10 Legendary Pro Wrestling Rivalries

#3 Sting vs. Nature Boy Ric Flair

Nature Boy Ric Flair just can't match power with the well-muscled Sting.

Nature Boy Ric Flair was in the prime of his career in 1988, having held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship several times. He was in the midst of another great reign when a new challenger would appear; Sting.

The two were polar opposites in terms of character. Ric Flair was the cocky heel, an aristocrat who never missed an opportunity to show off his expensive Rolex watches and fur coats to the 'peasants' in the audience. Sting was the wild surfer dude who was hugely popular, especially with children and had both strength and agility aplenty.

Their rivalry started at the first ever Clash of the Champions, which was meant to be an alternative to WrestleMania IV which took place the same night--only the Clash was aired for free on TBS. Sting and Ric Flair wrestled to a time limit draw, which the judges gave to Flair in a split decision.

They would clash many times over the years, with Sting eventually capturing the gold from Flair. Their rivalry is credited with creating legions of new NWA wrestling fans.

Here is the entire Clash of the Champions event, main evented by Flair vs. Sting.