It’s Rivalry Week here in Los Angeles, the week before the showdown between UCLA and USC on Saturday. In honor of the big game, we’ve decided to put together some of the greatest rivalries in American history. In no particular order…
Chevy vs Ford
Also know as Bowtie vs. Blue Oval. This rivalry is about as American as you can get. In 1964, Ford introduced the Mustang, which became an instant classic and an automotive icon. Two years later, Chevy countered with the Camaro. Both became the epitome of a Muscle Car: big gas guzzlers that went fast in a straight line but handled like a freight train. Aside from a few hiccups along the way, they are still laying down the rubber nearly 50 years later.
Boston Red Sox vs the New York Yankees
Okay, maybe this rivalry is as American as it gets. For over 100 years, these two ball clubs have battled it out on the diamond. From the “Curse of the Bambino” to the infamous “Bloody Sock” of the 2008 ALCS, these two teams have what many consider the most heated and historic rivalry in all of sports.
Apple vs Microsoft
Back in the early 1980’s, when personal computing was in its very infancy, you essentially had two choices when it came to operating systems: Apple OS or Microsoft Windows. So yeah, nothing much has changed 30 years later. Both have suffered their setbacks, but the undisputed desktop king is Microsoft Windows, while the Apple iPhone, iPod, and iPad rule the mobile world.
Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant
Once upon a time before wrestling became fake, there stood a Real American Hero by the name of Hulk Hogan. We’re talking WWF Hogan, brother, not WCW or WWE Hollywood Hogan. He had the perfect foil in Andre the Giant, the 7’ 5” 520 pound behemoth.
Their feud produced what was perhaps the greatest wrestling match of all time, the championship bout of Wrestlemania III. Jump to about the 7:45 mark to witness some of the most dramatic “wrastling” you’ll ever see. As a bonus, dig on future Minnesota Governor Jesse “The Body” Ventura announcing ringside. “I don’t believe it, Gorillaaaaaaa!”
David Lee Roth vs Sammy Hagar
Van Halen, one of the greatest rock acts in history, was anchored by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, while front man duties belonged to David Lee Roth. But in 1985, tensions within the band led to Roth being replaced by Sammy Hagar, leaving a rift between the two. Hagar left the band in 1996 after finding out that Van Halen had secretly been recording with Roth. Both have since been brought back for subsequent reunions.
Wile E. Coyote vs the Road Runner
Meep Meep! That sound alone should trigger images of the desert, ACME products, and the crafty Road Runner outsmarting a coyote more indestructible than The Terminator. Wile E. Coyote has been chasing the Road Runner since 1949, and aside from recent forays into 3D computer animation, they have remained essentially unchanged, unlike Tom and Jerry, which went through some pretty unbearable, nonviolent “buddy” phases during the 1970’s.
Honorable Mentions
Nikola Tesla vs Thomas Edison
LA Lakers vs Boston Celtics
Paper vs Plastic
Star Wars vs Star Trek
The North vs The South
-Carlos Delgado, CBS Radio
