5 WWE Superstars Ric Flair can manage now that he’s no longer with AEW
After an almost nine-month-long stint, Ric Flair has reportedly parted ways with AEW. The Nature Boy arrived in the Jacksonville-based promotion in October 2023 to be a part of Sting's retirement tour.
Since The Icon's farewell at AEW Revolution this year, Flair has not been used on television in any capacity. Now that he has reportedly left the Tony Khan-led promotion, the 16-time World Champion could be on his way back to WWE.
If Ric Flair does indeed return to the Stamford-based promotion, he could work well as an on-screen character. From established main event superstars to newly debuted talents, certain individuals will benefit greatly with The Nature Boy in their corner.
In this article, let's take a look at five WWE Superstars Ric Flair could manage after reportedly leaving AEW.
#5. Randy Orton and Ric Flair could reunite in WWE
Ric Flair and Randy Orton are no strangers to each other. From 2003-2005, the duo were integral members of Evolution, which is regarded as one of the most iconic wrestling factions of all time. The Nature Boy served as a great mentor to The Apex Predator, helping him perfect his craft inside the squared circle.
Flair did have a short stint as The Viper's manager in 2020 before the latter eventually turned his back on the WWE Hall of Famer. With The Legend Killer seemingly moving towards a heel turn, an alliance with The Dirtiest Player in the Game could be on the cards.
The partnership could last longer this time around, allowing the duo to accomplish what they could not in the pandemic era. Randy Orton could once again go on a hunting spree on SmackDown, with a wicked Ric Flair helping him along the way.
#4. Ric Flair could manage a heel Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes is currently the biggest babyface in the pro wrestling business. The American Nightmare is incredibly popular among fans, who admire him the same way they do John Cena.
Interestingly, The Undertaker has an entirely different opinion regarding Rhodes' on-screen persona. As per The Deadman, Cody will have a career-defining heel run in the future, even though he is already an excellent babyface. There might be some truth to The Phenom's intriguing observation, as The American Nightmare does have some heelish tendencies.
Whenever the creative team pulls the trigger on Cody Rhodes' heel turn, Ric Flair could enter the equation as his manager. Following his eventual Undisputed WWE Championship loss, Cody Rhodes could become unhinged and embrace his dark side.
Rhodes’ aggression could be further fueled by The Nature Boy, who could teach The American Nightmare how to generate genuine heat from the audience. Considering the iconic rivalry between The Golden Stallion and the late Dusty Rhodes, a partnership between Cody Rhodes and Ric Flair would make up for an interesting dynamic.
#3. Andrade has a personal connection with The Nature Boy
As Ric Flair's real-life son-in-law, Andrade is very close to The Nature Boy off-screen. Although WWE does not acknowledge Andrade's relationship with Charlotte Flair, the situation could change with the arrival of the 16-time World Champion.
As exceptional as he is in the ring, Andrade is held back by his limited microphone skills. His average promo abilities have prevented the former NXT Champion from taking his career to the next level. If there is anyone who is in desperate need of a mouthpiece at the moment, it is Andrade.
A returning Ric Flair could align himself with the former United States Champion on SmackDown, helping him break out as a singles performer. The Golden Stallion could take care of his promos, while the 34-year-old star conducts his business inside the squared circle.
If given a proper time to succeed, the pairing can do wonders for Andrade's WWE career. It would also give a fresh direction to Flair's on-screen character, who has not been featured on WWE television since 2020.
#2. Charlotte Flair would be glad to work with her father
Charlotte Flair was forced to miss WrestleMania XL after she suffered a string of devastating injuries. The Queen last competed on WWE television in December 2023, where she battled her former rival Asuka.
Despite being an overall package, Charlotte often receives criticism for being rigid as an on-screen character. Since her debut, Flair has rarely tried anything new with her "Queen" persona, which often makes it difficult to enjoy her gimmick.
Now that she is on a hiatus, the 38-year-old star should consider reinventing her on-screen character.
An alliance with Ric Flair could help The Queen to keep up with the new female stars, who have overshadowed her in recent years. With his decades of experience, The Nature Boy could help Charlotte experiment with new things with her character.
In 2016, The Queen renounced Ric Flair as her on-screen manager to solidify her heel character. While the duo did reunite later on, WWE did not bring back The Golden Stallion as Charlotte's mouthpiece. With The Nature Girl gradually nearing her in-ring return, she could bring along her father for one final run as her manager.
#1. Bron Breakker will benefit greatly by working alongside Ric Flair
Bron Breakker is currently the hottest commodity on WWE RAW. The former NXT Champion is wreaking havoc on Monday nights, constantly dominating his opponents with his devastating Spears.
For a young talent like Breakker, the right guidance becomes the key to success. Having mentored several talents in the past, Ric Flair could steer the 26-year-old star's natural aggression in the right direction. Flair's mentorship could do wonders for Bron Breakker's future, similar to how it benefited Randy Orton in his early days.
At the age of 75, nurturing a young talent like Breakker would be the best way for Flair to give back to the wrestling business. With The Nature Boy in his corner, The Big Bad Booty Nephew could begin his hunt for the prestigious World Heavyweight Championship.