Nature boys absence from Dynamite: Why wasn't Flair there?

The mystery surrounding Ric Flair’s non-appearance on AEW Dynamite: Blood & Guts has been quickly solved, revealing an unfortunate injury was the reason the Nature Boy missed his spotlight in the historic Greensboro setting.

Despite being heavily advertised to appear alongside Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat—a highly anticipated reunion in the heart of their NWA/WCW territory—Flair was reportedly dealing with a significant rotator cuff tear. Sources indicate that the Hall of Famer of was backstage at the venue but was in considerable pain, forcing a last-minute change to the show's script and preventing him from participating in the planned in-ring segment with Steamboat and FTR.

While the broadcast moved forward with only Ricky Steamboat, who was backed up by the Lucha Bros in the confrontation, the planned star power of Ric Flair was sorely missed. Flair did reportedly make a non-televised appearance for the live audience to acknowledge the crowd, but his injury compelled him to leave the arena early due to the discomfort. This news explains the unusual silence from AEW commentators regarding Flair’s absence and confirms that this was not a creative decision or a scheduling conflict, but a legitimate physical ailment. We here at AFW wish the Nature Boy a swift and pain-free recovery.

Kimster.