Report: Ric Flair requested and received his release from WWE

Wrestling Inc caused a bit of a stir on Twitter when they followed up their report on Adam Cole’s contract status by teasing that a “big name” was about to be released by WWE.

After quite a bit of speculation about the identity of the famous person who wasn’t “wrestling every week”, we have our answer. Wrestling Inc is now saying, and Fightful is confirming, that Ric Flair has negotiated his exit from WWE.

“According to sources close to the situation, Flair requested the release and it was granted, effective today.”

The Nature Boy’s latest stint working for Vince McMahon started in 2012, following a couple years wrestling for TNA after his legendary retirement match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24. Flair hasn’t returned to the ring, but has been used to set-up or further angles, most notably Batista’s retirement match with Triple H at WrestleMania 35. He signed a new contract with WWE last May.

The two-time Hall of Fame inductee also frequently worked with his daughter Charlotte, including in a controversial angle with Lacey Evans earlier this year that both Flairs said they weren’t fans of. As it stands now, that will be the last storyline the 72 year old took part in for Vince McMahon’s company.

What’s next? Naitch must have something in mind. His future son-in-law and a couple former running buddies do work for Tony Khan...