10 Backstage WWE Feuds That Changed Everything

From the time Eric Bischoff took control of WCW, it was clear that he didn't consider Ric Flair a high priority. Despite Flair's continued popularity well into his late 40s, Bischoff was far more concerned with pushing the New World Order (and himself). While the nWo was of course initially very popular, Bischoff's inability to see past the present and let Flair and the rest of WCW's babyfaces get some revenge on the heels was the first nail in the company's coffin.

This meant that Flair - as he would later detail in his autobiography - was at a personal low point in his career. He still had the desire to perform (as well as the backing of the crowd), but he saw Bischoff giving his friends the lion's share of TV emphasis. Eventually, 'The Nature Boy' grew despondent, feeling Bischoff had wrecked his self-worth.

Issues between the men came to a head in April of 1998. Flair decided to miss an episode of Thunder in order to see his youngest son, Reid, compete in a wrestling tournament. Unfortunately, Bischoff had chosen that evening to reunite The Four Horsemen, and without Flair there, that wouldn't be possible. Bischoff sued Flair for breach of contract, and for several months, 'The Nature Boy' was off TV - in fact, WWE began making plans for his arrival.

Flair eventually patched things up with WCW and returned to the company, but he and Bischoff would later have a physical altercation in WWE.