WOOOOOO!!!! Essential piece of wrestling history
K. Golik | 07/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the first of 2 collections WWE Entertainment released on DVD on Ric Flair and in my eyes are both essential to anyone who is an wrestling enthusiast, historian, collector, or even a Ric Flair fan. Here is the match breakdown on this set. Ratings out of 10:
Harley Race at Starcade 1983 (9/10) This match is an excellent cage match that Flair regains the NWA Championship for the second time I believe. The match has some downtime that may turn a newer wrestling fan off. But this is a match that I feel established Ric Flair as the man. You also receive the promos leading up to the match, where Race puts a $25,000 bounty on Flair!!!
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes at Starcade 1985 (9/10) The DVD explains the tension between these two stars leading up to this classic encounter with the Horseman taking it to Dusty even injuring him. This match as a lot of emotions and this was the start of a series of great bouts Flair had with Rhodes.
Barry Windham at World Wide Wrestling 1/20/87 (10/10) This might be the most under-rated bout on the set and many people may point to this match as the weak link on here. Once you watch it, it is an execllent 45 minute match feauting Flair facing Windhan both in their primes and excuting moves so fluently.
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat at Clash of the Champions VI and Wrestle War 1989 (both 10/10) - the one thing missing from this set is the Chi Town Rumble to complete the trilogy of classic bouts Steamboat and Flair put on in 1989 (You can get that bout on the Superstars of the 1980's DVD) but you will not be disappointed with either match.
Terry Funk at Clash of the Champions IX (8/10)- Flair shows you here that he can adapt to a different wrestling style in an "I Quit" match. This match though mostly brawling in entertaining and will keep you going. Though after watching so many great bouts early you get spoiled a little.
Royal Rumble 1992 (6/10) - This is monumental because Flair wins his first WWF Championship. But the Royal Rumble match itself was dull in my opinion. Personally if you were going to use a Flair match from early WWF era go with his first bout with Hogan, or with Randy Savage at Summerslam. Or even in losing efforts against Mr. Perfect, Bret Hart. Its nice to see a whole Royal Rumble match.
Sting at Clash of the Champions XXVII (7.5/10)- Flair and Sting put on many classic bouts and I understand that you want to kind of show Flair all over his career, but this match maybe the 3rd or 4th best match they put on. Would have preferred the Clash of the Champions I bout (which is on the Definitive Flair DVD) or the bout at Great American Bash 1990 where Sting cradles Flair for the title, but this was big for Flair to unify the belts and Hogan at Bash at the Beach.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley at Monday Night Raw 5/19/03 (7/10)- The match was solid but most of the gravy points come from the tribute which is on here.
Pete Sanchez in 3/1/1976 (match 3/10; historical significance 10/10) - Flair's debut match
There is some bonus material about a life altering plane crash, promos, and about being in the Four Horseman. While the DVD misses out on fueds with Magnum T.A., Nikita Koloff, and Lex Luger or some debate on some selections of matches there is plenty to choose from as a fan."
God in a diamond studded robe
Natrell Lewis | Phoenix,AZ | 05/31/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Naitch is the best. Even in matches where his opponent is lacking, Flair delivers. There isn't a match he's been in past or present that isn't worth seeing. ultimaye is right. Flair always captured you whether in interviews or getting tossed off the "top floor", Slic Ric gives you all your money's worth. Absolutely the best DVD WWE has produced. I want more Flair, Vince. Anothre Flair DVD would be outstanding just cause his mug is on it."