wrestling / Columns

The Ten Count 12.13.13: The Top 10 Ric Flair Matches in WWE

December 13, 2013 | Posted by Evan Daniels

Welcome back to the Ten Count. As always, thank you for reading last week’s column. And here we go…

OF COURSE I MISSED A FEW THINGS

A Match in Front of Some Bikers:

I know a lot of people like this match but the crowd just ruins it for me. You can’t blame the wrestlers for this but the crowd is part of what makes a match magical. It is not their fault but it just happened to happen that way.

No One Mentioned This Match, But I Totally Forgot About It

39. 90-12-16 Doom vs. Barry Windham & Arn… by puropwgwwestuff

I love it match. Love, love, love it. This is especially true when you think about the blood and violence happening in 1990 WCW. It was pretty nonexistent so it was an exciting match.

YOUR THOUGHTS (IF WE WANT TO CALL THEM THAT)
How About Some Other Matches:

Anderson & Blanchard vs. the Rockers on SNME, Lex Luger vs Barry Windham NWA Chi-Town Rumble 89, and Brian Pillman vs. Luger at Clash of Champions:New York Knockout

MY THOUGHT: I was trying to think of a Rockers/Brainbusters match to fit into the list. I like Pillman/Luger at Halloween Havoc better.

Thanks for Saying the List Was Great….But….?

Great list, Evan, some real classics on here. A few more that spring to mind would be:

Brain Busters vs Rockers from Madison Square Garden circa 1989.
Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle from the 2003 Royal Rumble
Shane Douglas/Ricky Steamboat vs The Hollywood Blondes from Slamboree ’93 (I think – it was the cage match where Douglas and Steamboat wore masks)

MY THOUGHT: More Busters/Rockers. Also, I don’t think the cage match was all that good. I guess that’s just me.

Really?

Where in the hell is Mongo!!??

MY THOUGHT or James M. Fabiano THOUGHT: Super Bowl XX was the greatest match of all time! (Hilarious).

Really, Part 2:

No Paul Roma? No Sid?????

MY THOUGHT: Um, we said greatest matches.

And Finally, Some Props for HHH:

Also, having just re-watched that Benoit/Jericho vs Austin/HHH match, it reaffirms my belief that that is one of the three greatest matches in Raw history. And as much criticism as HHH cops, that took amazing guts to finish the match let alone take a Walls of Jericho and a tackle from Benoit at the fall.

MY THOUGHT: Glad you enjoyed the match once again.

YOU NEED TO READ MMQB’s 3 PART SERIES ON NFL REFEREES:
This was probably the most interesting and informative group of articles I have ever read about the NFL. I recommend to everyone reading this joke of a column, please read this masterpiece of a column. Biggest learning, the fact that the referees based on what happens during a play in a split second need to change the players they are watching on the field. Never would have thought of that and it just has to be so difficult. At the end of the day, their job is near impossible and they are 98% right but as we all know we only remember the 2% that is wrong (I’m looking at you Jeff Triplette).

http://mmqb.si.com/tag/game-150/

NOW SOMETHING NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT, MY FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAMS!
Well, the end for me came last week. I missed the playoffs in all 3 leagues. I can’t believe that I went 0-3 this year. My teams were just not that good and I didn’t make the right decisions each week. It is time to go back to the drawing board for next year.

In one of my leagues, there is a consolation bracket which forms the order of the draft in reverse order. If you win the bracket you get the 1st pick. This week my team put up the most points they did all year….and, lost. When it’s not your year it is not your year. As they always say, there is always next year!

ALSO, HOW ABOUT THOSE CLEVELAND BROWNS?
2 weeks, 2 heartbreaking losses. They lost to the Jaguars 2 weeks ago then lost to the Patriots this past week. The loss to Jacksonville was just a bad loss that happens when a team just doesn’t know how to win. The loss to New England was a combination of luck, bad defense, and a horrible pass interference call. As I said last week, if I can see it is pass interference then it has to be pass interference. On the flip side, if everyone says it is not pass interference then it is not pass interference. This now leaves the Browns at 4-9 with basically no hope of getting to 7 wins this year. For us Browns fans, it is yet another double digit loss season. They have the Bears, Jets, and Steelers left on the schedule. My thought is they win 1 of those games and end 5-11. We shall see as the rest of the year goes along.

HOW ABOUT A QUICK MOMENT ABOUT CURRENT WRESTLING:
I have seen a lot of people on here talking about how this is the wrong time of year for a title unification match. I think this is the perfect time for one. Here is how the timeline works out:

  • December – Title Unification
  • January – Rematch for Undisputed Championship, Someone wins Royal Rumble (Bryan)
  • February – Royal Rumble Winner vs. Loser of Royal Rumble Title Match for WrestleMania shot
  • April – WrestleMania Match

    You can’t have the unification at WrestleMania as the Royal Rumble wouldn’t mean anything since the titles are already being defended.

    Also, before anybody mentions it, I wouldn’t do the WrestleMania X thing with 2 title matches in this fantasy scenario. 1 big match is more than enough.

     photo TenCount_zps6b46e6e2.png

    Here are the Ground Rules:

  • Pretty simple, the match must include Ric Flair and had to take place in a WWE ring.

    AND NOW *The Top 10 Ric Flair Matches in WWE *

    #10. {Ric Flair vs. Vince McMahon in a Street Fight; Royal Rumble 2002 – January 20, 2002}

    Background: In one of the most interesting storylines after botching the biggest storyline in the history of the business Ric Flair became the co-owner of the WWE. On the night after Survivor Series in a “double turn” McMahon became the hated heel once again and Austin became the popular superstar he wanted to be. McMahon hated that he had to share the spotlight with Flair and made Flair’s life hell until Flair had enough and challenged McMahon to a match at the Royal Rumble. The match was made a street fight and, well, needed to be with McMahon’s lack of wrestling ability.

    Why This Match is On the List: Is this match a technical masterpiece? No. Is this match fun to watch? Yes. It was Flair’s 1st match in about 9 months and while some of the ring rust was there he definitely carried McMahon to a very watchable match. Lots of blood and a good amount of violence made a match that might not have been watchable very enjoyable. I also think that McMahon truly enjoyed being a part of the match since he seemingly saw his persona as a copy of Flair’s 1980s character. McMahon always wanted to be a wrestler and being in the ring with the greatest of all time had to be a lot of fun.

    #9. {Ric Flair vs. Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship; Monday Night Raw – May 19, 2003}

    Background: In the previous months Flair and Triple H were inseparable with Flair in Triple H’s corner making sure that he retained his World Heavyweight Championship. The night before Triple H escaped with the WHC but had some busted up ribs from a power bomb from Kevin Nash. This Monday Night Raw was in Greenville, SC and Flair wanted a title match that night. Triple H said no, but Flair would not back down and asked Helmsley to be at his best and meet him in the ring. Stone Cold Steve Austin made the match and Flair was ready for a fight.

    Why This Match is On the List: The atmosphere was really great with Jim Ross leading the way. Flair has always been over in the Carolinas and this night was no different. Triple H brought his best to make sure that this match would be memorable. After a pedigree, Triple H retained his title but it was Flair that was the real winner as his confidence continued to grow. The ceremony following the match was great to watch as well and made the night wonderful for all us Ric Flair fans.

    #8. Ric Flair vs. Edge in a TLC Match for the WWE Championship; Monday Night Raw – January 16, 2006}

    Background: Ric Flair mentioned that this was one of his favorite matches during his Hall of Fame ceremony. Edge was a couple of weeks into his 1st ever WWE Championship reign and Flair was the current IC Champion. The previous week Edge delivered a con-chair-to and left Flair with a concussion and a burning desire to get even with Edge. The match was made and for the 1st time in Flair’s career it was a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match.

    Why This Match is On the List: I think this match really tells the story of Flair’s late career in the WWE. Lots of violence and blood with a little bit of wrestling mixed in. This was mostly due to Flair’s age and lack of ability to hang with the younger guys. I believe this was the last WWE or World Title match in Flair’s career and he was going to make this as good as it could possibly be. I also really enjoyed Lita’s work in the match and was one of the deciding factors. Even at Flair’s advanced age he helped legitimize Edge’s WWE Championship run no matter how short it was. 2 weeks later Edge lost the title to John Cena but as I mentioned earlier it was such a memorable match to Flair that he has said it was one of his favorites.

    #7. {Ric Flair vs. The Undertaker in a No Disqualification Match; WrestleMania 18 – March 17, 2002}

    Background: At No Way Out, Ric Flair cost The Undertaker a win versus The Rock. The following night, Undertaker challenged Flair to a match at WrestleMania. Flair said no to the match so Taker decided to attack Arn Anderson and his son David to get Flair to accept this match. Flair finally said yes but it came at a price. Flair was the co-owner of the WWE at the time and the board decided to give Flair a vote of no confidence, which awarded full authority to Vince McMahon. McMahon made this a no-DQ match since he had all the power. Oh, and by the way, Undertaker was 9-0 at WrestleMania at this point aiming for win #10.

    Why This Match is On the List: This was Flair’s 1st singles match at WrestleMania in 10 years and there wasn’t a better opponent than The Undertaker. The match itself had a wonderful build up to the final moves. It started slowly and with some actual wrestling leading into the various weapons that they would be using. I especially enjoyed the suplex off the top rope. In the end, Arn Anderson made his way to the ring and delivered a surprise spine buster and almost got Flair the win. In the end, even with the botched “Last Ride” spot it was a very memorable match. You know how I know that, because I was there! There are some great stories from that trip including my brother and me singing the Soviet National Anthem walking in Toronto.

    #6. {Ric Flair vs. Mick Foley in an “I Quit” Anything Goes Match; SummerSlam 2006 – August 20, 2006}

    Background: Oh man, where to start. Foley’s books, Flair’s book, years of promos and interviews, so much history. So, so much history. We will just go to the previous couple of weeks before this match. Flair and Foley meet in a 2 of 3 falls match, which was just the precursor to this match. Foley left Flair in a pool of his own blood and decided to make this as personal as it could possibly be. In the weeks leading to this match, they made it an “I Quit” match and Flair told Foley that they may both bleed to death in Boston that night.

    Why This Match is On the List: I know that Foley doesn’t consider this the great match that many others, including myself, think that it is. My opinion is that it was such a unique Ric Flair that it was special. The violence was insane with barbed wire bats and boards, trashcans, and thumbtacks. Flair held his own in that environment and put on a very entertaining match. The only issue I have with the match is that it just isn’t overly comfortable to watch. Foley in this environment makes sense, Flair in it does not. Even with that in mind, this was a great spectacle to watch and proved Flair’s toughness. As an aside, Foley and Flair settled their real differences and proved time and blood heal all wounds.

    #5. {Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage for the WWE Championship; WrestleMania 8 – April 5, 1992}

    Background: Ric Flair won the Royal Rumble and in the process became the undisputed WWE Champion. He was all set to face Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 8 until, depending on which story you believe, the Flair/Hogan house shows didn’t draw or Hogan needed some time off from the company. Either way, it was decided that Savage would get the title shot at WM8. To add some spice to the match, a storyline was developed that Miss Elizabeth was with Ric Flair before she was with Randy Savage. Flair and Perfect doctored some pictures to drive Savage insane.

    Why This Match is On the List: This is the 1st match on the list from Flair’s 1991-1993 WWE run and it was a great scientific match mixed with a little brawling. Flair and Perfect played the cowardly, do anything to win heels that made them both famous while Savage was fighting for the honor of his woman. Of course, Heenan and Monsoon added so much more to this match with their commentary. Elizabeth made her way down to the ring and caused enough of a distraction that made Flair take his eye of the ball and Savage rolled Flair up (while holding his tights) and became the new champion. After the match, Flair kissed Elizabeth and all hell broke loose. This match is just a great match and the real shame is that 3 of the 4 main players in the match are not with us anymore.

    #4. {Ric Flair vs. Triple H for the Intercontinental Championship in a Steel Cage; Taboo Tuesday 2005 – November 1, 2005}

    Background: Back in 2002, Ric Flair and Triple H became a team and the formed Evolution in 2003. After Randy Orton and Batista both left it was down to Flair and Helmsley. By 2005, Triple H was tired of “carrying” the old man and wanted to “put him out to pasture”. While this was happening Flair won the IC Title so their Taboo Tuesday match would be for that title. Triple H promised it would be the end of Flair while Flair promised a great performance. 1 of those 2 promises came true.

    Why This Match is On the List: I think this was the best 1 on 1 match Flair had in the WWE until his retirement match with Shawn Michaels. It really had the feel of an old school NWA cage match with both guys bleeding and just beating the hell out of each other. Also having Joey Styles calling the match was an added bonus. Flair won the match which lead to the rematch at Survivor Series in a match that also made this list as well.

    #3. {Ric Flair vs. Mr. Perfect in a Loser Leaves Town Match; Monday Night Raw – January 25, 1993}

    Background: Flair and Perfect had been together for around a year before Perfect turned on Flair (and Heenan) right before Survivor Series 1992. Perfect joined forces with Randy Savage and started a feud with Flair. In the weeks following the 1993 Royal Rumble this feud came to a head and a match was signed where the loser would be forced to leave the WWE. In the background, Flair was not willing to move into the background so he was ready to head back to WCW.

    Why This Match is On the List: This is the best pure wrestling match that Flair had in the WWE. Perfect and Flair just meshed so well together on the relatively new Monday Night Raw. Flair knew this was his final match during this run so he wanted to go out on a highly positive note if he ever wanted to come back. Of course Bobby Heenan made the match every better with his “advising” and commentating. There isn’t much that can be said about the match except if you don’t remember how good it was click on the video above. It will bring you back to what made 1993 Flair so good.

    #2. {Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels with Ric Flair’s Career on the Line; WrestleMania 24 – March 30, 2008}

    Background: Back in November 2007, Vince McMahon told Flair that the next match he loses would be his last. Every match from that moment forward would be a “Career Threatening Match”. Flair in the 5 months before WrestleMania beat men like Triple H, MVP, and in the last match before WrestleMania he beat Vince McMahon himself. Flair wanted to beat the best at WrestleMania so he selected Shawn Michaels as his opponent. The night before the event, Flair went into the Hall of Fame as the only active member of the roster to enter the hall.

    Why This Match is On the List: This ended up being the final big match in Ric Flair’s career and what a way to go out. The emotion, the crowd, and all the moments were just amplified to the nth-degree in a match fitting of the great career of Ric Flair. Shawn Michaels was the perfect opponent as he bought the most out of the body of the 59-year-old Flair. Everyone basically knew the result of the match before it started but there was a beauty to the journey. Of course everyone remembers the “I’m sorry. I love you” line but I remember more that Flair stood there and asked for the end to come. While this might, okay is not the “best” match on the list but it is what professional wrestling should be. A dance that all of us are happy and honored to have been emotionally attached to and isn’t that all we can ask for.

    #1. {Royal Rumble Match for the Vacated Undisputed WWE Championship; Royal Rumble 1992 – January 19, 1992}

    Background: At Survivor Series 1991, Ric Flair slid a chair into the ring and The Undertaker tombstoned Hulk Hogan on it. With that move, Taker won the WWE Championship for the 1st time. It was so controversial that a rematch was signed for less than a week later at the “This Tuesday in Texas” PPV. Hogan won the title back in equally controversial manner, which lead to Jack Tunney holding up the WWE Championship making it vacant for the 2nd time in history. The winner of the 1992 Royal Rumble was going to be the new WWE Champion.

    Why This Match is On the List: Well, this is the greatest Royal Rumble of all time. In my opinion, it contains the greatest collection of superstars in the history of the WWE. It has the greatest Royal Rumble performance (Flair) of all time. It is the only Royal Rumble where the winner became the champion. Not to mention, the outstanding job of announcing by Heenan and Monsoon. There isn’t much more that can be said about this match that hasn’t already been said. The icing on the cake was the promo at the end with Flair and the “tear in his eye”.

    So there you have it, the Top 10 Ric Flair Matches in the WWE! What is your opinion?

    Tweet Me: @EvanDaniels411
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    SO EVAN, WHAT IS THE TOPIC OF NEXT WEEK’S COLUMN:

    I will turn this over to “5050”

    I want a top 10 Steamboat matches. I demand it.

    You want it, you got it. Next week, will be the

    TOP 10 RICKY STEAMBOAT MATCHES!

    Until then, remember it’s all entertainment and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. And I’m out.

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