Conrad Thompson Addresses Ric Flair Controversy From Dark Side Of The Ring

Ever since the now infamous Dark Side of The Ring episode that aired last year detailing the “Plane Ride From Hell,” many have wondered if Ric Flair’s name may have been tarnished forever. The announcement of his return to the ring garnered negative criticism from some fans who believe Flair should suffer some consequences for his actions during the infamous plane ride in 2002.

There are also people worried about Flair’s health and well-being. Well, there’s at least one person who has no doubt that Flair is not just ready to go but still has some name value.

According to Conrad Thompson, the Nature Boy’s comeback is something many people are surely excited for. Flair is schedule to compete in Thompson’s “Starrcast V” event. Although Thompson does understand people’s reasoning for questioning Flair, he also explained to Wrestling Inc that he believes that not a lot of people know the full story.

No, I totally understand. I am a big fan of ‘Dark Side Of The Ring’ and all that they do, and I think a lot of the folks who put it together, we’ve worked together a lot and on their new projects. I’ve been helpful behind the scenes on that, sort of helping connect the dots, I think they are creating great content. But I also know the story they talked about is a story that is 20 years old, they got one side of the story, they didn’t get two I don’t know that was necessarily new information for folks who kept up with the news back then.

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But I would say, that I don’t know that the phrase comeback is really accurate, I mean he had a Carshield commercial airing the next week, he’s been making public appearances ever since. His dance card is full on the autograph circuit, and he’s shot multiple television commercials since, including just one a couple of days ago.

It was revealed that Flair allegedly exposed himself to a flight attendant and forced her to touch his genitals. Many fans have wondered if there would be any repercussions for those involved. Tommy Dreamer did end up getting suspended from Impact Wrestling for his comments at the end of the episode. However, Flair hasn’t faced any such repercussions. Thompson noted how Flair is still able to remain busy, even while not working with WWE.

But I would say, that I don’t know that the phrase comeback is really accurate, I mean he had a Carshield commercial airing the next week, he’s been making public appearances ever since. His dance card is full on the autograph circuit, and he’s shot multiple television commercials since, including just one a couple of days ago.

Although Flair keeps busy these days, that doesn’t mean many fans have forgiven him for his alleged actions on that infamous plane ride. Flair walked a very thin line but he always somehow managed to maintain the respect from wrestling fans. In the age of “Me Too,” one has to wonder whether Flair’s alleged actions will ultimately cause him to lose the respect he has earned throughout his legendary career. According to Thompson, that won’t happen any time soon.

If you’re a fan of Ric Flair you’ve probably had to reconcile in your mind that, ‘I wish he wouldn’t have done that,’ or, ‘I wish he wouldn’t have said this,’ and you’ve forgiven him for probably multiple things in the past. That’s what’s going to make the roast fun and that’s what is the charm of the Nature Boy, to know the Nature Boy is to love him and I think a lot of folks still do. Which is clear to me based on the reception that we got when we announced on Monday that he was having his last match, I mean, it went super-viral it was everywhere in every media outlet. So the idea that there’s not an interest in what he does anymore is not true.

There were rumors that Flair would have a match against one his legendary rivals, Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat. However, Steamboat has since declined to take part of Flair’s supposedly retirement match. It will be interesting to see who Flair ends up facing at the “Starrcast V” event, and it anyone still would cheer the Nature Boy.

What do you make of Conrad Thompson’s comments? Sound off in the comments section below.