In a recent episode of his Kliq This podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash shed light on one of wrestling’s most infamous backstage altercations: the fight between “Ravishing” Rick Rude and The Ultimate Warrior. Nash recounted the story as told to him directly by Rude, explaining the bout’s origin and the simmering tensions that led to a violent confrontation behind the curtain[4][3].
What Sparked the Rude-Warrior Clash?
According to Kevin Nash, the fight was sparked by Ultimate Warrior’s refusal to lose to Rick Rude during a feud that was crucial for Rude’s standing in WWE. Warrior allegedly dismissed Rude’s status, outright refusing to put him over—a major sign of backstage disrespect in professional wrestling. Warrior’s claim, as retold by Nash, was essentially that he was above having to take a loss to Rude, which set the stage for the conflict[4].
Rude, known for his intimidating presence and no-nonsense attitude, did not take kindly to Warrior undermining his position. Nash described how the tension escalated quickly, culminating when Warrior stood his ground in a manner that Rude reportedly interpreted as arrogant. This confrontation ignited a physical altercation, with Rude landing a knockout punch that many consider a definitive statement about respect in the locker room[1][4].
Rick Rude: A True Locker Room Enforcer
Rude’s reputation as a backstage enforcer aligned with several stories from wrestling insiders. While Rude was a professional in the ring, backstage he wasn’t afraid to confront wrestlers who disrespected the locker room or the business. According to sources close to WWE’s locker room during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Rude’s willingness to stand up for himself and others earned him both respect and a degree of fear among peers[1].
A veteran WWE insider shared, “Rick never wanted to escalate things unnecessarily, but if someone crossed the line, he was quick to put them in their place.” This viewpoint supports Nash’s retelling, revealing that Rude’s actions against Warrior were not about personal vendettas but maintaining professional respect[4].
The Ultimate Warrior’s Troubled Relationships in WWE
This story is consistent with numerous accounts casting The Ultimate Warrior as a complicated figure backstage. Warrior often clashed with fellow wrestlers and was known for his volatile behavior and reluctance to cooperate fully in match storylines or results. Rick Rude, despite his professional demeanor, reportedly found working with Warrior challenging, even if they produced memorable matches together[2].
Noted wrestling commentator Bruce Prichard once revealed that Rude disliked working with Warrior but pushed through out of respect for the business and the financial upside the rivalry offered. This tension arguably boiled over into more than just in-ring chemistry—it seeped into real-life animosity[2].
Kevin Nash’s Personal View and Broader Context
Kevin Nash’s retelling goes beyond the fight itself, offering insight into the mindset and backstage dynamics of major WWE stars during that era. Nash commented on the importance of respect and honor among wrestlers, especially those considered top-tier talents. He framed the Rude vs. Warrior fight as emblematic of the era’s unwritten rules—when someone refused to “put over” talent like Rude, it often resulted in consequences beyond scripted entertainment[3][4].
Nash further contrasted this with modern wrestling, noting, “Back then, to protect your status, you sometimes had to settle matters in the locker room, not just the ring. The industry’s changed a lot since then.” His commentary offers a window into how personal and business lines blurred in wrestling’s territory days and early national expansion periods.
The Aftermath: Respect Restored?
Following the altercation, reports suggest that Warrior learned to respect Rude’s position, though the animosity between them never fully faded. Wrestling veteran and Demolition member Smash corroborated stories of Rude getting the upper hand on Warrior in non-televised confrontations, further reinforcing how seriously Rude took his career status and personal honor[2].
Despite the fight, both men continued their careers, with Rude remaining a top heel and Warrior maintaining his larger-than-life persona. Insiders note that the fight became one of many backstage stories that defined both men’s legacies—as performers who were as intense about their craft as they were about the respect they commanded[1][4].
Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Wrestling Politics
This episode of Kliq This adds rich context to ongoing discussions about locker room politics in wrestling. Ultimate Warrior’s reluctance to lose to competitors like Rude reveals the complex egos and power struggles inherent in the business. Meanwhile, Rude’s fight was a message that status in wrestling is often not just earned by talent but defended vigorously in more than just scripted ways.
A wrestling promoter familiar with that era noted, “Backstage fights like Rude vs. Warrior were about pride, control, and survival. For many wrestlers, protecting their place meant everything, even if it meant some bruises. Rick was one of the guys who didn’t back down.”[1]
Final Thoughts
Kevin Nash’s recounting of Rick Rude’s side of the fight with Ultimate Warrior enriches a legendary wrestling backstage tale that fans and insiders continue to dissect decades later. It highlights the fragile egos and raw intensity that made professional wrestling as dramatic behind the scenes as it was in front of the cameras.
As Nash pointed out, the locker room is not just about athletic talent—it’s a proving ground for character and respect. In the case of Rick Rude and Ultimate Warrior, the story is a vivid reminder of how seriously wrestlers took their careers, their honor, and ultimately, their place in WWE history[4][3].