Text By Simon Rawls

What if...Ric Flair helped Dusty Rhodes after the cage match?

Part III

July-August 1986: The Great American Bash (with non-tour cards as well)

 

July 1, 1986: Philadelphia, PA

Fans in Philadelphia are packed to see the opening tour date of the Great American Bash. Magnum and Nikita hit the door running, having a great opening match. Favor swings back and forth between the American and the Russian, predictably neither giving an inch. After dodging the Russian Sickle, Magnum is able to get a belly to belly suplex on Nikita, but his opponent is sent out the ring with momentum. Magnum chases him out and the two get into a scuffle on the outside. Magnum kicks Nikita in the gut and throws him back into the ring. He crawls in himself, but right before he reenters, Tommy Young hits 10. Nikita wins the first fall by count out as the crowd boos in dismay.

Tully Blanchard defends his World Title against Dusty Rhodes. It is a closely fought match, with the two-time former champion nearly regaining the title several times. A string of bionic elbows sends Tully to the ground. Dusty then does a little dance to mass crowd approval. He then picks Tully up, only to have his eyes raked. Blanchard then rams Dusty's head into the turnbuckle and bodyslams him. He climbs to the second rope and drops a fist on his challenger. Tully then sets Dusty up for the slingshot suplex, but as he is coming down on the ropes, Dusty is able to lock his feet and use his weight to pull himself down on the outside side of the ring. He then suplexes Tully over the top rope and they both go to the floor. As he does not throw Tully over, Teddy long doesn't call for the automatic DQ. They are both slow to get up, yet both do and crawl back in the ring and beat the count. Tully goes for a wide roundhouse punch which Dusty ducks and turns into a small package. Rhodes only gets 2 before Tully turns it over. Noticing Teddy Long is out of position, Baby Doll crawls in the ring and holds one of Dusty's legs, disenabling a kickout and allowing Tully to get the tainted victory and retain his title.

 

July 3, 1986: Washington DC

On the eve of the American nation's 210^th birthday, fans in its capital are treated to one of the most historic Six Man Tag Team Title Match the NWA has ever seen. All three teams come out, all looking like they're out to kill someone. All the fasteners are extra long so everyone will fit and be able to use their's (or another's) as a weapon. Dusty Rhodes, Ivan Koloff and Ole Anderson are tied together with the Texas bull rope. Magnum TA, Nikita Koloff and Arn Anderson are tied together with the Russian chain. Finally Wahoo McDaniel, Krusher Khrushchev and Tully Blanchard are bound with the Indian strap. When Tommy Young calls for the bell, the action starts and it gets real bad, real quick. In no time at all, men are getting tangled, the chain is being used as a weapon, as is the cowbell on the bull rope, which Dusty tests on Ole Anderson's head. Wahoo and Tully take turns tanning each others hides with the strap. At some point, Ole is able to sneak up behind Magnum while Dusty and Ivan are going at it, put his noose around the former U.S. Champion and choke him. To make matters worse, he throws him over the ropes and starts to choke him. If Wahoo McDaniel hadn't thrown him over the top rope and broke the hold, Magnum may've been choked to death. This unparalleled mayhem continues unabated for almost 20 minutes when Wahoo McDaniel sees Nikita bundling the chain with his fist and about to deck Magnum with it, he grabs a loose end which happens to be in between the giant Russian's midsection and lifts up causing Nikita to sing soprano. Dusty Rhodes hits a DDT on Arn Anderson while Magnum nails Nikita with a belly to belly suplex and instantly turns it into a pin. Tommy Young makes the count while Wahoo keep the other two Russians, Ole and Tully at bay. Three seconds later, the babyfaces are the new World Six Man Tag Team Champions. All three men are promptly released from their binds and not one of the nine does not require medical attention.

 

July 4, 1986: Memphis, TN

American turns 210 and in Memphis, TN there is indeed fireworks in the air. The Road Warriors and manager Paul Ellering are slated to meet The Midnight Express and "Big" Bubba Rogers in a six man street fight. The participants will wear street clothes and there will be no disqualification, though Australian rules will be enforced. Jim Cornette's team comes out first, Bubba in particular looking hungry for action. The Road Warriors and "Precious" Paul storm the ring and Australian rules or not, things instantly erupt into a pier six brawl. Tommy Young and Teddy Long are finally able to restore order. The LOD gets the initial advantage over Camp Cornette, beating Dennis Condrey pretty hard. But a missed second rope elbow drop by Ellering turns the tide. The Midnights and Bubba work him over hard, relishing in getting the chance to beat up a manager without relent. However, Ellering not being a typical manager and with every bit the grit of his two behemoth charges, will not be held down. While Eaton is holding him as Bubba charges, he is able to break free, resulting in a major Midnight mishap. Ellering crawls to his corner and tags in Animal, who promptly goes to town. Bodyslamming Eaton, then an interfering Condrey, then even one for Bubba himself. Hawk enters and the two go to town. Young and Long try to restore order, but Hawk and Animal are no longer taking referees' orders. Sensing desperation, Jim Cornette tosses his tennis racket to Eaton, but Hawk intercepts it and smacks "Beautiful" Bobby right upside the head. After seeing the same done to Condrey and Rogers, Cornette runs to the locker room, still with the Road Warriors belts, as the apocalyptic tag team finishes off their hated rivals and get the V.

 

July 5, 1986: Charlotte, NC

"The Boogie Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant finally gets his chance for revenge against his former friend Shaska Whatley. Neither man pulls a punch in the jam packed Charlotte Coliseum. However, it is "The Boogie Woogie Man", with the help of a loaded glove, who gets in the final and decisive punch and shaves his hated opponent's head clean bald. Seeing himself in a mirror after his haircut, Shaska freaks out and storms out the ring as fan and foes alike laugh in delight.

Nikita and Magnum, both still the worse for wear from two nights ago, go at it again in their second match. Magnum seems to have the edge throughout it all, but can never quite put the "Nightmare" away. After nailing Koloff with a scoop slam, Magnum attempts a knee drop, but Nikita moves out the way at the last second. The Russian slowly gets to his feet. Magnum arises too and charges his opponent, only to be nailed with the Russian sickle. Nikita makes a successful cover and goes up 2-0.

The match the fans are all here for has arrived. Ole Anderson, still bandaged, slowly walks to the ring with J.J. Dillon. Then Sprach Zarathustra plays and the roof nearly comes off the Colisuem. Ric Flair, escorted by four beautiful ladies, makes a triumphant return. The three-time former World Champion promptly takes it to his still hurt veteran opponent. Tough and grisly as ever, Ole shows no give, but "The Rock" is still human. Flair wears him down with great mat wrestling and targets the bandaged head with punches and elbows. Foiling a desperate back body drop attempt, Flair hits Ole with a dead-on piledriver and wins the first of his two qualifying matches.

 

July 10, 1986: Charleston, WV

The Midnight Express, still carrying around the Road Warriors World Tag Team Title belts, meet the Rock 'n' Roll Express in a fast paced match between two teams that know each other all too well. The crowd heavily favors Ricky and Robert, who pound away at the hated Midnights with everything they have. All four men are in the ring after nearly a half hour of intense action. Condrey and Eaton try to throw the Rock 'n' Roll Express into each other from opposing turnbuckles, but Robert reverses Condrey and Ricky nails him head on with a dropkick. This prompts Jim Cornette, ever the eternal pest, to jump on the apron. Robert grabs him and Earl Hebner tries to separate the two. Ricky Morton and Dennis Condrey start going at it. Condrey whips Morton across the ropes, where "Big" Bubba is waiting with a hard right hand. Condrey then follows up with an Enzuigiri kick. He then dropkicks an unsuspecting Robert Gibson who has just turned around to the outside. After that, he tags in Bobby Eaton, the two execute the rocket launcher and get the win. Afterwards, Bubba attacks Gibson on the outside for grabbing Cornette. He throws him in the ring while Jim Cornette goes on a tirade as his three men dismantle the Rock 'n' Roll Express. Eaton and Condrey launch Bubba off the top rope on to both Ricky and Robert, leaving the two beloved fan favorites a beaten mess.

"Chief" Wahoo McDaniel defends his TV Title against Arn Anderson, both still being the worse for wear. Both work the other for all their worth. Wahoo sets Arn up for his big chop but Arn ducks and is able to hit a clothesline. He tries to finish Wahoo off, but the big Indian chief will not stay down. Wahoo eventually regains the advantage and is on the verge of victory. He throws "Double A" across the ring into the opposing turnbuckle and charges, but Anderson gets out the way at the last second. A stunned McDaniel walks right into Arn who nails him with a spinebuster and gets the pin, winning the World Television Championship.

 

July 12, 1986: Jacksonville, FL

Nikita and Magnum wrestle there third match in the series. It goes neck and neck which is very typical of this feud. When Magnum gains a decisive advantage, Nikita's Uncle Ivan comes down to ringside, ignoring Tommy Young's threats of a disqualification. Magnum executes a belly to belly on Nikita but Young does not see for seconds later due to Ivan's distraction and the count only goes to two. Magnum picks his opponent up and tries for another belly to belly, but Nikita pushes him off into Tommy Young, stunning him. Ivan slides him his chain, which he uses to slug Magnum with. He tosses the chain back and after Ivan revives him, Tommy Young counts to three, giving Nikita a 3-0 lead and putting him at the door of the U.S. Title.

 

Interim

On World Championship Wrestling, Arn Anderson defends his newly won World Television Championship against Hector Guerrero. Both men from prestigious wrestling families, the match is well fought and several times the proud Mexican comes close to making Arn a very short lived TV Champion. But miscalculating how hurt Arn is, he ducks his head prematurely and gets hit by a DDT which enables Arn to get the pinfall victory. Afterwards, Arn and J.J. Dillon go to the interview podium. Still breathing hard, Arn says "Hats off to Hector Guerrero, a great competitor there is no doubt. He's definitely no turkey. But onto Ric Flair." "See this?" Arn says pointing to his Telelvision belt. "I beat one of your best buddies for this. And I know Wahoo is no slouch. Now you caught Ole when he was still hurt, Flair. Now I've had time to heal. The belt won't be on the line in Richmond, but something much more important will be; pride ... and reputation. You want a crack at Tully's title, Ric, you gotta get past me. And 'Nature Boy', that ain't gonna happen. Let's go J.J."

 

July 18, 1986: Richmond, VA

The atmosphere is electric in Richmond. Nikita Koloff, brazenly declares that he will "dominate and destroy Magnum T.A. tonight". Magnum, knowing the deck is stacked against him, responds in a pre-match interview "Janis Joplin used to say 'Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose' and Nikita, I know I'm at the end of my rope. But don't count the good ole U.S. of A. out, yet. See you in the ring." True to his word, the American hero took it to "The Russian Nightmare" with everything he has, taking more risks than usual. Nikita is determined to end it tonight, but Magnum shows true grit and repeatedly takes the big Russian down. He evens shocks the whole crowd by lifting Nikita over his head and dropping slamming him. Nikita gets up woozy and charges with the sickle. Magnum sees it coming ducks and hits the belly to belly to gain his first win in the series.

Ric Flair knows tonight is a monumental earmark in his career, as does Arn Anderson. He knows that if he can stop Ric Flair dead in his tracks, his already blooming career will explode like a wild flower. The two both come down to the ring and meet. Shockingly, they actually shake hands. From then on though, it's no nonsense. The two go at it with everything they have learned in their respective careers and then some. Flair gets Arn in a figure four, but "Double A" manages to reach the ropes, causing a break. This weakens the Television Champion, which "The Nature Boy" eagerly exploits. Arn manages to lock Flair in an armbar and getting Flair close to the ropes, climbs to the outside and leaps to the floor before releasing, causing Flair's arm to twist the wrong way and really hurting him. Arn climbs back in the ring with J.J. patting him "a job well done" on the back. Flair is crouched down on the ropes when Arn approaches him, and forgetting Flair still has a fresh arm, Arn gets caught with a hard left hand. Ignoring the referee's warnings, Flair goes to work. After working Arn down he hits a knee drop, picks him up and connects and atomic drop, then clotheslines him from behind. Flair promptly reapplies the figure four leg lock, this time keeping his hands real close to the ropes, which he shamelessly uses for leverage when the ref is checking on Arn. J.J. and Arn try to alert Pee Wee Anderson, but Flair, still "the dirtiest player in the game" is too quick. Finally with no where to go and facing serious injury, Arn submits and Ric Flair advances to meet Tully in Norfolk as the crowd screams its approval.

 

Interim

Interviewed on World Wide, before his much anticipated and deserved rematch, Ric Flair gives a rousing speech. "Tully, you got your girlfriend to burn my face. Then you got your no good manager to keep me from my rematch. After that, you put Ole in front of me. Then Arn. Well guess what? None of it worked! I'm still here and come this Friday in Norfolk, I'm becoming a four time's World's Champion! And whether you like it or don't like it, get your ticket ready, because Space Mountain is open for business. Wooooo! "Fans," Tony Schiavone says, "I think it is safe to say that this Friday will be the biggest night in the history of our sport. See you in Norfolk."

 

July 21, 1986: Fayetteville, NC

Magnum comes within one when Earl Hebner catches Nikita using a chain Ivan throws him, causing a disqualification victory. The Fayetteville crowd roars its approval as the worm starts to turn in Magnum's (and America's) favor.

Tully Blanchard successfully defends his title against "Hands of Stone" Ron Garvin, winning with his slingshot suplex.

 

July 23, 1986: Johnson City, TN

Johnson City, Tennessee is eagerly anticipating the long awaited ladder match. Jim Cornette pompously strolls down to the ring with Bubba. "For those two or three you with dates, just remember when later out goes the light, they may be with you, but their minds will be on Midnight! "Beautiful" Bobby and "Loverboy" Dennis, the Midnight Express! The two Midnights enter the ring to rousing boos. Then LOD's music hits, and the crowd goes crazy as the two painted warriors come down amidst cheers with their manager, slapping hands. The two jump on the apron. There are ladders stationed outside the ring. Teddy Long rings the bell and the match is officially underway. Hawk and Animal approach their opponents, ready to start raising hell. But before they know it, Condrey and Eaton throw powder in their eyes and go on the offensive. Blinded, the Warriors are much more vulnerable than otherwise. Eaton and Condrey beat them down as fast and hard as they can. Jim Cornette looks on in sheer delight. Eaton signals to Bubba who slides a ladder in the ring. Wanting to make it a quick night, the two Midnights quickly stand the ladder up and open it. Paul Ellering gets on the apron and yells to his still blinded men what is happening. Animal charges in the middle of the ring, knocking both the ladder-and "Beautiful" Bobby down. He starts swinging wildly, and is double teamed by both Midnights. Condrey holds him as Eaton repeatedly punches him. But while this is going on, Road Warrior Hawk has been clearing out his eyes. He attacks his opponents with a ferocity even vicious for Road Warrior standards. He is determined to leave Tennessee with he and his partners rightfully won belts. Eaton and Condrey double up on him, but have a much harder time now that Hawk can see. Eventually they manage to get the best of him and nail a double suplex. Bobby Eaton once again tries to climb the ladder, but this time a now not blind Animal intervenes, climbing the ladder with him, engaging in a slug fest. Dennis Condrey pulls Animal by the leg while Animal kicks at him while swinging his fists at Eaton. Seeing "Beautiful" Bobby is about to grab the belts, Hawk charges the ladder, knocking both friend and foe down. He then goes at Dennis Condrey whose face is showing signs of trouble. The four go at it for a little bit longer, but the rough and tumble, no rules environment favors the Road Warriors. After beating the Midnights down, Hawk and Animal position the ladder upright and are ready to reclaim their belts. "Big" Bubba jumps on the apron and starts to enter the ring... but before he can get in, his legs are grabbed and he is pulled back to the floor by the Rock n' Roll Express! Ricky and Robert start swinging with all they have at the big bodyguard and the three fight all the way back to the dressing room. The distraction allows Condrey and Eaton to regroup and gain a little more time, but the LOD will not be upstaged. They incapacitate them for good, then Hawk climbs the ladder while Animal keeps guard. Seconds later, the World Tag Team Champions finally possess the belts which they have rightfully earned to the absolute delight of the crowd. But the fun is not over, yet. Realizing he has lost his bodyguard, Jim Cornette tries to make a prompt exit. Anticipating that move, Paul Ellering blocks the entrance way and walks towards James E. He then turns it into a chase and Cornette runs in the ring and in desperation climbs to the top of the ladder. Ellering with his two men laugh at the situation, then "Precious" Paul, climbs up the first couple of rungs, grabs Cornette by the pants and pulls him down. Ellering slugs him several times, then flattens him with a clothesline after pulling Cornette to him. Then he signals to his men, and the fans knowing full well what is now coming. Animal puts Cornette on his shoulders and Hawk climbs to the top rope. A moment, "The Louisville Lip" has been silenced for a long time.

 

July 25, 1986: Norfolk, VA

Fans are hanging from the rafters at the Norfolk Scope. Nikita Koloff comes out, as confident as ever that he WILL become the United States Champion tonight. The crowd goes insane, when Magnum T.A.-a Norfolk native- comes down. The two opponents glare each other down for a long while before Nikita throws the first punch. Magnum blocks it and the Cold War in the ring continues. The two go at it with the ferociousness the fans have come to expect. But Magnum has no intention of losing in front of his home crowd. He beats Nikita from pillar to post, not giving the hated Russian one inch of breathing room. Remembering the results of the past match, Nikita gets no help this time from Uncle Ivan or Comrade Krusher. Magnum hits a back body drop and follows up with a hard knee drop. Nikita is still reeling when Magnum hits a hard drop kick. He then executes a belly to belly suplex and evens the series as the crowd roars its approval.

The main event meets all standards of anticipation- and then some. Tully comes out with his full contingency, including the Andersons. Ric Flair enters alone with the crowd solidly behind him. Tommy Young instructs the Andersons back to the locker room which they begrudgingly acquiesce after bumping fists with Tully and giving him final words of encouragement. The second the opening bell hits, champion and former champion circle each other like buzzards. They finally lock up, knowing much more than the World Championship is at stake. Control shifts several times, with the action getting out of hand quite often. Tommy Young's DQ count possibly has reached four more than any other time in his career. But, both competitors (and everyone else) wanting a pinfall or submission so bad, the count never quite hits five and Tommy Young no doubt feels this one should take its natural course. Tully nearly gets a submission on Ric Flair with the figure four but Flair reverses and Tully has to pull off. Flair gets a figure four of his own a few minutes later, but Tully, with the help of J.J., is able to reach the ropes and force a break. Flair continues to work on Blanchard's legs after this, setting him up for another figure four. Showing his protest, J.J. Dillon jumps on the ring apron. This distracts Tommy Young, who demands Dillon jump off the apron. Dillon continues his distraction allowing Tully to poke Flair's eyes. He then signals Baby Doll who tosses a small chain to Tully. But her throw is a little off and it takes the World Champion longer than anticipated to catch and secure it around his fists.  He comes at Flair, who with ever great presence even while temporarily blinded, nails Tully with a low blow. Flair then takes the chain and hammers Tully with it. He then throws it back to Baby Doll, thanking her. Having had enough of Dillon's nonsense, Flair runs diagonal at him, avoiding Tommy Young, knocking the bespectacled manager off the apron, all the way to the guard rail. He then drops his knees on Tully, makes the pin, hooks the leg and three seconds later, is a four time World Champion. The Scope erupts as Flair's hand is raised. Seconds later, the locker room clears as Dusty Rhodes, Magnum T.A., "Chief" Wahoo McDaniel, Jimmy Valiant, Manny Fernandez, Paul Ellering, the Road Warriors, the Rock 'n' Roll Express, Ron Garvin and the Guerreros all come to congratulate the new World's Champion. They strap the belt around his waist and hoist him on their shoulders, giving him a true hero's triumph.

 

July 26, 1986: Greensboro, NC

In a controversial ending, Paul Jones beats Jimmy Valiant in a hair v. hair match, after Baron Von Raschke interferes. Jimmy does not fight after the match and allows the dastardly heels to shave his long blonde locks.

In a number one contender match for the World Tag Team Title, the Midnight Express meets the Rock 'n' Roll Express. The heels come to the ring with "Big" Bubba but not with Jim Cornette. Teddy Long does not allow that to stand, as Bubba is Cornette's bodyguard, not the Midnights. Determined to prove they don't need their mouthpiece to win, Condrey and Eaton show a vicious side of them rarely seen. Equally determined to show they are the team of the 80s as they have been billed, Ricky and Robert, go full steam. The action is nonstop and intense, and eventually Eaton and Morton wind up on the outside while Gibson and Condrey duke it out in the ring. Eaton attempts to throw Morton into the guardrail, but Ricky reverses and sends Eaton into it instead. Ricky climbs on the apron and sees Robert has Condrey stunned. Quickly glancing at each other, the two know what must be done without any spoken words: They execute a double drop kick, with Morton turning his body so he gets as full blast as possible on "Loverboy's" Dennis' face. Morton falls to the ringside floor but is luckily not hurt as Gibson gets the pin, setting up a legendary babyface vs. babyface match to close the Bash.

Nikita and Magnum meet for their seventh and final match. Magnum has evened the series and wants to show he is the real deal. Equally the same thing can be said for Nikita Koloff. This is the hardest hitting match of the seven- and that is saying something. There are several close pinfalls and a lot of fists fly. Magnum is able to dodge a Nikita charge to the turnbuckle and hit the belly to belly, but only gets two. The stunned American works his Russian challenger more, but Nikita recovers. The action continues and when they are running at each other, Nikita nails a flying Russian sickle. He covers Magnum, but this time Magnum gets out at a close two count. Frustrated, Nikita quickly attempts another sickle, but Magnum dodges and nails a clothesline of his own. He picks Nikita up who swings a roundhouse and misses prompting Magnum to execute a back drop instantly turning it into a pin. Nikita manages to get his left shoulder up, but Earl Hebner is on the right side and does not see it. Thus Magnum successfully comes back, winning the series 4-3, much to the Greensboro's crowd's utter delight. Magnum proudly holds his U.S. Title on the top turnbuckle, taking turns at each one, so all the fans can enjoy a truly American victory.

 

Interim

World Championship Wrestling hits the door running. A recap of the week's Bash activities is shown on a highlight reel with commentary. Then the following announcements are made. At the close out Bash Tour stop, in the Omni in Atlanta, the Ric Flair-Tully Blanchard World Title rematch will be in a steel cage, set for one fall. Additionally, because the replay shows that he indeed did have a shoulder up, Nikita Koloff will get a U.S. Title shot at Magnum T.A.

Early on in the show, the Road Warriors dismantle Pablo Crenshaw and Bob Burroughs in about 15 seconds. After this they give their take on their ladder match and upcoming match against the Rock 'n' Roll Express. "Welcome," Tony says "the World Tag Team Champion, Road Warriors. I'll bet you are finally glad to have your belts back." "You don't know it, Tony Schiavone." Animal says. "Those creep, Midnight Express stole our belts, but you know what- they couldn't take our titles. And Ricky, Robert, we owe you thanks. You kept Bubba out of our hair and now providence has granted you a shot at the gold. We know you two are great wrestlers, but we assure you, come Friday in the Omni, it will be all business. Tell 'em Hawk.". "WELL, they say dynamite comes in small packages. And Rock 'n' Roll Express, you two are proof that's true. Problem for you is, it comes in big packages, too. And though we respect you immensely, the LOD pulls no punches. Never has, never will. We just got these belts back," Hawk says as he proudly displays his tag belt. "And we're not aiming to give them away anytime soon." "There you have it, David Crockett says, Road Warriors and Rock 'n' Roll Express, right here in the Omni this Friday."

Later the Russians, not looking at all happy, come out for an interview. "Well, well, Nikita ... what happened? It looks the American athlete proved he was worth something after all." David Crockett gloats. "You shut up, David Crockett" Ivan Koloff screams. "My nephew, Nikita was robbed by crooked American official. And Magnum T.A., your parade will not last long. Nikita will rain on it till it floods!" MAGNUM T.A.!" Nikita growls. "You are tough opponent, I admit that. But you are no Russian athlete. You get tainted best of seven series win, but American victory will not last long. This Friday, I am United States Champion. "Krusher Khrushchev finishes by saying "We all saw the results of the Good Will Games, right here on the SuperStation. And who won? The Russians, that's who!" He laughs and his comrades join in. "And just like the Soviet Union won the Good Will Games, the Russians are going to finish the 'Great American' Bash winners. Nikita Koloff- U.S. Champion, bank on it!"

After a few more segments, Tully Blanchard, the Andersons, J.J. Dillon and Baby Doll all came out. "Well, Ric Flair, you did it. You took my belt, brother, you took my belt." Tully says. "I stayed up all night asking 'how?' And you know what answer I finally came up with? I was too damn soft. That's right." "Baby Doll," Tully says now addressing his valet. "You cost me the U.S. Title, but I let it go. Didn't say a word. Then you cost us (pointing to Arn and Ole as well as himself) the World Six Man Title. Twice! Didn't take that so well, but we forgave you. We all forgave you. But the World Title? Can't even throw a small chain correctly?" Baby Doll looks confused and nervous. "Honey, looky here." Four beautiful women in evening gowns appear and each puts an arm on one of the male interviewees. "This is a where a woman belongs. Baby Doll, I am getting my title back on Friday. But your services are no longer needed. Bye-bye." Tully says giving Baby Doll a sarcastic wave. "But Tully..." Baby Doll says, nearly to the point of tears... "A woman's place is not in the ring." Ole Anderson interjects. "Baby Doll, we let you stay and even took you back because Tully insisted. No more. Honey, hit the road." Baby Doll looks at her apparently former man with sad puppy dog eyes, looking for a reprieve. "You heard the man, Baby Doll." Tully says. "Scat!" At this, she knows it's over, and walks away dejected.

The final interview of the night is Ric Flair. Sprach Zarathustra plays, and Ric Flair comes out to a grand ovation. "Welcome back, CHAMP" David Crockett proudly says. "David Crockett, it's great to be back and it's great to have this for the fourth time." Flair displays the World Title belt, his engraved name once again gleaming on it. "Tully, you thought you were the man, but you learned the hard way, that there is only one MAN in this sport. And that is Ric Flair! You got rid of Baby Doll, which, well I can't blame you for that one." Flair says chuckling. "Oh, and don't come to the 'Nature Boy' again, I'm not that nice." he says laughing a little louder." "But Friday night, Blanchard, you and me in a steel cage. Two men in, one man out. And brother, whether I make you quit like Magnum did at Starrcade, or I pin you, count on one thing, you are not leaving that cage with this belt. Bank on it! Woooo!" "Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard in a cage. Nikita and Magnum T.A. for the U.S. Title, the Road Warriors meeting the Rock 'n' Roll Express for the World Tag Team Title, folks this is without a doubt going to be the biggest night in the history of our sport!" Tony Schiavone says as World Championship Wrestling goes off the air.

 

August 2, 1986: Atlanta, GA

The atmosphere in the Omni is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Tonight is indeed the culmination of the past several month's activities. Moments before his title defense, Magnum T.A. is interviewed by Bob Caudle. "Magnum, first off, congratulations on winning back your U.S. Title." Bob Caudle says. "Thank you, Bob. In truth, I don't think I ever really lost it. I had it taken from me by corporate fat cats who have lost sight of what America really is. But that doesn't matter. The belt is back where it belongs- around MY waist." "That's good and true and Magnum" Bob Caudle responds. "But you have a tough challenge tonight, and the video shows Nikita did lift his shoulder up at two in Greensboro." "You know I don't deny that Nikita Koloff is a great athlete. One of the best. He hasn't got much upstairs, but then his Uncle handles that now doesn't he? But, I do admit Nikita was out at two in Greensboro. But tonight, I promise there will be no debate. I am winning and putting an end to this for good. God Bless America."

Both competitors make their way to the ring. Nikita attacks Magnum while he is taking off his ring vest behind his back. This gives the Russian an early advantage. But Magnum reverses an Irish whip and executes a hard back body drop. A pair of dropkicks send Nikita out the ring while the crowd roars in approval. Frustrated and angry, the Russian pounds his hands to the mat. Realizing he must beat the count, he crawls back in at 8. Knowing tonight is "do or die" he goes at Magnum full force. Ditto for Magnum. Teddy Long admonishes both men repeatedly for closed fists, low blows, not breaking on the ropes or chokes at five. But neither Koloff not Magnum ever quite warrant a disqualification. At the 25 minute mark, Magnum has gained decisive control. Ivan Koloff approaches ringside and jumps on the apron. Not in the mood for distractions, Magnum cold cocks him, knocking the wily veteran to the floor. The match continues when Krusher Khrushchev comes to ringside. This time Magnum beats him to the punch, sliding out the ring and waylaying the vile turncoat. He slides back in the ring, but by now Nikita has had time to recover. Nikita hits a barrage of elbows, fists and kicks, stunning Magnum. He then signals for the Russian sickle as the crowd boos in distress. He waits for Magnum to get up then charges, but Magnum anticipates his move and ducks under it. He kicks Nikita and sets him up for a backdrop, but loses his balance and has Nikita fall on top of him. Teddy Long counts. Magnum's left foot is out the ring, which Krusher grabs while Ivan pulls back on him for even more leverage. A badly positioned Long does not catch this and to the ire of the Atlanta crowd, the hated Russian becomes the new United States Heavyweight Champion. An irate Magnum T.A. tries to explain the situation to Teddy Long. He questions the Russians who vehemently deny everything. Both Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair come to ringside to try and help Magnum's cause. Teddy Long is listening to them when Nikita takes his Russian flag and nails Dusty Rhodes in the back with it. Ivan and Krusher then pounce on Flair and Magnum. The ambush proves successful, and the Russians leave the ring in celebration while their three American adversaries need help back to the dressing room.

Just before their big match with the Road Warriors, the Rock 'n' Roll Express is interviewed by Bob Caudle. "Ricky, Robert, as many legendary tag team matches as you two have been in, this has GOT to be the biggest one of them all." "Bob Caudle," Ricky Morton begins, "Robert and I have faced them all. We have always been told we're not big enough. Not strong enough. Not good enough. And you know what? we've proved them wrong, time and time again. The Koloffs, the Andersons, the Midnight Express. All went to down to rock 'n' roll. But we've never faced anyone like the Road Warriors before. They are the definition of what tag team wrestling is. But the Rock 'n' Roll Express doesn't back down from anyone. No matter how tough or how big. And tonight, we're making history." "Robert?" asks Bob Caudle. "Mr. Caudle, I think Ricky just said it all. I'll just add, Road Warriors, Paul Ellering, we respect you. But don't take us lightly. We're no pushovers."

The Rock 'n' Roll Express' music hits and the fans give them a huge ovation. Seconds later the LOD's music hits and they get an equally loud one. Once the music stops and the Road Warriors put their gear away, they walk over to the Rock 'n' Roll Express who is on guard. Hawk, Animal and "Precious" Paul offer their hands which Ricky and Robert except to the crowd's delight. Seconds later the bell rings and this dream babyface tag match is now a reality. Ricky and Hawk start off. They lock up and Hawk throws the much smaller Morton across the ring. He then flexes and sticks out his tongue. Ever bold, Morton tries again to the same result. Likewise Hawk mocks him by sticking out his tongue and flexing. But this time, Morton catches him off guard with a hard dropkick, stunning the Road Warrior though not knocking him down. Ricky hits another one sending Hawk against the ropes, then catches him with a hip toss on his way back. He makes a quick tag to Robert Gibson who dropkicks Hawk from behind right when he gets up, sending him into a Ricky Morton drop toe hold. Robert then locks his larger opponent into a side headlock. The Omni crowd roars at this unexpected turn of events. No one thought the Rock 'n' Roll Express would start this strong against the Legion of Doom. Not one to be out done, Hawk struggles to his feet and attempts a backdrop... but Gibson flips over and cradles Hawk for a two count. Hawk pushes away and tags in Animal who is incensed and charges his opponent, only to fall to a drop toe hold headlock combo by Gibson. He gradually gets up and pushes Robert against the ropes. Robert leapfrogs him, then vice-versa, it ending with Animal being knocked to the ground with a dropkick. At this he crawls out the ring, with Hawk joining him, both getting sage advice from the ever wise Paul Ellering. Ricky joins Robert in the ring as the crowd cheers the underdog challengers. "Precious" Paul refocuses his frazzled team and Animal reenters. This time, the large Road Warrior is calm and collected. He turns a lock up into a hard bodyslam and does no showboating. He picks Robert up, throws him across the ropes and nails a hard hitting shoulder block. Grabbing him by the hair, he picks his smaller opponent up and tags in Hawk and the two work Gibson over to Teddy Long's four count. Hawk takes it to Robert for a bit more, but after an Irish whip to the ropes, Robert slides under his legs and makes tags Ricky Morton, who jumps back in, dodges a Hawk clothesline and hits a flying body press as both men are running at each other, taking his larger opponent down. Before Teddy Long can even start a count, Hawk throws Morton off, but Ricky is right back into it, proving that he and Robert will NOT be LOD's doormats. This pattern goes back and forth, the Warriors using their size and strength, the Rock 'n' Roll Express using speed, quick tags and shrewd tag tactics to keep the fight to the champs. After an attempted flying body press, Hawk catches Ricky Morton. He powerlifts him over his head and gorilla slams him. This definitively turns the tide for him and Animal. They hit Ricky with everything but the kitchen sink, knocking him around like a pinball. The Road Warriors get many close counts, but the big hearted Morton will not stay down. Finally after yet another seemingly endless Animal shoulder block, he tags Hawk and signals for the doomsday device. Hawk quickly ascends to the top rope, but somehow when picking up Morton, the beaten and bruised challenger finds the strength to fight. They struggle for a couple of seconds and Animal throws Morton right into the Road Warrior corner, which causes Hawk to lose his balance and fall between the ropes, his legs split between them. Not thinking Animal charges, but Ricky dodges. This stuns Animal, allowing Morton to stumble to his corner and tag in a fresh Robert Gibson. Gibson enters the ring and takes it to Animal, repeatedly punching him. He then slams a just recovering Hawk off the top rope. He then picks him up and rams the two Road Warriors' heads together! "Precious" Paul's jaw drops. He can't believe he is seeing his two men manhandled like this. Gibson hits a side Russian leg sweep on Hawk, but only gets two. As Teddy Long clears the ring of the illegal men, Gibson goes for a dropkick but Hawk moves out the way. Both are stunned, but Hawk is still the worse for wear. Realizing he is hurt, he goes for the tag to Animal. Knowing he will probably not have the benefit of a hurt Road Warrior again, Gibson charges Animal and hits him with a forearm. This infuriates, Animal who illegally enters the ring, with Teddy Long holding him off with all his might. In a very untypical fashion, Hawk, rakes Gibson's eyes and starts to beat on him. But he hasn't noticed that Ricky Morton has ascended to the top rope. When slamming Gibson down, he takes a breath to gain his composure and turns around just in time to get a dropkick right in the face. Gibson catches Hawk and rolls him up while Ricky makes a prompt exit. Teddy Long, having got Animal back to his corner sees the pin, runs over and makes the three count. The Omni explodes, having just witnessed one of the biggest tag team upsets in pro wrestling history. Ricky and Robert embrace as they are awarded the NWA World Tag Team Title belts. Hawk and Animal are consoled by "Precious" Paul. Showing how much they respect their temporarily vanquished opponents, Ricky and Robert go over and congratulate the Legion of Doom on a hard fought match. Without any hesitation, the Road Warriors accept, and the two teams raise each others' hands to their fans' delight. Both teams then exit, the Rock 'n' Roll Express having just proven that it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.

Full of adrenaline having just witnessed an epic tag team encounter, the fans now realize the night very well may end on a downer. Tully Blanchard comes to the ring with a very smug, confident look on his face, knowing he is facing a hurt Ric Flair. Then Flair's music hits, and to the somewhat surprise of the audience, the World Champion "walks that aisle" with all the splendor and spectacle typical of Ric Flair. Though bandaged, he obviously has zero intention of letting the Russians make him look any less like the "Nature Boy" that he is. Flair enters the cage, not once taking his eyes off Tully. J.J. gives some last minute instructions and then exits. Then the bell rings and the grand finale to the Great American Bash is on! Flair, still feeling the effects of the earlier beatdown, is noticeably off key. Tully has figured this from the get go and wastes no time taking it to his hated opponent. Still being a great tactician and consummate athlete, Flair will not go down lightly, but it seems like he is fighting an uphill battle. Every time he starts to gain the advantage, Tully either uses either a dirty tactic or his natural skill to retake control. After about a grueling 15 minutes, Tully hits a knee drop and signals for the slingshot suplex. But he makes the deadly mistake of underestimating "the dirtiest player in the game" when he nonchalantly picks Flair up. This earns him a patented "Nature Boy" blow to the family jewels. A moment later, Flair throws him headfirst into the steel cage, busting the challenger wide open. Flair starts stomping Tully and now it's anybody's match. "Slick" Ric styles and profiles all over Tully, not letting up for even a second. After nailing a back body drop, he looks out to J.J. and gives him a "wooo" causing the normally collected Dillon to throw a small fit. Flair then hits a knee drop of his own and is ready to take it home. He signals for the figure four, but then makes the same mistake Tully did. As he goes to cinch it in, Tully counters with a small package, nearly getting three. Both men pop up with fists clenched and teeth gritted. The match now turns into a verifiable slug fest with referee Tommy Young helplessly protesting. Tully wins the day and sends Flair flying into the cage headfirst, returning the favor from earlier. Flair, now also wearing a crimson mask is in clear peril. Smelling victory, Tully sets "The Nature Boy" up for a piledriver. He nearly gets him all the way up but Flair pulls him down at the last second. He tries again with a similar result. Blanchard makes a third attempt, but this time Flair uses the momentum after the pull down to reverse the piledriver attempt into a back body drop. Using his unparalleled ingenuity, Flair drops right on Tully's face and pulls the challenger's legs up from behind, getting an unexpected pin victory. The Omni crowd roars as their beloved champion overcomes the odds of an earlier sneak attack and still walks away "the man".

To be continued...