The following is an excerpt from an interview-article with TNA’s Ric Flair:
Flair made several cameo appearances on WWE after retiring. He did autograph sessions for smaller independent promotions, including one in Norfolk. Last year, he took part in Hulk Hogan’s Australian Hulkamania Tour and caused an Internet sensation when he bloodied Hogan at a news conference.
He longed to get back to his storied place in the spotlight.
TNA had the fix.
"I just missed the business, and they created a very nice opportunity for me," said Flair, who made famous his figure-four-leg-lock finishing move. He said he already had a good relationship with talent relations coordinator Terry Taylor.
"I wasn’t sure if it was something I wanted to do. But I’m a big fan of (TNA star) Kurt Angle, and working with Hulk in Australia really showed me how much I missed things."
TNA has made it perfectly clear during its broadcasts and pay-per-views that it intends to challenge WWE for its spot as the No. 1 wrestling promoter in the world. TNA’s lineup is stocked with former WWE superstars and talented newcomers.
"They really are in the right mold, and they have the money to create a good product," Flair said. "They’re going to get really better in a real short period of time. And I’m excited about the chance to be a part of that."
Flair’s role currently has him advising TNA champion A.J. Styles, much to the chagrin of Hogan, who also recently signed with the organization in a "boss-man" role designed to help take TNA to the top.
The two megastars already have had on-camera confrontations.
"The feud thing with Hogan will play out later," Flair said. "The story line right now is that they’ve made all these changes to be competitive, and I’m just a part of that."
And yes, Flair fans, the Nature Boy will be getting back into the ring.
"Yep," Flair said. "And probably sooner than later, much to my dismay.
"Things are happening quickly."
Check out the full article at HamptonRoads.com.
