WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair will be attending tonight’s AEW Dynamite: Beach Break special from Chicago, IL. After Dynamite goes off the air, AEW tapes Saturday’s episode of AEW Collision, which will feature a tribute to late wrestling and NFL legend Steve “Mongo” McMichael.
Steve “Mongo” McMichael, the legendary Chicago Bears defensive tackle and former professional wrestler and broadcaster, passed away on April 23, 2025, at the age of 67. His death followed a prolonged battle with ALS, which he had publicly announced in 2021.
Flair posted this video on social media announcing his honor to pay tribute to the man he calls his best friend. Flair says he has too many good memories of McMichael to count, and credits him for originating the phrase, “To be the man, you’ve gotta beat the man.”
Ric Flair’s Status with AEW
Ric Flair is currently under contract with All Elite Wrestling, having signed a 2-year deal in late 2023 (primarily tied to a sponsorship agreement for his Whooo! Energy drink).
His most recent appearance on AEW television was at the Revolution 2024 pay-per-view, which featured Sting’s retirement match against The Young Bucks – where Flair took superkicks from Bucks as he tried to protect Sting.