Ric Flair returned to WWE action for the first-time since his “Retirement Match” at WrestleMania. Rather than look completely ridiculous with a match, Flair returned for a Parking Lot Brawl with Randy Orton on WWE RAW. RAW ended with a bloodied and beaten Flair who may have officially or unofficially came out of retirement.

The actions continued a frenzied last few days for the Nature Boy. Flair has been appearing in the WWE since March without a contract. There are conflicting reports that Flair signed a new contract with the WWE last Friday. This was all just another chapter in Ric Flair’s metamorphosis into wrestling’s Randy the Ram.

Flair has continued to work outside gigs of the WWE, specifically ROH television. The reason Ric Flair has been able to do outside gigs like ROH television is because he didn’t have a deal. I have heard on good authority that Ric Flair officially signed a new deal with the WWE on Friday. While nothing has been officially announced, actions over the weekend would indicate a new deal is in place.

One of the reasons it took Flair so long to sign a contract were his other commitments. Flair agreed to appear on Ring of Honor’s television show as their commissioner, and was paid upfront for multiple dates. If he had signed with the WWE earlier, he never would have been able to accept a sweet six-figure deposit for those dates from ROH.

Ric Flair was asked about the WWE’s feelings on his outside endeavor just last week in an AP piece. Flair said, “They don’t look at Ring of Honor as being competition to them.” Apparently Flair didn’t get the memo or was playing a hell of a game on ROH.

ROH had a television taping advertising Flair on Friday night. I had heard earlier that day that Flair would be saying goodbye that night. Flair appeared that night and resigned as commissioner of ROH. Flair said his heart was with the WWE and bid ROH a fond farewell.

The always integral Ric Flair informed ROH management that behind the scenes that the WWE had pulled him off of ROH television. Flair reportedly agreed to fulfill his agreements, but could not appear on television. The big problem here is that ROH paid Flair upfront to appear on television. In my eyes, ROH got played by the Nature Boy.

What was ROH’s reaction? According to various reports, Flair does not have the money to pay them back to get out of the dates. I have corroborated the story myself through outside sources. The WWE could offer to pay the tab, but it will come out of somebody’s check.

Ric told Mike Mooneyham over the weekend, “I just can’t work for two people. It doesn’t make sense,” Flair said after the show. It would be hypocritical if I tried to do both. I just told the truth. You can’t go wrong telling the truth. My loyalty is with WWE, and that’s where I’m at.” – Read the rest of the interview here.

Ric Flair’s story over the last fourteen months ranges from desperate to pathetic to delusional to just downright sad. Flair agreed to wrestle his final match at WrestleMania XXIV against Shawn Michaels. Flair was paid the biggest honor in the history of wrestling the following night with a retirement ceremony for the ages. Ever since then it has been a downward spiral for the Nature Boy.

Flair walked away from a sweet deal doing public relations for the WWE last year. I have heard various reasons as to why, but either way he walked away from a lucrative gig. Flair has done everything but spit in the face of the WWE since walking away. He has more or less made the WWE look like a bunch of fools by doing shoot interviews, other television, and ranting about his desires to wrestle again.

Flair’s personal life has also been a mess since leaving the WWE. Flair already claimed to be in debt to Vince McMahon of an $800,000 loan when he left. He and his wife divorced. His son Reid has been arrested three times and found with heroin. Flair now pays over $20,000/month in alimony. Rumors persist that Ric Flair is all but broke and in major debt.

Ric Flair’s troubles with money have become something of legend in pro wrestling. Flair proudly claims that to be the Nature Boy, you have to live like the Nature Boy. Well if living like the Nature Boy meant living over your head and not paying your taxes, than wooo!

It was a bit of an inside joke a couple of years back when Ric Flair opened up Ric Flair Finance. At first it looked like a rib from one of Flair’s friends. However, it was 100% legit. The website claimed to offer a, “Figure-Four Process” of securing a loan. It should be of no surprise that the business closed a few months later.

The article reports that Flair’s contract only binds him for public relations, similar to his old deal. Flair told Mike Mooneyham that he still plans to wrestle outside of the United States. Non-WWE wrestlers are allowed to take independent dates that aren’t considered competition to the WWE.

“I don’t think anyone could begrudge me for throwing my gear on (overseas),” said Flair in the article.

Um yeah, I think anyone could and would begrudge him. One former top WWE wrestler told me over the weekend that he didn’t like it. He, like others believe that the WWE will never give a wrestler a proper retirement sendoff again out of fear that the wrestler would pull a Ric Flair and make a mockery out of Vince McMahon.

I am also starting to get sick of this whole idea that is okay to wrestle as long as it is outside of the United States. I guess this is what keeps Ric Flair from coming to terms with what a mockery he has turned into. If anything, coming out of retirement for a show in South Africa that nobody will see turns this into a bigger joke than if he was going to wrestle in Atlanta for TNA Wrestling.

I expected Flair to wrestle in the WWE at some point, but I didn’t expect a Parking Lot Brawl with no advanced advertising. At 60 years of age, Flair would be the oldest full-timer on the roster. As much as the guys love Ric Flair, I can’t see how it will do anyone good putting over or even selling for a 60-year old wrestler.

As for the Flair-ROH situation, I think Flair fleeced ROH. I think Flair knew exactly what he was doing when he took ROH’s deposit. I think the reason Flair held out signing a new deal with the WWE for so long was so he could get that upfront cash from ROH and other sucker promoters. ROH has just been beaten by the dirtiest player in the game. Wooo!

The shame of it all is that such arguably the greatest of all-time has lost a tremendous amount of respect among his colleagues and fans. It is sad because I think Flair’s in-ring accomplishments will be overshadowed by the last year and a half. It will take years to remove the tarnishing Flair has done to his own legacy.

Flair was always looked at as the Babe Ruth of pro wrestling. Now he is looking more like Joe Louis or even Randy the Ram.
Order WWE: Nature Boy Ric Flair – The Definitive Collection by clicking here.

Order the WWE – Ultimate Ric Flair Collection by clicking here.

See Ric Flair on the WWE Greatest Stars of the 90s by clicking here.

Order the Ric Flair”s autobiography: To Be the Man by clicking here.

Check out all of the latest DVDs and more at The Camel Clutch Blog’s official Amazon store by clicking here.

WWE hosts its 11th edition of Judgment Day. The show returns to the site of the first Judgment Day, the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago, IL. The show features a solid undercard but lacks the punch of a strong main-event.

It seems like something is missing to me from this one. The current card would be a great show in support of a big-time main event. Unfortunately with HBK, Undertaker, and Triple H on the sidelines, there is no potential for that blowout main event.

WWE Championship Match: Randy Orton vs. Batista. Batista defeated The Big Show to earn this match. Orton and Batista haven’t wrestled each other in singles matches that much over the years. However, the two are very familiar with each other from tag matches and their days together in Evolution. The Evolution history is a big part of this match.

I think that these two guys have a world of pressure going into Judgment Day. This is the first time that Batista has gotten a true opportunity to carry the ball in awhile. Orton hasn’t been a successful drawing champion in the past. Not only do the two need to go out and have a great match, they also need to draw good numbers to justify the match.

This will also be Batista’s longest match since returning from his past injury. Batista’s last big singles match before the injury was at SummerSlam against John Cena. The two had a pretty decent match back then. It will be interesting to see how Batista’s leg holds out as the match progresses.

My prediction is a decent, but not great match. I just don’t think these two have it in them. I would be absolutely shocked if Batista was to win the title on Sunday. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Triple H get involved in this one. I think Randy Orton wins this one. I expect lots of interference and a screwy finish in Orton’s favor.

WWE World Championship Match: Edge vs. Jeff Hardy. It is evident to everyone that SmackDown is the stronger brand right now. Jeff Hardy earned this match by winning a Fatal Four-Way on SmackDown. This match is proof positive of that statement. This one has the potential to blow the roof off of the Rosemont Horizon.

There is a lot of history to this one. The matches between the Hardys and Edge and Christian are now legendary. Jeff Hardy wrestled Edge on his return match to RAW a few years back. The two had a hell of a match, and I expect the same on Sunday night.

I think this one will be the match of the night. I have never seen a bad match between these two guys. I think this has the potential for a title change here. The WWE love to swerve the fans. Nobody expects Hardy to win after all of the rumors about his contract. A title switch here would undoubtedly be a welcomed surprise. I am hesitant to go out on a limb with that one, but I think it is very possible.

My gut instinct says that Edge keeps the title. I do think that it hurts business to have two heel champions. I just think it would be a little quick to take the belt from Edge. Keep an eye out on CM Punk. Judgment Day is in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, IL. If Punk was ever going to cash in with a bang it will be Sunday night.

John Cena vs. The Big Show. This match comes as a result of WWE Backlash. Show tossed Cena into a spotlight, costing him his match with Edge. Cena hasn’t been “cleared” to wrestle since then. Cena will make a “miracle” comeback this Sunday and attempt to avenge Backlash.

I have no faith in this one. I still enjoy seeing Show wrestle. I think it’s the old school fan in me that enjoys the giant. I just don’t have much confidence that these two will have a good match. I think it needs to be short, fast-paced, and hardcore. Unfortunately, I think the tables, chairs, and blood will be saved for later. I predict Show wins this one, and we see it again next month.

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho vs. Rey Mysterio. This match comes as a result of a match between Jericho and Jeff Hardy. Jericho wrestled Hardy for an opportunity to be a part of the WWE world title match at Judgment Day. Mysterio came to ringside and distracted Jericho, causing Y2J to lose. Hence, this match was made.

The rumor is that Jericho vs. Mysterio will be a lengthy feud going through the summer. This is great news as these two are great opponents for each other. This feud couldn’t have come at a better time for Jericho. Jericho was sliding into irrelevance following WrestleMania. Mysterio is the right opponent to give Jericho fans something they can sink their teeth into.

Mysterio is another wrestler in desperate need of a good opponent. Mysterio never got off the ground after getting drafted to WWE RAW last year. Mysterio’s swan song was a lame feud with JBL. Mysterio is a former champion and a big draw for the WWE. The right feud was crucial following WrestleMania for Mysterio. Mysterio fans can also get excited about this feud.

I predict a great match from these two guys. I would also expect an ending that would leave things open for a rematch. If the rumors are true that this one is going all summer, I predict a Mysterio win. I highly anticipate Jericho winning the title at some point. However, I don’t see it coming in their first match. Nonetheless, don’t be surprised to see this one steal the show.

Full Card…
Randy Orton vs. Batista…WWE Championship
Edge vs. Jeff Hardy…World Heavyweight Championship
Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho…WWE Intercontinental Championship
The Big Show vs. John Cena
Christian vs. Jack Swagger…ECW Championship
CM Punk vs. Umaga

Pre-order the WWE Judgment Day 2009 DVD by clicking here.

Save up to 67% off select DVDs at WWESHOP!!

Pre-order WWE: Randy Savage – Macho Madness DVD by clicking here.

Pre-order WWE Allied Powers: The World’s Greatest Tag Teams DVD by clicking here.

Check out all of the latest DVDs and more at The Camel Clutch Blog’s official Amazon store by clicking here.

It was a newsworthy night for WWE RAW. Batista vs. Randy Orton for the WWE world championship was announced for WWE Judgment Day. Batista and the Big Show battled it out in the main-event for the chance to challenge Orton. Batista defeated Show via count out for the win. The former Evolution pals face off in a rematch from Armageddon 2008.

Both Batista and Orton had big matches on RAW last night. Batista defeated Big Show in the main-event. John Cena returned and a surprised Big Show, who was counted out as Cena stared him down. RAW ended with Show and Cena continuing to stare each other down. Cena’s appearance was a bit of a surprise considering the way his match ended at WWE Backlash and an earlier angle.

Randy Orton earlier defeated MVP by disqualification. MVP looks like the big benefit of the draft thus far. MVP confronted Orton at the start of the show. Vickie Guerrero ordered a match between the two. The two had a good match going until Shane McMahon ran in and beat the crap out of Orton with a kendo stick. Orton vs. Shane O’ was announced for next week’s RAW.

Batista and Orton last wrestled each other at Armageddon 2008. It surprised me when looking back that the match was their only big encounter in the WWE. The two have a long history going back to their days in Evolution together. However, they have never really had the lengthy one-on-one series most would have suspected. I am guessing that these two will likely have a series of matches before Triple H returns this summer.

RAW had a lot of good things with a few bad things last night. Kofi Kingston defeated the Brian Kendrick in a hell of a match. These guys really tore it up and had a fast-paced match. MVP is a breath of fresh air. Initially the fans were silent as a he confronted Orton, but he turned it around quickly. I don’t know how far he is going to get, but it is nice to see someone new in the spotlight. Matt Hardy is now using the old Bob Orton gimmick and wearing a cast on his broken hand. Hardy beat Goldust using the cast.

Earlier in the show the Miz challenged Cena to a match. The announcers said he wasn’t there, Cena never showed up, and Miz was awarded the win. This made no sense once Cena actually did walk out and show his face. Why would he theoretically just sit back there and let Miz run him down? Maybe it was to “surprise” Big Show, but it just came off a little too sketchy to me.

I don’t know how many times I am going to rant about Shane McMahon. I haven’t seen anything like this shoved down our throats since the Lex Express. Nobody is buying this, unless you count fans cheering for kendo stick shots. It isn’t that Shane is a bad wrestler. It just kills the credibility of Orton every week by having to sell even a little for McMahon. Not too mention the fact that the rub of Shane has practically killed Triple H’s popularity. Let’s hope next week is the end of this ridiculous storyline.

Pre-order WWE Backlash on DVD by clicking here .

Save up to 67% off select DVDs at WWESHOP!!

Headlocks and Eye Gouges – I will be back on Pro Wrestling Radio this Wednesday April 28 at 7 PM/EST. I will talk about Batitsa-Orton, Orton-Shane, Cena-Show, MVP’s new push, and and I want your thoughts. I’ll also be talking about all of the fallout news in pro wrestling, mma, and more. Call in with a question or comment at -877-800-8834. Listen live at http://www.tvbydemand.com/radio_prowrestling_radioshow.asp 7-8:30 PM/EST this and every Wednesday night.

WWE SmackDown announced a tremendous main-event featuring Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Jericho vs. John Morrison vs. Great Khali vs. Rey Mysterio in a Scramble Match for Friday night. The winner will face Edge for the title at Judgment Day 2008.

Ric Flair’s son Reid was arrested for a third time over the weekend. Reid Fliehr was charged with driving while impaired and driving with a revoked license. Heroin was also found in his car. This is a very sad and tragic story. Heroin is a serious thing. Sadly, he has probably kissed any chance of a WWE career good-bye.

Matt Hardy indeed suffered a broken hand during his match at WWE Backlash.

Former TNA star, Lance Hoyt has signed a WWE deal.

Look for the Nasty Boys to head to TNA to feud with Team 3-D.

Triple H is expected to be out until SummerSlam.

Charlie Haas and Mike Knox have formed a team called the “Hard Knox Connection.”

Order The Wrestler on DVD by clicking here .