Jim Cornette on David Von Erich & Magnum T.A.

From Episode 270 of the Jim Cornette's Drive Thru
Artwork by Travis Heckel!
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[@pl5624]

I never tire of world class talk...

[@kennethfloyd8677]

Exactly

[@jimreily7538]

Neither do I. Fascinating stories

[@stewartmcrae8007]

me neither it is much more entertaining than the current stuff jim should just talk about the awa world class jcp stampede and all the other territories

[@JamesWilsonMD]

Here here

[@jonathanturbide2232]

MJF left the media scrum by shooting "Thank you, F you, bye", Corny must be in heaven right now. 😂

[@juansanchez209]

@@tylermcnally8232 That’s Cornette’s catchphrase and Cornette is a huge fan of MJF. It’s a nice show of respect to Cornette from one of today’s talents that really gets the industry

[@coreyhall1150]

@@juansanchez209 Seems like him and Punk are the ONLY ones that get what the business is actually about.

[@tonyfro23]

@@coreyhall1150 100000% correct

[@jerisergedunphy]

Ya that was fucking great promo altogether

[@MichaelSmith-fq6hz]

It’s too bad the shirt isn’t in stock.

[@lagerbeer1974]

Props to the guy who emailed this excellent question. Fascinating topic.

[@shawnbrock1545]

Thanks

[@JohnZoni]

Two of the great "what-ifs" of 80s wrestling. If neither tragedy happens, the decade probably plays out so much differently.

[@jeremypassmore7019]

For Ric Flair, no doubt.

[@madbrowniac7871]

When he was merely Terry Allen, Magnum T.A. was present for the moment that changed much of the direction of The NWA, at least in Florida. Jake Roberts cashed in on a Kayfabe $1100 Bounty by breaking Barry Windham's nose with a Kneesmash on TV in Tampa on 1982. As the aghast Gordon Solie and Terry Allen looked on helplessly, Jake Roberts eventually revealed his corrupt benefactor as a man named "Bonebuster." And then "Nivek Navillus." Who if you know your Florida Pro Wrestling History HIS identity doesn't stay a mystery for very long!😉🤔🎤🌊☀️🍊🌴🤼‍♂️B.W.

[@brianbradley8631]

Championship wrestling from Florida was a little bit before my time but I love learning about the history of professional wrestling. Would you mind sharing the identity of this person? If I had to guess I'd probably say Kevin Sullivan but I could easily be wrong too.

[@greghuffman3061]

identity of who?

[@FnRenner]

@@brianbradley8631 identity of whom? Your reply to the original comment doesn't make much sense.

[@mikejejenich7116]

The 80s. Were the greatest time to be a wrestling fan…. All the territories. Wwe. Nwa. Awa. World class from texas. Mid south. All territorys. Were stacked with talent……. Glad i got to. Grow up and watch it all…. 💯

[@mustaffa1611]

it made us who we are today

[@bryanelam7431]

I agree completely!! To add to your point, in the 1980's I was in elementary school in East Tennessee & ( this is a bold statement but it's a truthful statement) for about a 4 year period Crockett NWA was more important to us than Tennessee Vols football!! It was literally at the heart of our daily lives!! I love all the old school wrestling KZbin channels because of the memories, it definitely was the best time for wrestling!!!

[@isaacshaver6218]

Me too

[@bluelivesmatter719]

Agreed. But then again, just about everything was better in the 80s

[@whitebathroomguy]

Champion wrestling Florida CWF was super hot in the early mid 1980s

[@jetjax62481]

Territory stories are just so old school and fascinating I never get enough

[@Atomykpimp]

That is such a great question! Kudos to Jim how he answered it!

[@stewartmcrae8007]

It was a excellent question Shelton in all seriousness though jim answered it perfectly

[@wolflover789]

This question was so good that I just punched a random stranger. That's how good the question was. Okay. That's how good it was.

[@greghuffman3061]

the discussion also proves its kind of impossible to even answer because all we can do is estimate their trajectory. imagine if Stone Cold died while in wcw and people were trying to guess his impact on the business had he lived... anyone that actually did would be told they were way overhyping him and living in fantasy land

[@americanbadass88]

Magnum is possibly the biggest what if in professional wrestling history. The Von Erichs already had the name. But Magnum, people would go INSANE for him EVERYWHERE.

[@glengabruch4664]

Absolutely. Magnum was being pushed to be the next Ric Flair/ Sting/ Hulk Hogan type. Magnum had the size, the look, the charisma, the athleticism and talent to have become everybit the legend the aforementioned wrestlers became. Magnum truly is the biggest "what if" of the industry.

[@michaelbartosh8203]

I agree

[@jamesteegardner2273]

Yeah, Magnum definitely had the "it factor" people always talk about.

[@GetBenched2010]

From most of the shoot interviews I've read, David, with a lot of help from Brody, kept the boys in line. Kevin has stated that Fritz loved David best because he reminded him of himself the most, but feared him for that very same reason. When David died, the rest of the VE boys just went off the rails because Fritz was in denial.

[@kevindouglas5333]

David was a druggie too

[@realstonecuttr9445]

I apologize.. I saw the Von Erichs wrestle live in the late 70's to '83.. I love watching Magnum also.. David's death really took a toll on me. He was a natural at professional wrestling, I always said that Barry Windham's movements and style was based off David.. Love to both great men.. Thank you🙏🏿❤✊🏿

[@FJJN1005]

Nice insight on Windham.

[@shawnbrock1545]

I assure you that Shawn D Brock IS my given name. One of my thoughts that wasn't talked about is that if David had a longer run with the title (it certainly would have been longer than Kerry's), Crockett doesn't get to monopolize it. Also Fritz doesn't leave the NWA when he did.

[@troyturner173]

David's death is the fulcrum to everything-David gets a longer run/runs, you save CWF/St Louis, TBS stays with WCW as a territory and Vince has to reload

[@SonnyBubba]

What many people don’t realize is that Kerry did have a run with the belt as a traveling champion. After winning the title at Texas Stadium, Kerry went to Florida for a few weeks to defend the belt there. For whatever reason (whether it was agreed in advance he’d only keep it for a few weeks, or the NWA board called an audible after seeing Kerry work), Flair gets the title back in Japan.

[@SonnyBubba]

@@troyturner173 David having the belt was not going to save the territories from Vince. Vince was going through each territory and poaching the top talent, not because he necessarily thought they’d help him draw, but to prevent the competition from being able to draw. Case in point: Junkyard Dog. The hottest baby face in New Orleans from 1980-84, then Vince calls up and offers him twice as much money and half as much work schedule as Watts did, and JYD left (without giving Watts any notice). Dog gets to WWF, and gets fat.

[@troyturner173]

@@SonnyBubba I never said that Vince wouldn't become a factor at a point in the future, just that David being alive-and NWA champion-would have shored up the NWA, and caused Vince to regroup before taking another run

[@ericmarks6322]

If David had lived and Magnum not been in that accident, Flair would not have been champion as many times.

[@danielburger1775]

Nah. David gets Kerry's short 84 reign. And Magnum gets Garvin's short 87 reign.

[@johnepants]

@@danielburger1775 David was set up for a long term reign. Ric would have still been a viable champion and would have gotten the belt again at some point, but David was going to get a good run

[@danielburger1775]

@@johnepants That's the story now. Just like with Magnum. In reality, we would have still got Flair. At best, David would have had a few months, before dropping it back to Flair.

[@TJ52359]

@@danielburger1775 IDK... I've seen some speculation through the years that JCP was looking to elevate Magnum to 'Face of the Company"... and was looking to Pivot with the 'all American baby Face' .. but Losing magnum; he soldiered through with Flair as the Heel

[@jetjax62481]

Magnum and Nikita could have been sensational in WCW going into the 90’s with guys like the horseman LOD Sting Luger and the Steiner’s. Do many what if’s.

[@detangojet]

Mike’s return was incredibly sad. There was no doubt in my mind the poor guy suffered brain damage from what he went through. His family should’ve protected him from coming back. His dignity and self respect wasn’t considered. It was all about the gate.

[@steveludwig4200]

Mike had no business wrestling in the first place. Same as Chris. Fritz is responsible for both of those deaths.

[@pulsarstargrave256]

GOOD JOB, BRIAN! Whenever people discuss the demise of WORLD CLASS they always leave out those 2 key events: The loss of their main production and booking people to the WWF and elsewhere-- and the decision to withdraw from the NWA! These losses began to affect the in ring product regardless of personal losses! No wonder why I listen to Cornette and Brian more than other wrestling related shows: you're both entertaining and informative and neither seem like they're angling for a job at WWE or AEW!

[@SonnyBubba]

World Class leaving the NWA wasn’t as big a deal because the territory was already well on the way out. Leaving was more a capstone than a cause of the collapse.

[@CarlosMedina-vj7ot]

Ironically the big winner in both scenarios was Flair. With David dying and Terry being incapacitated, keeping the belt on Flair became the fallback. I guess the real question is how does it affect Flair's legacy of either and or both tragedies don't happen?

[@jbo8540]

Flair was already legend status at that point, and at worst would have had a Harley Race role where he swapped the belts back and forth with TA or David for a long while. I think people think of Flair's legacy being established in the mid-late 80's, forgetting how perfectly his career had been crafted for over a decade by then.

[@chrischar9428]

He would have been champ a lot either way

[@thomasswafford250]

Michael Hayes said that David hands down understood the business best of the boys.

[@jonathanturbide2232]

Yep, a number of WCCW wrestlers/alumni said he would have been the best Von Erich as far as working in the office and taking care of the promotion. That says it all.

[@JokersVsZombies]

@@jimcornette00 you're a scam

[@theravagedgrapefruit8190]

For sure, you can see it when you watch old shows. David had the psychology of wrestling down. He had no wasted movement in the ring. Every movement had purpose. You would never catch David just standing still for 10 secs waiting on a spot.

[@cbod14]

@@theravagedgrapefruit8190 He also wasn’t afraid of his father. He also would’ve been an emotional support system for Mike & a stabilizing influence on his brothers

[@laksivrak2203]

Finally a episode where we talk about the old days and not dumb ass shit going on today, wtf

[@undergroundunlimited2282]

This is an awesome question and conversation! If David lives, is Mike even pushed? Maybe he never get injured and contracts TSS and gets his brain fried. Does Kerry totally go over the deep end? Could he have kept from crashing and losing the foot etc….So many dominoes with David’s unfortunate death.

[@bevor1785]

Mike started wrestling before David passed away..

[@jasonkraatz9574]

From what I’ve heard of the two, I’d say David probably had more of an impact on the business. He was liked by so many and even Harley Race and Ric Flair both put him over as a future world champ. Magnum was also a world champ in the making but I’m not sure if he was as established as David at the time of his accident. Always a great what if scenario.

[@mahbramah]

@jimcornette00 hi Jim replying for the prize I won

[@ethanbradley2089]

If Magnum hadn't had to retire is my favorite what if in wrestling. He was JCP's answer to Hogan. But he could work,and he wasn't a cartoon character.

[@Kas58223]

Magnum TA is to me the biggest what if image if he didn’t get that accident I definitely say he be NWA heavyweight champion and Flair knew be right for the business to do, when I first saw Magnum, I was like when did Tom Selleck take up wrestling

[@anthonyjohnson4390]

David was also the biggest star in the capital of the NWA, St.Louis.

[@GetBenched2010]

and the only Von Erich since Fritz and Waldo to work heel.

[@chrischar9428]

@@GetBenched2010 kerry tried

[@madbrowniac7871]

So did Kevin. In February 1982 Kerry and Kevin Von Erich Wrestled Heel on behalf of Ric Flair (!) in Florida against Butch Reed. By Christmas Night 1982 Ric Flair no longer had The Von Erichs at his beck and call, especially not in Dallas.😂🎤💪🌊☀️🍊🌴🐴💎👔👞👞🤠🐴🤼‍♂️B.W.

[@dominicrossitto5890]

David was also the best interview/promo of the three brothers. And I wonder if it would have been better for the actual NWA, not JCP, if David would have gotten a run with the NWA Heavyweight Title. JCP by far was the strongest of the NWA members, but Crockett locked up the exclusive rights to Ric Flair's dates after some time and other promoters were having to pay Crockett NOT to have the NWA Champion make dates in their territories, but DID to have Ric Flair appear in their territories....who WAS the NWA Champion. Kind of the same thing, but a technicality. For some time,Flair was going to the PNW, Continental, All Japan, and especially Florida. Central States, St. Louis, the promotions in Canada, etc. were dying. Memphis was still strong, but didn't need the NWA Champion as much as other territories did. In 1986, when World Class pulled out of their NWA membership, it was WAS a loss to the NWA, but an even bigger loss to World Class. The NWA Champion in the DFW market was so important, and they billed the NWA Title as being the most important Championship in the sport. To just say "The American Champion is now recognized as the World Heavyweight Champion,...but with a title not the NWA Title", just didn't seem to go over with fans.

[@bizil100]

Great points! The thing is WCCW in 1986 was ALREADY past it's glory days. So it was BETTER for them to actually pay NWA dues INSTEAD of leaving. If they stay in the NWA, JCP would have addressed their situation at some point. He started consolidating the NWA. And even bought UWF as well. IF WCCW NEVER leaves the NWA, their situation gets addressed at some point. And even though WCCW was past its glory days, they still had a lot to offer. The DFW metroplex, the Von Erichs, and Brody was a package the other NWA territories couldn't offer. The UWF had a very good roster when JCP bought them out. But they didn't have the DFW metroplex to offer even. AT WORST, JCP buys out WCCW. And Fritz gets a hell of a payday. OF JCP decides to keep WCCW around. And they get access to that JCP roster at times. Or Crockett could have combined UWF and WCCW into a killer roster. And u get a brand split type of deal under The Wrestling Network banner!

[@dominicrossitto5890]

@@bizil100 I would LOVED TO see that happen,....but we see how Dusty handled the purchase of the UWF. Too much money, too much debt, and they didn't even get the video library.

[@Justin-bo5pg]

David Von Erich was a generation behind the direction the business was going towards. He would have been great for World Class, he'd probably gone to Turner and had an ok run but he wouldn't have ever been a tippy top of the card guy for anyone but World Class. Magnum T.A. was a big reason Crocket got so hot. He looked great, he's a guy that had charisma just standing there, he could work. Magnum could have been what Sting became in terms of popularity.

[@oldschooleddie2057]

Correct. Well done.

[@MortonT1958]

David was a regional star … Magnum was on the way to Hogan-like national stardom.

[@chrischar9428]

@@MortonT1958 David was a regional star in several places. Not too mention WCCW was seen in alot of places

[@leogetz3570]

I always figured that if Magnum didn't get over at Starrcade 86, it would have been during the Bash in the summer of 87. I really didn't start watching WCCW until around late 85. But yes, both had a huge impact

[@JohnnyLaps]

Quit laundering money,Leo.

[@leogetz3570]

@@JohnnyLaps it was only half a billion....

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@leogetz3570 😎

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@leogetz3570 because, whatever Leo wants....Leo Getz!

[@sOUnerfan]

I think Magnum's accident really changed things most for Sting. I think Sting probably still becomes what he did, but the accident sped up the process.

[@blake7871]

Yep I agree. It's probably the early 90's instead of the late 80's when Sting becomes a star.

[@bowlerdave9347]

About 2 years after I started watching wrestling I was sitting there in the living room on a Saturday night and heard the announcement that David had died. Since then I've heard all this talk about how wonderful he was. And I never really understood it. Now yeah, it was my early teen years but I just never saw what everybody else saw in David. Maybe if I were older I would have seen it.

[@johnnysorrowful]

David would have been NWA Champion if he and World Class had gotten hot earlier than 1983. He could talk, work heel and babyface, and was the most technically solid brother. Magnum was going to be huge during the 80's boom, was a great wrestler, and could have been a great heel.

[@rudyrusso711]

Loved Magnum T.A.

[@christopherclinton8631]

I seen video of David in Florida as a heel helping flair against butch Reed that was a great storyline.

[@bull705]

I would have loved to hear Fritz try to explain that to texas fans. Something like the "sumo referee" bit that he said was responsible for Kerry losing to Flair in Japan.

[@tonymickens8803]

Magnum was going to get a "Hogan Size Push."

[@PontFlair]

He was going to be THE GUY!! I remember Magnum TA's accident more than I remember David's death (R.I.P.). Only bc of my age, not bc I didn't care. When TA had the accident and couldn't wrestle anymore, it was terrible as a fan. Seeing him in that neckbrace? Man... You just knew there was no comeback for Magnum TA and it hurt bc you knew he was on the way

[@juliolopez6289]

Rightfully so.I remember watching on cable at that point in time,the crowds went apeshit for him.I always felt Barry Windham was their answer for what happened.

[@CertifiedHuSTLer]

Neverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr I remember not even close a push yes not hogannnn push.

[@tonymickens8803]

@@CertifiedHuSTLer LOOK At My Comment, I Said that He "Was Going to Get a Hogan Push" He got into the Car Crash, so they Never got the CHANCE To Push Him!

[@thomaswillingham4084]

Also, David did the best promos of the VEs

[@armandop9082]

Magnum wouldve had a run in wwf as well eventually.

[@chrischar9428]

Seeing as how fond vince was I'm sure von erich is there too

[@Uuusssaaas]

Magnum was a shinning star in JCP. The Von Erichs were Texas wrestling. David was a better worker than Magnum. I think both would have been world champions. David 1st, back to Flair, concluding with Magnum over the course of 5 or 6 years.

[@buddypickard3106]

I think David has a couple of runs with the belt & I also believe if David had lived Crockett doesn't take control of the NWA as soon as he dose because the Von Erich/ Flair angle with the World title could go for a couple of years with Magnum finally winning the title from either Flair or Von Erich at Starrcade 87.

[@Uuusssaaas]

@@buddypickard3106 I think your scenario is very likely.

[@JD-cp1ku]

If either of them won the belt, wouldn’t they have just lost it back to Flair a month later like everyone else?

[@chrischar9428]

Pretty much. But woulda been a bit longer

[@TheEnzyme94]

Happy thanksgiving and Starcade season! Love these speculative questions. Magnum TA vs. The Hitman Brett Hart! Dude!

[@chrischar9428]

BRET DUDE

[@tomwalker389]

Flair dodged two bullets. … but then Jim Crockett believed in having heel champions.

[@Handle_Needs_3_Or_More_Charact]

That was more a Dusty thing. Also, Flair was a face for a few years in Crockett's territory while champion.

[@greghuffman3061]

I remember hearing a little about Magnum TA as a kid and wondering what happened to him. i didnt know till i passed my casual stage

[@ADAMdinho1]

We were stole of Magnum T.A. & David Von Erich. I personally think both would've been over huge, let's not forget the push that Magnum T.A. was going to get. A case of we will never truly know with both.

[@PontFlair]

David was next up before his death. After, it was for sure that TA was next up. He was set up for it already. They got him out of the U.S. Title picture, and it was only a short matter of time before it was going to happen. He had already had a scrape or 2 with Flair and had been in the beef with the Horsemen for a bit. Magnum was on the way

[@delbertprince5302]

1986 was a great year in NWA and World Class Championship Wrestling

[@yoholmes273]

Chi Town Rumble 86 Main Event for my money was one the best main events of all time.

[@chrischar9428]

@@yoholmes273 that was 89

[@Mr.Majestic77]

Anyone remember a young Terry Allen (Magnum T.A.) vs. Nick Bockwinkle in AWA?

[@chrischar9428]

Southwest

[@sionrouge1697]

David would have been the go to. He was established in a higher level. Mushcnik in STL loved him and that was the key to the NWA.

[@chrischar9428]

M U C H N I C K

[@HereBeRabbit]

Salt of the Earth baby!🏆💪

[@DeeTheToyHunter]

Lance Von Erich.....terrible idea I don't know what Fritz was thinking

[@jonathanturbide2232]

Fritz took the fans for granted and obviously thought they were gullible and willing to believe anything he said. He was on such a power/ego trip that he legit thought that anything called "Von Erich" would sell tickets. Obviously he was dead wrong. Fans were much smarter than he thought they were, and a lot of them never trusted him after that terrible fiasco.

[@GetBenched2010]

@@jonathanturbide2232 They did bring Waldo in to sell the gimmick but Lance was the WORST possible choice.

[@DeeTheToyHunter]

Never knew they brought Waldo in

[@chrischar9428]

@@GetBenched2010 when and where

[@jasonkraatz9574]

I think at that point Fritz was grasping at straws trying to get the fans invested again. Lance looked great and he was great in the ring but when his cover was blown there was nothing you could do to save it.

[@johnchitwood8799]

It was my impression that "Lance" was brought in to replace Mike during Mike's health crisis. His debut was in the Cotton Bowl riding in a convertible with Mike, who you could clearly see was not able to ever step back in the ring.

[@twrestlinga1]

Magnum vs Flair..vs Nikita..vs Tully..vs Windham...would have been classic title defenses And even if he did a heal turn...vs Dusty..vs Sting It would have carried to the WCW buyout Oct 14th 1986...changed alot

[@chrischar9428]

Don't forget TA was destined to turn heel on duthtay

[@markleopard8960]

I was watching some world class episodes on the network. And theirs a great episode were Fritz and Kevin have to explain why David was acting differnt out in Florida.

[@bull705]

What was the reason?

[@markleopard8960]

@@bull705 I think basically they say he isn't really different he's just being more aggressive.

[@AWX_Wrestling]

Imagine if Chris Von Erich, instead of trying to be a wrestler had become a heel manager turning against his family. His whole gimmick could have been that he was the bitter black sheep of the family because he was smaller and shunned by his father.

[@SSP_Joel]

just awesome convo from Corny

[@juliolopez6289]

As a Kid,I thought Magnum was unstoppable.He'd been one of the all time greats if the accident hadn't occured.He was on fire those last 2 years.

[@ryandavis4448]

MagnumTA was one of my first memories of wrestling.

[@howardmorgan864]

He was the reason I fell in love with the sport and i HATED Nikita for a long time!!!!! I didn't even trust him when he teamed with Dusty. Man, what a great time to live, back when it was sooooo real and believable!!!!!

[@vortega472]

As to David - I think if they had made an alliance with JCP - maybe they could have had a means to establish a southern stronghold against Vince - but that would mean Fritz would have to smarten up - so probably not, but a guy can dream. As to Magnum - I still think a heel turn would have been revolutionary - where he Magnum joins the Horsemen - and slowly becomes the leader and he oust Flair and then Flair on the outside battling him. Now that I think about it - Flair and Hart - that would have beeeeeeeeeen great.

[@williewinston1498]

If magnum somehow turned heel and joined the horsemen at wargames in 87 that would have been Hogan Joining the nwo 9 years earlier. That storyline would have turned the industry on its ear! Flair, magnum, tully, arn and windham vs the road warriors, dusty, nikita, and sting from 87 to 89.

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

Vice had that good WCCW show on the other day, I like how they went to lengths to talk about how great of an athlete Kevin was, I didn't really know much about him besides the barefoot thing. Kerry was the Texas Tornado, David died so that was a big deal, but Kevin kinda got the short end especially being the last guy left, but now that opens the door for him and his kids, and that's cool

[@AFCole-uu3rv]

William Shakespeare would have looked at the Von Erichs and said, “Nah people will never believe this tragedy.”

[@nickash-crisler5773]

If you were going to do some sort of crossover, Magnum vs Savage would have been $$$.

[@reynaldoreyes9927]

It might have been David The Undertaker Von Erich in WWF 1990 or Tag Team The Undertakers 1& 2 ( David Von Erich & Mark Callous )

[@timmelkoonce8609]

I think Vince would have had to have a different plan of attack. Nothing about what WWF/WWE would become was for certain at that time. I feel like Vince along with the great minds he surrounded himself with would have found another way to succeed. He had his Stick Michael too, helping to build that eventual juggernaut. Vince didn't build this empire by himself.

[@cra0422]

I think I remember hearing that Mike wanted to work as a cameraman and do the behind the scenes stuff, but Fritz basically pushed him into the ring and told him to be David

[@tomh1593]

U could see empty seats at Reunion Arena in late 1985.

[@JNewt-gq5lq]

Let's not forget that "Lance Von Erich" was in Portland (Billy Jack's home territory) prior to arriving in Texas. He was known there as Ricky Vaughn and almost being presented as a Von Erich-like hero of sorts. Perhaps Billy Jack was prepping him for his eventual move to World Class. Thoughts?

[@unknowncustomizer4276]

Never thought David was all that good in the ring. Kerry was the biggest star of the bunch. Could have been a bigger star without all his demons .

[@PhatGirlLuvr68Comix]

I loved that Magnum's finisher was the Belly To Belly.

[@Sargebri]

To me, when Magnum had his accident it just affected Crockett. When David died it affected several promotions due to the far reach of the NWA at the time.

[@andrewclayterman6230]

WHEN MAGNUM WRECKED EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT IT, WHEN DAVID DIED IT WAS JUST A LOCAL STORY

[@dnhs5441]

@@andrewclayterman6230 All the territories had a memorial to David Von Erich, even WWF.

[@Sargebri]

@@andrewclayterman6230 nope. It was national. As Corny mentioned, the WWF did a ten bell salute for him on their television shows and it was acknowledged in the other NWA promotions and non-NWA promotions, especially Mid South.

[@scopewrestling]

Kerry followed David to Florida for a stint as well. Butch Reed was chasing Flair during that period and DVE & Kerry sided with him on TV. I was 6 or 7, but I remember it clearly.

[@billyblunt5823]

David absolutely would have been bigger than Magnum TA. David was a large, athletic guy - 6' 7" and an moved with stealth abilities. David was a fantastic rival throughout the decade to Flair, and also a great counter to the larger than life mystique of Hulk Hogan. Not to mention how World Class and the NWA could have used Kerry and Kevin as ancillary pieces... Magnum was great, but David was believably dangerous.

[@bull705]

Sort of like the Funk brothers were used when one was NWA champ and the other was the roadblock in front of him.

[@davidlayne4147]

I guess the ultimate "what if" is wondering how the NWA title reigns would have been given out to either wrestler had both tragedies not taken place. The years between 1984 and 1990 would have certainly been interesting. Because you had Flair, Dusty, Von Erich, Magnum, along with Luger and Sting coming up. So deciding angles between those guys would have been quite difficult.

[@arlichar11]

i never really saw david he died before saw wrestling, and magnum got hurt before i saw him... but what ive seen of david, he wasnt great on the mic, but i could see how he would be over with that texas farm boy persona , t a definetly had the look and abilty to be top guy at that time..very good counter to what flair was doing..

[@kennethfloyd8677]

So sad yet so fun to "what if" about World Class and the Von Erichs had David not passed.

[@seanwhitehouse2274]

Magnum TA for sure. If he didnt have his accident, he would be an all time legend.

[@chrisbucci5769]

The fact that he still is a legend despite the accident tells you all you need to know.

[@chrischar9428]

@@chrisbucci5769 take it easy. Everyone you remember isn't a legend

[@PontFlair]

@@chrischar9428 Magnum TA is a legend, so is David, and it isn't bc they're "remembered", it's bc they knew how to get over. They were good in the ring. Magnum TA was part of all the craze in the pro-wrestling world in the mid to late 80s. Before David passed away, he was on his way to the gold. R.i.p. Dave Von Erich. His death had a ripple affect. Magnum TA was 100% next up after David's death, and before his accident, he was set up to take the belt. No matter how long the reign may have been, he was next. He was moved out of the U.S. Title picture and it was only a matter of time. Short time

[@chrischar9428]

@@PontFlair legend is for the greatest of all time. The time tested stars. Big draws

[@GetBenched2010]

DVE vs Magnum would have been serious money.

[@dominicrossitto5890]

No doubt! 👌

[@teddyy72]

Fritz Vonerich and Jim Crockett would have to have a great relationship in order for David to have any real run with the belt

[@MonkyDollqueen]

The Heart Wants What It Wants

[@markfroman738]

Great song by Selena Gomez!

[@brianlockwood5649]

If it had gone differently I believe it would have been David instead of Kerry somewhere down the road. They admitted Magnum was being prepped as the next champion at the time of the crash. But in my mind they would have been short title reigns as the money and dependability to fulfill commitments was always going to be Ric Flair.

[@damonmcfarland9364]

to me , Magnum couldn't cut a promo for nothing.

[@cbod14]

David and it ain’t close.

[@FnRenner]

I'd like to know when and how Jim (and the boys, i.e. wrestlers) found out about Kerry only having one foot.

[@bizil100]

WCCW should have never left the NWA. If they stay in, Crockett would HAVE to address their situation at some point. Just like he did with the other NWA territories at the time. WCCW had the DFW metroplex, The Von Erichs, and Brody to still offer. Crockett bought out other NWA terrritories. And tried to continue to run them for awhile. WCCW had way more to offer. EVEN though they were past their glory days. And outside of the WWF and JCP, Kerry, Kevin, and Brody were the three biggest stars in the US in my opinion at that time. Either JCP offers to buy them out. OR WCCW gets a major boost by having JCP stars appear in WCCW. I think they some type of working relationship could have eventually happened. When Turner buys out JCP, WCCW could have also been figured in somehow. If anything, the new WCW could have continued the partnership. Of Turner buys out JCP and WCCW! My point is WCCW staying in the NWA wouldn't have hurt.

[@peacemaker9915]

I honestly feel like if David had lived and Magnum wouldn’t have had the wreck, Flair would have went to WWF in 86 and Magnum would have become and stayed The Guy for the NWA. Either way, Vince still would have ended up winning by 1990

[@jonathanhensley6141]

That is what we are missing today a champion to travels to other promotions and challenges their top guys. TNA should have done what the old NWA had done and challenged a lot of the indy promotions top guys and had them on there weekly ppvs.

[@toby-aprilseegren3872]

In case I forget, happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow cult members

[@renafan3333]

Magnum affected business but David Dying affected wresting much more. Everyone mourned when David Died. Business though,nobody knows for sure if David would have been champion. People think he would of but Magnum definitely was. It was in the works when he had his car accident,they were in the process of setting that up. I always loved that the people in Texas lost faith in The Vin Reich's when they brought Lance in. They were liars. A sport where the entire point of it is lying to you but they get mad when someone lies?

[@walterclark3198]

Magnum was on the rise and that accident was so sad and tragic. David dying was a tragedy and very sad. Magnum was on his way to be champion and was a great baby face. Magnum would of been a star in any company he was good and got the Dusty Rhodes rub.

[@charltonblalock2510]

In my opinion, with David's death, it was the beginning of the end of WCCW. And remember, WCCW had a "green" Dingo Warrior (Ultimate Warrior) & Sting. If David didn't die, would the Ultimate Warrior & Sting, be who we know them today?

[@jasonkohm8804]

Only the Dingo was in WCCW. The Blade Runners split up and had gone their separate ways.

[@charltonblalock2510]

@@jasonkohm8804 But didn't Sting compete in single matches in WCCW, as well? I remember seeing him?

[@Mr_Gray_Sky]

Damn good question, this.

[@madbrowniac7871]

I'd make that Fateful Rivalry a Triple Threat and add the very charismatic Gino Hernandez to the mix. He could've been a Top Heel in practically any NWA Territory around.🤔🎤🐴🤼‍♂️B.W.

[@firebirdrivera8478]

I'm a big time Magnum TA & Vonerichs fan, I believe all would of been industry changing scenarios for the better, Wow, what if 🤔

[@jeremypassmore7019]

Yeah, maybe McMahon wouldn’t have been able to destroy pro wrestling forever.

[@chrischar9428]

@@jeremypassmore7019 still had hogan in NY

[@jeremypassmore7019]

@@chrischar9428 yeah, but McMahon seemed to want to eliminate ANY competition, no matter how small. And turn their top stars into jobbers. McMahon never helped wrestling. He helped himself.

[@chrischar9428]

@@jeremypassmore7019 what top guy jobbed. I mean he took his own guys like garea and moved them down the card for new guys.

[@jeremypassmore7019]

@@chrischar9428 serious? Out of the PNW, we have Rip Oliver, Brady Boone, Matt Borne. From FCW you had Brian Blair, Barry Horowitz. Ron Garvin. Black Bart. Jim Brunzell.

[@DMS-pq8]

In reality WCCW peaked in the year or two after David died, Rather he could have saved the company is doubtful as the NWA was still going to be controlled by Crocket so no more NWA champ coming to Dallas and Fitz wasn't going to be willing or able to compete with WCW and the WWF for top talent

[@stevejamieson8468]

I felt what would have been good is that Fritz had brought Waldo in where Waldo intoduced another wrestler as his son. That would have avoided that whole cluster with the Lance situation

[@brownfox4995]

I think Vince would have come after David had he lived. Could you imagine him starring down the undertaker they were physically identical

[@arianah9472]

Makes me wonder what would have happened to Sting.

[@rodneybrown2448]

Would love to meet you sir

[@delbertprince5302]

Jim Cornette did a great job in explaining his views about Magnum TA and David Von Erich…….

[@daviddamron7078]

David Von Erich

[@jmb01550]

1986 in World Class also had Gino's fatal cocaine overdose

[@sugartbube]

It was definitely TA

[@chriswilgus4752]

Its pretty even on potential success. Von erichs were wild ,all of f them. Even their father told that to Jerry Jarrett,trying to get him to buy him out.

[@Venom-ez6ip]

As a kid I didn’t even know about WCW/NWA. I was only exposed to WWF in the 80s. As an adult, I watch WCW/NWA and think to myself “this is real fn wrestling”.

[@lustthomas6033]

David was going to be the Stone Cold in world class,he would beat up faces and heels except for his brothers, Magnum would have gotten over and would have been a huge cross over star, Mike never wanted to wrestle he wanted to be his dad right hand man...