Ric Flair: Has His Time in TNA Tarnished His Legacy?

Nearly three and a half years ago, Ric Flair had become one of the most respectable superstars on the packed WWE roster.

After impressive victories over Mr. Kennedy, MVP and then-WWE Champion Randy Orton, Flair was set to further his illustrious career in his biggest match yet: Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24.

Following the words of the Heartbreak Kid and a second Sweet Chin Music, Flair walked out of Orlando a broken yet honorable man. He fought one of the most emotional battles ever to take place on the grandest stage of them all.

The next night, on Monday Night Raw, was Flair's last farewell. Superstars, Divas, and Legends alike broke character to say goodbye to one of the greatest men to ever grace the squared circle. The Four Horseman reunited, Big Show shed tears, and ever the Undertaker payed his respects.

Then the 16-time world champion made sporadic appearances for the company. It was heavily rumored he would become the new Raw general manager in mid-2009, but there was no such luck.

In a shocking turn of events, Ric Flair instead made a surprise appearance for TNA Wrestling on its first show of 2010. His star power helped the the live Monday night episode compete with WWE's Raw. Flair was quick to assume the position of then-TNA Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles, turning heel a few weeks following his debut.

Over the next few months, Flair took the crazed persona he had previously portrayed during his WCW tenure. This new-found intensity made for hilarious promos, specifically with Jay Lethal last summer.

However, Flair's credibility began to decline as time went on. His star power dwindled to that of a TNA regular.

Flair slapped the face of the WWE by breaking his in-ring retirement in having decent matches against Abyss, Jay Lethal and Mick Foley last year.

Sure, the Nature Boy has stated in the past that it was the WWE that forced him to retire, but that didn't stop him from making a complete fool of himself with his recent antics on television.

Keep in mind I'm do not oppose Ric Flair. It worries me, though, that he continues to wrestle at the age of 62.

Of everyone in TNA, Ric Flair probably "bleeds" more than anyone on the roster combined. This is an unnecessary effect detrimental to his segments and overall broadcast. His most recent return match was ruined by his unusual backstage confrontation with Hulk Hogan.

At this time a few years ago, Flair was putting on classic matches with the young guys in WWE; now, his work in TNA Wrestling is questionable. Given that he was recently exposed in a controversial piece a few days ago, Flair's stock isn't at its highest at the moment.

Seeing he currently has some financial issues going on in his life, it seems as if Flair only appears on Impact to make a quick paycheck. Don't get me wrong - he is one of the greatest of all time and is devoted to the business. But something has to give eventually.

Health should be Flair's top priority. And with his rumored match with Sting coming to fruition in the near future, only one can hope Flair's management comes to their senses sooner rather than later to prevent a train wreck involving two men whose combined age is 114.

Personally, I'd love to see the Nature Boy return to the WWE in the next few years, but it is unlikely if he continues his chaotic behavior. It's a true shame that a WWE Hall of Famer such as Ric Flair has become nothing more than a prop in TNA Wrestling, when he could be reigning as a respectable figure in the WWE.

GSM out.

Visit my web site at Next Era Wrestling and my WrestleRant video blog for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more. Follow me on Twitter @SAVE_US_GSM.