In the latest edition of the “Grilling JR” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer and AEW commentator Jim Ross commented on Ric Flair’s relationship with Jim Crockett Promotions in 1988. You can check some key points from the interview below:
Due to the misfortune of Flair, he almost made his debut for WWE on SummerSlam in 1988: “The feeling of Ric hanging on his sleeve, he will feel sympathy. I talked to him at the time-”It sucks, it’s very creative, we There are no ideas and nothing new. “But this is actually what he meant-my money is in danger. Rick is no different from others, especially those who make a lot of money-Rick will share his feelings. Rick ( Ric will not entertain those thoughts of leaving. Where else will he go? He is going to the big dog in the yard, that is Vince McMahon’s company. It can’t be a secret or a surprise. Ric There have been several unfortunate moments in his life, and he became puzzled. If he peeled the onion a bit more, he would worry about how he would make a living and maintain the lifestyle he had established. There are no secrets. Fortunately Yes, he hadn’t participated yet.”
Regarding the reason why he thinks Flair decided to stay: “I think it’s a comfort zone issue. He grew up in the Mid-Atlantic and worked in Crocketts. He established his roots and reputation in the Mid-Atlantic. He is home. , Conrad. When I got home, people thought “Tom Brady will always be a patriot.” Wrong. He waited until the 42-year-old high jump. He tried to hang there, but he said I had to try other things. It was a bold move. I think Ric is in his comfort zone. I believe he has strong loyalty to Jim Crockett and the Crockett family. We both know that Jim has given Rick more than once Provided assistance.”
Regarding Ted Turner’s opinion of Ric Flair before he bought JCP in 1988: “Ted was the spirit of communicative freedom in his life. He met Naitch. They like each other’s company. Rick makes Ted laugh. Ted has a special life on Ric’s TV shows, Women and Marriott, and various other activities. Ted also likes entertainment. .But Ted also learned from the cocktail party in Atlanta that Rick is the real deal. He likes to be with him. And he has the most natural identity in the company by name. Let me put it this way-I don’t know. Ted can appoint you five wrestlers for the contract he bought, but he knows who Ric Flair is, that’s his quarterback. I want this guy. That’s his Dominique Wilkins (Dominique Wilkins), because Ted also owns the Eagles. Dominique is his guy. So Ric is the basketball version of Dominique Wilkins. That’s a deal. Jimmy must have Rick, and for Rick to sign and renew He did everything to make a deal.”
Jim Ross is an American professional wrestling commentator, referee, restaurant owner, and former WWE company executive, where he serves as a commentator and consultant.