Ric Flair Vs. Jay Lethal Shows A Step In The Right Direction

I wasn't crazy about the idea of Ric Flair returning to the ring following his retirement match vs. Shawn Michaels. I knew his best days were over and that there would be something special lacking from any future match he might hold. 

When word got out that Flair was returning to the ring as a part of the Hulkamania tour, I knew he would be wrestling in America eventually. He needs the money, and perhaps maybe more, the passion that the locker room brings. 

Flair's first two matches in TNA were an abomination. I could see how the Hulk Hogan and Abyss vs. Flair and A.J. Styles happened, as it was meant to draw ratings, but the Flair vs. Abyss match was mismanaged and insulting. A blowoff match on free TV with no hype for a man who has spent more time in pro wrestling than most of TNA's roster combined? 

TNA seemed to finally realize how effective Flair can be as a manager. His Fortune stable might not do too much for the already immensely popular Styles and Beer Money. But Desmond Wolfe is a guy who could use a rub (or a legitimate opponent) and Kazarian could definitely benefit from a rub from the Nature Boy. 

However, the one who could benefit from Flair the most isn't part of Fortune. It's his opponent from Victory Road, Jay Lethal. 

Jay Lethal is a man that TNA has struggled with. He hasn't done a whole lot since Consequences Creed was released. He has immense talent in the ring and his mic work is also pretty good. 

But with a crowded main event and a midcard title that is not used and nobody cares about, Lethal has had troubles as a singles wrestler. 

Enter Flair. 

The Flair impressions are surprisingly amusing. Maybe it's the sheer novelty of the act, or maybe Lethal is just good at it. But this feud is working.

Victory Road turned out to be a fairly good showing for TNA. It wasn't as eventful as I has hoped, but the matches were all pretty good. Flair vs. Lethal was surprisingly long, yet it wasn't half bad.  

This match could have been hyped a lot more. Flair could have done without the crappy Abyss match, and this could have been not only his return to PPV, but also his return to singles action. Lethal could have knocked off each member of Fortune one by one and gotten to the leader after a few months. But that's not how it happened and it turned out okay. 

Flair should continue with his mentor role now, and he should stay out of the ring for a while. But this was a pretty good showing for the 62 year old man. 

TNA has a few legends on its roster. Sting and Hogan haven't exactly put over any new talent recently. Kurt Angle is pulling all the weight he can, but he's getting close to retirement. As for Flair, he's being utilized perfectly and this could mean great things for TNA.