NWA Confirms WWE Behind Flair Cancellation

WWE is behind Ric Flair not attending his NWA Hall of Fame induction at the 6/7 NWA show in Atlanta, GA. Some say Flair was pulled because of reports getting out about how much he would make from the appearance, while others say he was pulled because the NWA planned to film the ceremony and WWE feared they might use it on a future DVD release. All of Ric Flair's appearances have to be approved by WWE. The National Wrestling Alliance issued the following statement in regard to the Flair situation this afternoon:

Ric Flair, part of the 2008 NWA Hall of Fame class, will unfortunately not be present to receive this honor on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA. World Wrestling Entertainment, which has a contractual relationship with Flair, will not permit Flair to attend the ceremony. "I am deeply sorry that Ric will not be in Atlanta for the Hall of Fame ceremony", said NWA Executive Director Robert K. Trobich. "Ric was very honored to be recognized by the NWA and wanted to be in Atlanta to thank his fans. Unfortunately, the WWE refused to allow him to be there. It is truly a sad action on their part, as the main people injured by the WWE's seeming petulance is the wrestling fans. Nonetheless, Ric Flair was a legend in the NWA long before the WWE was anything other than a regional promotion in the northeast. As such, Ric will still be a member of the 2008 class. He has earned that honor, and we intend to bestow it upon him", said Trobich. The 2008 NWA Hall of Fame will commence on Saturday June 7, 2008 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA. Tickets for this event are on sale at ticketmaster.com or the Philips Arena box office.