SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 28:05 Min.
Taped January 21, 1989, in Atlanta, GA, for the WCW Saturday Night TV series, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert had promised a mystery partner in his challenge the week before to the two remaining Horsemen (Flair & Windham).
As shown in flashback footage, J.J. Dillon & his Horsemen condescendingly accept Gilbert’s terms. This flashback montage includes Gilbert’s interruption of a Horsemen/Dillion interview; the Horsemen’s previous in-ring beating of a defenseless Gilbert; and then Gilbert’s own pre-match interview.
To the Horsemen’s shock, Gilbert’s partner is Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, who has returned to pro wrestling months after his WWF departure (circa 1988’s WrestleMania IV). Against the NWA’s top two singles champions, Steamboat & Gilbert defiantly serve notice to these Horsemen that change is coming.
The co-commentators are Jim Ross & Tony Schiavone.
Notes: According to backstage reports, after spending 1988 fending off Lex Luger & Sting, Flair himself quietly recruited Steamboat to open 1989 as his new title challenger. Flair would subsequently face perennial rival Steamboat for the NWA World Championship at Chi-Town Rumble on February 20, 1989.
REVIEW:
Given the players involved, this TV main event tag bout is indeed stellar. Long predating WCW’s mid-90’s cruiserweights, a diminutive Gilbert impressively holds his own against Flair & a towering Windham, with both still in their villainous prime. Even more so, Steamboat’s reliable star power dazzles. One might describe this match’s ulterior purpose as Flair & Steamboat hosting a master class re: how to sell viewers on their imminent World Title feud.
Simply put, this high-impact grudge match is the best kind of alternative the NWA could present fans with against the rival WWF’s all-star roster.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
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