NWA Clash of the Champions IX: Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk in a Legendary “I Quit” Match (Video)

NWA Clash of the Champions IX Now Streaming: Relive Wrestling History

Troy, New York, played host to a pivotal moment in professional wrestling history on November 15, 1989, as the National Wrestling Alliance presented clash of the Champions IX: New York Knockout. This landmark event, originally broadcast live on TBS, is now fully available for fans to re-experience thanks to the WCW YouTube Channel.

The Main Event: Flair vs. Funk

The evening’s centerpiece was a brutal “I Quit” match between the legendary Ric Flair and the equally formidable terry Funk. This clash of titans captivated a live audience of 4,000 spectators and garnered a television rating of 4.9 on TBS, demonstrating the widespread appeal of professional wrestling during that era.

The “I Quit” stipulation, popularized in the late 1980s, added a psychological layer to the match, forcing competitors to verbally submit or endure relentless punishment. This contest between Flair and Funk is remembered for its intensity and willingness to push the boundaries of physical endurance.

A Look Back at Clash of the champions IX

Clash of the Champions IX represented a important event in the ongoing territorial wars of professional wrestling. The NWA was striving to maintain its dominance against rival promotions like the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and events like this were critical in showcasing the talent and storytelling capabilities of the NWA roster.

Event	Date	Location	Attendance	TV Rating (TBS)
Clash of the Champions IX	November 15, 1989	Troy, New York	4,000	4.9

Did You Know? The Clash of the Champions series was created by Bill Watts as a way to provide NWA fans with regular, high-profile events throughout the year, countering the WWF’s strategy of focusing on a few large-scale pay-per-view events.

Pro Tip: for the best viewing experience, consider using a streaming device or connecting your computer to a larger screen to fully appreciate the action and atmosphere of this classic wrestling event.

The availability of this full event on YouTube offers a unique opportunity for both longtime fans and newcomers to experience a piece of wrestling history. It’s a chance to witness the passion, athleticism, and dramatic storytelling that defined an era.

What are your favorite memories of the NWA’s Clash of the Champions events? Do you believe the “I quit” match still holds up as a compelling wrestling format today?

The Enduring Legacy of NWA and WCW

The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) once stood as the governing body for professional wrestling in North America,predating the rise of the WWF. In the 1990s, the NWA’s assets were eventually acquired by Ted Turner, leading to the formation of World Championship Wrestling (WCW). WCW enjoyed a period of significant success during the “Monday Night Wars” with the WWF before being purchased by the WWF in 2001. Today, the NWA continues as an self-reliant promotion, preserving a link to wrestling’s past. The influence of both the NWA and WCW can still be seen in modern wrestling promotions today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Clash of the Champions IX

• What is Clash of the Champions IX? It was a professional wrestling event held by the NWA on November 15, 1989, in Troy, New York.
• Who was involved in the main event of Clash of the Champions IX? The main event featured Ric Flair and Terry Funk in an “I Quit” match.
• Where can I watch Clash of the Champions IX? The full event is currently available to stream on the WCW YouTube Channel.
• How many fans attended Clash of the champions IX? The event drew a live audience of approximately 4,000 fans.
• What was the TV rating for Clash of the Champions IX? The event achieved a 4.9 rating on TBS.
• what is an “I Quit” match? An “I Quit” match requires a wrestler to verbally submit, saying “I Quit,” to avoid continued punishment.
• What was the meaning of the NWA during the time of clash of the Champions IX? The NWA was a leading professional wrestling organization striving to maintain its prominence amid rising competition.

Don’t forget to share this exciting news with fellow wrestling fans and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

What psychological tactics did Ric Flair and Terry Funk employ to escalate their rivalry before teh “I Quit” match?

NWA Clash of the Champions IX: Ric flair vs. Terry Funk – A Legendary “I Quit” Match (Video)

The Build-Up to a Brutal Encounter

The rivalry between Ric flair and Terry Funk in 1989 was a masterclass in professional wrestling storytelling.Leading up to NWA Clash of the Champions IX on May 3, 1989, the animosity had been simmering for months. Funk,a hardcore legend known for his brawling style,had arrived in the National Wrestling alliance (NWA) and promptly targeted Flair,the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

This wasn’t just a title defense; it was a clash of ideologies. Flair represented the polished, arrogant, and technically gifted champion, while Funk embodied chaos, unpredictability, and a willingness to do anything to win.The “I Quit” stipulation was added to try and contain the violence, a notion that proved hilariously naive. Key elements fueling the feud included:

* Funk’s attacks on Flair outside the ring, blurring the lines between kayfabe and reality.

* Flair’s attempts to portray funk as a perilous, uncontrollable force, undermining his credibility.

* The involvement of Funk’s mentor, Dusty Rhodes, adding another layer of complexity to the conflict.

* Constant psychological warfare thru interviews and promos, showcasing both men’s remarkable charisma.

The “I Quit” Match: A descent into Carnage

The clash of the Champions IX “I Quit” match is widely considered one of the most brutal and realistic wrestling matches in history. Held in Greenville, South Carolina, the match wasn’t about graceful athleticism; it was a war of attrition. The video footage, readily available online, showcases a relentless assault on both competitors.

Here’s a breakdown of key moments:

1. Early Dominance by Funk: Terry Funk immediately established control, utilizing his signature brawling tactics. He targeted flair’s legs and midsection,attempting to wear down the champion.
2. Flair’s Resilience: Despite the punishment, Ric Flair demonstrated his legendary ability to absorb incredible amounts of damage and keep fighting. his selling – the art of making moves look impactful – was exceptional.
3. The Use of Weapons: The “I Quit” stipulation didn’t prevent the use of weapons. Funk brought a chair into the ring, repeatedly assaulting Flair with it. Flair retaliated with a Singapore cane.
4. The Figure Four Leglock & Counter: A pivotal moment saw Flair lock in the Figure Four Leglock,but Funk ingeniously reversed it,turning the tables on the champion.
5. Funk’s Relentless Assault & The “I Quit”: Funk continued his brutal attack, culminating in a sustained assault with the chair. Referee Tommy Young, fearing for Flair’s safety, repeatedly asked Flair to quit. after a notably vicious chair shot, a clearly dazed and battered Flair reluctantly uttered the words, “I…quit!”

The aftermath and Legacy

The match’s conclusion was controversial. Many fans felt Flair was forced to quit, and the storyline continued with disputes over the legitimacy of the “I Quit.” This controversy only added to the match’s legendary status.

* Impact on Wrestling Style: The match influenced a generation of wrestlers, demonstrating the power of realistic violence and storytelling. It paved the way for more hardcore-influenced styles in promotions like ECW and later WWE.

* Funk’s Character Development: The feud cemented Terry Funk’s reputation as a dangerous and unpredictable competitor.

* Flair’s Enduring Legacy: Despite the loss, the match further solidified Ric Flair’s status as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. His ability to sell pain and maintain credibility even in defeat was remarkable.

* the Match’s Continued Relevance: Today, the Clash of the Champions IX “I Quit” match remains a frequently discussed and analyzed bout among wrestling fans and historians. The video continues to circulate widely on platforms like YouTube and wrestling streaming services.

Analyzing the Psychology of the Match

The brilliance of flair vs. Funk wasn’t just the violence; it was the psychological warfare. Funk targeted Flair’s pride and arrogance, attempting to break him mentally as well as physically. Flair, in turn, tried to portray Funk as a reckless and uncontrollable maniac.

This psychological element is crucial to understanding the match’s enduring appeal. It wasn’t just about who could inflict the most pain; it was about who could break the other person’s will. The “I Quit” stipulation amplified this psychological aspect, forcing a verbal submission that was arguably more humiliating than a pinfall.

Where to Watch the Match Video

Finding the full video of NWA Clash of the Champions IX can sometimes be challenging due to copyright restrictions. Though, several options are available:

* WWE Network: The WWE Network (now part of Peacock in the US) frequently enough features classic NWA content, including Clash of the Champions events.

* YouTube: Numerous clips and partial videos of the match are available on YouTube. Searching for “Ric Flair Terry Funk I Quit Match” will yield a variety of results.

* Wrestling Streaming Services: Self-reliant wrestling streaming services may also offer access to the full match.

* **DVD/Blu-