ProudFlairMark
Occasional Pre-Show
Not sure where this would go, so I figured this would be as good a place as any. Just felt the need to post an observation. Yesterday was my birthday and my wife bought me "Ric Flair in Japan," which features some incredible matches from a tour he did back in 95. Now, I remember Flair even prior to that. Approaching 30 years old, my memories of Flair go back in the late 80's and his classic feuds with Rhodes, Funk, Steamboat and, coincidentally, his opponent on Impact tonight, Sting.
To draw comparisons between the two are unfair. Flair, even in 1995 when many thought his best days were behind him, had matches that are beyond words. In particular, with Mashiro Chono (the story telling rivals *ANY* Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels match). To those who know his body of work, no explanation is needed. To those who don't, get the DVD or YouTube it. His move set is beyond reproach. Some of the moves he displays during these matches are comparable to a Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesner amateur wrestling match. Furthermore, as this is professional wrestling, his selling ability is unparalleled. Same can be said for a plethora of Flair matches prior to 97' and even for a few all the way up 2008 (including his "retirement" match with Shawn Michaels).
However, his match with Sting tonight was far from the Flair that I routinely watch on these DVD's. That doesn't matter, though. It isn't about work rate at this point in his career. Similar to Andre when his advancing health problems left him a shell of what he once was, it is less about the work rate and more about the story; the spectacle of who he was. Far too many fans, perhaps due to the rising popularity of UFC, worry far too much about athleticism and "realism." If that is what you enjoy, I'd offer that there are better venues in which to get your fix. Granted, a certain amount of physicality is necessary in order to not only further the story, but elevate the drama. That superplex off the top rope provided just that tonight.
Now, I realize I am biased. Heck, my handle says it all. I am a Flair mark and proud of it. He is, without question, the single greatest in ring competitor of all time. Whether it's 1982, 1995 or 2012, Ric Flair knows how to paint the picture. While the brush strokes may be a little slower and the picture not quite as sharp, it's still painted by an artist who has no equal. When watching Flair now, even the most ardent supporters cringe slightly at the pacing of the story or the appearance of a once majestic champion. Still, doesn't matter. Tonight, both Flair and Sting took care of business. I, for one, was honored to watch it.
To draw comparisons between the two are unfair. Flair, even in 1995 when many thought his best days were behind him, had matches that are beyond words. In particular, with Mashiro Chono (the story telling rivals *ANY* Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels match). To those who know his body of work, no explanation is needed. To those who don't, get the DVD or YouTube it. His move set is beyond reproach. Some of the moves he displays during these matches are comparable to a Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesner amateur wrestling match. Furthermore, as this is professional wrestling, his selling ability is unparalleled. Same can be said for a plethora of Flair matches prior to 97' and even for a few all the way up 2008 (including his "retirement" match with Shawn Michaels).
However, his match with Sting tonight was far from the Flair that I routinely watch on these DVD's. That doesn't matter, though. It isn't about work rate at this point in his career. Similar to Andre when his advancing health problems left him a shell of what he once was, it is less about the work rate and more about the story; the spectacle of who he was. Far too many fans, perhaps due to the rising popularity of UFC, worry far too much about athleticism and "realism." If that is what you enjoy, I'd offer that there are better venues in which to get your fix. Granted, a certain amount of physicality is necessary in order to not only further the story, but elevate the drama. That superplex off the top rope provided just that tonight.
Now, I realize I am biased. Heck, my handle says it all. I am a Flair mark and proud of it. He is, without question, the single greatest in ring competitor of all time. Whether it's 1982, 1995 or 2012, Ric Flair knows how to paint the picture. While the brush strokes may be a little slower and the picture not quite as sharp, it's still painted by an artist who has no equal. When watching Flair now, even the most ardent supporters cringe slightly at the pacing of the story or the appearance of a once majestic champion. Still, doesn't matter. Tonight, both Flair and Sting took care of business. I, for one, was honored to watch it.
