The Latest Backstage Updates On Ric Flair & Mick Foley Inside

WWE will more than likely offer Mick Foley a new deal as they didn't have any plans to groom someone else to join Jim Ross on Smackdown. Considering the two have developed a solid on-air chemistry, it is unlikely they will let his deal expire and opt not to keep him on board. It should be noted that Vince McMahon is very critical of announcing talent and more so as the show goes on, so it is likely Foley could have experienced some culture shock when taking on the role. Most WWE announcers have to learn to reactive positively or negatively, but with most enjoying the job considering the perks of good hours, getting paid good money and being featured on television every week, you never really see anyone voluntarily leaving the position. Nonetheless, Foley is not very happy with the current set up.

Lots of discussion making the rounds today since the announcement of Ric Flair and World Wrestling Entertainment officially parting ways on Sunday. Footage of an appearance Flair made for "FOX News Got Game" in Charlotte is up. Flair mentions being an ambassador for WWE in the segment, although this was taped last Thursday before everything went down. Flair's agent issued the following statement today regarding the WWE split: "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 (who made me what I am today) and film and television roles. My agent and I are very excited about what the future holds." Flair is currently taking bookings at bookric@thegillespieagency.com. The e-mail address is being protected from spam bots and only serious inquiries should apply. Flair has been getting tons of offers right now. While Flair did leave WWE on good terms, his decision to do so left a number of people within WWE and the wrestling industry confused. The hope among many is that Flair made the right decision for himself long-term, although there is concern he is making another bad financial decision by leaving the security of WWE for a run outside the company. This doesn't mean he has any plans to return to the ring for TNA or anyone else as pretty much no believes he has any intentions of doing that. The general feeling is that his WWE departure was a culmination of a lot of things including not wanting to work as many dates as an ambassador for WWE, something that has been described as a grinding schedule for a wrestler that is no longer active in the ring. Flair was also said to be upset with the way WWE promoted his new DVD and felt it could have been promoted better on television if he had been involved. Reports right now are indicating Flair had no interest in working for WWE as a producer or as a commentator. Flair has reportedly told friends that he is excited about some potential projects that he is involved in and has dropped the names of some major corporations who want to do business with him, something WWE was limiting him from doing and he feels he could make more money outside of WWE if he had continued working for them.