10 WWE Angles Ripped Straight From The Movies

4. Ric Flair's Last Stand (Rocky Balboa)

Rocky Balboa VI Ric Flair
MGM/WWE

Technically, Rocky VI was called 'Rocky Balboa', which is absolutely infuriating for those who want seamless, numbered chronology from their favourite film franchises. That's also one hell of a digression from the actual purpose of this entry, so let's get on with the matter at hand.

The 2006 movie ended with Rocky coming to terms with the realisation that he wasn't an 'Italian Stallion' human punching bag who could go on forever. After losing via split decision to up-and-comer Mason Dixon, Balboa basks in adulation and chants from an emotional live crowd.

Just like Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV two years later.

The entire build to Flair's bout with Shawn Michaels (someone who had looked up to him, much like Dixon did to Rocky) hinged on Ric's advancing age and looming retirement. After losing his final match, Flair broke down in tears and realised that his epic career was finally over.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.