16-time WWE Champion hints at final SmackDown appearance of 2024

Ric Flair has indicated he may appear at the final SmackDown of 2024 in Tampa, Florida. The Nature Boy addressed the possibility during a recent media appearance, marking a potential return to WWE programming after his brief stint with AEW.

During his appearance on Busted Open Radio, Flair disclosed his plans regarding the upcoming blue brand show at the Amalie Arena:

SmackDown is [in Tampa] on Friday, so I think I might pop over and see [some of the guys].

Flair’s relationship with WWE has evolved since his release from his talent contract in August 2021. Despite past tensions with Triple H, the 16-time world champion has reportedly mended fences with both the Chief Content Officer and the company.

His last WWE appearance occurred during the RAW Is XXX special in January 2023. Following that appearance, Flair signed with AEW in October 2023, primarily participating in Sting’s retirement storyline. However, the partnership concluded in July 2024.

Analyst expresses concern over SmackDown format change

As WWE prepares for significant programming changes, including SmackDown’s move to USA Network, former WWE producer Dutch Mantell has raised concerns about the show’s planned extension to three hours.

Speaking on Smack Talk, Mantell drew from his industry experience to analyze the potential challenges:

Going to three hours? I don’t know. I hope the people know. Remember the third hour on any show is tough. Really, really, tough. A football game, even if it’s exciting, for three hours, you’re going, ‘God!’ You keep looking at your watch. When is this thing gonna be over? But we’ll see what they can do. We’ll see what the creative team comes up with.