The list of people released by WWE so far in 2021 is a long read, and it keeps getting longer. Bray Wyatt was added to it over the weekend, and perhaps even more surprising was the addition of Ric Flair on Monday. The Nature Boy reportedly asked to be let go from WWE after signing a new deal last year. He had previously been involved in an on-screen angle with Lacey Evans earlier this year. However, that came to an abrupt end when Evans discovered she was pregnant.

That Flair asked to be let go rather than WWE making the decision likely won't have sat well with Vince McMahon. It's also pretty telling that a man in his 70s who could collect a WWE paycheque for the rest of his life is so disillusioned with the company that he wants out, presumably so he can ply his trade somewhere else. Whether Flair returns to Impact, graces New Japan, or becomes All Elite, WWE has a readymade plan in the works it can use to punish the two-time Hall of Famer.

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Punishing Flair

The easiest thing to do would be to take it out on Charlotte Flair, and that might well happen. In fact, Charlotte's loss to Nikki ASH in the main event of this week's Raw could well have been an early example of that. However, WWE loves nothing more than surpassing a former Superstar's record in an attempt to make sure no one remembers it. When it comes to Ric, despite his two Hall of Fame rings, the first record that comes to mind is his 16 World Titles.

ric and charlotte flair
via WWE

Ric is no longer the sole holder of that record. John Cena won his 16th World Title four and a half years ago. His busy Hollywood schedule has prevented him from winning title number 17 and leaving Ric's record behind. Even though Cena is back and has a title shot at SummerSlam, the most likely scenario in that match is Roman Reigns retaining and continuing his dominance. Well, at least that felt like the most likely scenario before Ric was released.

John Cena: 17-Time Champion

WWE may now see that match as the aforementioned readymade opportunity to break Ric's record. Even if Cena doesn't plan on staying around for long after SummerSlam, he could defend the title in a rematch on SmackDown a few days later, or even Raw if WWE feels like it. Cena's 16th title reign was a short one and felt like it only happened to tie the record. Number 17 could be even shorter.

reigns v cena
via WWE

Whether it's a week long, a day long, or even a few minutes long, which shines a spotlight on what might be an even more viable opportunity for WWE depending on Cena's schedule. Big E still has the Money in the Bank contract. Cena beats Reigns for the Universal Title, breaking Flair's record, only for Big E to cash in on him and end it minutes later. That way, Cena can return to filming Peacemaker or whatever it is he has next on his agenda.

There is one huge caveat if WWE does want to punish Ric for asking to leave by surpassing his record, though. It will have to end Reigns' almost year-long run as Universal Champion in order to do it. That's a big price to pay considering the work that has been put in by all parties involved to finally make The Tribal Chief the face of the company since he returned at SummerSlam last year. It will all depend on whether McMahon values petty revenge over his top stars. If that's all it comes down to, then you can probably count on Cena winning his 17th title later this month.

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