On a recent edition of his “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast, Matt Hardy discussed the chemistry between Ric Flair and Sting including his fandom of the two legends.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On what made Ric Flair’s dynamic with Sting special: “Flair’s had a lot of retirement tours (laughs), just for the record. Retirement matches/ tours. I mean I just; Sting still felt like he was a young upstart at that point and he just; he felt Ric carried him. He felt like Ric is the one who made those matches great, made those matches indelible.”
“Made those matches memorable and it really elevated Sting. It brought him up to a top level at that time. So I think he’ll always be grateful to Ric Flair because of that. I think Ric gave Sting, gave Steve a lot of confidence back in those days.”
On if Sting was Matt Hardy’s ‘guy’ when watching WCW: “He was the guy. Two of my favorites as baby faces were Sting and also (Lex) Luger. (Ric) Flair was like; still there would be times where Flair was a heel and I would be pissed off at him or not like him. But then there’d be times Flair was a baby face and I would like him but I did like him just because he was from North Carolina (laughs). He was announced from North Carolina and I guess currently lived in North Carolina.”
“But yeah I would say Sting and Luger were probably my two favorite guys at that time. Also somebody or an act that hit real hard too was Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin. They were hugely influential to me. That’s kind of like; High Voltage (an early Hardy gimmick) was a combination of Sting, I tried to talk like Lex Luger. I used my hands a lot whenever I would talk. I was very much a hand talker because Luger did that and that is where I got it from. It is a compulsion. I remember he hit that line time, he did his arm across ‘because it is a compulsion. ‘I must become the World Heavyweight Champion’. But The Fabulous Free Birds too. A lot of the stuff I did when I first started molding myself as a wrestling character which was High Voltage which would ultimately become Surge and we would venture out on the independents, a lot of the stuff I would wear and my demeanor and my swagger had a lot of Free Birds in it. I had some Lex Luger speak and then I also had some; a little bit of Sting stuff in there as well. I guess I had a haircut like Sting when I started.”
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The Chemistry Between Ric Flair and Sting: A Look Back at Two Wrestling Legends
In the world of professional wrestling, there have been countless rivalries and partnerships that have captivated audiences for decades. One such dynamic duo that left a lasting impact on the industry is none other than Ric Flair and Sting. These two legends brought their unique styles and personalities to the ring, creating a chemistry that fans still talk about to this day.
On a recent episode of his podcast, “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy,” Matt Hardy discussed the chemistry between Ric Flair and Sting, shedding light on what made their dynamic so special. As a fan himself, Hardy expressed his admiration for both wrestlers and their contributions to the sport.
Flair, known for his flamboyant persona and technical prowess, had numerous retirement matches and tours throughout his career. However, it was his matches with Sting that truly stood out. According to Hardy, Sting felt that Flair carried him during those matches, making them unforgettable and elevating Sting’s status in the wrestling world.
Flair’s ability to make his opponents shine in the ring is a testament to his skill and experience. Sting, on the other hand, was still considered a young upstart at the time of their matches. He looked up to Flair and credited him for giving him confidence and helping him reach new heights in his career.
For Hardy, Sting was one of his favorite wrestlers during his time watching WCW. Alongside Lex Luger, Sting stood out as a babyface (a good guy) who captured the hearts of fans. Hardy also mentioned his affinity for Flair, although his feelings towards him varied depending on whether he played a heel (a bad guy) or a babyface.
Hardy’s appreciation for Sting and Luger influenced his own wrestling persona. When he first started molding himself as a character, he incorporated elements of both wrestlers into his gimmick. From Sting’s haircut to Luger’s hand gestures and speaking style, Hardy drew inspiration from these legends to create his own unique persona.
The impact of Flair and Sting extends beyond their in-ring performances. They inspired a new generation of wrestlers, including Hardy, who sought to emulate their success and charisma. Their influence can be seen in the wrestling industry even today, as their legacies continue to shape the sport.
To get a deeper understanding of the chemistry between Flair and Sting, fans can listen to Matt Hardy’s podcast episode titled “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy #105,” where he delves into their dynamic and shares his personal experiences as a fan.
In conclusion, the chemistry between Ric Flair and Sting is a testament to their talent, skill, and dedication to their craft. Their matches were not only entertaining but also helped elevate Sting’s career to new heights. Their influence can still be felt in the wrestling industry today, making them true legends of the sport.