The Brain Busters WWF World Tag Team Championship Reign

In this post I take a look at the WWF World Tag Team reign of Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard, the Brain Busters!

In the summer of 1988 Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard were in the hottest faction in all of wrestling, The Four Horsemen and had been selling out houses across the region for Jim Crockett Promotions for years going back to the groups formation in 1985.  Feeling under appreciated monetarily even after discussing it with Jim Crockett on numerous occasions, the then NWA World Tag Team Champions put in their notice to leave JCP.

On September 10, 1988 they lost the titles to another heel tag team the Midnight Express on a house show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  They would make their debut in the WWF on October 5, 1988 as the Brain Busters with their manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan at a Superstars TV taping in Toledo, Ohio

They would spend the next few months on the house show loop wrestling tag teams such as The Young Stallions: Paul Roma & Jim Powers, The Rockers: Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty, The Bushwackers: Luke & Butch, and finally Demolition: Ax & Smash.

On July 18, 1989 in Worcester, Massachusetts they would defeated Demolition in a 2 out of 3 falls match to captured the WWF World Tag Team Championships on a Saturday Night's Main Event taping that would air on NBC July 29, 1989.

Celebrating their victory with the Heenan Family

Their reign lasted until October 2, 1989 at a Superstars TV taping in Wheeling, West Virginia when Demolition would regain the titles in a short match that aired on November 4, 1989.

Wikipedia lists their reign as being 76 days, from July 18 - October 2nd

WWE lists their reign as being 109 days from July 29 - November 4th 

After the TV taping they would continue to defend the titles on the house show loop as champions against Demolition until the match aired on TV.   

In total they defended the titles 24 times, 23 times against Demolition and once against the Bushwackers which ended in a double disqualification.  The won only 1 of these matches defeating Demolition by disqualification.  The remaining matches against Demolition they lost by disqualification, except the match where Demolition regained the tag titles.

They won a few TV squash matches against jobbers.  Their biggest match during their title run was a non-title match at Summer Slam 1989 defeating The Hart Foundation. 

After the title change aired, they had few more house show matches and a loss on Saturday Night's Main Event to the Rockers in a two out of 3 falls match.  Tully and Arn would team for the final time on November 5, 1989 on a house show Waukegan, Illinois losing to Demolition.

Shortly after Tully would be sent home for failing a drug test, and Arn would finish out his contract teaming with Haku losing a series of house show matches to Demolition, with his final match taking place at the 1989 Survivor Series on November 23, 1989 in Chicago as a member of the Heenan Family in a losing effort to The Ultimate Warriors.

Their Saturday Night's Main Event match with the Rockers would air two days later, on Saturday November 25th.

November 28th at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia, Arn would debut in WCW without Tully whose offer was rescinded do to the failed drug test.  Arn would reform the Anderson's teaming with Ole defeating Pat Rose & The Galaxian. 

After looking into their title run, it's kind of sad that it wasn't that great.  I mean yeah they were champions, but they only won one match by DQ.  It doesn't change that they are one of the all time greatest tag teams who are still revered today 36 years after they stopped teaming. 

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time!

My Grail Card - The Final Update, for real this time.

Welp, I thought the last update was going to be the final update and then I went ahead and sent my card off to PSA to get it graded.  I can now say definitively I have finally completed my grail card from the 1988 NWA Wonderama set, card #339 Four Horsemen.

Please read the past blogs to get the full story on this card, especially Update Part 2.

May 17, 2022: New Grail Card

February 11, 2023: New Grail Card Update

June 7, 2023: New Grail Card Update 2!

December 21, 2024: New Grail Card Update 3! IT'S COMPLETE!

This was my first time submitting to PSA.  It was simple enough to do, but they do have strict instructions to follow.  I paid for the 20 day turnaround and I got my card a week early!  I was happy with my grade as well, 8 on the card and 9 on the auto.  The only other card that I'm aware of that is signed by everyone as mine is that is graded by PSA got an 8 on the card and 8 on the auto.

Purchased card on eBay May 9, 2022 cost $42.20

Arn Anderson signed June 10, 2022 cost $25

David Crockett signed November 26, 2022 cost $40

Lex Luger signed November 26, 2022 cost $40

Ric Flair signed January 15, 2023 cost $87.89

Tully Blanchard signed May 4, 2024 cost $40

JJ Dillon signed November 30, 2024 cost $25

Various Shipping Charges for mailing card: $23.40

Shipping to PSA: $14.35

PSA Fee and return shipping: $74.98

Total cost: $412.82

I don't know know if I'll ever submit a card to PSA again, I know many that do it because they treat their cards like investments.  Perhaps I should has well, but the cost of submitting can get expensive.  For me it would have to be a special card like this one.  I am tempted to find another once of these cards and get it signed again and possibly get a higher grade.  That is VERY tempting! 

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time!

The Cost of Being A Wrestling Fan: October 2024

For those wondering, here are the October expenses..

I managed to spend more than half as much in October than I did in September, so that's good.  Let's jump in!

Let's start with my streaming services at $37.32,  $19.99 for the AEW WrestleDream PPV, and $16.43 on the Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling bundle on Triller, Mikey split the cost with me.

I bought some wrestling cards this month at live events, ebay, and huskerhav spending $188.51 on the hobby.  I'm very focused on getting NWA Wonderama cards signed.  I've very rarely purchased signed cards, however I came across the dual signed Tully Blanchard and Jimmy Garvin cards from a reputable seller on Ebay.

They were selling them for less than it would cost me to buy the cards and then locate both wrestlers to have them sign them. I'm on the fence on this is something I am going to continue to do or not.  

I attended two wrestling shows in October, first up was the Ringwars promotion that Wesley attended as well.  I paid for the tickets in September, however we spent $44.12 on gas, food, and snacks and drove 114.8 miles round trip for the show.  Wesley also got a Ringwars Logo sticker for $5.

The second show of the month was Limitless Wrestling where I spent $40 on my ticket, $27.56 on gas and food with 74 miles driven round trip.  I bought a card from Joseph Alexander and a Limitless Limited Edition Zilla Fatu card, and spent $20 on a tremendously awesome Perry Von Vicious t-shirt. 

The remaining October wrestling purchases was a 1 year digital subscription to PWI Magazine for $10 and $52.75 for a meet and greet with IWGP World Champion: Zack Sabre Jr. at the New Japan show in Lowell, Mass in November. 

Next month has potential to be a bit more expensive, I have two big wrestling shows I'm attending and there area couple big signings to add some Wonderama cards to my collection, and finally finishing my grail card.  

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time!

The Cost of Being A Wrestling Fan: July 2024

Here we go with July expenses..

I went deep on adding some hard to find Billie Starkz cards to my collection, I'm trying to get all of her cards and there are a few I just don't have.  I bought cards from Ebay and other collectors, and even made a trade for one, spent $170.37.  

I bought a few more cards from the fella in Mexico, for $22, Sam Adonis, Stephanie Vaquer, and a Faby Apache.  

I went to Limitless Wrestling, the ticket and associated expenses there was $67.54.  At the show I got Danhausen to sign his AEW moments card for $20.  It's a bad ass signature but I might sell it. 

Outside normal monthly expenses for streaming services, I spent $81 for my buddy Matt to get my Sting AEW FInal Encounter Trading card signed at WrestleCon in Cleveland.  

On the spur of the moment I ended up buying a new Tully Blanchard t-shirt celebrating the famed Starrcade 85 "I Quit" Match, one of my all time favorite match.  I also bought a pair of 4 Horsemen shorts as it was from Arn Anderson's site so the are officially licensed for $92.66. 

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time!

Signed Trading Cards: NWA Wonderama

Let's take a look at some recent signed cards!

All of these cards are from the NWA Wonderama Jim Crockett Promotions Card Set.  The test market run was released in 1987 and the full set was released in 1988. 

I mailed these cards to my friend Antonio, he is a friend of a friend and did me a huge favor getting these cards signed for me at 80's Wrestling Con in Morristown, New Jersey on May 4, 2024.

  

This is my new Grail Card and you can read all about it in this post. New Grail Card Update 2!

This is the only test market card that I have, Antonio got this card signed by both Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson at this signing.  The test market cards have a cardboard color backing where as the complete set has a white backing. 

This card I had signed by Arn at Big Time Wrestling on June 10, 2022 in Webster, Massachusetts, it's great to have Tully's signature to finish it off.  Maybe  I should get Lex to sign this card?

These two JJ Dillon cards are great additions as well, this is the only card I have with JJ in wrestling gear, the others are suites.

I mailed these cards to Nic with Captains Corner.  I've done business with him in the past getting cards signed by Wendi Richter, Misty Blue Simmes, and Tessa Blanchard.  Barry Windham was supposed to appear at the Wrestling Classic in March, however a late snowstorm cancelled his flight.  My buddy Mikey was going and pre-paid for the Autographs. 

Nic was bringing Barry back for two signings on June 1st and 2nd in Massachusetts and New York to make up for the March one that was missed. I mailed him 3 cards total.

 This card I had signed by Arn Anderson at Big Time Wrestling June 10, 2022 in Webster, Massachusetts.

I absolutely love the green ink used on this signature.  Nic says it's a Deco Green Thin tip.  I definitely need to get Arn to sign this card someday. 

This card is the second logo card that I have signed from this set, the other is the Rock n' Roll Express.

In case you can't tell, these NWA Wonderama cards are my all time favorite cards to get signed.   

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book Limitless Wrestling: The First Five Years, or any of my other books as well.  

Until next time! 

New Grail Card Update 2!

If you've been following this blog you may recall back on May 17, 2022 I posted about my new grail trading card, from the 1988 NWA Wonderama set, card #339 Four Horsemen.

The Second update was posted on February 11, 2023, here is the time line of events

May 9, 2022 I ordered the card on Ebay, total with tax and free shipping was $42.20 it was delivered on May 12, 2022. 

The first signature I was able to get Arn Anderson at Big Time Wrestling in Webster, Massachusetts he was managing Brock Anderson and Brian Pillman Jr. in tag team action who were wrestling FTR managed by Bret "Hitman" Hart.  Amazing right!

I got Arn to sign several cards that night, as well as FTR and got my picture with them and Brock Anderson.  It was a great night!

Next, I mailed the card to my buddy Brandon who attended WrestleCade 2022 held November 25 - 27 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  David Crockett was scheduled to attend and he doesn't do many signings.  I got 3 cards total signed by David, the other two NWA Wonderama cards already signed by Tony Schiavone.  He was also able to get Luger to sign it for me.  

Fiterman Sports Group out of Texas is the signing agent for "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.  I wasn't sure if I'd ever see Flair again, turns out I saw him in 2024 in Philadelphia, so I mailed the card off to a signing they were doing in Houston on January 15, 2023.  I mailed two cards, the second being another NWA Wonderama.  

That just left Tully Blanchard and JJ Dillon. Sadly neither appeared at WrestleCon this year.  Reaching out to others about JJ Dillon it was relayed to me that he is not in the best of health so was hoping to see him in Philly and was sad he didn't appear.

However, he and Tully as well as Barry Windham and Arn Anderson appeared at 80's Wrestling Con in Morristown, New Jersey on May 4th.  There was no way I was going to be able to go, but a friend of mine Erik had a friend name Antonio going to the show.  He connected us together and Antonio was going to be a huge solid and get it signed. 

I mailed the grail card to Antonio along with two other JJ Dillon Cards and two Tully Blanchard cards, all NWA Wonderama.  I figured might as well get some others signed.  Unfortunately during the event there was some confusion and he was only able to get Tully to sign the card.  He got JJ to sign the other cards, he just didn't give JJ the grail card.  

I can't be mad about it, he did a complete stranger a favor and he feels bad about it.  It is what it is, hopefully I can get JJ to sign this year.  Part of me wants to get that last signature myself in person, but at this point I just want to finish it off. 

 

Arn Anderson signed June 10, 2022 cost $25

David Crockett signed November 26, 2022 cost $40

Lex Luger signed November 26, 2022 cost $40

Ric Flair signed January 15, 2023 cost $87.89

Tully Blanchard signed May 4, 2024 cost $40

Total investment so far: $275.09

I think it would make sense that once complete send it to PSA for grading and authentication.  

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book Limitless Wrestling: The First Five Years, or any of my other books as well.  

Until next time!

Signed Trading Cards: Tully Blanchard, Tommy Angel

In this post we are taking a look at some recent through the mail success

Tully Blanchard

Tully is one of my all time favorite wrestlers and with these additions it brings my signed card total up to nine.  The card one the left is from the 1985 Wrestling All Stars set, the next two cards are from the 1986 Monty cards.  Finally a new card from just last year from the Starrcast II card set.

Tommy Angel

I was excited to get these cards back!  These NWA Wonderama cards are my favorite cards to get signed, anytime I can add some to the collection is a great day.  Tommy Angel was a journeyman wrestler that hasn't had a match since 1994.  I met him in 2009 at NWA Legends Fanfest in North Carolina but I didn't have cards on me.  He wasn't advertised but was at the Hall of Heroes banquet.

Bob "Hardcore, Spark Plugg" Holly

This is one of the fastest turn responses that I have ever had, right there with Tim Prichard.  I mailed these on April 22nd and got them back on April 30th.  I really like how he signed the cards in he blue marker, it looks so cool.
The card on the left is from the 1995 Action Packed card set, the middle card is from the 1997 Cardinal WWF Trivia Game.  The card on the right is from the 2007 Topps Heritage set.

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment, read my other posts, and like my blogs Facebook page and while you're at it check out my weekly podcast The Wrestling Insomniac on the Nerdy Legion Podcast Network.

Until next time

Return of the NWA National Championship

On October 21, 2018 the NWA will promote their 70th Anniversary show at the Nashville Fairgrounds in conjunction with Jeff Jarrett's Global Force Wrestling promotion.

Since Billy Corgan purchased the NWA he has focused on promoting matches for the NWA World Championship first with Tim Storm and now current champion Nick Aldis on their YouTube show 10 Pounds of Gold.  This show will be the first complete show under the Corgan NWA Banner.

At this show they will be bringing back the NWA National Heavyweight Championship, which will be only the second championship recognized by the National Wrestling Alliance.  No other information has a been released about how the vacant title will be filled or the design of the championship.

Once Corgan launched his version of the promotion all titles save the World Heavyweight were vacated.  I thought they would bring back the women's championship first, but I'm glad they have a second title.

Austin Idol

The NWA National championship debuted January 12, 1980 in Georgia Championship Wrestling with Austin Idol as the inaugural champion.  The title was retired in 1986 when it was unified with the NWA United States Championship.

During this run it was most recognized with Buddy Landel defeating Terry Tayler for the title at Starrcade 1985 and Tully Blachards 177 day run in 1986.

The championship was revived in 1997 and awarded to Big Slam on May 17, 1997.  On January 19, 2009 Phil Shatter defeated Crusher Hansen starting his 761 day run as champion ending on February 19, 2011 when he was defeated by Chance Prophet.  This is the longest single reign anyone had as champion.  The last recognized champion was Kahagas. 

I attended the 2009 NWA Legends Fanfest in Charlotte, North Carolina where Shatter defended his title on consecutive nights against 2 Cold Scorpio.  The first night Scorpio won the title and even did photo ops in the ring with the belt.

The second night at the beginning of the matches they announced that the NWA hadn't sanctioned a championship match therefore the title would be returned to Shatter.  However they had sanctioned a title match for that night, which 2 Cold won via count out.

Phil Shatter

You can read all about my NWA Legends Fanfest Weekend here.

Incidentally Phil Shatter would later wrestler in TNA as Gunner and current in NXT as Jaxson Ryker.

I'm very curious what the design of the championship will look like.  Part of me would like to see it be the version held by Blanchard and Shatter as shown in their photos. Here are a few of the past belt designs.

 
Thanks for reading, please leave a comment, read my other posts, and like my blogs Facebook page and while you're at it check out my weekly podcast The Wrestling Insomniac on the Nerdy Legion Podcast Network. 

Later Readers!

Signed Trading Cards: Tommy Rich, Tully Blanchard, Roppongi Vice

In this post we take a look at a couple through the mail success and two that my pal Roy got signed for me. 

Tommy "Wildfire" Rich

I mailed these cards to Tommy's new wrestling school and got them back in short time.  Both of these cards were released in 1991 the one on the left by Impel and right Championship Marketing. 

Tully Blanchard

I mailed these three cards above to Mr. Blanchard because I found a new address for him and even though I already had cards signed by him I wanted more.  Tully is one of my all time favorite wrestlers and why not add more to me collection.  All three of these cards were released by Wonderama in 1988.  Below the card on the left is from the same 1988 Wonderama set and the card on the right is from the 2007 Topps Heritage III set.  This card is signed by both Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard and I got it signed at the 2009 NWA Legends Fanfest in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Trent Beretta

This card my pal Roy got signed for me at a Beyond Wrestling event.  The card is from the Japanese 2016 King of Pro Wrestling set. 

Rocky Romero

Roy also got this card signed for me at the same Beyond Wrestling show as Trent and Rocky were tagging at Roppongi Vice. This card is from the Japanese 2015 King of Pro Wrestling card set. 

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment, read my other posts, and like my blogs Facebook page and while you're at it check out my weekly podcast Podcast of 1,000 Holds on the Nerdy Legion Podcast Network. 

Later Readers!

They Wrestled in ECW?

An avid wrestling fan all my life I grew up on the WWF, JCP/WCW and any other wrestling I could find.  Of course when ECW came to prominence I watches as much of that as I could.  I've always loved ECW and as much of it as I watched there are some guys that I'm surprised to learn competed inside and ECW ring, even if it was for only one appearance.

In this post I'm going to take a look at a few of those wrestlers but I'm going to focus on the pre pay-per-view years.

Kerry Von Erich
January 23, 1993 Philadelphia, PA
wrestled Salvatore Bellomo to a double DQ

Back when it was still called Eastern Championship Wrestling, the Modern Day Warrior appeared a show entitled "Battle of the Belts."  His appearance was as the mystery wrestler of Woman and going by the name Woman's Choice he came out in a black mask, complete in his normal ring attire with tasseled boots and his ring jacket with Kerry on the back.   You can watch it here:

Part 1     Part 2

Also on the card Davey Boy Smith wrestling The Masked Superstar and the main event was a "I Quit, Texas Death Match" pitting Terry Funk against "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert.  This show took place at the Radisson Hotel.

"Enforcer" Arn Anderson & "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton
May 14, 1994 Philadelphia, PA
Bobby Eaton & Sabu defeated Terry Funk & Arn Anderson

Now fully extreme the aptly named "When World's Collide" featured two WCW contracted talent in Eaton and Anderson appear in the main event on opposing sides.  While this was both men's only in ring competition Eaton had done a run in on an ECW show as part of the build towards this match.

Marty Jannetty
February - July 1995 & September 27, 1997

In 1995 Jannetty made a dozen appearances for the promotion up and down the east coast taking on the likes of Shane Douglas, Too Cold Scorpio, The Sandman and others.  He also made a single house show appearance teaming with The Vampire Warriro (Gangrel) losing to Al Snow & Roadkill.  Maybe other were familiar with Jannetty being in ECW but I was not and was truly surprised to learn that he did considering the number of shows he wrestled on. 

Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart
1992, 1993, & 1995

The Anvil wrestled six times in ECW when it was known as Eastern Championship Wrestling twice in 1992 and once in 1993 and then in the land of the Extreme three times in 1995.  In 1992 he was defeated by and defeated Salvatore Bellomo, in 1993 he wrestle the Sandman to a double DQ at November to Remember, and in 1995 he wrestled Marty Jannetty twice and Ron Simmons once.

Tully Blanchard
1995
 

In 1995 Blanchard traveled to Philadelphia on three consecutive months to wrestle the ECW World Champion Shane Douglas, twice at famous ECW Arena and once at a catholic high school.  January 7th saw them wrestled to a time limit draw, on February 4th at Double Tables Douglas pinned Blanchard in 9:26, and on March 3rd Douglas retained in about twenty one in a half minutes. 

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment, read my other posts, and like my blogs Facebook page and while you're at it check out my weekly podcast Podcast of 1,000 Holds on the Nerdy Legion Podcast Network. 

Later Readers!

My Favorite Match

For over 20 years whenever I was asked what my favorite wrestling match is my response has always been Starrcade 1985 Tully Blanchard vs. Magnum TA I Quit Steel Cage Match for the United States Championship.

I mean what's not to love about it?  For almost 15 of the most intense minutes I've ever seen in a wrestling match these two beat the tar out of each other with stiff shots and high impact moves.  Both men where quickly busted open with Tully bleeding from his head and arm.  The visual of the finishing sequence just stays with you.  Tully on his knees, Magnum standing behind him driving the stake from the broken wooded chair into Tully's forehead while he screamed yes repeatedly.

The crowd was screaming from the moment the two locked up and never stopped.  The crowd was amazing all night, but they really kicked it up for this match.

I legitimately have no idea how many times I've watched the match but it's in the hundreds easily.

And incidentally, Tully never said "I quit!"

However, a match has occurred that is poised to kick the "I Quit" match out of that top position.  April 1, 2016 at NXT Takeover Dallas Shinsuke Nakamura made his WWE/NXT debut against Sami Zayn in the no doubt match of the year.

Sincerely this is the finest match I have seen in many years, I have watched it no less than 30 times since and it just gets better.  What really significant was after the fact Sami Zayn was on Talk is Jericho and revealed that prior to that match he and Nakamura had met a couple times but had never touched before that night in the ring.

The crowd was amazing, very lively chanting through the entire match for both competitors but clearly leaning towards Nakamura.  At one point they literally brought the crowd to their feet as the entire audience was taken away with what they were witnessing.  A chant that I had never heard before, "fight forever" and I couldn't have agreed more.

After 20:07 of action Nakamura nailed the kinshasa picking up the win and ushering in the era of strong style in the WWE.

Nakamura had two Wrestling Observer 5 star matches in 2015 for NJPW, I wonder if any of his matches in the WWE in 2016 with Rate the same. WWE has only ever had five matches rate 5 stars, the last in 2011.

Also Nakamura's entrance music is pretty amazing!

As of now for the longevity of it I will still have to give the nod to Magnum vs. Tully however I could see that changing in the very near future.

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Later Readers!

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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