3. Ric Flair (vs. Vince McMahon) - Royal Rumble 2002
Being revealed as a majority shareholder in WWE the night after Survivor Series in November of 2001, fans were once again baffled why Ric Flair hadn't been part of the Invasion saga. Surely somebody who embodied WCW such as The Nature Boy would have perfect for the angle, adding significant weight to proceedings, and making the incomers seem like way more of a threat. Nonetheless, it was too late for all that, and Flair instead went up against Vince McMahon for control of the company, providing fans with many awesome verbal duels in the process. Surprisingly, Flair's big in-ring WWE comeback, against McMahon in a Street Fight at the 2002 Royal Rumble, was also a spectacle. The No Holds Barred stipulation helped both men, of course, but the bout was full of drama, and proved to many Flair doubters that he still had something to offer when the bell had rung. This match is often over-looked when people debate the better Vince McMahon rivalries, which is a shame, as there's some really weighty action to be found in McMahon vs. Flair, not least the incredible 'crimson mask' displayed by Ric.
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.
