Ryan Navigates '90 - #30 (5/5)
Barry Windham and Ric Flair's ponytail bolster the Horsemen's ranks, and Kerry Von Erich looks to avenge his little brother.
EDITOR’S NOTE: On January 23rd, 2025, Ed Wiskowski passed away at the age of 80. Wiskowski was best known for his work in the AWA and Herb Abrams’ UWF as Colonel DeBeers, a pro-apartheid militant. Before that, he portrayed Mega Maharishi Imed, a gimmick based on Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.
Prior to the controversial characters, Wiskowski teamed with “Playboy” Buddy Rose and dominated the tag scene on the west coast. After retirement, DeBeers and Rose ran a wrestling school in Vancouver, Washington, with YouTuber Brian Zane counted among their pupils.
Some of what Wiskowski did over his career did NOT age well, to say the least, but you couldn’t accuse Easy Ed of shying away from nuclear heel heat.
Good day!
In another Saturday Special, Ryan Navigates ‘90 sees the NWA give us a huge match on syndication, followed by a major return. As well, we’ll see plenty of developments from USWA Dallas, and I’ll dive deeper into the infamous AWA Twin Wars ‘90 show.
SATURDAY, MAY 5th
WWF Superstars of Wrestling
The Ultimate Warrior tells us about his Warriors running to the edge of a dark universe.
He then turns his attention to Rick Rude. WARYAH brings up the graveyard filled with memories, memories of a CHEAP victory for Rude.
Warrior hopes that Rude will be his physical equal, but he plans on EATING HIM ALIVE like he did during their prior Intercontinental title feud.
Initial poppycock aside, this wasn’t a bad promo once Warrior got around to addressing Rude. The main issue is that, as Warrior said, he already beat Rude in 1989, and badass gym vignettes can only rebuild Ravishing Rick’s credibility so much.
NWA Worldwide Wrestling
Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger - This is certainly a hell of a match to be putting on a syndicated B-show, even if it’s non-title. Luger was originally set to face Dutch Mantel here, but Ole Anderson had bought out Mantel’s contract to set Flair up as Lex’s opponent for reasons that will become apparent later on. Ole’s in Flair’s corner, while Sting (who made nice with the Total Package earlier in the show) is in Luger’s.
This is your reminder that the NWA is brought to you by ROOS!
Ponytail Ric Flair isn’t real. He can’t hurt you.
The crowd is AMPED for Luger here. Despite his chops not hurting Luger, Flair does manage to keep the advantage in the early going with eyepokes. However, Lex turns the tide with a clothesline and a mighty press slam. The fans go ballistic as Luger hits the corner punches before sending Flair to the floor with a corner whip. Flair gets another eyepoke and bops Luger with a plastic chair, which only stokes Lex’s ire. Back in, Naitch runs into another press slam.
Lex whips Ric into a bearhug, but Flair again goes to the eyeballs. Flair actually manages to string together some sustained offense with stomps and a kneedrop. Flair then goes apeshit with the chops, but Luger FIRES UP! Luger goes to dive at Flair, but the Nature Boy ducks, sending Lex careening over the top and to the floor!
Flair follows up on the outside with dirty tactics and chops that actually harm Luger this time. Back in, Flair taunts Sting, distracting the ref enough for Ole to get in a cheap shot on Lex. Flair again tries his luck with chops, but Luger fights back! Again, Flair goes to the eyes and tries a hiptoss, but Luger counters into a backslide for two!
Luger blasts Flair with a pair of clotheslines after parrying another chop, earning another near-fall. Flair dodges an elbowdrop, but Luger dodges a kneedrop and applies the Figure Four! Hell yeah, finisher theft! Flair makes the ropes and tries again to blast Luger with a chop, but he bounces off of Lex like overly tanned, ponytailed Flubber. Luger tries a bearhug, but Flair again goes to the eyeball well to escape.
Flair tries an ill-advised top rope move, but Luger hurls him off and hits a superplex! Luger motions for the Torture Rack, but Ole and Arn Anderson run in to attack Lex! Luger is awarded the match via disqualification as the Horsemen beatdown is on.
Suddenly, BARRY WINDHAM resurfaces and clobbers Sting!
The Horsemen attack Sting and Luger 4-on-2, with Flair abusing Sting’s injured knee! Finally, an army of babyfaces chase the Horsemen out of the ring.
*** - An abbreviated, but still rather fun, dose of Flair vs. Luger. Lex again looked like Superman, with Flair mainly getting the advantage with eyepokes and other nefarious tactics. The DQ finish was very much not a surprise here, as the match was essentially a big trap for Luger and Sting.
However, the big takeaway was Barry Windham’s return to the NWA and to the Horseman fold. With Ole phasing out of the physical side of things and Arn coming back from injury, Barry was needed to bolster the ranks.
NWA World Championship Wrestling
We start with Jim Ross, who is with the updated Four Horsemen (and Woman).
Ole Anderson warns Lex Luger and Sting that they have ONE MORE SURPRISE. We’ll find out about that soon. Barry Windham claims that the unit will take over the NWA, while Woman says that she always gets her man, Windham being the man in this case. Ric Flair, who is still trying to make the founding father ponytail happen, addresses Capital Combat, Sting, ROBOCOP, and most of all, Lex Luger.
As God as Flair’s witness, Luger will sweat, bleed, and learn the word “respect” for Flair and the Horsemen. Arn Anderson says they have the advantage, being four well-oiled, well-groomed, in-shape Horsemen against RoboCop (“a tin guy”), Sting (“a hurt guy”), and Luger.
Barry didn’t really say much, but this was still a good little “reunion” promo and some decent build to Capital Combat ‘90. It’s still kind of hilarious to me that they’re treating RoboCop with relative seriousness.
We pick it up with another edition of the Louisville Slugger. This time around, Jim Cornette introduces The Fabulous Freebirds. Michael “P.S.” Hayes is somehow serving fierceness despite looking ridiculously sleazy. It’s honestly impressive.
Jim throws it to a tape of Worldwide Wrestling, where the Freebirds attack the Rock N’ Roll Express after their match, capped off with Jimmy Jam Garvin whipping both guys with a leather belt.
Garvin tells us that the Birds will be at the TJ Martell Rock ‘N Bowl this Wednesday, DADDY.
Hayes says that there’s NOTHING that’s Rock N’ Roll about the Express, calling them “incorrigible hoodlums” and “snot-nosed brats”, despite himself being about the same age as Robert Gibson and younger than Ricky Morton.
Hayes builds up the Corporal Punishment match at Capital Combat, where everyone will have straps. However, the Rock N ‘ Roll Express run in, forcing the Birds to fly to the back. Cornette hilariously tries to kiss up to his long-time nemeses to avoid a whipping, even trying to stir up a “ROCK N’ ROLL” chant.
Jimbo hightails it out of the ring before the Express can administer said whipping.
Pretty good promo from Hayes, not so much from Garvin. The stuff with the Express and Cornette was pretty fun.
AWA Twin Wars 90
As brought up in Part 27, there’s no actual footage that I can find of anything from this show, but I’ll talk a bit about it here.
Again, this was yet another attempt by Verne Gagne to reinvigorate the AWA, this time via a joint show with the NWA. Here’s a rundown of the card, which looks pretty dire (well, with one exception):
Tony DeNucci defeated Todd Becker.
D.J. Peterson defeated Jonnie Stewart.
John Nord & Scott Norton and The Texas Hangmen (Psycho & Killer, qu'est-ce que c'est?) brawled to a double disqualification.
Bob Lurtsema, The Trooper, & Brad Rheingans defeated The Destruction Crew (Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom) & Tully Blanchard.
Lurtsema wasn’t a wrestler, but a retired NFL defensive end. He played in a couple of Super Bowls as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, so he was a local sports luminary.
Ric Flair defeated Flyin’ Brian to retain the NWA World Championship.
Nikita Koloff defeated Larry Zbyszko via disqualification. Larry Z retained his AWA World Championship as a result.
Both world title matches had AWA legend Nick Bockwinkel as guest referee.
For what was billed as an AWA/NWA joint show, there was literally only two NWA wrestlers, and they both ended up facing each other. The rest of the card was the typical lukewarm AWA fare that they were putting out at the time. They could have brought another couple of NWA guys that were Minnesota natives (Tom Zenk, Road Warrior Hawk) or at least had Flair defend against one of their local babyfaces.
As par for the course with the AWA during this time, the show didn’t exactly do well. Even in a place like the St. Paul Civic Center, where the AWA used to draw big houses, they couldn’t sell out. They did get 4,000 fans into the building, which was far more than the AWA had been doing lately, but only 2,000 were paid. The other ~2,000 fans were papered in order to make the arena appear fuller, despite the show not being filmed for television or pay-per-view.
The Flair/Pillman bout was allegedly match of the night, much to the surprise of nobody reading. Cagematch had that match listed as the main event, but this article on Ring The Damn Bell, where I got some of this information for this section, indicates that it went on before Larry Zbyszko vs. Nikita Koloff. In the latter account, many fans left after the Flair match and before the AWA title match, a sign of the company’s waning fortunes and perception.
Based on some of the promos leading up to the show, it looked like the AWA was building to a champion vs. champion feud between Flair and Zbyszko, but that didn’t materialize. Even if it did, I’m not sure how successful it would have been given that both men were heels, and it’s highly unlikely that either company would want their titleholder to lay down for the other.
The AWA had announced a return to the Civic Center for June (which could have been where the theoretical Flair/Zbyszko match took place), but that ended up not happening. This was, in fact, the last AWA show held in that building. As much as I want to go “lol AWA” because of some of their boneheaded decisions, it is still pretty sad watching a legendary promotion just completely decay like this.
There was also scuttlebutt that Verne had withheld Flair’s wages for this show because Flair didn’t pay for his wrestling training with Gagne years prior. Who knows how true this is, but Flair defaulting on a debt would be INCREDIBLY on-brand for him.
As I mentioned earlier, this wasn’t filmed for television or PPV, but neither was SuperClash IV, and that ended up on the WWE Network at one point. Will this one somehow emerge from the ether and get plopped on the WWE Vault YouTube channel? Who knows.
USWA Championship Sports (Dallas)
Get ready for a ton of content from Dallas this week! We start with something quite nice, actually, with a fond farewell to longtime World Class announcer Marc Lowrance, who was leaving the USWA to become a United Methodist minister. Promoter and matchmaker John Brozell reads from a plaque everybody had created for Marc to commemorate his ten years of announcing.
A fellow named Edwin (I’m not quite sure who he was) sings his praises, while Kerry Von Erich expresses his appreciation for Lowrance, saying he’ll be missed by everyone and that he’s always welcome in the Sportatorium. Jeff Jarrett also professes his gratitude. Lowrance looks to get a word with Kerry about his current situation with Matt Borne. However, Kerry says that this is Marc’s moment and he’ll discuss it later.
Marc then turns to the camera and gives a touching speech about his appreciation to the fans for making the last ten years special.
This was a rather pleasant sendoff for Lowrance, who had been a great announcer for WCCW/USWA. Hell, even during his farewell segment, he was still trying to put current storylines front and center. What a pro.
Apparently, Lowrance said one time that all those years in pro wrestling were better preparation for being a minister than seminary. I can honestly see that.
The North American Wrestling Allegiance presents SUPER SONIC TEXAS WRESTLING at the Stagecoach Inn in Forth Worth every Monday night and every Tuesday night at the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas! MAKE PLANS TO SEE SST LIVE!
We jump to Marc interviewing Matt Borne, who had just polished off James Rapp in a squash. Marc asks about the recent events, so Borne talks about winning the tournament to face the Texas Heavyweight Champion. However, Kerry Von Erich didn’t want to face him in the ring. Borne then goes on a “you people” rant against the fans, saying he thought they were on his side, but they weren’t.
He calls Kerry a COWARD, which prompts Chris Von Erich, “the Von Erich gimmick” as Borne dubs him, to get in his face. Marc tells Chris to be careful, but Matt tussles him around a bit before asking why his brother won’t fight him.
Chris explains that Kerry, in lieu of a Texas title defense, stepped aside and allowed Borne to challenge for the World title.
“And I might add, you were beaten in record ti…” *smack*
Chris didn’t get all of that zinger out before Borne backhands the taste out of his mouth. Matt rams his head into the ring apron a couple of times and leaves before Kerry comes out to check on his little brother.
Man, Borne just beat the snot out of young Chris here to fully cement his heel status. Great delivery and justification from Borne, and a truly dastardly beatdown to REALLY build the issue with him and Kerry.
Chris, the youngest of the Von Erich clan, may have had the saddest story of them all. He wanted to be a wrestler like his older brothers, and even did some run-ins as a teenager during the Freebirds feud in the early-to-mid 1980s. However, he had too many physical limitations to overcome. Chris stood only 5’5”, which may not be as much of a hinderance nowadays, but this was during an age where giants and roided-up meatheads dominated the industry.
Also, as a result of taking prednisone, Chris had very brittle bones that would frequently break. Add asthma to all that, and you have someone who is ill-equipped for the kind of physicality required for an in-ring career.
The 1987 death of his brother Mike pushed Chris into depression and drug dependency. All of this resulted in Chris ending his own life in September 1991.
To make this story even sadder, he was omitted completely from the “Iron Claw” biopic. Yes, they left out a whole Von Erich sibling, with filmmakers citing that including Chris would make the film too tragic to release. Instead, some aspects of Chris were folded into the other brothers’ stories, most notably Mike inheriting his brittle frame and short height.
I’m not going to lie and say that Chris belonged in the ring or anything like that. However, I can’t help but feel for the kid. Life dealt him a cruel hand. Hopefully, people who are interested in the Von Erichs look beyond “The Iron Claw”, as there’s so much to learn about them, including Chris.
Next, Jerry “The King” Lawler talks to us via pre-tape, saying he can’t understand how someone like Kerry Von Erich thinks. To be fair, many of us struggle with that. He remarks about the stench in Dallas and calls the Sportatorium “the dump of the Earth”. Every time he leaves Dallas, he leaves Kerry flat on his back, and the Modern Day Warrior goes and begs for a rematch.
He questions Kerry’s lack of shame and if he knows that he lets his (r-word) fans down. Jerry claims that more fans are chanting “KING! KING! KING!” every week, then calls Dallas in general losers. Kerry has another rematch coming up, and the result will be the same.
We jump to the end of Terrence Garvin vs. Ray Evans. Beauty has Evans dead to rights, but Kerry Von Erich (in his INCREDIBLE pants) runs in and beats the crap out of both guys.
Kerry grabs the mic, saying he was blinded by friendship. When you hurt Chris, you hurt Kerry, then Kerry hurts OTHER PEOPLE! Kerry clutching the microphone like Conan the Barbarian holding a sword is amazing.
Kerry challenges Matt Borne to a FIGHT on Friday, then calls matchmaker John Brozell to the ring to make it official. Not one, but TWO, John Brozell appearances? I know THAT’s going to shatter my viewership and new subscriber records.
Brozell hits the ring as Kerry is just completely out of his damn mind. Big John reminds Kerry that he’d be giving up a World title shot for this, but the Modern Day Warrior doesn’t care!
You don’t mess with Chris! Brozell promises to get everything signed for Friday, then Kerry proclaims that he’ll end what Borne started before leaving.
This was an awesomely fired-up (and shockingly coherent) promo from Kerry, with some great lines and batshit insane energy. He made you want to see him send Matt Borne to meet Jesus. People rightfully remember the Steve Austin vs. Chris Adams stuff from this time period, but I’m REALLY digging this Bourne vs. Kerry angle so far.
Once again, we pick up at the end of a squash, this time being John Tatum against our good buddy, Frogman LeBlanc. Tatum has Frogger in a camel clutch, so Bill Dundee stealthily hits the ring (telling the crowd to be quiet in the process).
He strolls up to Tatum from behind and blasts him with a pair of handcuffs!
Tatum gets handcuffed to the top rope, resulting in some comedy flopping. Dundee calls Tessa into the ring, then asks Tatum for a shot at the Southern Heavyweight title. Tatum refuses, so Dundee plants a big fat kiss on Tessa! Tatum is not happy about that development.
Dundee asks again for a title shot, and Tatum responds by threatening to kill him before declining his request. Dundee continue teasing Hollywood, then grabs for the belt. At THAT point, Tatum concedes and grants the title shot. Dundee thanks him by giving Tessa another long smooch. Tatum begs Dundee to stop kissing Tessa, but Dundee gives her a quick peck on the cheek before heading to the back.
Dundee tosses Tatum the key. After some struggle, security uncuffs him, and Tatum flies up the aisle after Dundee.
I don’t believe the stuff with Dundee forcing himself onto Tessa would fly nowadays. It’s still a pretty good feud, though, mostly because of Tatum. With Billy Joe Travis turning babyface, Tatum backfilling the role of sleazy dickhead heel is much appreciated.
We close off with Marc interviewing “Stunning” Steve Austin and Jeanie at ringside. Lowrance asks the question that Chris Adams is asking: why? Austin says to forget about “why”, saying he’s a one-man destruction crew.
Austin knows what he’s doing, and with Jeanie by his side, he’ll go RIGHT to the top. He owns two pairs of Adams’ boots, his ex-wife, and he talks about kicking their old dog (“Old Blue”) every time he comes over! Rude!
Jeanie grabs the mic and tells Adams that he’s a big CRYBABY! She says that Adams is jealous of Austin, prompting the Gentleman himself to come out. Austin tells him to go back where he came from, because it’s HIS interview time! Adams demands to know why Jeanie has decided to come back on the scene after five years of separation.
Jeanie says she can do anything she wants! She goes to slap Adams, but he blocks it, allowing Austin to deck him unabated. Austin batters Adams around ringside, much to Jeanie’s delight. Adams fights back, and they roll around the floor, pounding away at each other. Chris comes out on top, hurling Austin into the ring.
Adams snatches Marc’s chair and sets it up in the ring. He grabs for Austin…but Jeanie sprays mace into Adams face! Lowrance theorizes that it’s tear gas that women have nowadays, and I quote, “to keep from getting raped”. That is an UNHINGED thing to say on-air.
Austin slugs away at Adams, slamming him face-first into Marc’s chair a couple of times. The Gentleman is busted open as Austin continues the assault to Jeanie's gleeful approval. Austin then snatches the mic and shouts:
“FEE FI FO FUM!
I smell the blood of an Englishman!”
Great little brawl there between the guys, and the resulting beatdown of Adams was well-done. They’re doing a good job of integrating Jeanie in the story. Marc's chair getting wrecked on his last day is a fun capper.
The USWA was not fooling around here, giving us an absolute feast of killer angles and storylines in one episode. Excellent television.
THE TUGBOAT TRIBUNE
As always, the news comes courtesy of Dave Meltzer and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
There’s a bit of concern in the NWA about Lex Luger’s status for Capital Combat. Luger has a staph infection in his knee, which he apparently picked up from Scott Steiner, who had an eye infection.
Keiji Mutoh is working without the Great Muta makeup and is getting over as a babyface in New Japan as a result.
There’s a battle brewin’ between Verne Gagne and promoter Dale Gagner. Gagner had been promoting shows on the west coast under the AWA banner, which rightly didn’t sit well with ol’ Verne. He’s preventing his guys from working those shows as a result.
This shit would actually drag on for nearly two decades, with Verne and WWE (who bought the AWA trademark, assets, and video library in 2003) taking him to court on separate occasions.
NEXT TIME: More lucha trios action, Kerry Von Erich seeks revenge against Matt Borne in a wild brawl, USWA Dallas tag action, and more!
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Loves this one! ☝️