Retro Wednesday: Loser Leaves WWE, 1993

In 1991, "Mr Perfect" Curt Hennig became a color commentator as a result of nagging injuries that were affecting his career as an in-ring superstar. Another role that Hennig played was the executive consultant of Ric Flair, being by his side during Flair's memorable moment of capturing the WWE Championship as a result of winning the 1992 Royal Rumble.

Hennig and Flair's partnership started to show signs of dissension, as Flair's advisor, Bobby Heenan was involved in a confrontation with Hennig on a episode of Prime Time Wrestling preceding the Survivor Series.

The relationship completely folded when Hennig solidified his babyface turn by accepting the proposal by "Macho Man" Randy Savage to be his partner (replacing the Ultimate Warrior) at Survivor Series against Ric Flair and Razor Ramon. Savage and Hennig won the match by disqualification, and a singles feud between Flair and Hennig commenced.

After eliminating Flair at the 1993 Royal Rumble, their feud culminated on the January 25, 1993 episode of Raw, in which the loser was forced to leave the WWE. The match ended up with Curt Hennig winning, ending Ric FLair's short WWE tenure.

It is quite surprising how much this match is overlooked in the WWE vault. It was unquestionably one of the best Raw matches of all time, and could have catapulted Hennig into one of the top babyfaces in the company. Unfortunately, coming up on the short end of feuds against Lex Luger and Shawn Michaels throughout the rest of the year virtually shrouded this memorable Raw moment.

Classic build. Classic match.

Author's Link: Batista vs. Randy Orton at WM 30 will fall flat, Daniel Bryan reactions can't be overlooked, WrestleMania 1&2