10 Most Overrated "Classic" Matches In Wrestling History
3. Ric Flair Vs. Sting (NWA Clash Of The Champions 1)
Ric Flair and Sting had a number of great matches together throughout their long, illustrious careers, and the latter is justifiably held up as one of ‘The Nature Boy’s’ greatest rivals. Taking place at the first NWA Clash Of The Champions, this match is often compared favourably to Flair’s classic series with Ricky Steamboat, but it doesn’t even come close, and stands as one of the most overrated matches in wrestling history.
It’s a 45-minute time limit draw, and while the length isn’t a problem in itself, the way Sting and Flair fill it certainly is. They started out working a relatively fast pace, but the match soon became a total resthold-fest, with Sting regularly spamming headlocks, and Flair continually stalling. The wrestlers obviously have to conserve their energy in such a long bout, but these constant periods of inactivity regularly reduced the clash to monotony.
The finish was strong, with Ric just holding out while locked in the Scorpion Deathlock, but the match descended to drudgery far too often to be considered a definite classic. Unfortunately, Sting just didn’t have the experience required to help Flair to a timeless bout at this early stage in his career, and this one just doesn’t stand the test of time.