If you have to attempt two public relations statements, it is not a good sign.
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After last week's Dark Side Of The Ring episode, Ric Flair had no choice but to make that same trip. The 14-hour flight from Europe saw WWE wrestlers overdoped, drugged, and aggressive with one another. These stories still resonate today.
Flair's alleged assault on Heidi Doyle, a flight attendant, is the focus of the episode. Doyle is extensively interviewed. Flair was well-known for wearing only his robe on flights. This was also documented in his 30-for-30 documentary from a few years ago. For decades, stories of Flair's indecent (and frankly predatory!) behavior are well-known. Although it is not new, Doyle, one of Flair's survivors, has told the story. Flair denied that such an incident took place. In 2004, WWE settled a suit brought by Doyle and Taralyn Cappellano (another flight attendant)
Tommy Dreamers dismissiveness about Flairs attack in the episode has already cost his place in the WWE world. It probably should have the same effect on Flair. It wouldn't be difficult.
Flair has recently left WWE and rumors are circulating that he is headed for AEW. It was simple to connect the pieces. Andrade El Idolo is his future son-in law, and is currently engaged to Charlotte Flair. Chavo Guerrero who was acting as Andrades manager will also be absent for a while. Andrade has removed him from storylines. Flair is a natural landing spot.
But AEW doesnt need him. Its momentum is already building, its popularity is rising, and although it may seem like another jolt for perhaps the greatest wrestler of all-time, it's hard to imagine it moving the needle so much for a company already in the red. Andrade doesn't really need it. However, if Andrade feels like he does (which he doesnt), then there are plenty other options.
The Flair controversy is a sign of a wrestling culture that its supporters want to leave behind (mostly). Although AEW has a long way to go before it can live up to its promises, its women's division needs significant boosting. The diversity at the top ranks of the men's roster also needs serious support. This is not close to what WWE is doing. However, the roots of the company are still from the indies. Things like equality and inclusion are very important to the indies. They may not always get it right, but the indie circuit is a much more welcoming place for everyone. The #SpeakingOut movement was born from wrestlers who no longer adhere to old ideals. They are just as beloved as the performers and women are certainly not just an ornament in Flairs' heyday.
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Most of the stories about Flair's drinking and sexual behavior are told in any history or documentary. Even the 30 for 30 begins with a story about Flair in college, when he exposed himself to a whole frat party. Although Flairs promos from WCW in the 80s and elsewhere will be remembered forever, some of his comments about women in the audience make it uncomfortable to watch. That kind of attitude is no longer acceptable in Wrestling.
Again, AEW isn't always above board. They did remove Jimmy Havoc from the roster after #SpeakingOut and then fired him. While they haven't had Matt Riddle or Will Ospreay at the top of their roster, this is still a company in which Adam Cole threatened Tony Schiavone recently over Coles friendship with Britt Baker. Baker suggested that she couldn't freely choose her friends. Your mileage may vary from the Ruby Sohos promo to Baker regarding banging on a guy in the back.
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Although it may like to refer back to WCW and NWA tropes of old, the out-of control male isn't something they need nor should desire. Flair may have become an older man, and may no longer be such things, but he still trades on the same values as he did back then. Although it is not always true, AEW and major-time wrestling are supposed to treat their female performers and fans the same as their male counterparts. Flair is the exact opposite. His persona is built at least partially on women being used as scenery and trophies. Ric Flair cannot be used as a mere name. Flair's presence onscreen would be essentially a sanction for past alleged assaults. It is easy to speculate that there are many more than the ones shown on this plane. All that is associated with Flair's name would also be AEWs and any other companies to own. Why bother?
