Starrcade (1987) - Aftermath

Aftermath

Ron Garvin's reign as the NWA World Heavyweight Champion lasted for two months, and he never regained the title again. Ric Flair was in his fifth reign as the champion, and would remain the champion for over a year. In early 1988, Sting, who was rising to stardom, challenged Flair to a match at the first Clash of Champions. Flair accepted, and fought Sting for 45 minutes to a time-limit draw. The event was very successful, and the match made Sting a huge star. Sting continued to wrestle in many matches against Flair, as well as the other members of the Four Horsemen, and their rivalry continued for over ten years.

After Starrcade was outperformed by Survivor Series, Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) continued to compete. When JCP chose to hold the Bunkhouse Stampede pay-per-view event in January 1988, the WWF created the Royal Rumble event, a television special, and held it on the same night as Bunkhouse Stampede. In return, JCP created the first Clash of Champions, also a television special, and held it on the same night as WrestleMania IV. Clash of Champions was a success, and drew a large cable rating.