Ric Flair Praises Generous Tony Khan, Talks WWE Corporate Changes

Ric Flair Praises AEW President Tony Khan, Opens Up On WWE Staffing Changes

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has voiced his gratitude toward AEW President Tony Khan for continuing to honor his contract and support him financially, despite his sparse television involvement in recent months.

Flair originally signed a multi-year agreement with AEW in late 2023, joining the promotion as part of Sting’s retirement tour while also entering a sponsorship agreement featuring his “Wooooo! Energy” brand. While that energy drink partnership has since concluded and Flair’s onscreen appearances have been minimal, the wrestling legend confirmed he remains under contract and praised Khan’s generosity.

Speaking with Biff Poggi on NewsNation, Flair detailed his relationship with Khan:

He’s a nice guy, he’s generous. I work for him, and I don’t do anything. I think he takes care of me out of respect for me. He grew up on me. He’s just a wonderful guy.

During the broadcast, Flair contrasted Khan’s management approach with the corporate climate at WWE, observing how frequent behind-the-scenes terminations have impacted locker room and corporate morale:

It’s not that the guys at the WWE — I just think they’re all kind of hanging onto their job, because you never know. [WWE has] fired so many people that were an intricate part of my career when I was there. I don’t understand the rhyme or reason for it. Some of the people — the guys that did my documentary on Peacock, two of the guys that did it have been fired.

While critical of the corporate shifts, Flair clarified that WWE has treated him well throughout his career, noting that he avoids speaking negatively out of respect for the company and his daughter, WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair.

Additionally, Flair weighed in on the corporate leadership structure within WWE following the formation of TKO Group Holdings:

I think Nick Khan is pretty much the boss over there, but at the same time, I don’t know how much power Nick Khan has. He used to be the man. But, you know, Hunter is the booker now, or the head of creative they call it.