Ric Flair Is Returning To AEW
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is set to make a significant appearance on All Elite Wrestling programming for a special tribute to the late Steve "Mongo" McMichael. This appearance comes amidst Flair's ongoing multi-year agreement with AEW.
Flair officially signed with AEW in November 2023, a deal that also established his Wooooo! Energy as the exclusive energy drink of the promotion. His on-screen presence was most prominent while supporting his close friend, Sting, during his retirement tour.
That emotional journey culminated with Sting's final match at AEW Revolution in March 2024. Since then, Flair has not been a regular fixture on AEW television, though he continues to maintain an active public schedule with various appearances.
AEW is now preparing to honor Pro Football Hall of Famer and former WCW wrestler Steve "Mongo" McMichael. The tribute was announced during this week's AEW Collision broadcast.
This special tribute segment will air on Saturday, May 17, 2025, "Beach Break" episode of AEW Collision, which will fittingly emanate from Chicago. McMichael played 13 impactful seasons of his 15-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears.
Ric Flair speaks onstage at The Roast of Ric Flair at Nashville Fairgrounds on July 29, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ric Flair speaks onstage at The Roast of Ric Flair at Nashville Fairgrounds on July 29, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.AEW commentator Tony Schiavone confirmed during a recent broadcast that McMichael's longtime friend and fellow Four Horsemen comrade, Ric Flair, will be in attendance for this heartfelt tribute. Flair's presence will undoubtedly add a significant emotional weight to the occasion.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
The wrestling and football worlds recently mourned the loss of McMichael, who passed away in April 2025 at the age of 67. His passing came after a long and courageous public battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
This tribute follows McMichael's well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2024. His legacy as a Super Bowl champion and a charismatic wrestling personality will be celebrated.
The "Beach Break" episode of AEW Collision featuring the tribute is scheduled to air in its usual 8 p.m. Eastern time slot on TNT and Max on May 17th. However, the show itself will be taped on Wednesday night, May 14th, alongside the live AEW Dynamite: Beach Break broadcast.
In addition to the McMichael tribute, AEW has also announced further in-ring action for the May 17th Collision. Megan Bayne is scheduled to face Anna Jay in a singles competition.
More WWE News:
For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Update On Karrion Kross And Scarlett's WWE Contract Status
Karrion Kross is still looking to renew his WWE contract, but has it happened yet? Kross has become one of the more popular WWE Superstars on the RAW brand. Fans continue to push for him to get more TV time, and it looks to be paying off. Kross' feud with Sami Zayn has picked up in recent weeks. However, his contract status has been up in the air. Kross and Scarlett's WWE contracts reportedly expire this summer. In June, Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp (via Fightful Select) reported that the couple had still not been approached about a contract extension or renewal. Has Karrion Kross re-signed with WWE? According to a new update from Fightful (via Fightful Select), Kross allegedly told other wrestlers that he and Scarlett still have not re-signed with WWE. It was also noted that their contracts run out in August. Fightful notes that WWE sources have kept quiet about Kross's status. However, 'at least six contacts' in the wrestling industry have all said that Kross and Scarlett both said that they had not been approached about a new contract as of last week. Despite the contract situation being uncertain, Kross and Scarlett's future does seem optimistic for a few reasons. Kross has new merchandise, and he's currently engaged in a feud with Zayn on WWE TV. This is normally a sign that a deal is or is close to being done. It was noted that there are still creative plans Kross and Scarlett on WWE TV. It's also more likely that their updated contract status will be revealed when 'the time is right.' Kross is one of the more popular stars in WWE right now, as fans wouldn't let him leave the arena after a recent RAW taping. Kross is a fan-favorite of sorts. Despite that, former WWE Superstar Baron Corbin recently pointed out the 'funky' position that Kross finds himself in. Read More: The post Update On Karrion Kross And Scarlett's WWE Contract Status appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Karrion Kross Speaks Out on His WWE Contract Status
Karrion Kross plans to reveal WWE contract status at the right time. Kross, who's in the middle of a heated feud with Sami Zayn, is set to face him at WWE SummerSlam this weekend. This will be their third match, with both men having one win each. Karrion Kross continues to gain momentum amongst the fans. Fightful Select recently reported that Kross told other wrestlers that he and Scarlett haven't re-signed. Their current contracts are expected to expire in August. Several people in the wrestling industry mentioned that the couple hasn't been approached for a new deal. Kross recently spoke about his contract status during an interview with the Battleground Podcast. When asked about the reports claiming he and Scarlett haven't re-signed with WWE, Kross chose not to give a direct answer. Instead, he said, 'I don't think I should talk about any of it right now, but I am hoping that when the time is right, everyone will know what's going on including us.' Although WWE presents Karrion Kross as a heel, fans have responded in an unexpected way. Instead of booing him, they've started cheering in past few months. Karrion Kross says WWE hasn't seen what he can really do yet Karrion Kross was asked about the strong reactions he's been receiving from the fans. They have created what feels like an organic movement, and his t-shirt has been sold out at live events. Kross said, 'Yeah, the shirts selling out in the building too. Man, we're very honored, and we feel very lucky to be seen, because we are standing next to so much talent so many different, extraordinary people. We're standing right next to them. And to be seen as unique and different, and to stand out among those people it's just very humbling. But also, it's very motivating. It's very invigorating. 'And, we just want to give more. We're finally being seen for what we can really do and people haven't even seen yet what we can really do. It's been a while. So I'm just looking forward to giving it my all. I love WWE. I love the WWE Universe. And, I have every intention of giving people what they want if I'm allowed to. And if I'm not, I'm still gonna find a way to give them what they want.' Read More: If you use these quotes, please credit the original source and link back to WrestleZone with an h/t for the transcription. The post Karrion Kross Speaks Out on His WWE Contract Status appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Possible Sign That Karrion Kross Re-Signed With WWE
Karrion Kross' contract status has been a hot topic as of late. Some fans think that WWE might have just tipped everyone off that he'll be sticking around. Last week, Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp (via Fightful Select) reported that Karrion Kross and Scarlett have been telling people that they still have not been approached about a contract extension or renewal. It was previously reported that Kross and Scarlett's WWE contracts expire this summer. Karrion Kross was recently asked about his contract status. However, he told Tim Battle of the Battleground Podcast that he didn't think he should speak about the matter yet, but would when the time was right. 'I don't think I should talk about any of it right now,' Kross said. 'But I am hoping that when the time is right, everyone will know what's going on, including us.' Some fans seem to think that WWE just gave a clue that Kross has signed, although it wasn't a direct confirmation. During the WWE SummerSlam countdown show, Jackie Redmond was discussing Kross's match with Sami Zayn. She held up his new book, Life Is Fighting, and plugged it on the broadcast. Fans speculated that WWE wouldn't promote an outside project like this unless Kross signed a new contract, and took it as a sign that he'll be staying with the company. Despite Redmond promoting the book, it's worth noting that Kross nor WWE have confirmed he's re-signed at this time, and his status remains a topic of speculation. Karrion Kross teases a major announcement Karrion Kross spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard to promote the release of Life Is Fighting. During the conversation, Kross was asked who else he had been telling the truth about on WWE Raw. He laughed and said 'everyone' before teasing that a mind-blowing announcement was coming in the near future. 'And when the time is right, I'm going to tell everybody how this all happened. And it's going to blow their minds. How we got to this character who is, for a lack of better words, putting curses on people with Scarlett, and the spiraling out and crashing out of their lives following, how all that came to be. When I tell people how all this played out, it's going to be world-altering,' Kross proclaimed. 'Because the real story behind all of this to where we are right now is actually unbelievable and I can't wait to get there. We are going to get there, but it's going to be unbelievable. That's all I can say; it's not what people think.' When does Kross plan on revealing all of these details? 'Really soon,' Kross said with a laugh. 'Really soon.' Life Is Fighting will be released on August 5 through physical and digital retailers like Amazon. Read More: The post Possible Sign That Karrion Kross Re-Signed With WWE appeared first on Wrestlezone.
