Background: With Vader gaining more popularity he began seeing himself as an ally of Hulk Hogan and, eventually, an enemy of The Four Horsemen; leading to a handicap match between “The Rocky Mountain Monster” and Ric Flair & Arn Anderson.
Clash of the Champions XXXI
Daytona Beach, FL
August 6, 1995
Vader vs. Ric Flair & Arn Anderson
Ric Flair insisted Arn Anderson start this one off and even moved across the apron to avoid being tagged in when Vader muscled “The Enforcer” across the ring into The Horseman corner. But it didn’t help Flair avoid punishment, let alone Anderson when he was pummeled by those clubbing forearms from the former WCW World Heavyweight champion. Sending Anderson to the floor with a clothesline, Vader demanded Flair come in & fight. Flair didn’t just yet, leaving Anderson to get clobbered over and over again. Reversing an Irish whip, Anderson actually hit the spine buster on Vader! Flair insisted he come in and follow up. Rather than go for the pin, “The Nature Boy” simply stomped Vader to the point it infuriated the big man and allowed “The Mastodon” to press slam and clothesline Flair.
Grabbing a chair, Flair laid the groundwork for a distraction that allowed Anderson to chop block the unsuspecting Vader waiting for Flair to reenter. DDT connected for Vader; setting up Flair’s Figure Four Leg Lock. Vader refused to give up and Flair just relinquished the hold. Vader somehow got to his feet and slammed Flair as he tried to climb the ropes for a big splash on “The Nature Boy”. Anderson was the only thing saving Flair from a sure pin. Superfly splash connected for Vader on Flair, only for Anderson to be Ric’s saving grace. Vader was beating up both opponents at the same time until he had Anderson ready for the Doctor Bomb that allowed Vader to gain the three count.
Winners: Vader (6:49)
Is It A Classic: That was an interesting encounter – not necessarily memorable and was meant more for a storyline advancement between Anderson and Flair, but still fun to watch considering who was involved.
