Text By Simon Rawls

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

Part III

Our story starts back up at the 1988 Great American Bash. Getting what is perhaps their last title shot, will Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard be able to recapture the World Tag Team Titles they lost over four months ago? Will Nikita Koloff be able to recapture the U.S. Title? Can Sting fulfill the prophecy and indeed become "the next World's Champion?" And as this Bash is appropriately billed "The Price of Freedom" will The Midnight Rider be able to pay that price by beating The Texan and keeping his identity a secret? Or will he be unmasked, and if indeed is Dusty Rhodes be suspended? All answers await...

July 10, 1988: The Great American Bash: The Price of Freedom

The inaugural Bash pay-per-view is now underway. In a few moments, Nikita Koloff will have his chance to recapture the U.S. Title. Moments before his match he is interviewed by Bob Caudle.

"Nikita," Bob Caulde says, Ôyour thoughts on your U.S. Title shot against Eddie Gilbert." Nikita responds "So Eddie Gilbert calls me a Ôcommie'? Funny he wasn't name calling when he wanted to manage me a couple of years back. But that being said, that is why Uncle Ivan chose him. He is crafty and shrewd. But look at me. I am still world's greatest Russian athlete. And after tonight, I will be two times United States champion." he concludes by raising two fingers, flexing his shoulders and arms and sticking out his tongue.

Both participants make their way to the ring for this important match. Gilbert knows that he cannot take an athlete of Nikita's caliber lightly. And Nikita knows "Hot Stuff" will pull all the stops to retain his title. They lock up and Nikita throws Gilbert to the ground and flexes his muscles and sticks his tongue out. Undeterred, Gilbert locks up again to the same result. He comes in a third time, but this time pokes Nikita in the eyes. He puts him in a headlock and smiles at his predicament... until Nikita counters with a backdrop. "The Russian Nightmare" then goes to work on the Horseman champion. Gilbert eventually runs out the ring, calls a "time out" and confers with James J., while Teddy Long starts a ten count. Gilbert climbs back in and with some quick moves is able to take the advantage. He uses a lot of hit and run tactics on Nikita and tries to ground wrestle him as well. But Nikita is able to take everything Gilbert has and then some. He fires back with a barrage of high impact forearms and slams. After a few minutes, it looks very promising for the challenger. After a gorilla press slam he signals for his finishing Russian Sickle. This causes James J. Dillon to jump on the apron which in turn provokes Nikita to charge him. Dillon drops at the last second, Nikita just missing him. Koloff then turns around and sees Eddie and now charges him with the sickle. But Gilbert sees him coming and counters with a Hot Shot. He turns the mighty Russian's mishap into a pin and gets a three.

The Horsemen already one up, Tully and Arn come down to the ring looking confident and determined. This is their moment to recapture the World Tag Team Titles. Barry Windham and Lex Luger are then introduced to a huge ovation by the crowd in the Baltimore Arena. After an exchange of harsh words, the two rival teams go at it, Luger and Anderson starting it off. It doesn't take long for fists to fly, but Tommy Young will not let it turn into a donnybrook. "Keep it clean." he warns the participants. They somewhat accede to his demands, though late hits and stiff shots are the norm. The two go back and forth with control, Arn and Tully seeming to maintain a slight edge over the champions. But Luger and Windham do NOT want to give their titles over to The Four Horsemen. The Horsemen get Lex Luger trapped and work him over, a couple of times he is close to tagging but both times the Horsemen cheap shot Barry Windham, provoking him to come in, which forces Tommy Young to send him back to his corner. This simultaneously allows a double team on Lex Luger and prevents Barry Windham from being tagged in. Seeing Lex hurt, Tully prances cockily around the ring and attempts his patented slingshot suplex. But Luger blocks it at the last second and counters with a suplex of his own. Both crawl to their corners, Blanchard making it to Anderson first... but Luger makes it to Windham! Coming in with a vengeance, Windham is out for Horsemen blood. In no time he is attacking both Arn and Tully amidst Tommy Young's protests. Barry soon lariats Blanchard straight out the ring and then sets his sights on "Double A". Arn gives an approaching Windham a hard kick and hits a surprise DDT, though Windham is able to block it partially. Lex Luger charges in, but Tommy Young quickly sends him back to his corner. While this is going on, Arn throws Windham against the ropes and as he hits them, Tully Blanchard hits a hard knee into Windham's back. Anderson follows this up with another DDT which this time gets the 1-2-3. The Horsemen bask in the glory of for at least the next hour or so, holding all the top titles in the NWA.

But, the good times may not last that long. Sting's music hits and outcomes the popular rising star to a massive ovation. He happily gives high fives as he comes down to the arena floor and climbs the ring for his match. Then "Sprach Zarathustra" hits and in all his pomp and circumstance, out comes "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Cheered by a few, booed by most, Flair is nonetheless ready to fight. But so is the Stinger. Tommy Young calls for the bell and the two rivals go at it. They lock up and Flair pushes Sting to the ropes. Tommy Young calls for a break and Flair, slowly backing away... gives it to him. They lock up again and this time Sting pushes Flair to the ropes. Tommy Young again calls for the break... and Sting delivers. They lock up a third time and Flair again pushes Sting to the ropes. Flair is called to break, which he does... but then slaps the Stinger right across the face. This incenses the challenger, who charges the champion, which Flair was hoping for. Flair turns it into a drop toe hold/side headlock takedown. Flair then lifts Sting, throws him against the ropes, drops to the ground as Sting comes back, Sting leapfrogs on the next exchange and then Flair attempts a flying body press... only to be caught by the Stinger, who proceeds to lift him and after holding Flair for several seconds, gorilla slams him down. He yells "Owwww!" to the crowd then flexes at "The Nature Boy". He points at James J. and makes a strapping motion around his waist. Flair goes to the turnbuckle and Sting follows, making a rookie mistake as Flair pokes his eyes and kicks him in the gut. He then goes to work on his for now silenced challenger. Flair controls the match for several minutes. He has Sting in a tightly cinched hammerlock, which Sting reverses out of nowhere, surprising the five times World's Champion. Flair reverses, then Sting reverses again. Sting turns it into an arm twist then into an armbar and picks Flair up and slams him arm first to the mat. He then takes it to the champion, determined to reach the top of the wrestling mountain tonight. After a minute he grabs the champion by the hair, ignoring Tommy Young's warnings and slams Flair's head into the turnbuckle ten times. He then lets Flair go... who walks a few feet and falls face first into the mat. Sting yells to the crowd and goes for the Scorpion Deathlock. Flair scrambles to the ropes and reaches them just as the Scorpion Deathlock is clinched in. Tommy Young calls for the break and Sting reluctantly obliges, after using four of the five available seconds up to hurt Flair as badly as possible. He then pulls Flair legs first from the ropes, and he hits the ground hard. Sting then throws him from one turnbuckle to the other and attempts the Stinger Splash, but Flair dodges it at the last second. Sting falls hurt and the very sensing Flair smells blood. He pounces on Sting like a ravenous wolf, taking it to his challenger with everything he has. He drags a fallen Sting to the turnbuckle, goes outside the ring and slams both his legs into the steel ring post. Ignoring Tommy Young's threats of a disqualification, he drags Sting out and slams him headfirst into the steel barricade. He throws Sting back into the ring, crawls in himself and gives a very happy "Woooo." to the crowd. He then locks Sting in the figure four leg lock and the end for the Stinger looks near. He clinches it on tight, and Sting is in such pain he is on the verge of submission. Tommy Young comes close to counting to three several times. But with the cheers of the crowd, something snaps in Sting. He fights to turn the figure four over, though Flair always manages to pull it back. He tries again and fails. A third time is also not successful. Flair lets out another "Wooo." and this time Sting surprises him by turning quickly, instantly putting the pressure on Flair's legs. In agonizing pain, Flair is able to pull away. But both men are now hurt. Flair is able to charge Sting and throws a punch, but the challenger blocks and punches the champ with a hard right of his own. Flair punches at Sting again, but is blocked, again. Sting turns this into a punch/kick combination, throws Flair across the ropes and hits a hard flying clothesline. He then picks Flair up and slams him. Flair crawls to the ropes and tries to pull himself up. An overexcited Sting charges at Flair, aiming for a flying body press, but at the last second Flair dodges, and Sting winds up hitting Tommy Young instead, knocking the much smaller official senseless. Flair sees his opportunity and goes after Sting. He punches away and backs Sting into a corner and hits a patented Ric Flair low blow. He laughs then attempts to throw Sting into the opposing corner... but Sting reverses it and immediately executes a vicious Stinger Splash. Revived with adrenaline, Sting yells "Owww" at the top of his lungs and proceeds to apply the Scorpion Deathlock. But a now worried James J. Dillon jumps on the ring apron. Sting drops Flair's legs and stares daggers at the hated manager. All of a sudden Ronnie Garvin runs to the ring getting cheers from the crowd. Once in the ring, he tells Sting, "You get Flair, I'll watch Dillon." Knowing his good friend has his back, Sting locks Flair in the Scorpion Deathlock. Unfortunately, Garvin cold cocks him with a right hand, stabbing his former partner right in the back. He throws Flair on an unconscious Sting, pulls Tommy Young over to them, and shakes him till he is semi-conscious. Young makes a slow count, but eventually hits three. James J. jumps up ecstatically, and jumps in the ring with the World Title belt. He shakes Ronnie Garvin's hands and Ric Flair now back up and fully cognizant, does the same.

After this, ring announcer Gary Michael Cappetta announces that all sanctioned matches for the night are over. The lights go out for a second, then come back on. The Texan makes his way down to the ring in full cowboy gear, swinging his bullrope as wildly as ever. Then The Midnight Rider's music plays and he comes out riding Diablo, carrying a bullrope of his own. He stops midway to the ring, gives the reins to a ringside attendant and slowly walks to the ring. The Texan repeatedly swings his bullrope at him, but the Rider will not walk into the ring unsafely. Finally Nick Patrick gets The Texan to allow the Rider just enough room to enter. When he does, Patrick calls for the bell and the carnage begins. These two hated rivals throw everything but the kitchen sink at one another. Punching and kicking, biting and clawing, neither masked man shows any mercy. Both use their bullropes as weapons, especially the cowbell. Though both masked, it does not take long to determine both are soon bleeding. The blood blurs both their visions making them go at each either even more wildly. The Texan manages to lasso his bullrope around the Rider's neck, then throws him over the top rope and proceeds to choke the life out of him. Sensing urgency, Nick Patrick intervenes, trying to pry the bullrope from the mammoth Texan's hands. While the Texan is struggling with Patrick, the Rider regains his composure and is able to get his feet on the mat. He then throws the Texan over the rope to the floor and hits a hard elbow jumping down from the ring apron. He slams the Texan's head into the guardrail then into the ringpost. He throws him back into the ring and starts to choke him with the bullrope. Returning the favor from earlier, Nick Patrick tries to pull the rope off the Texan's neck. After several seconds of a tug-a-war, the Rider gets up and starts arguing with Patrick. "I am not letting you two kill each other!" Nick Patrick yells. This break gives the Texan time to recuperate and he hits the Rider with a low blow with the cowbell when he turns around. He then attempts to unmask the Rider, but the man in black refuses to allow that. The Texan hits four hard elbows then follows with an arm-wrench short arm clothesline, knocking the Rider down. He then picks him up for a brainbuster, but the Rider blocks it, The Texan tries again, but this time the Rider hits a lowblow on The Texan. He then picks up a bullrope, nails The Texan with it, puts him in a headlock and connects with a bulldog. He then pins his opponent and gets the three. The Midnight Rider immediately pulls The Texan's mask off... and it is indeed Dick Murdoch! [1]

Out of nowhere all Four Horsemen appear on the scene. The Rider tries to fight them off, but already badly injured, he is soon taken down by them. Arn and Tully hold him while Eddie Gilbert and Flair laugh on. James J. Dillon then walks over and starts to take off the Rider's mask. However, right before he can pull off the mask, he is nailed in the head with the cowbell by Dick Murdoch! He then hits Flair then Gilbert with it. Tully and Arn then start attacking him. Seconds later all five of them are on Murdoch until the Rider joins the fray, helping his former rival out. Then Lex Luger, Barry Windham, Sting, Nikita Koloff, "Dr. Death" and The Road Warriors all arrive and the Horsemen make haste. The faces are not sure what to think or do about Murdoch, but lucky for "Captain Redneck," The Midnight Rider says, "Help him, he's earned it." The Great American Bash closes with The Rider and Dick Murdoch being helped to the back after beating each other senseless.

July-September 1988

For the first time in their illustrious history, The Four Horsemen now control the NWA's three major titles. Even though they failed to get unmask The Midnight Rider and prove he was Dusty Rhodes, victory was still theirs at the Bash. A clip is shown of James J. Dillon and The Four Horsemen presenting Ronnie Garvin a large sum of money in a briefcase. Garvin acts like a little kid on Christmas morning, throwing the money up in the air and picking it up again.

On the first World Championship Wrestling after the Bash, Arn and Tully make quick work out of Chris Champion and Tim Horner in a non-title match. The Horsemen then have an interview.

"Well we told you we would do it, and we did it! The Four Horsemen now control all the major gold in the NWA. And we do not expect to drop any of it anytime soon!" James J. Dillon proudly boosts. "That's right!" Eddie Gilbert says. "You idiots didn't think that the Horsemen had it in us. Well this," he says holding up four fingers, "represents wrestling's elite-us!" "Now wait a minute." Tony Schiavone says. "You did have a little help. Tell me is Ron Garvin now a Horsemen?" "Can you count, Schiavone?" Ric Flair rudely asks him. "There are Four Horsemen. Not five! Garvin is a fine wrestler- one of the very few who's ever taken this" he says proudly pointing to his World Title belt, "from me. And I am sure we will ask him for some favors down the road. But no, he is not a Horseman." "And I would like to add, that anyone who wants a shot at Tully and I's belts had better think twice. We just got them back and we will do anything to keep them around our waists." Arn Anderson says. "That's right, Arn." Tully says. "Road Warriors, Fantastics, Windham and Luger, Rhodes and Murdoch- which I can't believe- but whatever! These our ours," he says rubbing his tag team belt, "and don't any of you forget it!" he says to end the interview.

Later on Dick Murdoch takes on Tiger Conway, Jr. Conway puts up a great effort, but he is out wrestled and out powered by "Dirty" Dick. Afterwards, Murdoch also gives an interview and is joined by Dusty Rhodes. "Dusty, Dick, I see it but I can't believe it." Jim Ross says. "The Texas Outlaws are reunited." "Jim Ross," Dick Murdoch says, "let me tell you: At the Great American Bash, The Midnight Rider took it to me like no man ever has. He whupped me, good! And Dusty," he says looking at his once again comrade, "if you are in fact The Midnight Rider, please do not tell me. I do not want to know!" Murdoch states with a bit of a laugh with Dusty grinning as well. "But after a fight like that, there was no way I was letting The Four Horsemen come and pick the Rider apart!" "Dick Murdoch," Dusty Rhodes says, "I've told you once and I've told you a million times, Dusty Rhodes was not the Midnight Rider! Right now, he is riding around in the Diablo Canyon. We may see him again, then again, we may not. Only time will tell. But Four Horsemen, watch it boys, because, Dickie and Dusty are back and there is gonna be hell to pay!"

On the next World Wide, Ron Garvin wrestles his former partner the massive Mighty Wilbur. At over 400 pounds, the good natured Wilbur is never an easy fight. But Garvin uses his speed, skill and stamina, along with his solid wrestling ability to wear Wilbur down. After a hard right and the Garvin stomp, "the man with the hands of stone" gets the victory.

He is then interviewed. "Ronnie, we've seen the clips a million times, now. How could you sell out Sting?" Bob Caudle asks him. "Bob," Garvin replies, "let me tell you. I have nothing against Sting. He is a great wrestler and has a great future ahead of him. But Ron Garvin is in this business for one reason and one reason only;" he says raising his pointer finger in the air. "to make money. And The Four Horsemen had the right price. Now Sting, if I were you I'd go about my business and not bug me. Otherwise son, you will get hurt!"

The next episode of World Championship Wrestling has Sting facing The Russian Assassin. The Assassin is a dangerous contender and his manager, Paul Jones, and trainer, Ivan Koloff, are not exactly two guys to follow the rules. Sting uses all his finesse and quickness to take it to the big man. The Assassin tries to bully the Stinger, but being no pushover, Sting will not back down. After getting the best of Sting for a minute, the Russian Assassin throws Sting from one turnbuckle to the opposing one and charges, but Sting manages to move out of the way. He then does the same to The Russian Assassin but manages to connect with The Stinger Splash. He goes to apply the Scorpion Deathlock, which prompts Jones and Ivan to attempt a run in... but Lex Luger, Barry Windham and Ivan's nephew, Nikita, make sure that does not happen, and Sting forces a submission from the overgrown Bolshevik.

After a commercial break, Sting is interviewed with his pals. "Sting, I know you must still be disappointed in what happened with Ronnie Garvin. He costed you the World's Title." Tony Schiavone says. "Well, Ronnie really let me down. But let me tell you Garvin, payback's a you know what. And boy, it's comin'. And Flair, I haven't forgotten you either. Just wait. That belt will be mine. Owwww!" he yells getting a great reaction from the crowd. "Barry, Lex," Jim Ross says, "I know the two of you must also be disappointed." "Jim, first off, we want to thank all our wonderful fans." Barry Windham says. "Without them we never could have held on to the World Tag Team Titles as long as we did. And don't think it wasn't appreciated. And we will get them back real soon!" "That's right." Lex Luger adds. "And we know there are a lot of great teams out there that want those titles-The Sheepherders, The Fantastics and The Road Warriors just to name a few. But we'll take on all contenders; friend or foe." Nikita Koloff closes the interview by saying "Eddie Gilbert, you get lucky with ÔRussian Nightmare'. We'll see how much ÔHot Stuff' you are the next time we meet!" He then flexes his massive shoulder muscles and sticks out his tongue, ending the interview.

A week later, The Midnight Express defend their United States Tag Team Titles against Joe Cruz and Kendall Windham, and shellack their challengers with a fair amount of ease. Afterwards, an irritated Jim Cornette demands an interview.

"Jim, you seem a little flustered." Jim Ross comments. "What seems to be the problem?" "I'll tell you what the problem is." James E. angrily responds. "Since Arn and Tully regained the World Tag Team Titles, everyone's been talking about ÔWho deserves a shot?' and ÔWho are the number one contenders?' Well, I'll tell you who are the number one contenders; these men! ÔBeautiful' Bobby and ÔSweet' Stan, the United States Tag Team Champions. It wasn't long ago that I brought The Midnight Express to the World Tag Team Championship. And this team is a more well oiled version of that one. They're unstoppable. And we're tired of playing second fiddle. Now I have the utmost respect for The Four Horsemen. But that respect is supposed to be mutual. And that means offering a title shot to your friends. But I have never gotten that very simple phone call from James J. Dillon. And I am here and now throwing the gauntlet down." "The Horsemen vs. The Midnight Express? Folks, this would be huge." Tony Schiavone comments.

The impact of this statement is immediate. Strange as it may seem, though both teams have existed in the NWA together for over two years, have both been in all three Crockett Cups, and shared tag team dominance, their paths have never crossed. Everyone is eager with anticipation to get the Horsemen reaction to this challenge. And it doesn't take long, in fact it comes a mere week later on World Championship Wrestling.

Arn, Tully and James J. come out for an interview, "James J., by now you've heard Jim Cornette's challenge. Your response?" Tony Schiavone asks the Horsemen's representative. "Tony, I think we've all heard The Midnight Express' challenge by now. And let me tell you Cornette, don't get too big for your britches. Just because we're friends, doesn't mean that we will take any flack from you or your boys." Pointing at Arn and Tully, he says, "You're looking at the best tag team in wrestling. The U.S straps are nice, but there's no substitute for World gold-none." "But don't you think The Midnight Express deserve a challenge?" Jim Ross asks. "After all, they are the number one contenders?" "Ross, we decide, who we challenge, when we challenge them and under what terms." an irritated Tully Blanchard says. "Now if Cornette's boys think they are up to the challenge of The Four Horsemen, well..." Blanchard says with a chuckle "they may want to make sure that Cornette's mouth isn't writing a check that their rear ends can't cash." "Eaton, Lane, I have nothing but respect for the two of you." Arn Anderson says. "But we don't tread on your territory, so please, do yourselves a favor, do NOT tread on ours."

Things are really getting interesting in the NWA. The Four Horsemen's not so subtle threats withstanding, Jim Cornette still demands a World Tag Team Title shot against Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard. Sting is busy pursuing revenge against Ronnie Garvin, the two having matches in house shows all over America. Ric Flair and Eddie Gilbert are defending their respective singles titles as well.

In the beginning of August, the situation really heats up. The NWA Championship Committee has ruled that The Midnight Express is the legitimate number one contenders and the Horsemen will be required to give them their rightful title shot. On World Championship Wrestling, while "Beautiful" Bobby dominates a singles match against Gary Phelps, Jim Cornette happily expresses his joy on this turn of events. "It's just a matter of time. Look at Bobby. Now that guy he's facing is no Arn Anderson or Tully Blanchard, but working as a team, my boys can't lose!" However, a security guard suddenly approaches the podium and tells Jim Cornette something. Cornette's face turns white and he runs to the ring and practically pulls "Beautiful" Bobby out of it, yelling "They got Stan!" The two then run to the dressing room with the camera following them. A minute later they come across a bloody and battered Stan Lane. Cornette is screaming for a doctor as Bobby Eaton tries to help his fallen comrade. Finally, EMTs arrive and take Lane out on a stretcher as his partner and manager concernedly look on.

Though it is obvious who did it, it doesn't take long for the Horsemen to take credit.  A week later on World Championship Wrestling, all four come out to discuss the situation.
"Well Cornette, we warned you. And like so many fools before you, you didn't pay heed. We already got to one of your boys, and soon enough if you don't back down, Bobby Eaton and yourself will pay next!" James J. Dillon says. "Cornette, you should've known better than to mess with this." Eddie Gilbert says, proudly flashing four fingers. "Next time you and your boys may not be so lucky." "Lane, Eaton, we warned you." Arn Anderson sternly says. "Now I don't like hurting people when it's not necessary, but you three made it necessary. Don't do it again." "Midnight Express," Ric Flair says pointing to Arn and Tully, "these two men are like my brothers, you jump on them, you jump on me and ÔHot Stuff', too. Keep listening to that motor mouth, and you'll keep gettin' beat up!" "That's right." Tully says. "And do you really think you have a shot at us? We're the best tag team in the world. Period! In the ring or out, it will not end pretty for you."

This starts a series of matches between the Horsemen and the Midnights. The matches more often than not end in a disqualification for one side or the other, or a double DQ. Ric Flair and Eddie Gilbert are very prone to run in. And of course neither, James J. Dillon nor Jim Cornette has ever been above breaking the rules. But the quality of their matches is top notch and does not go unnoticed. Thus for the upcoming Clash of the Champions, a title match is signed between the two teams. Additionally, both managers are barred from ringside and Eddie Gilbert and Ric Flair are told if they show up at ringside for the match they will be fined and suspended.

As the weeks progress, things heat up even more. Other great matches are signed for the Clash. Sting gets a grudge match against Ronnie Garvin. The Texas Outlaws are given a match against Eddie Gilbert and Ric Flair.

Shortly before the Clash, Sting and Ronnie Garvin meet in a house show in Seattle. It is an intense match, with Sting showing a ferocity heretofore unseen. Garvin is no less vicious, throwing rights and lefts at every chance. However, it is after Garvin attempts a piledriver, Sting back bodydrops his way out and dominates the rest of the match. He nails Garvin with the Stinger splash and locks in the Scorpion Deathlock, getting the submission. He sits on it for a while after, wanting Garvin to feel genuine remorse for betraying him (and some pain as well). Sting finally breaks the hold and walks away.

September 7, 1988: Clash of the Champions III: Fall Brawl

Tensions are running high as the third Clash gets underway. It is announced that after their match, Ronnie Garvin went looking for Sting in the dressing room. He found him, but Sting got the better of him and took Garvin out. Thus subbing for "the man with the hands of stone" will be Rick Steiner. Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch and The Four Horsemen in a nut shell just want to beat the hell out of each other. And Arn and Tully are ready to assert their tag team superiority. Problem for them is that The Midnight Express is aiming to do the same.

Rick Steiner comes to the ring flanked by Kevin Sullivan. Sting comes out to huge cheers. Sting and Steiner, former partners who know each other quite well, approach the other with caution. But once locked up, the two go at it like vultures fighting over a dead carcass. Rick Steiner is determined to prove to Kevin Sullivan that he is a worthy member of The Varsity Club, something Sullivan and Mike Rotundo have doubted as of late. Sting, fresh off taking Ronnie Garvin, has a fire in his eyes previously unseen. Steiner relies more on mat wrestling and his amateur background. Sting on high flying and traditional pro wrestling holds. After a missed Stinger Splash, Steiner puts Sting in a Boston Crab, nearly getting a submission. Ever vigilant, Sting is just able to crawl to the ropes. But Steiner continues to beat him down. Attempting a German suplex, Sting blocks it and pulls Steiner's legs from under him. Going on the offensive, he hits "The Dog Faced Gremlin" with a barrage of dropkicks and clotheslines not to mention a hip toss and a flying body press. This resurgence brings out Mike Rotunda, who distracts Randy Anderson. This prompts Kevin Sullivan to jump on the ropes, but "The Gamesmaster" miscalculates and Sting throws Steiner right into him, knocking him down and severely stunning his charge. Sting then follows up with a schoolboy rollup and gets the pin. Afterwards, both Rotundo and Sullivan chastise Steiner, thought their interference is what cost him the match.

The next match is a simple grudge match between two teams that are more out to hurt and humiliate their opponents rather than win or lose. Flair and Gilbert come to the ring first and really egg on the crowd. Then the Outlaws are introduced to a huge ovation. Murdoch and Gilbert start off but, "Hot Stuff" is hesitant to lock up with the much bigger "Captain Redneck", who he knows quite well as both an ally and an enemy from their days in Mid South/UWF. Finally he is forced too, but goes for a low blow for the early advantage. He then acts like he is the toughest guy on the block, chastising the stunned Murdoch. But he carries his arrogance to far, and shortly winds up on the wrong end of Murdoch's thunderous elbows. He and Dusty go to work on "Hot Stuff" giving Ric Flair a running for his "dirtiest player in the game" moniker. After enduring several minutes of eyerakes, scratches, low blows and hard elbows, a now desperate Gilbert tags out to Ric Flair who comes in slowly, not falling into the Outlaws' trap while Gilbert recovers. But "The Nature Boy" shortly thereafter finds himself on the wrong end of "The Dream's" bionic elbow, and wobbles into the wrong corner to be given an elbow by Murdoch. He then gets hit by a barrage of them by Dusty, who does his classical wind up before delivering the last one on a now stunned Flair. Seeing danger, James J. Dillon, gets both his men outside the ring for an emergency conference. After pow-wowing, Gilbert then climbs in the ring first, forcing Teddy Long to demand Flair come in, buying them more time in classic Horsemen fashion. Regrouped and recovered, the Horsemen now go on the offensive and are able to take control. Knowing that they have the edge in stamina, they try to keep the match moving faster and rely on fast tags. Working incredibly well as a team, the two heels are able to take it to the larger Outlaws. But neither Murdoch nor Rhodes is going to go down easy. After a Horsemen mishap, an injured Rhodes tags in Murdoch and he comes in with a vengeance. "Dirty" Dick hits both Flair and Gilbert with hard punches and elbows then rams their heads together. He then tosses out Gilbert and goes to work on Flair, the other legal man. After a hard right hand, he sets him up for the brainbuster, but Gilbert charges back in and pulls Flair's legs down just in time to prevent it. That brings Rhodes in who goes to work on Gilbert. Teddy Long sends Gilbert back to his corner then insists on the same for Dusty Rhodes. Murdoch walks over to get revenge on the interfering Gilbert, who responds by throwing a ball of fire in Murdoch's face! Now writhing in pain on the ground, he is an easy target for Ric Flair who wastes no time pinning him. Seeing Dusty come in with a steel chair, the Horsemen get out of Dodge, leaving Rhodes to tend to his fallen comrade.

The World Tag Team Title match arrives to close out the evening. A purist's dream, two of the most technically sound teams in the business going at it with no nosing managers or stablemates to interfere. Both teams are surprisingly cheered as the public really wants to see this. And neither team disappoints. It is a tag team classic by all accounts. Momentum shifts back and forth between defending champions and challengers, both using there superb in ring skills and tag team dynamics like quick tags, efficient double teaming and cutting the ring in half to disenable their opponent to tag out. Several times it looks like one will win over the other, only for the tide to turn. Eventually after dropkicking at each other simultaneously, Tully Blanchard and "Beautiful" Bobby struggle to their corners. Both make the tag and Arn Anderson and "Sweet" Stan go at it toe to toe. Soon Blanchard and Eaton are back up and all four of them are going at it. Arn then attempts a DDT on Lane and Eaton attempts one on Blanchard. Both men counter them into small packages and Tommy Young simultaneously counts to three. The bell rings and there is mass confusion as to the results, both teams claiming victory. Both Jim Cornette and James J. Dillon make their way to ringside to plead their case. After hearing what seems like endless yelling from both teams and their managers, Tommy Young goes to the ring announcer and gives the decision. "Ladies and gentleman, we have a decision." Gary Michael Cappetta says. "Stan Lane pinned Arn Anderson at the exact same time Tully Blanchard pinned Bobby Eaton. And as Lane and Anderson were the legal men at the time... The Midnight Express are the new World Tag Team Champions!" James E. cannot contain himself at this. He jumps up hysterically as his men are now presented with both the World and U.S. Tag Team Title belts. James J. Dillon, Arn and Tully protest to the hilt, Arn repeatedly saying "A draw goes to the champion." to no avail.

September 1988

On the next episode of World Championship Wrestling, highlights of the Clash are shown to the audience. It is then announced that the NWA and Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard could not come to contractual terms and that they and that they were no longer NWA employees.  A short montage of their best moments is played and they are wished well in their new endeavors. It is also announced that Ric Flair and Eddie Gilbert will be taking on The Fantastics later on in the show and after the Horsemen will be interviewed on the recent developments

The two remaining Horsemen come to the ring as cocky as ever with James J. smiling away. Of course, Tommy Rogers and Bobby Fulton are no slouches and can never be taken lightly. No friends of Eddie Gilbert, bad blood still runs red from their days in Mid South. They engage in a very fast paced, hard hitting match. Knowing a win over the Horsemen on national television would be a huge break, Tommy and Bobby give it their all. Of course, that is a given against anyone who wants a shot to beat the Horsemen, four or two. Early on, Gilbert uses his first class taunting skills to get Bobby Fulton to lose his cool, which not surprisingly, the Horsemen take advantage of. As at the Clash, Flair and Gilbert team like they've been a regular unit as opposed to patchwork, tagging in and out regularly and using solid double teams. Not to be outdone, The Fantastics fight back and bring the Horsemen to the verge of defeat. Flair is down and out and Bobby Fulton is about to be launched on him from the top rope. Sensing urgency, Eddie Gilbert distracts Nick Patrick with a run in. This allows James J. Dillon, to grab at Fulton's leg. He gets kicked away and Rogers' launches him, but Flair manages to put his knees up. Patrick forces Rogers to his corner while "The Nature Boy" manages to tag "Hot Stuff". Gilbert charges in and punches Tommy Rogers on the outside guaranteeing a tag is not made. He then picks up a still injured Fulton, hits the Hot Shot and gets the win for the Horsemen. He and Flair give each other a big high five as James J. Dillon walks in and pats both on the shoulder before the commercial break.

When the show resumes, Gilbert and Flair are now at the interview podium. "A great match champs." Tony Schiavone says. "Thank you." Ric Flair responds. "But we have to ask you, based on recent activity, what is the status of The Four Horsemen?" "I'll tell you what are status is, Tony Schiavone- we're great. Better than ever. Yeah losing Arn and Tully was hard, but we'll be back on top. Cream always rises to the top. Woooo!" Flair responds. "That's right," James J. Dillon says. "This" he says holding up four fingers, doesn't die with any one or two men. Ric Flair and Eddie Gilbert are the two premiere wrestlers in the NWA. And nothing is going to change that." "That's right, Schiavone!" Gilbert chimes in. "And just because those two losers couldn't cut it in the NWA anymore doesn't mean the Horsemen are going anywhere. In fact, we're going to be stronger than..." "Wait, wait, wait!" Ric Flair interjects. "Now they may be gone, but they're still my friends. We do not disrespect their name like that, Eddie." "That's right James J. Dillon concurs. "Their contribution to this sport and The Four Horsemen, short of Mr. Flair's himself, is bar none." "Ric, James, I am so sorry. That will not happen again." Gilbert responds somewhat nervously. "Eddie, it's not a problem." James J. Dillon says. "Now moving on..." "But wait James J., one more thing," Gilbert suddenly says, "this!" And he cold cocks James J. Dillon. Before Ric Flair can move, he is pounced on by Ron Simmons and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams. They proceed to pound him into the ground while Eddie Gilbert stomps on his former manager, all the while laughing maniacally. Adding insult to injury, Williams picks up the interview podium and slams it on an already bloodied and beaten up Ric Flair. World Championship Wrestling closes with Jim Ross saying "Oh my God..."

To be continued...

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[1] This was actual a little known real gimmick. Murdoch appeared as the Texan at the 3^rd Crockett Cup and what happened in my story went down as told. However, The Texan was never mentioned before or after Greensboro. I thought a rogue, heel masked man was a cool idea and so for this RTB, I brought it back. From http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/crockettcup88review.htm  A masked man named the Texan (looks like Murdoch) comes in to attack the Rider.