"What has he done?" - WWE Hall of Famer lashes out at AEW for still employing Ric Flair

A WWE legend and Hall of Famer has made an interesting observation about AEW and its use of veterans like Ric Flair. The individual in question, Booker T, also questioned the Tony Khan-led promotion's reasoning in having The Nature Boy on its payroll.

All Elite Wrestling has established a reputation for not only showcasing the best and brightest of the current and up-and-coming generations, but also revered veterans who have gained the respect of viewers worldwide and across various promotions, including WWE. For instance, Sting enjoyed a dominant and decorated retirement run culminating in last year's Revolution pay-per-view. Even on its active roster, the company currently employs legends such as Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, The Hurt Syndicate, and the long-absent Chris Jericho.

Despite rumors to the contrary earlier, even Ric Flair recently claimed he is still under contract with All Elite Wrestling, though a recent injury unfortunately kept the legend from his scheduled appearance at Dynamite: Blood and Guts. On a recent edition of the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T took aim at AEW for employing a host of talent despite not regularly featuring them on its product.

"I wish they had AEW around when I was doing this thing. I would have just camped out,” Booker said, “[m]ade me a little tent. I would have been going nowhere, man. I’m serious. They pay you NOT to work in [All Elite Wrestling].”

Booker then commented on Ric Flair still being with the Jacksonville-based company, calling the promotion a "retirement spot," presumably for platforming veterans without closely involving them with its weekly programming.

"Ric Flair is still under contract [with AEW] from what I’ve been hearing. What has he done? What has Ric Flair done for [All Elite Wrestling]? It’s a safe haven. It’s definitely a retirement spot, if you’re definitely looking to wrap this up in the right way. I get it, man. I get it. Seriously,” Booker said.

AEW presented Dynamite segment that was supposed to feature Ric Flair with another legend

Ric Flair was expected to accompany his iconic rival and ally, Ricky Steamboat on AEW Dynamite: Blood and Guts earlier this month. Although The Nature Boy had to leave the event due to being in pain, The Dragon showed up for his scheduled appearance, where he was confronted and ambushed by FTR.

The Living Legend Killers were poised to injure Steamboat grievously, but fortunately, then-tag team champions Brodido arrived in time to make the save and repel Dax and Cash.

WrestlePurists

@WrestlePurists

Ric Flair was in attendance for AEW Blood and Guts, but did a brief appearance for the live crowd and then left due to him being in “a ton of pain” due to a recent rotator cuff tear.​AEW had to change the show around as Flair was originally booked to do something, which is assumed to be the Steamboat/FTR segment.​- Dave Meltzer (@WONF4W)

It remains to be seen when Flair might make his next appearance in All Elite Wrestling.