Ric Flair says WWE doesn’t want him in the building anymore, and he believes his relationship with AEW is the reason. The WWE Hall of Famer claims his connection to Tony Khan’s company has made it difficult for him to attend events where his own daughter, Charlotte Flair, is wrestling. He’s not saying there’s bad blood with anyone backstage, but he certainly makes it sound like WWE would rather keep him away.
Speaking during an October 15, 2026 interview on NewsNation’s BIFF, Flair was asked about Charlotte’s wrestling career and whether he still follows her matches. He made it clear that he watches everything she does, but attending those matches in person has become another story.
“I don’t I don’t miss a match.”
Flair then explained that his AEW relationship has created problems when it comes to being welcomed at WWE events. According to the Nature Boy, WWE isn’t exactly interested in having someone connected to its biggest competitor walking around backstage.
“If I’m not If I’m not there Well, I can’t go to a lot of them now cuz I work with AEW and they and they They don’t They don’t like to bring me into the building.”
Flair was quick to clarify that this isn’t about personal problems with WWE talent or management. He believes it’s simply a matter of the two companies being competitors.
“Um not because I don’t get along with the guys. It’s just that, you know, the competition”
This isn’t the first time Flair has pointed to AEW as the reason he can’t attend certain WWE events. As Ringside News previously covered, Flair made a similar claim ahead of WrestleMania 41, explaining that his relationship with Tony Khan was keeping him from attending the event.
However, that situation wasn’t entirely clear-cut. Additional information from the Wrestling Observer at the time suggested Flair’s AEW agreement wasn’t necessarily restrictive enough to prevent him from working with WWE, especially when Charlotte was involved.
Flair also shut down WWE return rumors in September 2026, making it clear that he remains loyal to Tony Khan. He explained that he and Triple H are still friends, but he has no intention of disrespecting Khan by creating the impression that he’s returning to WWE.
Now Flair is once again saying his AEW connection is keeping him from being welcomed at WWE events. WWE hasn’t publicly confirmed that it doesn’t want Flair inside its buildings, so for now, that’s his side of the story.
Do you think WWE is right to keep Ric Flair away from its events because of his relationship with AEW, or should he be welcomed regardless of which company he works for? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
