July 31st saw Ric Flair’s team with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo taking on the team of Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett in what has been marketed as the 73-year-old’s final match. And one of the most spoken about parts of the bout was Flair faking having a heart attack in front of his family and fellow WWE Hall of Famers Mick Foley, Bret Hart, and The Undertaker. Now though, while talking on his My World podcast, Jarrett has discussed the match and revealed he pleaded with Flair multiple times not to do this spot. However, he would add that he felt the fans enjoyed it, and with it being Flair’s last match, it was his decision to make.
The only thing you and I pushed back on, and we pushed back the first time we heard it and the second time, and the third time. “Do not fake the heart deal. Do not, please.” The afternoon of, he goes, “Guys, guys, it’s my last match. I’m not saying I’m going to do it, but if they are with it and I feel I have the crowd, I’m going to do it. Jay is going to have a little sympathy, and I’ll poke him in the eyes.”
When it didn’t happen in the ring, at first, I thought, ‘We made it, he’s not going to do it.” He did it on the floor. I didn’t look at you, but I know somewhere, you were looking at me like, “Why is he doing this?” I saw great feedback from that. People dug it. Who are we, especially me? It’s his last match. He gets to pick.
Jeff JarrettFor those unaware, the 16-time world champion has a heart condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy and has undergone four heart surgeries resulting in a pacemaker being implanted. And while many fans on social media considered the spot to be in poor taste, others simply put it down as Flair being Flair.
In the end, the retiring WCW legend would win the match for his team after hitting Jarrett with brass knuckles and putting him in a figure-four leglock as a second referee David Miller ran in and counted to three. But, unfortunately, the finish would be spoilt due to Flair’s shoulder s also being on the mat, and it would later come out that Flair had actually passed out himself due to dehydration. Nevertheless, fans in attendance seemed to enjoy the match, and the show was a big financial success.
