Meanwhile, back in the NWA the remains of the Horsemen were defending their Titles. Barry Windham (seen here with manager JJ Dillon) had betrayed Lex Lugar to join the group, and would be a member on and off in succeeding years. At this point in the story he held the US Championship and was taking on such competition as Bobby Fulton of the Fantastics, and Bam Bam Bigilow.
Ric Flair had his hands full with Lex Lugar. In this sequence he get hoisted on his own petard by being put into the figure four leglock by Lugar. He escapes and takes a cheap shot to turn things around. Later in the match he seems to have his opponent at his mercy, but Lugar had other ideas and reverses it! Flair found himself in the Rack, but Lugar's weakened knee wouldn't support him and he went down to be pinned by the Champ.
About this time "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert, was becoming a particular thorn in the Horsemens' side. In fact Ric Flair chose to get involved in this fight and he would live to regret it. As Windham and Flair congratulated themselves on their triumph, Eddie Gilbert was planning his revenge.
He goaded Flair himself into a match, which Gilbert lost because of interference. On a later program he came out during a Horsemen interview and challanged them to a Tag Team match against himself and a mystery partner. Flair and Windham readily agreed.
A week later Gilbert showed up with a disguised wrestler, who removed his Dragon costume to reveal that he was Ricky Steamboat! (unfortunately I haven't yet found my tape of that match) Steamboat pinned Flair during that match and went on to challange and beat Flair for the World Title!
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Back to Solie's Vintage Wrestling This page is a personal tribute and is in no way connected to any of the wrestling promotions mentioned on it. It is dedicated to the Dean of Wrestling announcers, Gordon Solie.
Copyright 2005 Jump City Productions
