Ric Flair apologizes for having to leave AEW event

Ric Flair has issued an apology for having to leave AEW Blood and Guts 2025 without making his scheduled appearance on the live broadcast.

The 76-year-old wrestling icon made the trip to Greensboro, North Carolina last Wednesday and did appear in front of the crowd before Blood and Guts began. However, despite being advertised, he did not play any role on the Dynamite show itself. Dave Meltzer reported that the reason for that was because Flair had to leave early due to being in a lot of pain from a rotator cuff injury that he’s suffering from.

Flair confirmed that in a tweet today, apologizing to everyone and saying that he would never disappoint people intentionally. Flair said he looks forward to the next time he’s invited to an AEW show.

“I Want To Apologize To Everyone For Having To Leave The @AEW Show Early Last Wednesday Due To My Rotator Cuff Injury,” he wrote. “I Appreciate @TonyKhan Giving Me The Opportunity To Be On The Show. It Was Nice Catching Up With All The Great Talent And Ricky Steamboat. I Look Forward To Being Invited Again. After I Have My Shoulder Healed Up, I Will Be Back Up & Running. I Just Want You All To Know That I Would Never Disappoint You Intentionally.”

Both Flair and Ricky Steamboat, huge stars in Greensboro during their wrestling days, were advertised for the Dynamite episode. Steamboat did appear on the broadcast in a segment where he was attacked by FTR until Brody King & Bandido made the save.

Despite only making rare appearances, Flair is still under contract with AEW. He was brought into the promotion to be part of Sting’s retirement run and for a sponsorship with his Woooo! Energy drink. That sponsorship deal has since ended.

Flair also appeared at an AEW show this May for a segment where he honored his late friend Steve “Mongo” McMichael.

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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.