Text By Simon Rawls

What if...Saddam Hussein Hadn't Invaded Kuwait in 1990?

Part 2C

On the heels of Clash of the Champions, WCW has become a lawless dueling ground. Marred by constant interference, WCW Executive Vice President Jim Herd has issued an immediate order saying heavy fines and suspensions will be issued if the outside interference persists. Now officially on the road to Starrcade 90, appropriately billed “Collision Course”, this year’s “Granddaddy of them all” is shaping into one for this and all ages…

   

November-December 1990

 

On the Power Hour, Sgt. Slaughter and Stan Hansen team up to meet the rugged duo of “Dirty” Dutch Mantell and Moondog Rex. But rugged or not, the two veterans are overran by the understandably angry Desperado duo. After ducking a double clothesline attempt, “The Lariat” hits both with a lariat of his own, taking both down. He then tags in Sgt. Slaughter who squeezes Mantell with the cobra clutch while Hansen makes Moondog Rex howl with the Brazos Valley Backbreaker. After the match, they and Billy White Wolf take to the interview podium with Paul E. Dangerously.

“Now gentlemen, it is obvious, you are very upset about last Tues...” but Stan Hansen grabs the mic from Dangerously and screams “Get out here you New York pipsqueak!”, at which Paul E. promptly complies. “Listen here, Blackjack Mulligan JUNIOR, no one does to Stan Hansen what you did to me and lives- NO ONE! I’ve already talked to the WCW Executive Committee and at Starrcade you and I are meeting in a bullrope match!” “And Luger,” Sgt. Slaughter says, “I also went to the executive committee. And good news, pretty boy: You’ve got a U.S. Title rematch at Starrcade. Bad news: It’s a boot camp match- no holds barred! Maggot, be prepared to go MIA! “And guess what Ole?” Billy White Wolf says pulling out an Indian strap. “That’s right, you guessed it. Starrcade 90- Anderson and White Wolf both come out of retirement for my match- the Indian strap match!” he says while popping the belt. “And ‘Rock’ prepare to be in a very hard place!”

It is announced that the next day on World Championship Wrestling that The Four Horsemen will be interviewed to give their thoughts on the Clash and Starrcade.

On World Championship Wrestling, Dan Spivey wrestles George South. A competent veteran though not with the best won-loss record, Spivey more or less makes minced meat out of him before finishing him off with a one shoulder powerbomb. As the show goes to a commercial break, Spivey is seen picking up a microphone.

After the break, the camera is on the ring and Spivey. “Sid, I know you’re in the back, now get out here, NOW! After a few moments, Sid Vicious walks to the ring. “Now look, you know why I called you here. You and I both got stomped at the Clash by those two arrogant wannabees. I call them that because that’s what they are; Skyscraper wannabees!” This draws a reaction from the crowd and a visible change of facial expression from Sid. “Now I know you’re a Horsemen now and that’s cool, I don’t want to interfere with that, not at all. But Sid, we have to avenge what happened and I want to do it together. Besides the last time the “Skyscrapers” were a team it wasn’t even you and me, it was two other guys! We can’t let that be the last anyone ever sees of The Skyscrapers, now can we? So I say Vicious and Spivey, the real Skyscrapers, take on The Motor City Madman and The Big Cat at Starrcade!” Sid then takes the microphone and responds “Dan, it’s done!” and shakes his old partner’s hand as the crowd cheers the normally hated behemoths.

Later on The Four Horsemen, sans Sid Vicious give an interview. A very smug Barry Windham starts off. “So Stan Hansen thinks he can anger me by calling me “Blackjack Mulligan Jr.? Hansen, I am proud of my family and my roots and my dad will be cheering me on when I beat you like an insolent brat at Starrcade. We’re going to see who the toughest Texan is and it’s going to be me.” “And, Billy White Wolf,” Ole Anderson says “did I not warn you? Are you that naïve to think you could jump on me-” he says pointing to himself “the guiding light of The Four Horsemen? And now you have to face me in a strap match. Indian strap, cowboy strap, shoulder strap, I don’t care. At Starrcade, White Wolf, I am going to make you feel pain in places you didn’t even know you had.” Jim Ross then asks Ric Flair “Ric why did you attack Harley Race like that?” “Race,” Flair responds, “it’s simple. That is my ring.” He says pointing to the ring. “You used to be the man but no more. Your time has passed and you should just accept that…” “Whoo, whoo!” Arn Anderson says as Harley Race makes an unexpected appearance. “What are you doing here?” “Flair, I am only going to say this one time. You and me: Starrcade 90: Collision Course!” “Harley, Harley, Harley. Haven’t you learned by now? It’s not worth it. Like Sid said back in August, you are yesterday’s news!” Race gets in Flair’s face, pretending his three compatriots do not exist and says “Just you and me! No cage this time, no special referee, no Ole, no White Wolf, no Horsemen, no Desperadoes. You win, I retire!” This gets the crowd to ooh and aah and “The Nature Boy’s” face lights up. “So wait a minute, you’re saying I beat you in my ring, at my event, then you’re gone from this sport for good?” “That’s right! You’ve got the chance to take me out… in St. Louis no, less. How about it, ‘Slick’ Ric?” Flair thinks for a second then says “Harley baby, you got a date with destiny… and Ric Flair at Starrcade! Woooo!” Race then nods and walks away.

Closing out Jim Ross announces that Sting and Big Van Vader will have their official Starrcade contract signing on next week’s show.

The next day on WCW Main Event, The Big Cat and The Motor City Madman make their tag team debut against Brett Wayne and Joe Barrett. The match is a pure shellacking as the two mass monsters want to make an example for Vicious and Spivey. After they finish Wayne off via a double chokeslam they are interviewed by Jim Ross.

 

“Big Cat, Motor City Madman, I have to ask you two things: Just why did you attack Dan Spivey and Sid Vicious and what are your thoughts on the challenge they issued yesterday for Starrcade?” That’s easy, Ross.” The Madman replies. “First, those two robbed us of our World Title shot. And no one crosses The Motor City Madman and The Big Cat. NO ONE! As far as their little challenge- sure we accept. After all, it’s out with the old, in with the new. And after we get done with The Skyscrapers, we’re going after the Steiners and tag team gold!” “Spivey, Vicious, you think were wannabees? Well come Starrcade, you two are going to wanna be somewhere else!” Big Cat says to end the interview.

 

The next week on World Championship Wrestling, The Desperadoes’ music hits and out comes Big Van Vader with Billy White Wolf. Jim Ross is already in the ring with a table with two chairs and a World Title contract set for December 16 at Starrcade. Sting’s music then hits and the NWA World Champion enters to a rousing ovation. He then shakes Jim Ross’ hand but does not take his eye off either Vader or White Wolf. “Gentlemen, this is a rather simple procedure.” Jim Ross says. “At Starrcade 90, the two of you will meet for the World Title at the Kiel Auditorium at Starrcade. Both parties have had a chance to overlook the contract in the back already, so all we need here is your signatures.” Billy White Wolf quickly glances over the contract, whispers something to Vader, then nods in approval. Vader then signs the contract. “Stinger.” Ross says to Sting. At this Sting takes his pen and immediately signs his John Hancock on the dotted line. “It’s done.” Jim Ross says. “Well this is such a nice thing.” Billy White Wolf says. “And Sting win or lose, I just want to say that you are a great World’s Champion and may the best man win.” He then offers Sting his hand. The World’s Champion hesitates, but against his better judgment, extends his. He and White Wolf shake, but then the Indian chief pulls Sting to him and slaps him across the face as Jim Ross shouts “Dear Lord!” Before he can respond, Vader sucker punches him and goes to town. Sting fights back, but with the two on one, he is outgunned. Vader picks him up and powerbombs him through the table, leaving him motionless. He then picks up the World Title belt, and sticking his finger in Sting’s face yells “Stinger, in just two short weeks this belt is going to be MINE! ALL MINE! Vader will rule the world!” He then throws the belt down on the befallen champion and he and his manager leave the ring as World Championship Wrestling goes off the air.

 

Speculation as to the extent of Sting’s injury is made throughout WCW Main Event. It is said a more definitive answer will be available by the Power Hour on Saturday morning.

 

As fans wait with baited breath to see if Sting was taken out or not, they get good news: Sting was badly hurt, but not seriously injured and will be returning. But not taking any chances he will not be in action or on television until…

 

 

December 16, 1990: Starrcade 90: Collision Course

 

 

 

Finally it’s here. Starrcade: The granddaddy of them all. Tonight the fans in the St. Louis Kiel Auditorium may see a legendary career finally pass. The fact that it is in Race’s home state of Missouri and in St. Louis, the city where Race made his name in wrestling and won his last NWA World Title from Ric Flair, make the match that much more intriguing. And on top of that, the card is jam packed from head to toe with excellent matches, most stemming from piping hot rivalries.

 

The Desperadoes’ music hits and Stan Hansen comes down chewing tobacco and angrily wielding his bullrope with Billy White Wolf in tow. Then the Horsemen’s music plays and Barry Windham comes down with Ole Anderson. The two rival managers stare daggers at one another, but neither says a word.

 

Nick Patrick hooks both men up to the bullrope by their wrist, making sure that neither makes a move until both are fastened, then calls for the bell. Hansen and Windham then tear into one another something fierce as their respective managers cheer them on. After hitting a surprise bulldog on Hansen, Windham makes the first move to touch all four ring posts in order to win, but can only get to the second one before Hansen stops him by hitting him in the head with the cowbell. The tide turned, he works over Windham then after hitting a second rope knee drop goes for the win, dragging Windham on his back. But the Sweetwater native is not done yet and before Hansen can touch the third turnbuckle, he hits him in the midsection with the cowbell. The tide again turned, Windham gives his rugged opponent all he has- and then some. Hitting a hard lariat, he goes for the win, but gets only three corners. He then tries a superplex, but Hansen throws him off the ropes to his feet. He comes down off the second rope with the cowbell, but Windham blocks part of it, hurting his left hand. Hansen then starts to choke Windham with the bullrope, and it takes all Windham’s effort to prevent a total choke out. After a hard neckbreaker, Hansen says “That’s it” and goes for the win. He gets to three corners and is on the verge of the fourth, but Windham pulls with all his might as Hansen reaches for the final corner. Hansen decides to go for a surprise lariat to finish off Windham, but he ducks and the two charge into the parallel corner, both touching it with a hand. The fighting continues to the next corner which each both tag. This goes on to the third corner, where they stop for a while to slug it out, but neither strides backwards to break the forward progress required. They then both advance to the fourth and final corner with Hansen ahead. “I think Hansen’s going to get their first.” Paul E. Dangerously commentates. But right before Hansen can touch the final turnbuckle, Barry Windham reaches over with his uninjured right hand and clamps on the iron claw! Hansen struggles to get it off but is clearly taken off guard. Realizing he has “The Lariat” stunned, Windham quickly releases the hold, jumps over Hansen and tags the final turnbuckle, winning a very brutal and hard fought match.

 

Both men are laid out for several minutes afterwards and need their managers to help them walk back to the locker room.

 

The Motor City Madman and Big Cat are introduced and come down with arrogant looks on their faces. Then Gary Michael Cappetta introduces Spivey and Vicious as The Skyscrapers as the crowd cheers them. When they get in the ring, the four immediately start fighting. The bell rings and Vicious winds up in the ring with The Big Cat. “Big” Sid gets the best of him causing him to quickly tag in the Madman. Still stunned from the earlier fighting, Vicious takes it to him and tags in Spivey. They execute a double powerbomb and in just over a minute get the pinfall victory.

 

Afterwards they are interviewed by Paul E. Dangerously. “A very impressive win, gentlemen! How unfortunate that this a one time, never to happen again reunion. Still… “Shut up, little man!” Sid Vicious shouts at Paul E. “Listen, we do what we want, whenever we want. And who knows, you just may see The Skyscrapers back in the ring together in 1991!” “That’s right, Sid! And I fear for any man who gets in our way!” Dan Spivey concurs.

 

Before his big match, Lex Luger is interviewed by Tony Schiavone. “Lex, this is it. A huge night for ‘The Total Package’. “You said it, Tony. And as you and all the people at home can see, I’m not dressed in wrestling gear. Now in the past I’ve made fun of Sgt. Slaughter’s physique, but the fact remains he is a great wrestler and a dangerous opponent and I’m not taking him lightly. I’m not here to flex tonight, I’m here to fight.” Luger says to end the interview.

 

“The Package” comes down to the ring amidst cheers. Then The Desperadoes’ music hits and Sgt. Slaughter comes down with Billy White Wolf. “He’s dressed for this match, too.” Paul E. Dangerously says, commenting on Slaughter wearing military garb as opposed to his usual Desperado getup.

 

Randy Anderson rings the bell and the two approach each other. But before they can even lock up, Sgt. Slaughter throws powder in Lex Luger’s eyes! He gives off a maniacal laugh as Randy Anderson admonishes him, but can do nothing as the match is no DQ. The Sarge then takes it to Luger, who he now regards as easy pickens. And Slaughter is a master brawler and an expert in dishing out pain. “I think Slaughter may have the day on this one.” Jim Ross no sooner says on commentary than Lex Luger dodges a Slaughter Cannon and connects with a clothesline of his own. Still partially blinded, “The Package” finds Slaughter and grabs a hold of him and proceeds to very uncharacteristically bite down on his skull then pound his head into the nearest turnbuckle. Slaughter falls to the ground, and notwithstanding his earlier words, Luger gives the Kiel Auditorium a double arm flex. This may have cost him because when he goes to pick up Sgt. Slaughter, who has a few more seconds to regain his composure, Luger gets hit with a low blow. Slaughter returns to his methodical wear down of Luger, purposefully not expending too much energy. He hits an arm wrench short-arm clothesline and then sets Luger up for the cobra clutch. He gets it on him, but Luger struggles and is able to charge to the ropes before it is cinched in completely, sending both men over the top rope to the floor. Slaughter gets up first and grabs Luger with the intent of ramming his head into a ringpost… but the challenger blocks it and rams the Sarge’s head into it instead. He then throws him into a guardrail and clotheslines him over. The tide turned, Luger throws drags Slaughter back over the guardrail and throws him back into the ring, whips him across the ropes and hits a devastating powerslam. Luger then signals for the torture rack. He slides Slaughter on his back purposefully facing Billy White Wolf and puts the squeeze on. The champion holds out for as long as he can, but realizing he has no place to go, finally submits and Lex Luger wins his fourth U.S. Title.

 

As the crowd cheers on a victorious Lex Luger, the camera goes to Sting and Tony Schiavone. “Sting, great to see you here at Starrcade. You have truly got a monumental task ahead of you tonight.” “Thank you, Tony. It’s nice to be here. Yeah Vader is big and bad and him and that no good manager of his got the jump on me at the contract signing. But Vader, it’s not how many times you are knocked down, it’s how many you get back up. I didn’t win the World’s Title by being a quitter. And I don’t plan on quitting now. Desperadoes, the posse just arrived and it’s “The Stinger! Oww!” the World Champion yells to end the interview.

 

Moments before the NWA World Title defense, the challenger and his manager are interviewed. “Vader, tonight is the night. You and Sting for the World Heavyweight Title.” Tony Schiavone says. “That’s right. Tonight is the night that Big Van Vader proves that he is the master of the universe, ruler of the world. Sting, you’ve had a good run, but tonight it’s Vader Time!” “That’s right.” Billy White Wolf says. “Tonight the Desperadoes win the World Title. This man is the most dangerous monster in wrestling today. No one can stop him!”

 

Big Van Vader comes down for his title match with Billy Wolf at his side. Then Sting’s music hits and the crowd goes wild. Decked in a beautiful green ring jacket, trunks and face paint, the popular World’s Champion is all business.

 

Randy Anderson rings the bell and the match is on. This one proves to be an instant classic. Sting gives it all his heart, determined not to lose at the biggest show of the year. But Vader is a hard nut to crack, using his lethal size, strength, speed and agility to break Sting. But “The Stinger” will not be intimidated. He takes everything “The Rocky Mountain Monster” throws at him and dishes out his own brand of punishment right back at him. He reverses a Vader turnbuckle throw and connects with the Stinger Splash to Vader’s back. He pushes his challenger down and attempts to put him in the Scorpion Deathlock… and succeeds. But Vader is too close to the ropes and is able to grab them, forcing a break. Vader is able to regain control and tears into Sting. After a barrage of punches in the corner, he slams him to the other side and goes for the body avalanche but Sting moves out the way at the last second. Vader hits hard and screams out “My ribs!” He walks into a still woozy Sting, who picks him up and bodyslams him! This causes panic in Billy White Wolf who jumps on the apron, which Sting remedies by punching him right in the nose, causing him to fall hard to the floor. He then climbs to the top ropes and hits a just risen Vader with a flying cross body press… but Vader catches him and delivers a powerslam… but Sting uses the momentum to flip over. Sting hooks the leg and before Vader can regain his composure, Randy Anderson’s hand hits the mat for the third time and Sting retains his World Title as the crowd roars in jubilation.

 

Ric Flair is then interviewed for his upcoming match. “‘Nature Boy’,” Tony Schiavone says. “Tonight is the night. You and Harley Race, one more time.” “That’s right. So Race, are you ready to ‘walk that aisle’? ‘Cause I am! But Ric Flair’s always ready. The clock is ticking Harley and in just a little while, your legendary career is comin’ to an end! Wooo!” “Aren’t you being a little overconfident Ric? I mean this is Harley Race.” “Schiavone, you don’t get to be a six times World’s Champion by being overconfident. I know what I’m doing.” “But Ric, Harley Race is a seven times World’s Champi…” “Schiavone, I said I know what I’m doing. Let’s leave it at that!” Flair says, visibly irritated at the fact Tony Schiavone pointed out that Harley Race has won more World Titles than he. “Very well. Back to you Jim.”

 

Ole Anderson makes his way down alone for the Indian strap match. He is followed shortly by Billy White Wolf, who is still clearly nursing a hurt nose. Not being the best night so far for The Desperadoes, he is determined to give them a win, as Ole is equally determined to do so for The Four Horsemen. Nick Patrick hooks them up to the Indian strap and it doesn’t take two seconds for the two veterans to start smacking away at one another. Ole getting the better of the exchange, White Wolf attempts to take a breather outside the ring, but “The Rock” pulls him back in with the strap and continues the whipping. This continues until Ole attempts a backdrop which White Wolf meets with an Indian chop to the head. He does an Indian dance then goes to work on Ole, using a variety of scientific holds and brawling tactics…and of course the strap. After a missed elbow drop, Ole is able to regain the advantage. He uses his patented standing armbar twist behind back to attempt to gain a submission, which he nearly does, but Billy White Wolf is able to chop his way out. After another minute, Ole grounds White Wolf and attempts a figure four leg lock, but White Wolf manages to kick him into the corner. He immediately pops up and hits a hiptoss on Ole. After that, he grabs Ole’s legs and applies the Indian Deathlock. Ole squirms and struggles but not able to break the hold or get to the ropes, he begrudgingly submits, giving The Desperadoes their first win of the night.

 

Moments before his big match, Harley Race is interviewed by Tony Schiavone. “Well Harley, tonight is without a doubt the biggest rematch of your long, storied career. And I notice you are wearing your old red, white and blue ring jacket here at the Kiel Auditorium.” “You just said a mouthful, Tony. I am wearing this jacket, because as much as I respect them, tonight is not about The Desperadoes… nor the Horsemen for that matter. Flair, seven years ago at Starrcade, you ended my World Title run… my record breaking World Title run. And you know I never forgot that. But Flair, tonight the chickens come home to roost.” “And Harley, you know if you lose tonight, you retire. Your great career could be ending tonight in St. Louis.” At this Race pauses for a second and finally says “Well… Ric Flair ended my World Title run and now has the chance to end my career once and for all. Will tonight be my last match? Well, it’s time to stop talking and find out.” “Best of luck to you, champ.” Tony Schiavone tells Race then shakes his hand.

 

“Sprach Zarathustra” hits and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair comes out with all his pomp and circumstance, decked out in a beautiful black with red lace robe. He takes his time coming to the ring, even giving the crowd a twirl midway to the ring from the entrance way. Then Harley Race is introduced. No music playing tonight, the loyal Missouri crowd goes wild for the former seven times NWA World’s Champion. Race strides to the ring, though does give a few lucky fans fives, though with his full attention always on the squared circle. When he gets to the ring he hops up, climbs in and promptly disrobes, never once taking his eyes off Ric Flair who doesn’t take his eyes off Race, either. Finally, Flair disrobes and the bell rings.

 

The two former World Champions circle one another very cautiously before locking up. When they do, Race promptly turns it into a headlock. Flair tries to push off, but Race’s grip is too hard. He tries again to the same results. He then hits a backdrop suplex… but Race still doesn’t release. They get back on their feet and Flair punches at Race’s leg and finally pushes him off. Race charges the ropes and he and Flair’s shoulder’s collide, with Race knocking Flair down. He charges again, Flair leapfrogs then when Race returns attempts an armdrag which Race reverses. A frustrated Flair exits the ring in disgust as the crowd cheers its approval of Race’s early domination. Flair walks off his frustration then climbs back in the ring. He and Race lock up but Race turns it into an arm twist. Flair counters with one of his own then Race then Flair then Race who turns it into an armlock. Flair elbows Race and gets out of it and follows up with a punch/chop combo. But he makes the mistake of headbutting Race, who promptly hits Flair with a combination of headbutts, punches, kicks and elbows. He bodyslams Flair and hits a knee drop. He then headbutts him, clotheslines him down and attempts another knee drop but this time Flair moves out the way at the last second and Race lands the wrong way, causing him to grab his right knee in pain. Ric Flair, the quintessential veteran, smiles at the smell of blood. He clips Race as he attempts to stand. The tide turned, Flair picks a hobbling Race up and slaps him across the face. An enraged Race tries to attack but his knee gives out allowing Flair to easily down him with a chop. Now in firm control, “The Nature Boy” slowly dismantles his elder opponent, taunting the loyal St. Louis crowd with struts and “woos” as he does it. After a well place diving kick to the hind leg which drops Race, Flair sets him up for the figure four… but Race counters with a small package and nearly gets three! An enraged Flair pops and attacks Race who still hurt can’t completely fight back. He then throws him into the turnbuckle and hits a backdrop. “Now!” he screams out. He attempts another figure four and this time is successful. Race screams in pain as Flair is determined to end this one once and for all. Nick Patrick repeatedly asks, but Harley Race will not quit. He tries to reverse it and in spite of being hurt comes close. But each time he’s about to, Ric Flair grabs the ropes to pull Race back over. The St. Louis crowd screams bloody murder, but Nick Patrick can’t call what he can’t see. Finally Flair goes to the well once too often and Patrick catches him. He demands Flair break which the six time former NWA World’s Champion begrudgingly does after a long four count. Undeterred Flair goes right back on the attack and attempts another figure four… but this time Race reaches up, grabs him by the hair and headbutts him repeatedly. He slowly makes his way to his feet and dodges a wobbly Flair right hand and hits one of his own. The worm turned, “Handsome” Harley gives Flair all he has left. He gets three close two counts, but “The Nature Boy” is in it for the long haul. He eventually regains control and after punching Race out while standing on the ropes in a corner, tosses Race to the other side… but Race reverses it. Flair flips over the ropes and attempts to run to the other side, only to be met with a Race clothesline. Race promptly picks Flair up and suplexes him back in the ring… holding him in the air for several seconds so the blood will rush to his brain and incapacitate him. Race then goes for the pin and hooks the leg, coming within an eyelash of three. He then returns Flair’s favor from earlier by climbing the ropes by the turnbuckle and punching away at him while the crowd jubilantly counts to ten. He then Irish Whips Flair to the other side, but like before, Flair reverses it. Race charges back at him but Flair ducks for a backdrop. However, Race jumps on top of him and lifts him up for a piledriver! A startled Flair tries to fight it off, but Race still gets him up. After several seconds, Race drops it, covers Flair, hooks the leg, and the Kiel Auditorium hits the roof as Nick Patrick counts 1-2-3!

 

Race pops up raising his hands while nearly falling over in joy and jubilation. Nick Patrick grabs and lowers then raises his right hand as the crowd’s cheers grows even louder. Finally, after seven long years, Harley Race has avenged his loss at Starrcade 83. The Desperadoes all come down and congratulate Race on his epic victory. Eventually Ric Flair gets up and slowly walks over to them. They all stare, but do not stop him. Flair pauses for several seconds then finally extends his hand. Race takes it and the two long time rivals shake. Race lifts Flair’s and his arms up as the St. Louis crowd grows even louder. Flair pats Race on the shoulder, tells him “Great job, champ.” and exits the ring. The Desperadoes carry Harley Race to the dressing room on their shoulders, serving as a fitting chariot for “The King of Wrestling”.

 

 

 

December 22, 1990: Power Hour

 

 

 

It is announced throughout the Power Hour that Harley Race will be making a major announcement on World Championship Wrestling.

 

 

 

December 22, 1990: World Championship Wrestling

 

 

 

Throughout the whole show, Starrcade is recapped and a major announcement from the victorious Harley Race is promised.

 

Finally the last segment arrives. The Desperadoes theme music hits and all five come out. Big Van Vader, Stan Hansen and Sgt. Slaughter are all wearing their black hats and trench coats and Bill White Wolf has his Indian headdress on, but Harley Race is noticeable in that he is sporting a black suit. They are actually cheered, undoubtedly due to Race’s recent epic performance.

 

When he gets to the ring, Harley takes the microphone. “Thank you. Now I’d like if they would, for Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen to come down here. I promise there will be no fighting tonight.” The crowd oohs and aahs at this and Jim Ross speculates “What’s this all about?” Sure enough, The Four Horsemen with Ole Anderson make their way into the ring.

 

“Now,” Race continues, “I’d like the reigning World’s Champion Sting to come down as well.” “This is really getting to be something Jim.” Bob Caudle says as the crowd oohs and aahs some more. Sting obliges and comes to the ring.

 

“First, I want to address you Sting.” Race says pointing to him. “When you first won the World’s Title, I thought it was a joke. I mean here is this guy with a painted face who sucks up to the crowd. ‘He’s not a real World’s Champion.’ I thought. ‘Ric Flair’s lost his touch.’ But when I faced you and you beat me… and the way you beat this man last night” he says pointing to Vader, “I realized you are indeed worthy to hold that title. For the last several months you’ve been one helluva World’s Champion and no one can ever take that away from you!” He then offers his hand to Sting who proudly shakes it and thanks Harley Race for his kind words.

 

“Now Ric Flair: Seven years ago you made yourself a legend by beating me at Starrcade. That match has always haunted me- until now. I needed to know that I was still Harley Race and though it took every bone in my body, last night I did it. But you are a legend, Flair and I am sure as great as Sting is that one day you will regain the World Title. I would like to shake your hand again, Ric.” “Gladly” Flair says and the two shake.

 

“That leads me to my next subject. Even though I won last night, I realize that one can’t remain in the spotlight forever. And I can’t think of any way better to go out than with a rematch victory over a man I consider my greatest rival. Therefore, I hereby officially announce my retirement from professional wrestling!”

 

This announcement sends shockwaves through both the crowd and announce team.

 

“Now don’t misunderstand me, I’ll still be around. Billy and I are going to co-manage The Desperadoes from here on out.” He says as Billy White Wolf nods. “And though we have a truce tonight, Horsemen, this war is far from over.” A statement that causes the Horsemen to grin and nod in unison.

 

“And one more thing: Sid- you impressed me last night. I mean taking out those two big oafs that quickly was something I’ll never forget. In fact, as I am retiring, that leaves an open spot on The Desperadoes roster.” “Well forget it, old man!” Sid says. Pointing at himself he says “I’m a Horsemen!” “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it, Sid. Not at all. But like I said, I was impressed with your match last night. Very impressed. On that note, allow me to introduce the newest Desperado!”

 

The Desperadoes’ music then hits and wearing a black hat and trench coat walks out a well known figure. “Oh no, not him!” A flustered Arn Anderson says as the newest Desperado enters the ring. Seconds later, “Dangerous” Dan Spivey is given the microphone by Harley Race. “Well hello Sid. How are you?” he says to his now speechless fellow Skyscraper. “Say that belt looks real nice around your waist. And like you said, we ‘just may see The Skyscrapers back in the ring together in 1991!’” Spivey says with a huge smile and smooth, pleasant Southern drawl as Sid Vicious’ jaw drops to the mat.

 

 

 

The end.