Dot Net has confirmed reports that Ric Flair has not re-signed with WWE. Multiple sources were under the impression that he was on the verge of signing a couple weeks ago, but the two sides were unable to work out a deal. The big hang up continues to be that WWE wants exclusivity, while Flair wants to work independently. WWE officials have also made it clear to Flair that they have no intention of using him as a wrestler.

Powell's POV: Flair was making approximately $500,000 per year for the goodwill ambassador role he took after his WrestleMania 24 retirement match. However, he is rumored to be paying roughly $20,000 per month in alimony. Once the tax man and the ex-wives took their cut of the $500,000 salary, the notoriously free spending Flair simply did not have enough money to support the lifestyle he's grown accustomed to. Flair was also said to be frustrated by the short notice he received for some of the bookings the company arranged for him.

If Flair is paying for his son Reid's drug rehabilitation program, then his expenses would be even higher. Looking at Flair's known expenses and knowing his reputation with money, it's easy to see why he feels he needs to make more money by working independently. For that matter, it's even easier to see why he passed on the $250,000 per year he was offered during WrestleMania 25 weekend to become the Smackdown general manager. As for Flair's status with WWE, I'm told that he is still very open to the idea of working selective dates for the company as a non-contracted performer.

Dot Net members received the first look at this news earlier this week. To become a member for only $5 per month, visit the Dot Net Members' Signup Page.

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