WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair recently opened up about his absence from AEW television, suggesting it may be linked to AEW President Tony Khan’s concern for his health — particularly his use of blood thinners.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Flair speculated that his medical condition might be playing a role in why he’s been kept off-screen in recent months. “I think when Tony found out that I was on blood thinners, which I don’t think he knew about,” Flair said, referencing the potential reason behind his limited appearances following AEW Revolution.
Flair then shared a revealing anecdote from Sting’s retirement match at AEW Revolution — a tornado tag team contest known for its chaotic, high-risk action. He recalled that Khan personally urged him not to blade during the match. “He was over the top at Sting’s retirement, saying, ‘Please do not cut,’ because I made a blade. I was ready to go to war,” Flair admitted.
Ironically, despite following Khan’s orders, Flair ended up bleeding anyway — and not by his own doing. “But when that kid dove through the glass, I got cut up more,” Flair explained, referring to Darby Allin’s infamous dive through a pane of glass during the match.
Flair had high praise for Allin, calling him one of the most fearless performers in the industry today. “That kid (Darby Allin) is phenomenal,” he said. “I don’t know what to say. He’s a 200-pound lighter version of Mick Foley. He’s insane. He’s afraid of nothing.”
Flair even noted Allin’s recent real-life adventure outside of wrestling, adding, “I think he’s climbing Mt. Everest right now.”
While Flair didn’t confirm whether his in-ring involvement in AEW is officially over, his comments paint a picture of caution from company leadership — and admiration for the new generation of risk-takers continuing to push the boundaries.
