WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair wrestled his last-ever match at the age of 73, pairing up with son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Several big-name wrestlers from the annals of WWE history made an appearance to see Flair’s grand finale — including ex-champions Mick Foley AKA Mankind, Bret Hart, and Mark Calaway himself — better known as The Undertaker. 

While the likes of Michelle McCool, Santino Marella, Al Snow, Jerry Lawler and Diamond Dallas Page were shown on FITE TV’s live broadcast, several other legends were backstage for the event. According to PWInsider, Michael Hayes, “The Hurricane” Shane Helms, Northeast Wrestling promoter Mike Lombardi, Mojo Rawley, Jimmy Valiant, Mickie James, Dennis Condrey, The Nasty Boys, Rikishi, Miro, CJ Perry (Lana), Magnum TA, and Rey and Dominik Mysterio were all in attendance. 

Flair’s Last Fight

The match itself featured plenty of classic Ric Flair moments, ranging from low blows to plenty of showboating, ending on a rather gruesome note as the veteran wrestler seized victory with a bloodied-up face, after 26 minutes in the ring. 

The match kicked off with Flair smacking Jarrett, before exchanging submissions with Lethal, who worked hard across July to get Flair prepared for his final fight. The training clearly paid off with Flair showing off a surprising arsenal of moves, ranging from chops to grapples, locks, and even taking a suplex from Jay Lethal:

Despite waving away concerns about his health during promotional events, Flair drummed up serious concerns about his well-being during the event, which some have called wrestling’s ‘most uncomfortable’ match to watch.

Flair naturally left the athletic heavy-lifting to his younger ringmates, but by the time he was ‘bleeding’ out, he was weak enough to require help, even to put on a pair of brass knuckles. Several fans noted that Flair seemed unresponsive and was convulsing during this moment — although with the Nature Boy, it’s hard to say whether or not this was just for show. 

Ultimately, with multiple kidney issues and four heart surgeries behind him, it’s a miracle that Flair was even able to get into the ring for one last bout, as he won with a classic finisher — the figure-four leglock. 

Ultimately, Flair was given the all-clear by doctors, and went on to join the event’s afterparty: 

Flair ended the night by addressing his family, friends, and fans with a heartfelt thank-you speech — capping off a 50-year career that saw him become a world champion sixteen times. 

“Ric Flair did the unimaginable,” said Jarrett to Sportskeeda. Unthinkable and unbelievable performance again. A truly magical night for a fan of Flair.” 

(Featured Image Credits: Jim Crockett Promotions)