5 Times Ric Flair Took WWE To The Extreme

5. Steel Cage Vs. Randy Orton (Taboo Tuesday 2004)

Fresh off the dissolution of Evolution as we knew it, former brothers in arms – Ric Flair and Randy Orton – would find themselves in opposite corners in late 2004; as the two men squared off inside a steel cage at the inaugural Taboo Tuesday pay-per-view event.

While the bout itself is often overlooked when recounting classic Flair match-ups, the feud is notorious for inciting the infamous “virgins bleed” promo by Flair in the weeks prior, where Flair claimed Orton was “a virgin at killing legends” and how he was going to…well, I’m sure you can fill in the blanks.

Narrowly avoiding severe reprimand for the comment, Flair (and Orton) would transform the notoriety into momentum going into the pay-per-view, eventually leading to their match being booked in the main event slot to close the show. It was an unusual booking decision for the time, with the bout even overshadowing the World Heavyweight Championship match in terms of placement on the card – such was the level of anticipation for the bitter student vs. teacher grudge match.

Orton – at the height of his “Legend Killer” persona – was looking to make a statement by adding the ultimate scalp to his list of fallen legends. Meanwhile, Flair, decked out in his finest $15,000 robe, oozed legendary status from the outset and it was clear that he was intent on turning back the clock and proving that, even after all these years, he was still the man.

A veteran of the cage, Naitch immediately took advantage of the lax rules, punishing his adversary with eye pokes, fish hooks and low blows before introducing his younger foe to the mesh; busting Orton open within minutes of the opening bell.

Smelling blood, the Nature Boy would channel the merciless heel of yesteryear, lighting up Orton’s chest with enough chops to fill a butcher’s window. However, Flair’s reliance on the chop strikes would eventually revive his opponent in a fit of rage; giving the future “Viper” enough adrenaline to launch Flair into the cage and give him a taste of his own medicine – and blood – in the process.

Although the bout took place in 2004, the match was more reminiscent of a classic cage match of years gone by, with no elaborate moves and no quarter given; just fists, steel and brutality. The old school style proved beneficial for Flair who had the upper hand for the majority of the bout; however, it was Orton who would eventually walk away victorious after a trademark RKO out of nowhere.

In a rivalry that revolved around respect, there’s no doubt that respect was earned on both sides when the final bell sounded. Battered and bloodied, the two men shook hands and embraced in a gruesome eclipse of mutual admiration.