Tony Khan Explains Ric Flair's AEW Contract: "He's Essentially Paying Us"

AEW boss Tony Khan unpacks deal with Ric Flair and Wooooo Energy.

Ric Flair
AEW

Tony Khan has explained that the intricacies of AEW's sponsorship deal with Ric Flair's Wooooo Energy mean that Flair is effectively paying the promotion for his appearances, rather than the other way around.

Speaking with the New York Post's Joseph Staszewski, Khan stated that Wooooo Energy had approached AEW about a potential sponsorship deal prior to Ric appearing on AEW TV. This reported "high-paying" agreement means that not only is AEW being paid to advertise Wooooo Energy, but to feature Flair as well.

Said Khan:

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“We’re not paying Ric Flair; Ric Flair is essentially paying us. We’re getting paid by Wooooo Energy for all of his appearances, so we’re collecting revenue from them.”

Wooooo Energy has quickly become one of AEW's most prominent partners, with the brand's logo now advertised at either side of the entrance ramp during television tapings.

On Flair's talent contract, an AEW source claimed that this is a separate deal with Khan's group outside of the sponsorship. Flair is compensated for that work, according to the spokesperson, though Khan's comments would indicate that the number isn't as high as what AEW is receiving from Wooooo.

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Flair debuted for AEW on 25 October's episode of Dynamite. The following week, it was confirmed he had signed a multi-year deal.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.