More on Ric Flair's Last Match, Original Plan, Interpromotional match. (Patreon)
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Ric Flair's last match is planned, and as of now, Ricky Steamboat is not involved as originally hoped.
We're told the working plan is a tag team match, and there are names in mind, but we haven't gained word that anything has been finalized. Fightful reported that Ricky Steamboat was being courted for the match, the working plan was for Steamboat and the Rock N' Rock Express to team up to take on FTR and Ric Flair. However, we're told there were several hurdles in the way.
Steamboat's asking price was "extremely high" from what we understand, though he had interest in doing the match. Those that we spoke to said that Steamboat did meet and discuss the possibility of the match and was open to competing, but terms could not be met. Also, FTR had yet to gain clearance for the match from AEW Founder Tony Khan.
Starrcast has been planned as far back as last year's All Out, when they filmed promotional material for the event. However, original plans called for it to be in Chicago, before pivoting to Nashville. Chicago will still experience a "Top Guy Weekend" for Conrad Thompson's Ad Free Shows brand, which was announced several months ago.
Jacob Fatu of MLW vs. Josh Alexander of IMPACT was also set. We reached out to Court Bauer, who stated "The Summer of surprises continues. The fans have asked for MLW vs. IMPACT and now it goes down. A historic interpromotional title fight for a memorable night in Nashville."