JCP

The NWA Title has been returned to Ric Flair after one of Dusty Rhodes’ earliest, and most infamous, Dusty Finishes. That was the big news from last week. What will this week entail? Let’s find out…

Today’s “Hidden Gems” review showcases a classic matchup for the NWA World Title between champion Ric Flair against Barry Windham. It takes place in Fayetteville, North Carolina on January 20, 1987. A little unknown history about this match: It wasn’t advertised locally. This was a TV taping for Crockett Promotions’ two syndicated programs, NWA Pro and WorldWide Wrestling. The only advertised match for the card was Ric Flair vs. Brad Armstrong! Yes, really…

Continuing the chronological look back at the NWA/Jim Crockett Promotions’ run in the mid-late 80s, it’s time for Starrcade ’85 “The Gathering”. Our main event is a rematch from Starrcade ’84, NWA Champ Ric Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes. However, perhaps the most anticipated match on the card is the I Quit steel cage battle for the U.S. Title between Tully Blanchard and Magnum T.A. Let’s roll…

We are five days away from Starrcade ’85 “The Gathering”. Presumably, this show will presumably push the event heavily … We open with a video clip of how we ended last week: Dusty Rhodes and Magnum T.A. challenging the Four Horsemen to step into the ring. The Horsemen’s 4-2 advantage quickly disappears when the Road Warriors provide some backup for Magnum & Dusty. The Horsemen backdown and we go to the show open…

Twelve more days ’til Starrcade ’85 … We open with a clip of Nikita Koloff vs. Jimmy Black Blackland Backlund. The Russian Nightmare turns the scrawny ginger inside out with the Russian Sickle. Great bump by the future gigolo. We go to the show open.

I apologize for the tardiness, but once again, it’s WCW Wednesday!

Add to that it’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving so let’s discuss the best Thanksgiving Starrcade of the bunch–Starrcade ’85. If you’re not familiar with the show, please read my reflection here.