UPDATE: Flair followed up and said that he was just joking. He wrote, “If You Can’t Take A Joke From A 76 Year Old Man, Then You Are Living Life Too Seriously. It Was All Harmless, Lighthearted Fun! Just Trying To Make People Laugh & Smile!”
ORIGINAL: WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair shared something on social media about legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross on social media today, seemingly reigniting a long-simmering feud between the two iconic figures. Flair’s post accused Ross of “seeking attention” and pointedly told him to “Focus On Your Recovery.”
In a direct message posted on his social media accounts earlier today, Flair stated: “Jim Ross Will Always Be Jim Ross, Seeking Attention. Focus On Your Recovery @JRsBBQ”
The pointed jab at Ross’s recovery comes just days after Ross, 73, announced that he had undergone successful surgery for colon cancer and was beginning the rehabilitation process. This is Ross’s latest battle with cancer, having previously overcome skin cancer.
Flair’s animosity towards Ross is widely believed to stem from an incident that occurred several years ago, in August 2013, at a WWE 2K14 promotional panel during SummerSlam weekend. Jim Ross was hosting the panel, which featured several wrestling legends, including Ric Flair. During the event, Flair, who was reportedly intoxicated and dealing with the recent personal tragedy of his son Reid’s passing, made several off-script and controversial remarks.
Following the panel, which was deemed chaotic and unprofessional by WWE management, Jim Ross was reportedly held responsible for not maintaining control of the situation. Shortly thereafter, WWE announced Ross’s “retirement,” though Ross himself later indicated that the panel incident was a significant factor in what was effectively his dismissal from the company at the time. Ross stated in interviews that he took responsibility for the panel not staying on track but also felt that booking Flair in that environment, given his personal circumstances, was ill-timed.
The relationship between the two Hall of Famers, which had seen them work together for decades across various promotions, reportedly soured significantly after this event. While they had periods of friendship, including Flair being present when Ross met his late wife Jan, this 2K panel incident appears to have created a lasting rift. More recently, comments made by Ross on “Dark Side of the Ring” also reportedly drew Flair’s ire.
The exact immediate trigger for Flair’s social media post today remains unclear, but it serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved tension between two of professional wrestling’s most recognizable personalities. Flair’s decision to publicly call out Ross, especially in light of Ross’s recent surgery, has already begun to draw significant attention and varied reactions from the wrestling community online.
