Ric Flair has offered some clarification regarding his relationship with Wendy Barlow after a recent social media post led to speculation that the former couple had reunited romantically.

The 77-year-old wrestling legend raised eyebrows on Sunday when he posted that Barlow had come "running back" to him. The wording quickly prompted questions over whether Flair and Barlow, whose relationship ended amicably in 2024, had decided to give things another try.

Flair has now made it clear that this is not the case.

In a follow-up statement, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer explained that he and Barlow are instead reconnecting as longtime friends. Barlow has moved to the Tampa area, where Flair also resides, primarily so she can help care for her parents, who are both in their 80s and experiencing health issues.

Flair wrote, with his comments cleaned up for readability:

"Wendy and I are not renewing a relationship. We are renewing a 34 year friendship. She has her own residence and I have mine. She is coming to Tampa primarily to take care of her parents, who are both in their 80s and not in good health. Wendy will continue to do what she does best, travel the world, and help people who are struggling in other countries. I’ll resume what I do and love most which is attending public events and signing autographs at meet & greets."

Flair also pushed back against those attempting to put a negative spin on the situation, while acknowledging the support Barlow and her family have given him during some of the most difficult periods of his life.

"Please don’t turn something positive into something negative. If that’s all you have to do, find something better to do. The one part I am sure of, which she reminds me whenever we speak, is that she will always be there for me if I get sick again, and I was sick for two years! Her whole family took care of me. Find someone else to hate on! Wendy and I are good."

Flair and Barlow's history stretches back decades before they became romantically involved. The pair worked together during Flair's WCW career, with Barlow appearing on television as Fifi, a maid character associated with Flair.

Their friendship eventually developed into a relationship, and the couple became engaged in 2016. They held a wedding ceremony in 2018 and publicly regarded themselves as husband and wife, although they were never legally married.

Flair and Barlow announced their separation in 2022 before later reconnecting. Their romantic relationship ultimately came to an end in 2024, with both moving forward separately.

Prior to his relationship with Barlow, Flair had been married four times.

Barlow played an especially important role during Flair's serious health problems in 2017.

Flair was hospitalized after suffering a bowel blockage that resulted in several potentially life-threatening complications. His condition became extremely serious, and the wrestling icon has subsequently spoken about how close he came to losing his life.

Throughout the ordeal, Barlow remained by his side. She reportedly slept in the ICU each night while Flair was hospitalized and refused to leave him during the crisis.

That experience appears to remain an important part of their bond, with Flair's latest comments stressing that Barlow has continued to assure him she would be there again should he become seriously ill.

While Flair is rarely seen on AEW programming, he remains under contract with the company. Outside of wrestling television, Flair continues to make appearances and attend autograph signings and meet-and-greet events, with Steven Solomon Sports Group representing him for public appearances.

What do you make of Ric Flair's clarification and his longtime friendship with Wendy Barlow? Let us know your thoughts in the new WrestlingNewsSource.com comments section.