Hollywood’s action stars, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal, have a long-standing rivalry that runs deeper than typical celebrity feuds. Both boasting martial arts backgrounds, their public comments fueled the tension.

In 1991, Seagal questioned Van Damme’s martial arts credentials on The Arsenio Hall Show. Van Damme, in response, met Seagal and attempted to ease the tension.

The turning point came in 1997 at Sylvester Stallone’s Miami house party. With Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Shaquille O’Neal, and the two rivals in attendance, Van Damme challenged Seagal to a fight in Stallone’s backyard. Stallone believed Van Damme would win, but Seagal avoided the showdown.

Seagal later downplayed it, saying it would be like “squashing an ant,” while Van Damme believed it began on The Jay Leno Show when Seagal criticized his martial arts skills.

Despite their age, the question remains: Could this feud finally be settled through celebrity boxing?