Frenemies

If you’ve watched any Reality Shows lately, you know they’re all about the conflicts.  On nearly every episode, one cast member will confront another over some real or perceived insult in order to pick a fight and stir up some drama, which results in the inevitable retaliation by the other cast member and soon an on-going feud erupts.  It’s an old gimmick, but it seems to be working, because the DramaCide style reality shows are spreading all over the cable networks like a disease.

One wrestler who was ahead of his time, who realized that people can’t get enough of the Drama, was the great Ric Flair.  He had figured out that every Hero needs a Villain, and he was more than willing to play the Baddie.  He would promptly pick a fight with any handsome, muscular young Buck who inspired the admiration and support of the fans.  Flair could spot a Winner better than the most experienced handicapper at the race track, and he wasted no time riding that Winner to the front of the pack.

One look at thoroughbred stallion Kerry Von Erich and you just knew that Flair would be first in line to advance his own career by going toe-to-toe with this Adonis.  Kerry resembled a Greek Hero with his bronze, chiseled physique, his flowing locks of hair, his heroic white trunks.  He might as well have tattooed across his broad chest: “Flair’s Whipping Boy.”  During the 1980’s, fans would have the pleasure of watching the “Nature Boy” and the “Modern Day Warrior” lock horns and fight for Lord of the Ring on numerous occasions.  Here are some images from a few of their encounters:

One of Flair’s other great talents, besides recognizing which Star to hitch his wagon to, was his uncanny ability to show off his opponents in the best possible positions, highlighting their best assets in stunning detail with every hold he applies.