Few rivalries in professional wrestling reach an epic level and are remembered years later at just the mention of a single name. The power that one name carries can be an awesome thing. Some, like Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair, immediately call to mind any number of rivalries. They were two of the most prolific wrestlers, so it’s only natural. Other, like Greg Valentine and Roddy Piper bring a deeper, more thoughtful memory as their matches are just as epic, if not more so, than Flair’s or Hogan’s.
These legendary rivalries are the backbone of professional wrestling, as well as any sport. We love to see our favorites go head to head for supremacy, and the better the event the longer it’ll remain with us.
Memories for the ages
The really cool part about rivalries is they aren’t just for the fans, though we’re a huge part of their existence. After all, what good is a rivalry is no one’s there to watch?
Valentine and Piper’s dog collar match is one for the ages. It speaks for itself and is always enjoyable to watch, so we’ll leave it for you to peruse. However, there is also a cool back story between the two that mirrors what we see and hear from other sports.
Often, a mutual respect and even friendship develops between those involved, and this was no different.
“We were used to wrestling each other. That was the blow-off of a two year feud with Piper, that match. Believe me, Piper did not like my style of wrestling. We were good friends and that is the only reason that we made a lot of money together because I hit too hard and I didn’t like his style either, but then we meshed together and he improved his style, I improved mine. He never liked to work as stiff as I did is what I am trying to say.
“A couple of times, he knocked me out. I mean he hit me as hard as he could because he used to be a Golden Glove boxer. He was so pissed off at me because I wouldn’t go home one night and it was raining someplace and he says, “Let’s go, let’s go.” and I didn’t want to and I was being belligerent. He hauled off and hit me as hard as he could and I’m standing in the ring and I’m like just dazed. I didn’t go down. He grabs me and he bulldogs me and he runs my head all of the way across the canvas of the ring, I swallowed about three gallons of water, I came up, I was laughing and he was laughing. I said, Okay go ahead let’s go home.
“So I mean that was real and we apologized and I didn’t know if I could beat him up for real, and he didn’t know if he could beat me. Back then I didn’t know because he was a Golden Glove boxer from Canada, that’s where he got his start, he was a tough guy and he didn’t look it. That’s why he made so much money because of his mouth and then the average guy goes, “I could whip his ass just get me in the ring with him.” That’s how he drew money, he was a great guy.” – Greg Valentine Instagram.
Stories like this are what really helps these matches and wrestlers anchor themselves in our collective memories. It lets us see behind the curtain without the dark shadows that often surround these behind the scenes events and relationships. It’s about sharing memories and just immortalizes them even more.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
