The Last Match: Hulk Hogan in Major Promotions

As we all know Hulk Hogan is one of the biggest stars in all of professional wrestling and significant runs in several major promotions.  This post will look at the last matches that Hulk Hogan had in those promotions.

TNA: Total Nonstop Action
January 27, 2012 Manchester, England
TNA Maximum Impact Tour 2012
with "Cowboy" James Storm & Sting defeated Bobby Roode, Bully Ray, & Kurt Angle

Hogans final five matches were for the Dixie Carter run TNA between 2010 and 2012.  His only singles match in the promotion came at Bound For Glory 2011 in a loss to Sting.  His total time in the promotion as 4 years where he served mostly as an on air authority figure.

He was supposed to have a feud with Jeff Jarret in 2003 that was set up after his match with Chono in 2003 for NJPW when Jarrett attacked Hogan with a guitar.  However due to injuries the match never happened.  This would have been Hogan's first match for the NWA Championship since October 1983 when he wrestled Harley Race to a double count-out.

WWE: World Wrestling Entertainment
August 20, 2006 Boston, Massachusetts
SummerSlam
defeated Randy Orton

Hogan first debuted in the then WWF on December 17, 1979 defeating Ted Dibiase at Madison Square Garden.  He would be a constant to the promotion until April 1981 where he went to the AWA.  He return in December 1983 where Hulkamania ran wild for a decade.  After the demise of WCW Hogan would have to short runs in the WWE as an in ring competitor and now works in an ambassador role.

I was actually at this match in Boston, compiling this blog is when I realized that I was there live for Hulk Hogan's last match in the WWE.

NJPW: New Japan Pro WrestlingUltimate Crush II
October 13, 2003 Tokyo Dome in Japan
defeated Masahiro Chono

Hogan debuted in NJPW in May 1980 in the 3rd Madison Square Garden Series.  Over the next five years he had multiple tours each year even after winning the WWF Championship.   He returned for a few matches in 1993 and the January 4th Dome show in 1994, and then his final match in 2003.

WCW: World Championship Wrestling
July 9, 2000 Daytona Beach, Florida
Bash at the Beach 2000
defeated Jeff Jarrett to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Hogan's six year run with WCW began and ended at the Bash at the Beach pay-per-view in Florida winning the WCW World Championship both times.  The first, July 17, 1994 in Orlando he pinned "Nature Boy" Ric Flair and the last in controversial fashion pinning Jeff Jarrett.

 AWA: American Wrestling Association
November 14, 1983 Phoenix, Arizona
defeated Jerry Blackwell

Won a Battle Royal

Hogan debuted in August 1981 after being fired from the WWF for appearing in Rocky III.  He started out as a heel but soon became a fan favorite and we got our first glimpses of Hulkamania.  He had several title matches against Nick Bockwinkel but the matches usually ended with Hogan winning by DQ or being awarded the title only to have the decision changed to a DQ leaving Bockwinkel as champion.

When Dale Gagne tried to claim the AWA and it's lineage he recognized Hulk Hogan as being a former AWA World Champion.  However the WWE lawsuit in 2007 - 2008 ended Gagne's claim and Hogan is not officially recognize as a former champion.

His final night with the promotion he competed in two matches.

NWA: National Wrestling Alliance
October 21, 1983 St. Louis, Missouri
defeated Crusher Blackwell

As Sterling Golden NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Champion

Hogan wrestled for numerous NWA promotions including Championship Wrestling from Florida and Georgia Championship wrestling, however this match in St. Louis was his last match on a NWA affiliate sanctioned show.

All images I found online using a google search.

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The Last Match: British Legends

With the recent retirement of British Wrestling Legend Johnny Kidd at Chikara's Aniversario: The Chamber of Secrets event I thought I would be fitting to take a look at some of the finest wrestlers to come out of the United Kingdom.

Johnny Kidd

May 28, 2016 Chikara Pro Manchester, UK
World of Sports Rules 8 three minutes rounds drew Mike Quackenbush 1 - 1

Johnny Kidd began wrestling in 1978 becoming a star on the famous World Of Sport program on channel ITV.  Kidd made his debut in the United States for Chikara in 2011 against Johnny Saint in a  World of Sports rules match.  Kidd, who has won multiple championships in his 38 year career, decided to retire and requested to face Mike Quackenbush in his final match.  Quack himself had not wrestled since April 2013 but accepted the honor training vigorously for months leading up to the encounter.

Robbie Brookside

May 12, 2013 W3L: World Wide Wrestling League,  Fife, Scotland
defeated Nathan Black

Robbie Brookside is a world traveled professional wrestler who began his career in 1984 wrestling in Blackpool Bobby Barren and later Brian Dixon.  If you've read either William Regal or Chris Jericho's first book they both spoke highly of Brookside.  Robbie did make a few appearances for WWE and WCW sadly essentially as enhancement talent.   Currently Brookside works for the WWE in the performance center as a trainer and talent scout.

"Big Daddy" Shirley Crabtree

October 26, 1988 Joint Promotions, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England
teaming with Kashmire Singh & Tom Thumb defeated Bulldog Brown, John Wilkie, & Sid Cooper

Second generation wrestler Shirley Crabtree Jr. began his wrestling career in 1952 has a baby face or blue-eye for Joint Promotions winning their version of the European Heavyweight Championship.  He stopped wrestling for six years in 1966 returning as a villain in 1972.  He debuted the Big Daddy gimmick in 1974 as a bad guy before becoming a baby face in 1977 and becoming the top draw for Joint Promotions until he retired in 1993.  He had a legendary feud with Giant Haystacks that lasted for 15 years.  Crabtree passed away December 2, 1997 from a stroke at the age of 67.

Mark "Rollerball" Rocco
April 6, 1990 Reslo, Carnavon, Wales
wrestled Danny Collins to a double count-out

Rollerball Rocco was a top light heavyweight wrestler for his all of his near 20 year career.  He was star in the UK and Japan where he wrestled as the original Black Tiger.  Through his career he feuded with the likes of Marty Jones, Dynamite Kid, and a legendary feud with Tiger Mask in NJPW.  Rocco wrestled as Black Tiger from 1982 until 1990 including having a match with The Cobra at Madison Square Garden for the WWE December 28, 1984.  He was forced to retire because of a heart condition.

Johnny Saint

June 13, 2015 ICW L'Ora Dei Campioni 2015, Brogosatollo, Brescia, Italy
teaming with Manuel Majoli defeated Mr. Excellent & Psycho Mike

Trained by Billy Robinson, Saint debuted in 1958 becoming a huge star in the United Kingdom during the World of Sport era.  Saint initially retired in 1996 after defeating Naohiro Hoshikawa at Michinoku Pro.  Over 11 years later Saint stepped back in the ring in 2007 finally making his American debut in 2009 for Chikara's King of Trios tournament.  Saint has the distinction of being one of only a handful of competitors to compete in 7 different decades.

The Dynamite Kid

October 10, 1996 Michinoki Pro 3rd Anniversary, Tokyo, Japan
teaming with Dos Caras & Kuniaki Kobayashi defeated Mil Mascaras, The Great Sasuke, & Tiger Mask

The Dynamite Kid has the distinction of being one of the greatest and most controversial wrestlers of all time.  Beginning his career in 1975 after training with Ted Betley Kid cut his teeth for Max Crabtree the brother of Big Daddy.  Kid debuted in Stampede Wrestling in 1979 changing what the world thought of light heavyweight competitors.  He would reach super stardom with a series of matches against Tiger Mask that are still talked about to this day.  I first recall Dynamite as one half of the British Bulldogs one of my all time favorite tag teams.  Kid was forced to retire because of numerous health problems.

He published an autobiography entitled "Pure Dynamite" in 1999, which is excellent, and was the feature in a documentary by wrestler Jake Manning and Highspots entitled "Dynamite Kid: A Matter of Pride".  Both items are available at www.highspots.com

A Still from Dynamite Kid's final match

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The Last Match: WWE Women's Champions

Women's wrestling has never been as popular as it is right now for the casual and mainstream fans.  Both on the independents and on the big stage of the WWE they have finally moved past the gimmicky bra & panties, mud bowl, evening gown, and lingerie matches for highly competitive matches that have been main eventing and at times stealing the show.

Over the years there have been some very talented women wrestlers that have given us their all in the ring.  This list is going to highlight some of the best women wrestlers that have had their last match.

Wendi Richter
August 27, 2005 Wrestle Reunion 2, King of Prussia, PA
teaming with George South Jr. & The Patriot defeated DC Drake, Gary Royal, & Amy Love

Trained by The Fabulous Moolahm, Richter debuted in 1979 eventually forming a tag team with Joyce Grable capturing the NWA Women's Tag Team Championship.  She is best known for ushering in the Rock n' Wrestling connection with Cyndi Lauper as her manager defeating the Fabulous Moolah for the WWE Women's Championship.  After leaving the WWE she would go on to win the AWA & WWC Women's Championships before quietly retiring from wrestling in mid 90's.  Richter made two appearances for Wrestle Reunion in 2005.  She was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.

Sherri Martel
January 29, 2005 Wrestle Reunion Tampa, FL
teaming with Amber O'Neal, Krissy Vaine,  & Peggy Lee Leather was defeated by Bambi, Jenny Taylor, Malia Hosaka & Wendi Richter

Sherri Martel has an illustrious in and out of the ring as a manager and wrestler.  Sherri began her training the with Fabulous Moolah in 1980 touring around the southern territories and Japan.  In 1985 she joined the AWA winning the Women's World Championship and managing "Playboy" Buddy Rose & "Pretty Boy" Doug Somers.  She arrived in the WWE in 1987 and defeated the Fabulous Moolah for the Women's Championship in her debut match holding the title for 15 months.  After the women's division was phased out Sherri managed Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels, and Ted Dibiase.  She has a brief run in ECW in 1993 - 1994 before going to WCW where she managed Ric Flair before becoming Sister Sherri managing the Harlem Heat.  She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.  Sherri Martel passed away June 15, 2007.

Madusa aka Alundra Blayze
September 17, 2000 WCW Fall Brawl 2000 Buffalo, NY
teaming with Billy Kidman lost to "Franchise" Shane Douglas & Torrie Wilson in a Pittsburgh Plunge Scaffold Match.

Madusa debuted in 1984 after being trained by Eddie Sharkey.  She started with the AWA in 1986 as a manager and wrestler winning the AWA Women's Championship December 27, 1987.  In 1989 she became the first gaijin to sign a contract with All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling.  Madusa signed with WCW in 1991 in a managerial role however did have a match with Paul E. Dangerously at Clash of the Champions XXI.  Changing her name to Alundra Blayze she spent two years in the WWE becoming the face of the Women's division winning the Championship three times.  Of course everyone knows about her throwing the belt in the trash can when she returned to Nitro in December of 1995.  At this time it appeared as though WCW was going to build a women's division around her much like WWE did, however they never did.  They established a Women's Championship with Akira Hokuto winning the belt in the tournament final at Starrcade 1996 by June of 1997 the title was vacated and then later the division was dissolved.  Madusa would eventually win a title in WCW the Cruiserweight Championship from Evan Karagias at Starrcade 1999 losing it to Oklahoma 28 days later at Souled Out.  Madusa retired from wrestling in 2001.  She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.  In September 2015 she was made the comissioner of World Wonder Ring Stardom in Japan.  Since 1999 she has driven the monster truck Madusa on the USHRA circuit.

Rockin' Robin
February 23, 1992 LPWA Super Ladies Showdown Rochester, MN
lost to Black Venus

Rockin' Robin is a second generation wrestler, the daughter of Grizzly Smith and the sister of Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Sam Houston.  She was trained by Nelson Royal debuting in 1987 in the WWE she was a member of the Fabulous Moolah's team at the first Survivor Series.  On October 7, 1988 in Paris, France Robin defeated Sherri Martel for the Women's Championship.  She held the title until February 21, 1990 when it was deactivated.  The only major defense of record was at the 1989 Royal Rumble against Judy Martin. After leaving the WWE she worked the independent scene and toured All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling.  She won the UWF Women's Championship at Beach Brawl from Candi Devine on June 9, 1991.

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The Last Match - Promotions Gone By

This will be a unique list of Last Matches as it will reflect the last matches of promotions and their major TV shows, if I can find the results.

Jim Crockett Promotions

Ran 1931 – November 2, 1988

November 1, 1988 Savannah, GA Civic Center

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Road Warriors: Hawk & Animal defeated The Midnight Express: Beautiful Bobby & Sweet Stan

JCP was sold to Ted Turner on November 2, 1988 and even though from the fans perspective the transition was seamless this was the final JCP show.

World Championship Wrestling

Ran November 2, 1988 – March 26, 2001

WCW’s final match was at the final episode of Monday Nitro

WCW Monday Nitro

First broadcast September 4, 1995

March 26, 2001

Panama City, FL Boardwalk Beach Resort

Sting submitted “Nature Boy” Ric Flair with the scorpion death lock

WCW Thunder

First broadcast January 8, 1998

Aired March 21, 2001 Taped March 19, 2001

Gainesville, FL

Jeff Jarrett & United States Champion: Rick Steiner defeated Dustin Rhodes in a handicap match

WCW Saturday Night

First broadcast December 25, 1971

Aired August 19, 2000 as recap show

Final original match April 1, 2000

WCW Hardcore Championship on a pole match

Champion: Brian Knobbs defeated Norman Smiley, The Dog, Rick Fuller, Adrian Byrd, & David Burkhead

WCW Worldwide

First broadcast in 1975 as JCP Wide World Wrestling

Aired February 24, 2001 Taped December 22, 2000

Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN

Ron & Don Harris defeated Jung Dragons: Yang & Kaz Hayashi

WCW House Show

March 4, 2001

Freedom Hall, Johnson City, TN

Diamond Dallas Page & Dustin Rhodes defeated World Champion: Scott Steiner & Jeff Jarrett

Final Champions:

World Champion: Booker T won March 26, 2001

United States Champion: Booker T won March 18, 2001

Cruiserweight Champion: Shane Helms won March 18, 2001

World Tag Team Champions: Natural Born Thrillers: Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire won January 14, 2001

Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions: Filthy Animals: Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio  won March 26, 2001

Extreme Championship Wrestling

a.k.a.  Eastern Championship Wrestling

Ran April 25, 1992 – April 4, 2001

January 13, 2001 Pine Bluff, AR Convention Center

The Sandman pinned Justin Credible w/ Francine with a pile driver

Final Champions:

World Champion: Rhino won January 7, 2001

World TV Champion: Rhino won September 9, 2000

World Tag Team Champions: Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill won December 3, 2000

Smoky Mountain Wrestling

Ran: October 30, 1991 – December 1995

November 26, 1995 Cookeville, TN Community Center

Ricky Morton, Dirty White Boy, & Tracy Smothers vs. Tag Team Champions: The Heavenly Bodies Dr. Tom Prichard & Jimmy Del Ray, & Robert Gibson

Final Champions

Heavyweight Champion: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich won November 25, 1995

Tag Team Champions: The Heavenly Bodies: Dr. Tom Prichard & Jimmy Del Ray won August 4, 1995

American Wrestling Association

Ran 1960 - 1991

Last TV taping August 11, 1990

House Show

May 3, 1991 Bloomington, MN  Kennedy High School

Greg Gagne & Wahoo McDaniel defeated Destruction Crew: Wayne Bloom & Mike Enos

Final Champions:

World Champion: Larry Zbyszko won April 8, 1990 officially stripped December 12, 1990

World Tag Team Champions: DJ Peterson & The Trooper won August 11, 1990

Women's Champion: Candi Devine won December 6, 1989

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The Last Match: Gone Too Soon

As with all walks of life those we love sometimes leave us before we want them too and before they should.  There are various reasons why these wrestlers died but the one thing they all have in common is that they all left us too soon.

Chris Candido

TNA Lockdown PPV Orlando, FL April 24, 2005

Steel Cage Match: Apolo & Sonny Siaki defeated Lance Hoyt & Chris Candido

Died April 28, 2005 from a blood clot he received after surgery from breaking his leg in his final match, he was 33 years old

Louie Spicolli

WCW Monday Nitro, El Paso, TX February 9, 1998

“Gentleman” Chris Adams defeated Louie Spicolli by disqualification

Died February 15, 1998 from an overdose he was 27 years old

Chris Kanyon

NYWC Deer Park, NY January 30, 2010

Kanyon as Mortis defeated The High Society: Blake Morris & Mike Reed in a Handicap Match

Committed suicide April 2, 2010 overdosing on antidepressants he was 40 years old

Sean O’Haire

WWE TV Taping Dark Match Kansas City, MO March 28, 2006

Scotty 2 Hotty defeated Sean O’Haire

Committed suicide by hanging September 8, 2014 he was 43 years old

Lance Cade

All Japan Pro Wrestling Osaka, Japan July 4, 2010

Lance Cade defeated Seiya Sanada

Died August 13, 2010 from apparent heart failure from and accidental overdose, he was 30 years old

“Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig

NWA TNA Nashville, TN January 8, 2003

Curt Hennig defeated David Flair in an Axe-Handle On A Pole Match

Died February 10, 2003 from cocaine overdose, he was 44 years old

Owen Hart

WWF House Show, Chicago, IL Rosemont Horizon May 22, 1999

Owen Hart & Jeff Jarrett defeated Edge & Christian when Owen pinned Christian

Died May 23, 1999 from injuries suffered after falling from the catwalk at the Over the Edge PPV he was 34 years old

Eddie Guerrero

WWE Smackdown November 8, 2005 Indianapolis, In

Eddie Guerrero defeated Ken Kennedy by DQ after Eddie made the referee think that Kennedy has used a chair on him in the match.  After Kennedy leveled Guerrero with a chair shot to the head

Died November 13, 2005 from heart failure, he was 38 years old

“British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith

TRCW: Top Rope Championship Wrestling Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada May 11, 2002

Teamed with Harry Smith & Zack Mercury defeating Robby Royce, The Axe, & TJ Bratt

Died May 18, 2002 after suffering a heart attack possibly related to past anabolic steroid use, he was 39 years old.

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The Last Match: The Four Horsemen

August 2009 NWA Legends Fanfest

The Four Horsemen are arguably the greatest wrestling faction ever in wrestling.  Their creation was not the idea of a promoter but happened organically as 4 of the very best wrestlers in the world were teamed together because of various feuds and even though they were supposed to be bad guys, you couldn’t help but cheer them.   Starting in the National Wrestling Alliance and continuing into World Championship Wrestling the Horsemen lasted for 14 years with an ever changing line up of members never reaching the dominance of their initial mid to late 80’s run. 

 “Nature Boy” Ric Flair

Last Match September 12, 2011 Impact Wrestling TV Taping, Orlando, FL

Lost to Sting via submission to the Scorpion Death Lock

In an attempt to rewrite history Ric Flair and the WWE commonly refer to WrestleMania 24 vs. Shawn Michaels as Flair’s official last match.  However wrestling fans know that Flair first stepped back into the ring on a tour of Australia wrestling and losing to Hulk Hogan in several matches before he signed with TNA.  Flair’s time in TNA did nothing to enhance the legacy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, at least though his final match was against old foe Sting. 

Tully Blanchard

Last Match August 11, 2007 Charlotte, North Carolina NWA Legends Fanfest

Managed by “The Perfect 10” Baby Doll lost to Dustin Rhodes

I never had the opportunity to see Tully Blanchard wrestle live and that saddens me.   Tully Blanchard is one of the greatest of all times both in the ring and on the mic.  His career on a national level was cut off due to his decision to use drugs but he did clean up and change his life.  A couple of times he almost returned to WCW but unfortunately for one reason or another it didn’t work out.  Tully did wrestle several one shots in the mid 90’s for WCW, ECW and various independents.  He had a great feud in Carolina Championship Wrestling in 2004 – 2005 with Dusty Rhodes. 

I once saw a promo by Blanchard for this match on the internet, but I have never seen the actual match and can’t find a copy of the show.

“Enforcer” Arn Anderson
Last Match January 27, 1997 WCW Monday Nitro Des Moines, IA
Teamed with Steve McMichael w/ Debra McMichael defeated The Amazing French Canadians: Jacques Rogeau & Carl Ouelette

This match is available on the WWE Network which is cool because you can watch the match.  Arn has minimal offense taking the beating most of the match before tagging in Mongo who picks up the win.  Not what you would want to see as the Enforcers last match after the career that he had.  If you have the network you should check out WCW Slamboree 1993 which features Arn Anderson against NWA World Champion: Barry Windham.  This match was cut from the home video release but restored to the card on the Network.   Much like Ole, Arn ended his tenure in the horsemen as the groups Manager. 

Ole Anderson 

Last Match April 28, 1990 NWA House show Baltimore, MD

Teaming with TV Champion: Arn Anderson was defeated by Road Warrior Animal & Tag Team Champion “The Dog faced Gremlin” Rick Steiner.

Ole Anderson was the original veteran of the Horsemen, prior to that teaming with both Gene and Arn Anderson as part of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew.   Ole was wrestling primarily in Tag Team matches with Arn with his last PPV appearance being at WrestleWar 1990.  After his last match Ole stayed on as Manager of the Horsemen and later running WCW after Bill Watts was fired.  Ole was fired by Eric Bischoff when he took control in 1993.  The last appearance of Ole that I can find was at Slamboree 1994.  Ole has made several convention appearances being a regular guest at NWA Legends Fanfest.  I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Anderson when I attended the Charlotte convention in 2009.
  

“Total Package” Lex Luger
Last Match UWF06 Ardmore, OK August 26, 2006
Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell defeated Jeff Jarrett & Scott Steiner

Lex Luger replaced Ole Anderson as a member of the Horsemen in February 1987 and was kicked out of the group by the end of the year for not being a team player.  Luger was not picked up by WWE upon the closure of WCW.  Luger would win the WWA Championship and have one match in TNA in 2003.  After this match for Universal Wrestling Federation 2006 Luger would experience health issues with drugs and alcohol that eventually landed him in jail before becoming a born again Christian. 

Barry Windham
Last Match February 26, 2010 St. Petersburg, FL
Teamed with Jesse Neal defeating Kennedy Kendrick and Sin Bohdi for ACW/CCW

Barry Windham is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and his addition to the Horsemen in 1988 spawned my favorite version of the team.  Barry Windham’s career spanned over 30 years starting in 1979 where he wrestled JJ Dillon in his debut match.   Personally Windham is one of my all-time favorite wrestlers.

Sid Vicious
Last Match WWE Monday Night Raw Fort Wayne, In June 25, 2012
Sid Vicious pinned Heath Slater after a Powerbomb

Sid was a guy that jumped around a lot from company to company and when he came in because of his look and size always made a big impact.  A multiple time World Champion for WWE & WCW he has always been a fan favorite.  I myself enjoyed seeing him in the ring dropping people with the powerbomb. 

Paul Roma
Last Match IAW, Independent Associate of Wrestling, March 24, 2007, Mishiwaka, IN
Lost the IAW Heavyweight Championship to Brian Costello at Clash at the Cave II

Many consider Paul Roma to be the X-Factor of the Horsemen.  Every member of the Horsemen had been a main eventer and well known to the fans except for Paul Roma.  Roma had been a member of some less than memorable tag teams in the WWE as one half of the Young Stallions and later Power and Glory never breaching the mid-card level.  He last wrestled in the WWE in July of 1991 and wasn’t seen again until he appeared at Slamboree 1993 as a member of the Horsemen.  Apparently a deal with Tully Blanchard was in the works but never came to fruition and we got Paul Roma.  Except for his time with the Horsemen his WCW run ended with nothing of note. 

Brian Pillman
Last Match WWE House Show October 4, 1997 St. Paul, MN
Lost to Goldust w/ Marlena

The differences between the beginning and end of Pillman’s career are as extreme as anyone I can think of in Professional Wrestling.   After leaving football Pillman started his career in Stampede Wrestling then came to WCW as “Flying” Brian Pillman a lightweight high-flyer and white meat baby face.  Pillman became more erratic near the end of his WCW run with the Horsemen where he was attached to the moniker “Loose Cannon.”  After a cup of coffee in ECW Pillman surfaced in WWE continue his crazed ways until his unexpected death on October 5, 1997. 

Chris Benoit
Last Match WWE ECW TV Charlotte, NC June 19, 2007
Chris Benoit defeated Elijah Burke by submission with the Sharpshooter

Chris Benoit is one of the greatest technical wrestlers in the history of wrestling.  His explosive, stiff, and snug style was honed in Stampede Wrestling and Japan before he exploded on the US scene in ECW, WCW, and the WWE.  Sadly, Benoit’s contribution to wrestling will be forgotten because of his heinous crimes that ended the life of Benoit and his family. 

Steve “Mongo” McMichael
Last Match WCW House Show Bethlehem, PA March 6, 1999
Four Horsemen: Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Dean Malenko, & Chris Benoit defeated Wrath & Tag Team Champions: Barry Windham & Curt Hennig

McMichael played football for the Chicago Bears winning a Superbowl with the team before ending his NFL career.   His first appearance in wrestling was in the WWE seconding Lawrence Taylor at Wrestelmania XI.  A few months later McMichael appeared on the debut episode of Monday Nitro as part of the commentary team.  About  a year later he ended up in the ring teaming with Kevin Greene to take on Ric Flair and Arn Anderson.  McMichael would turn on Greene for a briefcase full of money and join the Horsemen.  Somehow even though he had way less wrestling experience than Paul Roma, McMichael is still generally more accepted by fans than Roma as a member.

Dean Malenko
Last Match HWA Heartland Wrestling Association Cincinnati, OH 12/11/2001
Dean Malenko defeated Chad Collyer by disqualification

Malenko has the distinction as being the last member added to the Horsemen when they reformed during a historic Monday Nitro Segment September 14, 1998.  Malenko is one of the finest mat technicians wrestling all over the world.  He is currently a road agent in the WWE.  

James J. Dillon
Last Match NWA Live Event Albuquerque, NM December 1, 1988
Bam Bam Bigelow & Eddie Gilbert defeated Horsemen: Barry Windham & JJ Dillon when Gilbert pinned Dillon.  JJ was substituting for NWA World Champion: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

The manager of the Four Horsemen Dillon also competed in a Manager Bunkhouse Battle Royal on January 1, 1989 at the Omni in Atlanta.  JJ Dillon also competed in a six man tag at Deaf Wrestlefest 2009 in Edgewood, PA teaming with Frank Stalletto & Lou Marconi losing to Dominic DeNucci, Dr. Cody Michaels, & Shane Douglas.  Although I am primarily familiar with JJ being manager of the Four Horsemen and an authority figure with WCW he was also an active wrestler starting in the 60’s.

Other Horsemen
As far as I’m concerned Jeff Jarrett and Curt Hennig were never real members of the Horsemen and therefore I will not include them on this list.  Also I do feel that Sting was an official member of the Horsemen but he is still technically an active wrestler on the WWE roster. His most recent match as of this post was a losing effort against WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins September 20, 2015 at WWE Night of Champions. 

The Last Horsemen match 

This has been the most difficult match to find because trying to pin down an exact date when the final incarnation of the Horsemen disbanded is hard to do.  Essentially when Ric Flair became on air president of WCW the storyline was that Flair became all about himself and not the Horsemen.  The tension between Flair and Benoit & Malenko began.  From my research I would consider the Last Horsemen match to have taken place June 7, 1999 at Monday Nitro in Cleveland, OH.  

Ric Flair setup a match with he and Chris Benoit taking on Diamond Dallas Page & Bam Bam Bigelow for the WCW Tag Team Championship.  During the match Benoit went to tag in Flair who in turn short armed Benoit and then walked to the back.  Arn Anderson was at ringside and he climbed up on the apron and extended his hand to Benoit to take the tag, Perry Saturn ran out, Benoit tagged Saturn and the two went on to win the Tag Titles.  Yes that’s how things worked in WCW. 

So to me, that is the final Horsemen match with Flair turning his back on Chris Benoit, who at that point had been a member of the Horsemen since 1995.  To further show the end of the Horsemen, on the June 14, 1999 episode of Nitro Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, & Buff Bagwell would team together defeating Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, DDP, & Kanyon.

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