Further Update On Ric Flair Quitting WWE
Ric Flair had been considering asking for a release from WWE for weeks. Flair didn't want to be an agent or a commentator as he expected to be working in a public relations role as well as portray an occasional TV character. But Flair became discouraged and subsequently asked for the release. One of the major paydays Flair had to turn down because of WWE was a $225,000 deal for 30 dates, which was put together by Charlotte attorney Bob Trobich (who Flair has known since the Crockett days) of the NWA. Flair would receive half of the money up front, and Flair would then do autograph sessions at NWA house shows where they would limit an autograph session to 200 fans that would pay $100 a piece. The number was to be kept small so that the fans would get a true interaction with Flair, but still allow both sides to cash in. The NWA would also use footage of these on their TV show, and have Flair cut promos occasionally, hoping that having him linked with the promotion could help them gain exposure. WWE didn't want Flair appearing on independent wrestling shows and or DVD/TV, which is why they wouldn't allow it.
There was talk of WWE expanding WWE studios to produce their own TV shows, and Flair, Mick Foley and Roddy Piper were all considered for these projects. The reason that they were considered is that WWE didn't want to take active talent off of the road for any amount of time. Flair had also talked about pursuing Hollywood offers and writing a second book. It looks as if both Flair and WWE parted on good terms and there are no details on any form of non-compete clause he might have.
Source: Wrestling Observer
