CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- After WWE.com talked to several of Ric Flair's confidantes, closest friends and relatives, speculation is running wild that the 16-time World Champion will announce his retirement tonight before his hometown crowd in Charlotte, N.C.

There have been plenty of legends, icons and champions in sports-entertainment, but Ric Flair is the legend of legends, the Superstar all other Superstars emulate. The "Nature Boy" has battled them all over a career spanning more than 30 years. From luminaries such as Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat to Triple H and Shawn Michaels, there isn't a Superstar Flair hasn't met in the ring and beaten. His stylin' and profilin' inside and outside the ring have entertained generations of fans. The list of Superstars who grew up watching Flair and wanting to be like him (The Game and HBK are just two of the most notable) is too long to list.

Flair could indeed be considered one of the Wonders of the World. He has continued to win championships inside the squared circle long after so-called experts wrote him off as washed up and way past his prime. If Flair is indeed announcing his retirement tonight, how fitting it would be that it's on Raw in his hometown in front of the legion of fans that have supported him his entire career.

What will happen when Ric Flair comes to Raw and addresses the Charlotte faithful? Tune in to Raw tonight live on USA Network and find out.