|
Hogan and Flair Go To War in Epic Nitro Championship Rematch
Following their brutal encounter at Halloween Havoc, Hulk Hogan put his WCW Championship on the line again just weeks later against a vengeance-seeking Ric Flair on Nitro. Their epic rematch was another instant classic between two icons at the height of their storied rivalry.
A furious Flair aggressively took it to the champion in the opening minutes, trying to ground Hogan with a barrage of chop blocks and figure-four leglocks to the knees. But Hogan, still feeling the effects of their war at Havoc, powered through the pain and fought back with thunderous shoulder blocks and clotheslines.
"Hogan is showing that refusal to stay down after the battle these two had at Havoc," noted Tony Schiavone on commentary. "The champion just will not yield!"
A rake of the eyes allowed the crafty Flair to take back over. He began methodically wearing down Hogan, using every dirty trick imaginable. When Flair exposed a turnbuckle ring and drove Hogan's head into the steel, it busted Hogan open and put the champ on rubber legs. Sensing gold within his grasp, Flair callously punished the reeling Hogan with a series of rolling vertical suplexes that elicited "Woooos" from the crowd.
"Flair has drawn first blood and is dissecting the champion! We could be looking at a new World Champion here tonight," Schiavone declared.
But in a testament to his bottomless resolve, Hogan somehow absorbed Flair's relentless assault and began battling back. With Jimmy Hart cheering him on ringside, Hogan appeared to be Hulking up as he shook off Flair's attacks. A series of big right hands from the champion backed Flair into the corner. In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Hogan exacted revenge for the earlier turnbuckle spot by whipping Flair face-first into the exposed steel.
"Vintage Hogan! He's been busted open, battered relentlessly, but now the Hulkster turns the tables!" shouted an incredulous Bobby Heenan.
After knocking Flair wobbly with the big boot, Hogan sealed the deal when he dropped the Leg Drop to put Flair away for the 1-2-3. Somehow, someway, the champion's hand was raised. Hogan had successfully retained his title again over Flair in an absolutely grueling affair that left both men battered and exhausted.
"Incredible effort once again from these two legends, but Hogan digs deep to gut out the victory! The Hulkster's reign continues!" Schiavone proclaimed.
While a thirst for vengeance consumed him after Havoc, Ric Flair ultimately fell short again in this physical Nitro rematch. But Hulk Hogan proved why he is the man by surviving another gritty title defense against his arch-rival. Their storied rivalry wrote another unforgettable chapter tonight!
4.75*
|