Text By Simon Rawls

What if...Barry Windham didn't join The Four Horsemen in April 1988?

Part II

Our story picks up right after the '88 Crockett Cup. With the assistance of the newest Horseman, "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert, former World Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard have won the tournament and the million dollar prize. With the always dynamic Four Horsemen and the combustible element of Eddie Gilbert, things are getting ready to explode.

April-May 1988

The next episode of World Championship Wrestling comes and starts with a recap of recent events. An interview with The Four Horsemen is promised for later. A few segments later, the once again complete Four Horsemen make their appearance. "Ain't life grand?" starts off "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. "What a difference three days makes! We got stabbed in the back by Windham, but we wound up with 'Hot Stuff' instead. It was like getting dumped by a fat chick and then dating the prom queen. Not that any of us have ever dated a fat chick." he says to well received chuckles. "But seriously, it's like this, after the tag match, the four of us were talking in the back about how mad we were at Windham. We didn't know what to do. Then 'Double A' says 'that Windham thinks he's real hot stuff'. Then it clicked. I remembered my old friend, made one phone call, and the rest is history. "Ric," Eddie Gilbert says, "getting that phone call was one of the greatest moments of my life. Being tapped to join wrestling's most elite group; The Four Horsemen. I couldn't believe it. But it happened. And Barry Windham, thank you. Thank you so much for being such a fool. All the money, the glory, the women... well that's nothing new for me, but it could have been yours. But no, you wanted to stick with Loser Luger. Well your loss is 'Hot Stuff's' gain. And boys, watch out, because I am going straight to the top. "That's right." says James J. Dillon. "Look at these two men." he says, pointing to Arn and Tully. "They're a million dollars richer and will shortly be two-time World Tag Team Champions. It's a matter of when not if." And pointing to Gilbert, he says "And I am here and now announcing that Eddie Gilbert will be The Four Horsemen's representative in the upcoming United States Heavyweight Title tournament. The Horsemen will once again rule the roost." "And Dusty Rhodes," Tully Blanchard says, "don't think we've forgotten you. That mask is coming off." At this the interview ends.

Next week on World Wide, Windham and Luger win a quick match against Big Bear Colley and the Super Destroyer and then go for an interview with Bob Caudle and Tony Schiavone. "Well gentleman, I know you two must be upset about the Crockett Cup." Tony Schiavone says to them. "Tony Schiavone," Lex Luger answers, "yeah we're upset. We were all set to win $1 million, and that little snot nose punk, Eddie Gilbert, costed us BIG. But, you know what? We still have these." he says pointing to the World Tag Team Title belts. "And Horsemen, you're not getting them back." "That's right." Barry Windham chimes in. "Gilbert, looking at it, you are the perfect Horsemen. You are lying, deceitful, unscrupulous, dishonest, and backstabbing. And those are your good points. And I wouldn't get too worked up over the U.S. Title. It was a travesty that my mentor, Dusty Rhodes, had to vacate that title. But, I will be in that tournament, too and I will not a little runt like you ..." All of a sudden the Horsemen all attack Barry and Lex. The tag champs put a valiant effort, but the 5 on 2 ambush is too much. They are left battered and beaten by the dastardly Horsemen. Adding insult to injury, Eddie Gilbert slams the interview podium down on Windham and kicks him twice for good measure.

On World Championship Wrestling, this is shown over and over. Later, Gilbert comes out with James J. Dillon right before his debut match, and is laughing like a hyena. "J.J. did you see Windham's face when I slammed those stairs on him? That stupid inbred didn't know what hit him. He thinks he can best me in the U.S. Title tournament? I guess he realizes his days with Luger and the World Tag belts are almost gone with the wind. But Barry, it will do you no good. Soon you are going the way of that fat mentor of yours. G-O-N-E. Speaking of fatsos, let me take care of this schmuck they got in the ring for me." Gilbert goes in to wrestle the Italian Stallion. The Stallion being both a staunch babyface and a solid wrestler puts up a good fight. But Gilbert is able to overall out wrestle him and dominates throughout with his crisp movements and scientific holds. After hitting a hard dropkick and following up with a hip toss, he sets the Stallion up for his patented Hot Shot (Throat first flapjack onto the top rope) and connects. He goes for the pin, but before Nick Patrick can hit 3, the Midnight Rider storms the ring and starts pounding on Gilbert.  James J. Dillon comes in to help, but is met with a hard elbow that sends him reeling. Arn, Ric and Tully storm the ring, but the Rider sees them coming and makes quick haste, escaping through the crowd.

On all NWA programming, it is announced that the next week on World Championship Wrestling that there will be a double main event; Lex Luger and Barry Windham will defend the World Tag Team Titles against Arn and Tully and Eddie Gilbert will be taking on the Midnight Rider.

Just days before the U.S. Title tournament, World Championship Wrestling braces itself for a monumental double main event. A pre-taped video is shown of The Midnight Rider at his camp site. "Well, Eddie Gilbert, the newest Four Horsemen. You thought you could come and do a number on the Midnight Rider's good friends, Lex Luger and Barry Windham? Well Eddie, I tell you, that did not sit well with The Midnight Rider. The Rider looks out for his friends, but his enemies had better beware. I will NOT have you and your band of rogues run roughshod over the good people in this world. You can guarantee it!"

The World Tag Team Title match is first. Anderson and Blanchard come out with a determined look in their eyes. A look that says that they want their gold back. Luger and Windham, still sore (at least mentally) over the recent attack, have vengeance in their eyes. Luger and Blanchard start off and it doesn't take long for tempers to flare and fists to fly. Teddy Long restores order, but it doesn't take long for things to get out of hand all over again. James J. Dillon repeatedly tries to interfere, which after the fourth time, brings Sting out. He shoves Dillon and the two get into a shouting altercation. This brings out Ric Flair. Moments later, "Dr. Death" and Nikita Koloff are at ringside. Pretty soon all men are in the ring and the match ends in a double disqualification.

When the opposing parties are finally separated and order is restored, an irate Jim Crockett Jr. comes out and makes an announcement. "The outside interference as of late is getting way out of hand. Well the NWA is not about outside interference: it is about professional wrestling. Thus for the second main event match tonight, James J. Dillon is barred from ringside and any NWA employee who interferes will be heavily fined and suspended. I will have law and order in my ring!"

Match time comes and Eddie Gilbert comes to the ring first. Then the Rider's music hits and he comes down riding his beautiful, black horse, Diablo. He gets off and gives the reins to a ringside attendant. Gilbert is screaming "Come on Rhodes! Tonight's the night that mask comes off!" The Rider coolly slides into the ring and quickly gets up. Randy Anderson rings the bell and the two go at it. Though the Midnight Rider is clearly the bigger of the two, Gilbert is no slouch and besides being a skilled tactician is double tough. He uses every dirty technique he can- biting, eye gouging and low blows just to name a few- to get the best of the Rider. But the masked man is not exactly one to follow the rules either, and does not want "Hot Stuff" to be in any condition to win Dusty Rhodes' U.S. title in six days. They go back and forth, Randy Anderson, giving considerable leeway to the rules. After a sustained offense, Gilbert, throws the Rider across the ropes and hits a well executed hip toss. He then smiles and signals for the Hot Shot. But as he whips the Rider across the ropes, he counters with a surprise Thesz press and starts wailing on "Hot Stuff". He then takes him to a turnbuckle, rams his head as the crowd counts to 10, then hits a stiff bulldog headlock and goes for the pin. But before he can get the 1-2-3, the masked Texan makes a reappearance! He instantly starts attacking the Rider. While distracted, Gilbert grabs the Rider's bullrope and clobbers him from behind with it. He and Gilbert work him over, the Texan holding the Rider while Gilbert repeatedly bashes him with it. Finally, Gilbert smiles and makes an unmasking motion. "Oh no!" Tony Schaivone says. But being ever savvy- or perhaps out of instinct- The Midnight Rider kicks The Texan from behind with a low blow and nails an unexpecting Eddie Gilbert with a hard elbow. Realizing he is outmanned, the Rider quickly slides out the ring and lives to fight another day.

May 13, 1988: United States Heavyweight Title Tournament

First Round

Jimmy Garvin

v.

Dick Murdoch

Winner meets winner of

Mike Rotunda

v.

Barry Windham

"Dr. Death"

v.

Al Perez

Winner meets winner of

Eddie Gilbert

v.

Nikita Koloff

1^st Round

The tourney to determine the NWA's #2 man is tonight. Starting things of is "Captain Redneck" Dick Murdoch taking on "Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin. Two veterans with contrasting styles, though both use the same finishing hold, the brainbuster. Garvin starts off with the advantage catching Murdoch off guard with quick punches and takedowns. He and Murdoch reverse an armbar a few times and Murdoch hits a hard elbow to gain control. But it doesn't seem to last long as Garvin kicks Murdoch's head after a back body drop attempt and hits a Russian leg sweep. He goes for the brainbuster, but Murdoch is still too strong and punches Garvin in the gut. He slams Garvin's head into a turnbuckle, hits a snapmere, and cradles Garvin up for a pin. Putting his feet on the ropes for leverage, he gets three.

Next is the match between two the former partners, Windham and Rotunda. Rotundo wants to move up a title, and Windham wants to win the U.S. Title for his fallen mentor. As well as these two know each other, it is no surprise that they wrestle a top notch match, Rotunda using more amateur holds, Windham relying more on traditional pro wrestling. After Windham misses a lariat, Rotundo uses his airplane spin and gets a close two. He smiles at his manager Kevin Sullivan who gives him a big "thumbs up". He attempts a butterfly suplex, but Windham blocks it and nails a triad of elbows then hits a hip toss. "Those were for Dusty" the young cowboy yells. He then clobbers Rotundo with a lariat, then hits a bulldog headlock for good measure getting the pin.

After the match he picks up the microphone. "I want to address what happened last Saturday night. Real convenient that when Jim Crockett says that any wrestler who shows up in that ring will be suspended that an unlicensed masked thug interferes. Well let's see; big, fat, double tough, from Texas and I noticed you had chaps with 'DM' on them. Who could that be? Murdoch, I'm on to you! And in just a few minutes, I'm gonna tan your hide for what you did tried to do the Rider!"

"The Latin Heart Throb" meets the four time All-American in the third match. Perez, is a tough skilled tactician, but Williams, an excellent amateur wrestler as well as ox strong and leather tough, is no easy nut to crack. The devious "Playboy" Gary Hart, gives sage advice (and attempts interference), but in the end after a kicking out of Perez's attempt at a spinning toe hold, Williams nails a hard football tackle and follows it up with a brutal Oklahoma Stampede, getting to the second round.

The last first round match features the Horsemen's hope "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert against a sworn Horsemen enemy, Nikita Koloff. From the outset, Nikita is on the offensive, looking to dismantle the man who once briefly managed him. But like him or not, Gilbert is no slouch. More scientifically skilled than Koloff, he is able to keep the large Russian either grounded or incapacitated for much of the match. But Nikita will not go gently into the night, either. After reversing a turnbuckle whip he charges him and nails him with a sickle taking him over the top rope. Nick Patrick rules it was not intentional and does not call for the DQ. To halt Nikita in his tracks, James J. Dillon jumps on the ring apron. When Koloff goes over to him, Patrick has to jump in between them and he orders Dillon of the apron. This allows Gilbert to pull something out of his trunks. He climbs on the apron and Nikita goes to suplex him in. But in mid-air, Gilbert slugs him with his loaded hand, and covers Koloff, prompting Dillon to jump off the apron. Now undistracted, Nick Patrick comes over and makes the pin to the boos of the Houston crowd.

Second Round

The battle between the two big Texans is ready to ensue. "Dirty" Dick attacks Barry Windham as he is taking his vest off, getting a distinct advantage. "You think I'm the Texan, boy?" he says as he pounds on Windham. Well I'm more of a Texan than you'll ever be, little Blackjack!" He pounds on Windham for several minutes, but eventually Barry blocks a punch and gives one of his own. Barry turns the tide and knocks Murdoch off his feet with a dropkick. He follows up with a hip toss, then throws Murdoch into the ropes and punches away as the crowd counts to ten. He then attempts a bulldog but Murdoch pushes him into the turnbuckle and follows up with a hard elbow to the back. Murdoch then throws Windham into the corner and starts wailing on him, punching and kicking him. He then adds bites and eye gouges and will not break. Eventually Randy Anderson, having counted to five for the third time, rings the bell and calls for the DQ, though it does not stop Murdoch who is obviously out to take out Windham and never was looking for a win. This is however thwarted by an approaching Midnight Rider, whose appearance causes Murdoch to scramble. The Rider helps Barry up, raises his hand to the Texas crowd's cheers and helps his hurt comrade to the back.

Steve Williams, no friend of The Four Horsemen himself and also a very good friend of Dusty Rhodes, is ready to put Eddie Gilbert down once and for all. Gilbert and he know each other very well. "Doc" comes out fighting and takes an early advantage, at one point pressing "Hot Stuff" over his head to the crowd's delight. But a simple eye poke changes the momentum and Eddie works over "Dr. Death" with everything he has. This doesn't last though as Williams turns an attempt at a back body drop into a gutwrench suplex. He then hits a three-point stance shoulder block. He then picks Gilbert up for the Stampede but as he is running, Gilbert is able to slip free and run with Williams into the turnbuckle. He slams "Doc" into it, maneuvers it into a reverse roll-up, and grabbing Williams' trunks, is able to get a quick three and advance into the finals.

Final Round

The final match of the tournament is here. Windam and Gilbert, both wanting U.S. gold equally bad for polar reasons, are ready to go at it. Windham, still a little beaten and bruised due to his match against Dick Murdoch, is nonetheless determined to do his mentor proud. Gilbert on the other hand, wants to prove to his new allies that he is indeed Four Horsemen material. Nick Patrick rings the bell and at each other they go. Using his natural quickness on the still groggy Windham, Gilbert moves ahead first, particularly focusing on fast pace and hit and run techniques to wear Windham out. He is also not above using fists and cheap kicks when he can. But Barry Windham is a fighter and is able to turn the tide. He works on Gilberts arm with an armbar, giving himself a little recuperation time. He turns it into a headlock and comes close to hitting a bulldog, which Gilbert blocks, knowing it would spell certain defeat. A James J. distraction allows a low blow to turn the tables to the Horseman. He quickly throws Windham over the top rope just before Nick Patrick turns around. Gilbert follows Windham outside and proceeds to ram his head into the ring post. Then stomps at his fallen opponent and climbs in the ring at 9. Nick Patrick restarts the count, Gilbert jumping up and down fully not expecting Windham to get back in. However, the Midnight Rider returns to ringside and picks up Windham, shakes and slaps him awake and throws him into the ring, beating the count at 8. After chewing out the Rider, Gilbert goes to work on Windham, but Barry catches his foot after an attempted kick, swings him around and delivers a right hand, followed by many others. The tall Texan is now "up and at 'em", and is ready to put "Hot Stuff" away. James J. Dillon jumps on the ring apron, but The Midnight Rider promptly pulls him down and starts to beat the dastardly manager, continuing where he left off at the Crockett Cup. Nick Patrick runs over and tells the two to "quit it". The distraction allows Gilbert to pull the same foreign object from earlier out of his trunks and attempt to slug Barry Windham, but Windham blocks it, slugs Gilbert, and then kicks him, causing Gilbert to drop the object. Windham picks it up, nails "Hot Stuff" with his own foreign object and makes the pin. Nick Patrick makes the count and the crowd erupts as Barry Windham gets the three and wins the United States Championship. The Midnight Rider immediately enters the ring to congratulate him. "Dr. Death", Nikita Koloff, Ron Garvin, Lex Luger and Sting all join him in the ring for the celebration. Nick Patrick goes over to Barry Windham to raise his hand and present him with the U.S. Title belt. But as he raises Windham's hand, he notices the foreign object, which in the excitement, he forgot to discard. Patrick throws Windham's hand down, grabs the U.S. belt from him and hands it to a just risen Eddie Gilbert, raising the Horseman's hand. Flair, Anderson and Blanchard quickly come down and drag him out the ring as well as help James J. Dillon up. The five rule breakers happily celebrate their tainted victory as the sickened Houston crowd and the fan favorites look on in disgust.

May-June 1988

On the next World Championship Wrestling, matches are announced for the upcoming Clash of the Champions. Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard will get a rematch for the World Tag Team Championship against Lex Luger and Barry Windham. It is also announced that Ron Garvin will receive a U.S. Title shot against new champion, Eddie Gilbert. Additionally, The Texan will make his in ring debut against The Midnight Rider. The audience is then told that The Four Horsemen will be interviewed later on in the show.

A few segments in, the foursome and James J. Dillon come out for their interview and boy do they look happy. "Look at this! Look at this! I mean look at this!" says an ecstatic Eddie Gilbert. "I told you Ross, Schiavone that I was walking out of Houston with the U.S. Title and by God, I did it!" "Yes, you did." Tony Schiavone responds. "But do you really think you earned it?" "Of course I did. What does that mean, Noah?" "Another thing:" Jim Ross says. "How much are you paying Dick Murdoch to prance around in a red mask and do your dirty work for you?" "Ross," Tully Blanchard says, "for over a month now, Dusty Rhodes has been running around as The Midnight Rider and you two act like you don't know him from a Central Park bum. Then low and behold, a big man who happens to say he is from Texas appears, and you two assume he is Dick Murdoch. That is ridiculous!" "And another thing, we're not paying him anything." James J. Dillon says. "We can't help it if he doesn't like Dusty Rhodes. I mean that's a natural human reaction." he says to laughs all around. "Rhodes, Windham, Luger, Garvin and all the rest of you," "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair says, "you'll are looking at the elite in professional wrestling today. Now and for all time. The Four Horsemen. We take what we want, when we want it. And if you don't like it, too bad! You better learn to love it, because that's the way it is, and it's not changing! Woooo!" "Lex Luger, Barry Windham," Arn Anderson says, "we already took the million dollars from you. And come just a few short weeks in Miami, we're completing the circle and bringing the tag belts back to The Four Horsemen. Bank on it." He then holds up four fingers and the others follow suit as the interview ends.

The next week on World Championship Wrestling it is announced that Sting, who has been wresting great matches with Ric Flair all around the country, often either winning by DQ or count out, or losing by a Flair cheat, will get a title match at the upcoming pay-per-view, The Great American Bash in July. This excites the crowd as Sting's popularity has skyrocketed in 1988. Also, it is announced that the dreaded masked Texan will be giving his first interview later on.

The Texan's interview time comes and he shows up looking as angry as a man whose face under a mask can, nearly hitting Jim and Tony with his cow bell. "Texan," Tony Schiavone asks, "I am just going to come out and ask what is on everybody's mind. "Are you or are you not, Dick Murdoch?" "AM I DICK MURDOCH!?" The Texan redundantly repeats. "Am I Dick Murdoch?" he repeats again. "I tell you, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Dick Murdoch. He is a class act all the way. But to answer your utterly ridiculous question, no I am NOT Dick Murdoch. I am The Texan as you can plainly see!" "Well all due respect, Mr. Texan," Jim Ross says, "but why do you have chaps with the letters 'DM' on them?" "That's none of your damn business, Ross" The Texan angrily responds. "Maybe it's because I am a dirty man. Or maybe a dreaded monster. Bottom line, it doesn't matter what my chaps say. What matters is come Clash of the Champions, The Midnight Rider is gettin' unmasked and Dusty Rhodes is gonna be humiliated!" he says to end the interview.

Leading up to the Clash the action is intense as ever. On TV and house shows the Horsemen meet Luger, Windham, Sting, Ronnie Garvin and their allies in singles, tag team and six-man matches. Often The Midnight Rider, The Texan or both interferes, almost always leading to bloodshed and beatdowns. Usually an attempt on the mask of one or both of the two masked men is made on a given night, but both seem to guard their secret identities with their lives.

June 8, 1988: Clash of the Champions II: Miami Mayhem

The jam-packed Knight Center is filled with anticipation as the NWA's second Clash is here. Both title matches and grudge matches are in the cards, not to mention interviews with both Sting and Ric Flair about their upcoming World's Title match at the Bash.

The show starts off with a shot of the arena both inside and out. The screaming fans can't wait for the night's festivities to begin. And begin they do with the arrival of a black stretch limo. Out of it pops, all in black tuxedoes, The Four Horsemen and James J. Dillon, surrounded by beautiful women in evening gowns. Ric Flair looks at the camera and gives a loud "Wooo", the others all flash the four fingers as they head inside the building.

After a couple of early matches, "Hands of Stone" Ronnie Garvin goes to the ring for his match against Eddie Gilbert. Looking as pompous as ever, Gilbert proudly showcases his newly won U.S. belt to the booing Miami crowd. Garvin has a determined look on his face to win the title tonight. It starts off with Gilbert using his agility and quickness. Garvin not surprisingly relies on his ruggedness and natural toughness. Gilbert uses a variety of hit and run moves, keeping away from the stronger Garvin. Each time he gets a reasonable distance he taunts his challenger. Eventually though after a drop toe hold takedown he taunts Garvin again and doesn't move fast enough and winds up on the end of Garvin's right hand. Not called "Hands of Stone" for nothing, this gives Garvin a decisive upper hand in the match. He uses an array of holds getting several near falls. He throws Gilbert into the ropes and charges but "Hot Stuff" sticks his foot out and nails Garvin in the mush. He then jumps to the second rope and delivers a hard double ax handle. The tide turned, Gilbert goes to work on Garvin. He gets a near 3 with a flying body press but Garvin kicks out. Blocking a Gilbert punch, Garvin retaliates and regains the advantage. He then knocks Gilbert down hard and signals for his Garvin stomp causing James J. Dillon to jump on the apron. Garvin runs over and Tommy Young has to step in between them. Young gets Dillon down, but by now Gilbert is back up, though acting woozy. Garvin charges with a clothesline, but Gilbert, partly playing possum, counters it into a Hot Shot and gets the three count.

A little later, a white limousine is shown approaching. Out of it comes, the World Title challenger at The Great American Bash, the Stinger. He is decked out in a white tuxedo, face painted. "Owwwwww!" He yells when he gets out the limo. Jim Ross goes over to interview him. They shake hands and Ross says "Tell me Sting, about your thoughts on your upcoming World Title shot." "Well Jim," Sting says, "as you all know, I've been calling Flair out. Putting the chase on 'the dirtiest player in the game'. And come The Great American Bash, I plan on winning the World Title for all the little Stingers out there!" "That sounds great Sting. But as you know, Ric Flair is a great wrestler." Ross says as Sting nods. "So tell us do you have any... Wait, I'm getting something over my headset." Ross says with a now concerned look on his face. "Something is going on. Oh no." A live stream in the Knights Center is now shown. Barry Windham is being brutally beaten by The Four Horsemen. He tries to fight back, but as it's 5 on 1, there is little hope. Eddie Gilbert rips Windham's vest off and Tully kicks him in the gut. Arn Anderson slams him head first into a table. They kick and stomp at him unmercifully. Finally they desist, but adding insult to injury, Arn Anderson takes his World Tag Team Title belt.

After a commercial break, Tony Schiavone and Bob Caudle exclaim their shock and horror over what has transpired. Jim Ross is set to interview the Horsemen. "What the hell is wrong with you five?" an angry Ross asks the Horsemen. "Got a little thirsty, Barry?" says a smug Eddie Gilbert. "Shouldn't go wondering around alone now." he finishes with a diabolical laugh. "Windham," Ric Flair says, "you play with fire, you get burned! You shoulda known better!" "Barry Windham," Arn Anderson says holding Windham's World Tag Team Title belt, "this" he says holding up four fingers, "is the elite in this sport, bar none. Now you had something that belongs to us, now we have it back. Luger, if I were you, I would just come to the ring and drop your belt and be on your way. Play hero, and you will get hurt. I promise." "In a few short minutes, the Horsemen will once again have all the gold. As it should be." Tully Blanchard says to conclude the interview.

With spirits now dampened and the main event in jeopardy, the show must still go on. The Texan makes his way down to the ring, violently swinging a bullrope, nearly hitting Randy Anderson with it. Then the Rider's music hits and he comes down to the ring. No horse this time, he charges in the ring. It doesn't take long before the two rugged masked men are going at it. Neither one pays the rules any due. Realizing the nature of the match, Randy Anderson lets a lot more go than usual. After a few minutes of fighting they land outside the ring. The Texan slams the Rider into the guardrail and throws him into the ringpost. He then charges, but the Rider moves out the way. He then slams the Texan's head straight into the ringpost, then bodyslams him. The Rider follows up with an elbow drop, but The Texan dodges it. He gets up and starts stomping the Rider, who eventually catches his foot and trips him. The two start choking on the floor. Realizing a normal match is not for these two, Randy Anderson happily counts to ten and ends the match, not that the ringing bell affects these two hated rivals any. The show goes to a commercial with them still going at it.

When the Clash returns, security has finally separated The Midnight Rider and The Texan. It is now time for the main event World Tag Team Title match. Arn and Tully make their way to the ring with James J., Anderson proudly wearing the NWA World Tag Team Title belt he stole earlier. Tommy Young repeatedly and fearlessly grabs for it and eventually gets it. Then Lex Luger's music hits and he comes to the ring- alone. But ¼ down the walkway he pauses and turns around... and out comes Sting! Wearing no shirt and tuxedo pants, he high fives Luger and the two proceed to the ring, amidst strong Horsemen protests and massive crowd cheers. Not allowing for debate, Luger and Sting charge the ring and start swinging. Seconds later the ring is cleared. Arn and Tully cry "foul" but Tommy Young pays them no mind. He signals for the bell and when it rings starts a ten count. Arn reluctantly starts off against Luger at 9. Lex gets a quick powerslam on Arn which lights the crowd on fire. He then tags Sting who hits a big hip toss. Arn crawls to his corner and tags in a very concerned looking Tully Blanchard. He cautiously enters, but Sting soon gets the best of him. Though inexperienced as a team, Sting and Luger work together like a veteran duo. "They could be World Tag Team Champions." Tony Schiavone commentates. But like them or not, the Horsemen are no slouches. Arn is able to hold on to the ropes, avoiding a Sting dropkick and the heel tandem works over the Stinger. "He can't move all that well in those tuxedo pants." Bob Caudle comments. As if they overhear him, Arn and Tully work on the young sub's legs, weakening him for a possible submission. Tully puts him in a figure four. Close to his corner, he grabs Arn's hands for leverage, always releasing when Tommy Young looks that way. On the verge of submission Sting starts to turn Tully over, but the veteran blocks it. Undeterred, Sting tries again, only to be blocked at the last second. Sting then yells to the crowd, turns again and would have it except for Arn's interference. But this time, Tommy Young catches it and forces the break. Tully grabs Sting and tags in Arn, determined not to let Lex Luger back in. But making the same mistake Sting made earlier, Tully goes for a dropkick while Sting holds onto the ropes, enabling him to tag "The Total Package". And Luger comes in with a vengeance.  He hits Tully with a hard clothesline, causing Arn to charge in and gets gorilla slammed for his troubles. Blanchard then gets hip tossed. Lex grabs the two challengers and rams their heads together as the now alive Knight Center voices its strong approval. Sensing trouble, James J. once again climbs on to the apron, but this time Sting knocks him off it. Arn Anderson charges, but Sting backdrops him over the top rope. Not being the legal men, Tommy Young can chastise the Stinger but cannot call for the DQ. Lex then picks up Tully and puts him in the human torture rack. Realizing he is going nowhere, Tully has no choice but to submit. He is summarily dumped from the ring and Tommy Young presents Lex Luger and Sting with both World Tag Team Title belts, the two proving they are indeed worthy champions, even if just for a night.

June-July 1988

The next episode of World Championship Wrestling promises an interview with The Four Horsemen for later on.  When the time comes, they come out, and are not looking happy. "We demand, Jim Crockett right now!" James J. Dillon declares. Obliging, Jim Crockett Promotions' owner comes down. "What can I do for you?" he asks. "I tell you what you can do Crockett:" Tully Blanchard screams. "You can reverse that miscarriage of justice that happened on Wednesday! Sting is not a World Tag Team Champion!" "We" he says pointing to he and Arn "are the rightful champions." "Well Tully," Jim Crockett responds, "you raise an interesting point. One problem: After your attack on Barry Windham, Sting and Lex Luger came to me and asked if Sting could substitute for Barry Windham. I quickly contacted the members of the NWA Board, all of whom were watching, and they unanimously gave the go ahead for Sting's substitution. So the decision stands!" This sends the Horsemen into conniptions. "And furthermore, due to your heinous, cowardly attack on Barry Windham, The Four Horsemen have been fined $25,000!" This sends them even further off. Ric Flair responds, "Crockett, this is not going to stand!" "Oh it will stand Ric, it will stand. In fact, the NWA Board of Directors is having a meeting later next week and further action will be taken on your attacks. I will give a report on that next week." Mr. Crockett then leaves five very agitated Horsemen to gripe.

The next week Jim Crockett comes to the interview podium. All have been waiting with anticipation for his announcement. He starts by saying "As you all know, 'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes was suspended for 120 days on March 26 for attacking yours truly. I will say right now that I voted against the suspension. That being said, due to the recent actions of The Four Horsemen, The Texan and The Midnight Rider- who has not been proven to be Dusty Rhodes, the Board of Directors has come to the realization that Dusty's suspension was too harsh and effective immediately, he is to be reinstated. He in fact has already been informed and is here today. You will hear from Dusty later on." The Atlanta crowd comes alive at this. "However, we still have the issue of The Midnight Rider. Now he and The Texan have made it clear that a normal match will not suffice for them. Thus the two will meet at The Great American Bash in a lights out, Texas Bunkhouse match. No disqualification, no count out. The loser must unmask. And if The Midnight Rider is unmasked and it is Dusty Rhodes, he will have his reinstatement revoked and will be suspended for a year." "Also, we have decided to give Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard one more shot at the World Tag Team Titles. But if they are to attack Barry Windham or Lex Luger before the Bash outside of a sanctioned NWA match, or we deem they are responsible for another doing so, they will lose their shot and it will go to another contender. Thank you."

The crowd is naturally hyped to hear from Dusty Rhodes. Finally towards the end of the show, the "Dream" makes his long awaited return, with Sting, Lex Luger and in his first appearance since the Clash, Barry Windham. "Welcome back 'Dream'!" Jim Ross warmly says. "Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone, let me just say it is a pleasure to be back here in the NWA with all my fans and friends. The Four Horsemen tried to get rid of 'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes once and for all. But you see, he will not go quietly into the night. No sir, not at all. And he is lucky to have such fine friends as 'The Total Package' Lex Luger, the Stinger, and this young man I raised like one of my very own, Barry Windham." Still heavily bandaged, Windham now speaks. "Thank you Dusty. So Horsemen, you tried to take me out. And you tried to get this." he says showing off his World Tag Team Title belt. "But thanks to my good friends Lex and Sting, you failed. Oh yes, you failed. But now I want some revenge. No clashes outside the ring- that's fine. We can do it all in there" he says pointing to the ring "and keep it nice and legal". "Arn, Tully, these belts are not leaving our waists." Lex Luger now says. "I made you submit once Tully, and I'm ready to do it again. Bank on it!" "Flair, I didn't get to finish my interview at the Clash. Let me say now, you're mine! And if James J. gets in my way, I'll knock his head off just like I did at the Clash! Owwww!!!" Sting enthusiastically yells. "Folks, The Great American Bash: The Price of Freedom coming July 10 in Baltimore live and on pay-per-view. Don't miss it!" Tony Schiavone says to end a very pumped interview.

Later in the week on World Wide, it is announced that Eddie Gilbert will defend the U.S. Heavyweight Title at the Great American Bash against Nikita Koloff. After a successful U.S. Title defense against George South later on in the show, Gilbert is joined by the rest of the Horsemen for an interview. "Now Horsemen, what do you have to say about the recent events in the NWA?" Bob Caudle asks. "Bob Caudle," Ric Flair says, "the Horsemen are as ready as ever. We are a well oiled unit. Rhodes, Sting, Luger, Windham, Koloff, you're days are numbered and your times a comin'." Tully Blanchard then adds "So Barry Windham, you want to hide behind the NWA corporate suits? That's fine. We can beat you up in that ring as easy as we can beat you out of it. And we got a strict hands off policy. Anyone who touches you outside an NWA ring will have a bounty on their heads. And you try and fake an attack and we'll sick our lawyers on you!" "That's right, Windham." Arn Anderson adds. "For too long you've held our World Tag Team Titles. At Baltimore, that will come to a screeching halt. And plan on getting hurt in the process. The Four Horsemen don't take prisoners." "And Nikita Koloff," Eddie Gilbert now says "you want to be U.S. Champion again. Well don't bank on it, commie. This belt is mine!" he says while patting it on his shoulder. In fact you know I wanted Dusty Rhodes to show that he and the Rider are one in the same, but in its ever corruption, the NWA once again stopped that one!" Now Eddie, you know before he knew his suspension would be lifted Dusty booked an obligation in Japan!" Tony Schiavone counters. "What are you on, Schiavone? That's bull and you know it!" "No matter, Eddie." James J. Dillon says, patting an irate Gilbert on the shoulder. "The Texan will once and for all prove just who The Midnight Rider is. Then the NWA will be forced to deal with Rhodes appropriately!" This draws laughs all around. "And this will reign surpreme!" Dillon says while raising four fingers, his charges immediately mimicking his actions.

Leading up to the Bash, the competition in the NWA is as tough as ever. Mysteriously absent, no doubt preparing for his big match in the mountains of the Diablo Canyon, the Midnight Rider is nowhere to be seen. Dusty Rhodes, however, is taking on the Horsemen and Dick Murdoch at every turn. The Horsemen reluctantly don't go near Barry Windham or Lex Luger, save for official matches, which often get way out of hand. Heavily promoted and frequently mentioned, this year's Great American Bash will doubtless be one for the ages.

To be continued...