Posted June 14, 201312 yr comment_5547932 "Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Jay Youngblood (1/31/82) This is from WCPQ Studios in Charlotte with Piper joining Rich Landrum & Ray Stevens on commentary. Flair shows subtle heel tendencies here and is really good at selling for Youngblood who is focused on trying to look good against the NWA champ. Flair starts strutting around which pisses off Jay who just lays him down with a chop out of a clean break. That strike turns this into a slugfest and the fans are hot for the action. Steamer comes out to root for Jay after Flair sends him to the floor but Flair can't keep control as Jay is on fire getting nearfalls and having Flair reeling. The bell rings after Jay gets a nearfall on an inside cradle but Flair keeps attacking Jay until Steamer tells him the bell rung and the other babyfaces come in trying to hold Flair back. The deal was that Flair supposedly didn't hear the bell but the foreshadowing is here. I dug this match a lot and I'm pushing it on as a nomination.
July 9, 201312 yr comment_5550467 This is a good bout that shows signs of a heel Flair. Both guys worked well with one another. Still It's like the Piper bout in that it will get lost in the shuffle.
