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WWE loses its Flair as Ric quits

Posted: Aug 5th 2008 By: mikeiles

RIC FLAIR has sensationally quit the WWE.

Although he officially retired from the ring at WrestleMania 24, Flair had been kept on as an ambassador for the company and made non-wrestling appearances on Raw.

But the man the WWE crowned 'the greatest of all time' negotiated his full release from the company over the last few weeks.

Word of Flair's new found freedom broke on Sunday when his agents at The Gillespie Agency started calling wrestling and convention promoters throughout the United States to put together appearance deals for Flair.

They send an email saying: ?Ric Flair is no longer under contract with WWE.

?It was a friendly parting which will allow Ric to pursue things that were rejected by WWE in the past.

?And it will mean a more streamlined process than ever before. Just you guys and me and Ric. Let?s pull something together and make some money!?

It seems that despite the WWE heavily promoting his new DVD and treating him as a legend, Flair felt he could make more money outside of the company.

Vince McMahon had prevented Flair from appearing at several functions, shows and conventions over the past few months.

McMahon insisted Flair did not appear in a wrestling ring for anyone else as it would lower his value for a potential big-time match as a special referee or guest manager for the WWE in the future.

After the news broke, Flair himself released a statement through the Gillespie Agency saying: ?WWE and I parted on the best of terms.

?This gives me the chance to pursue new opportunities ? corporate speaking engagements, product sponsorships, autograph shows for my loyal fans and film and television roles.

?My agent and I are very excited about what the future holds!?

WWE broke its silence early yesterday evening when it posted on its official website a simple two-sentence notice.

The statement said: "WWE and Hall of Famer Ric Flair have mutually agreed to contractually part ways.

?After an extraordinary career Ric has chosen to pursue opportunities outside of WWE.?

Tags: Ric Flair, WWE