Defending WWE’s Next Surprise Babyface Turns, Ric Flair’s AEW Role, More Quick Takes | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

If the lackluster announcement wasn’t underwhelming enough, fan criticism of AEW continued into Thursday with Ric Flair officially being deemed “All Elite” going forward as part of a partnership between the company and his new energy drink.

That’s all his time in AEW should consist of and nothing more, but Flair signing a multi-year deal does send the message that he’ll be around a lot more in the future and remaining involved on a bigger scale.

Simply put, AEW gains nothing from bringing in Flair for a regular on-screen role and wasting television time that could be afforded to others.

Flair wanting to ride with Sting until his final match in March is at least acceptable, but anything AEW has in mind for him beyond that will be unnecessary. A partnership with Andrade El Idolo (Charlotte Flair’s husband) could have worked years ago, but AEW has enough managers as it is that are seldom seen.

As an ambassador, he’ll be out of sight and out for mind for many, but from an on-air standpoint, he lacks value and is the latest misfire on a long list of Tony Khan’s most questionable calls.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham “GSM” Matthews, has specialized in sports and entertainment writing since 2010. Visit his website, WrestleRant, and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more wrestling-related content.