grudge matches
Bitter competitive rematches
A grudge match is a competition or fight between opponents who have unresolved hostility from previous encounters.
The term emphasizes that personal animosity, not just competitive spirit, motivates the rematch.
Sports commentators love to frame rivalries this way: Tonight's grudge match between the two boxers has been building since their controversial first bout.
The phrase extends beyond athletics to any confrontation fueled by lingering resentment or a desire for revenge.
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- settling scoresAvenging past grievances
- opponentsThose who compete against
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- enmityBitter, lasting ill will
blood feud · MMA · title fight · competition · vindication · resentment · feud · bad blood · no love lost · psychological warfare · contest · boxing · aggression · hostility · playoff · determination · payback · sports
- Big GamesSuper Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, World Cup Final, championship game
- sporting eventsrace, game, games, final, cup
grudge matchesexhibition matches
Contests without ranking consequences
friendlies · friendly matches · all-star games · pickup games · scrimmages
grudge matchesscrimmages
Informal team practice matches
pickup games · casual games · practice rounds · walkovers · sparring sessions
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