As anticipation builds for WrestleMania 41, two of the event’s key storylines—John Cena’s pursuit of a 17th world title and the escalating tensions between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton—have sparked significant buzz in the wrestling world. WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair recently joined Busted Open Radio to offer his insights on both developments, while also addressing why he won’t be attending this year’s biggest WWE event.
Flair confirmed that he will not be at WrestleMania 41, citing his current involvement with AEW as the reason for his absence.
“I wish I could say that I was, but I’m not, and I understand why, and I’m not mad about it by any means,” Flair said. “Every time they talk about the title, my name gets mentioned. They keep me relevant. It’s very cool. John is a great guy. Cody is a great guy.”
When asked why WWE wouldn’t want him there, Flair responded candidly.
“I work for another company. I’m sure I would be more than welcome. Absolutely, if I wasn’t working with Tony [Khan], I would absolutely be there. They couldn’t keep me out of the building.”
Despite his absence, Flair weighed in on the highly anticipated WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena. Though Cena is poised to break Flair’s recognized record of 16 world titles, “The Nature Boy” expressed no bitterness.
“I would be extremely happy for John, and I wish I could be there live to get in the ring and shake his hand,” Flair said, before admitting he originally hoped his daughter, Charlotte Flair, would be the one to break the record. “I obviously wanted Ashley to break the record, or Charlotte, rather, but if John breaks it, man, more power to him.”
Flair also offered high praise for Cena’s contributions to WWE.
“I cannot say enough good about John Cena. He is a phenomenal guy. He has put his life, his soul, everything there is possible, just like I did, into the business for the last 20 years.”
Flair favors Rhodes to retain, citing momentum and Cena’s character.
“Because he’s on a roll,” Flair said of Rhodes. “To be honest with you, I don’t think John wants to retire with the title. John is a company guy. He wants what’s best for business.”
Flair then addressed the controversial promo segment between his daughter Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton. The verbal exchange, which included personal shots and off-script remarks, was edited out of WWE’s digital recaps, signaling possible internal concern. Flair acknowledged the tension and said he was uncomfortable with the direction.
“I have an opinion, but I don’t really want to voice it. I can say this, it’s very sensitive. I didn’t like it, but wrestling is wrestling. I hate when they use me, but Charlotte said it right, you think that’s the first time hearing my name?”
Flair defended Charlotte’s work ethic and athletic ability while drawing comparisons to his own legendary career.
“She is ten times the athlete that I am. So much better of a worker than I ever was. I can’t do half the things that she does. It’s not like she’s 5’2” and 103 pounds. She’s 5’11 and weighs 145 pounds. She works so hard.”
Flair closed by sharing his views on the unspoken boundaries in wrestling promos.
“There was always an unwritten rule with guys like Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes—family was off-limits. That never happened back then.”
When asked whether Charlotte was aware the promo would turn personal, Flair replied, “I don’t know if there was a conversation beforehand, but I would assume there wasn’t.”
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, Ric Flair’s reflections add a personal dimension to what is already shaping up to be one of the most emotionally charged events in recent WWE history.
Ric Flair Discusses WrestleMania 41 Absence, Charlotte – Stratton Promo, John Cena’s Potential Record-Breaking Title Win
