Ranking What Was Really The Best Wrestling Debut Every Year 1990-2021

31. 1991 - Ric Flair

Undertaker CM Punk
WWE.com

Fantastic. Just fantastic.

The WWF was fantastic in 1991, its most underrated year ever when it wasn't as sleazy as it ever had been, and Ric Flair made an iconic, shock debut as it drew to a close.

He was given the literal red carpet treatment on Prime Time Wrestling as his financial adviser Bobby Heenan nailed the transgressive accuracy of the character. Flair was the "Real World's Heavyweight Champion" who reigned supreme atop "this great sport". Heenan was on great form. "It's not like Hulk Hogan is coming out," he opined as Flair walked across the stage.

Flair was more muted than he was as a Horsemen in '86 - to sublime effect. He was the composed, assured picture of pro wrestling genius in the heightened world of sports entertainment.

This use of contrast was as impeccable as his robe.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!