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Sullivan talked about how Magnum TA’s accident changed everything because they had to rush Lex Luger up and hold his hand and Nikita needed to be changed babyface and that if the accident might not have happened, Magnum might have continued to grow and mature before everyone’s eyes and became the top guy. He said that if Magnum hadn’t been hurt, it might be Vince McMahon sitting here talked about how close he was to taking everything over.
They talked about the credibility of the titles back in the day. They noted the champions’ jobs were to make the local stars and challengers and make them mean more when they were done. He said Windham was one of the last champions to be able to do that. Tully told a story of being out of shape and embarrassed when he wrestled Dory Funk Jr. and was out of breath with Funk telling him “Get up kid†20 minutes in when they needed to go 60. He said that changed his career and made him work harder because he never wanted to be in that position ever again.
They discussed some of Dusty’s ego. He said there were times the boys complained to JJ, asking why he didn’t tell Dusty to protect the heels. He said that while he was in a good relationship with Dusty, it wasn’t one where he could voice that. He said one day he went to Jim Crockett Promotions. He said that he told Crockett that he had a little problem and told him that Ric Flair is very frustrated and unhappy and would make Crockett aware of the situation. He said that Crockett would go into Dusty’s office and they would talk behind closed doors. Crockett would then invite Flair over for dinner so he could vent and explain. He said that Flair would feel better and they would get better for a little while. The big picture was that no one wanted business to suffer.
Sullivan asked about a story of The Rock N’ Roll Expess’ tour once outdrawing Dusty’s tour when they ran the same night. Dillon said that he wouldn’t deny Dusty had a huge ego, but that’s not a story that he’s ever heard…but wouldn’t be shocked if it was true.
Barry said that there is no one else in the world like Dusty and he has a huge ego because he’s a larger than life personality. He said that he loves Dusty but at times, it was detrimental to business.
Magnum discussed the night he and Dusty went out to drink in NYC when Magnum was told about getting the NWA title. He said that Dusty toasted to “his friend and greatest competitor†in Magnum because Dusty was having such a hard time letting go of the top babyface spot because deep down, Dusty knew if he lost it and it took off, Dusty wouldn’t get back there.
Sullivan said it was almost like Cain and Abel with Dusty the creative force and Dusty the performer battling. He said without the ego and the personality driving him, it never would have worked. Windham joked that no one could ever imagine Dusty “on third.†He joked abut wrestling Dusty in front of 22 fans in Pikeville, Kentucky.
Windham noted that when The Rock N’ Roll Express outdrew Dusty, it was against the Horsemen. The panel discussed what a great talent and performer and talker Dusty was.
The idea of Dusty being worthy as the NWA champion was brought up. They all agreed he was. Tully said the money was made in the heels defending it, but at some point, the hero had to win or else it hurt their credibility. Sullivan said that Dusty vs. Superstar Graham drew big money for the WWWF and that they were one of the things used to camouflage how other champions like Pedro and Bruno were really doing.
They talked about Dusty working in the WWF in polka dots. He said Dusty took what they gave him and he made it work. Sullivan said that they tried to embarrass Dusty but he took his talent and rose above it.
Dillon said they are guys who knew Dusty for a long, long time and worked hard to get where he was. He said that Dusty was a good, good guy and a family man. They’ve been honest about some negative aspects but by and large, if this is the final Fanfest, it’s appropriate that Dusty is the final headlining guest, because he’s an icon of the business.
They opened the floor for questions.
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