[2][3] Rolling Stone critic Mitchell Schneider describes the song as "phallocentric," citing lyrics such as "The bigger they are — the harder they fall.

"[2] Rolling Stone critic Mitchell Schneider also sees a resemblance between the harmonies on "Stiff Competition" and those on The Beatles' "I Feel Fine.

[2] Critic Bryan Wawzenek describes "Stiff Competition" as finding the band "in rip-roaring form," praising the "growling" vocal and guitar from Robin Zander and Nielsen, respectively, as well as the "driving pace.

"[6] Ira Robbins and Michael Sandlin of Trouser Press describe "Stiff Competition" as "leering" saying that the song "paraphrases arena rock.

[2][9] On this version, author Mike Hayes praised Zander's "venomous" vocal, Nielsen's "gargantuan" guitar riff, and drummer Bun E. Carlos' "big beat prowess.".