Ric Flair may be 73-years-old, but that’s not stopping him from heading back into the ring.
The legendary wrestler is taking on an opponent for the first time since 2011 on July 31 in Nashville, TN, for what the 16-time World Heavyweight champion is calling his final match.
Speaking to TMZ, Nature Boy explained his reasoning for hopping back in the ring and the steps he had to take to even be allowed to do so—including getting medical clearance.
“I don’t have any aches or pains,” he said. “I know I’ve had the health issues, but I asked 40 different doctors, and I decided I’m only gonna listen to one. Not necessarily the one that was gonna give me the right answer, but that I felt the most comfortable with.”
An opponent has yet to be decided for Flair’s final match, which is being promoted by Jim Crockett Promotions, but he’s still ready for some redemption in front of an audience.
“I couldn’t stand the last couple of matches I had. Couldn’t stand the last year I had,” he said. “And I’m in 10-times better shape.”
Now training with Rob MacIntyre from John Cena’s gym, Flair explains that he “needed someone to motivate,” and wrestling once again is the motivation he needs. “I’ll never run at 100% again. But, I’ll be running at 80, 85%.”
Tickets for Flair’s final match—and apparently a roast to send him off— go on sale on Friday, and both will be taking place at Nashville Fairgrounds with the entire card yet to be announced. “I’m going to walk that aisle, one last time to prove once and for all, that to be the Man, you’ve got to beat the Man,” he said, per the match’s website.
