There's been a lot of talk regarding Ric Flair's status in TNA given a pair of recent no-shows with not much being heard from him. I'm told Flair has actually been trying to negotiate a release from his TNA contract to return to WWE.

According to a source that spoke with me under the condition of anonymity, Triple H hopes for Flair to have a significant role in WWE's new plans for their developmental system (which are still very much under wraps). There are not believed to be plans for Flair to return to the ring in WWE.

One of the issues believed to have heavily influenced the decision-making of Flair is the fact that his daughter Ashley is close to signing a developmental contract with the company. The feeling is Ric wants to be in the same company as his daughter and look after her career himself by getting a position of power.

While it may initially make TNA look bad, I'm told the company is at least considering letting Flair go due to the amount of money it would save them at a time when they've really been trying to keep talent costs down.