From The Musty Yellowed Pages--Mid Atlantic Wrestling Magazine Vol. 4 No. 3

 It's hard to believe that it has been over a year since we "cracked open" a classic wrestling magazine and took a look at all of the info, entertainment, and history contained inside. Seeing as that it's the return of our feature titled "From The Musty Yellowed Pages," where better to pick up than with one of the all-time classic characters of the ring and one of the most beloved promotions of the past? Killing two birds with one stone, we're taking a look at Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Magazine Vol. 4 No. 3 featuring the one and only "Sheiky Baby" himself, The Iron Sheik. Camera man, zoom.

I've always liked this cover. The yellow border is eye-popping and goes well with the baby bluebackground that Sheiky is standing in front of. This era of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Magazine had a chrome, almost Star Wars-like frame to the cover photos. Very '80s, but a style that would be fresh and welcome today. The Sheik is in a classic pose, hoisting one of his infamous pointed boots and wearing the coveted Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship. His ownership of the championship coupled with some other photos inside of the magazine place this issue between June and September 1980.

Immediately, it's clear that no one involved with the production of the magazine knew how to spell "Sheik." On the cover and throughout the magazine it is misspelled as "Shiek." By and large, this is one of few mistakes in an otherwise high quality publication. While this series of publications considered itself a magazine, you could argue that these are more like programs. Featuring only around fifteen pages each, a high volume of photos,  and very short articles, these issues were sold solely at shows. All of these factors combine to make them highly collectible.

Like most vintage wrestling publications, each of these magazines is a time capsule. Anderson's Army was a stable managed by Gene Anderson who, at the time, was recovering from health issues and had to continue outside of the ring. He obviously had a successful run boasting both Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion The Iron Sheik and NWA Tag Team Champions Ray Stevens and Jimmy Snuka as being under his tutelage. Seeing Snuka as a more civilized heel than his better known WWF run as a savage would be jarring to some fans. On the flip side we have the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Champions in the form of Matt Borne and Buzz Sawyer. No clowning around when it came to that duo.

As with most magazines of the era, you get a centerfold. Despite it being Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, there's no Penny Banner or Susan Green here. Instead, yes, it's once again The Iron Sheik. Humbling, to say the least. Following the poster is a short black and white profile and photo gallery of the worldly Iranian. His legitimate Olympic background is discussed. Fans always enjoy seeing a young Sheik, complete with hair. Speaking of hair, check out the long locks on The Sheepherders. Luke Williams and Butch Miller were a simply bushwhacking team of crazies.

At the end of the day Mid-Atlantic Wrestling prided itself on presenting second-to-none ring action. Here we have a small photo feature on a bloody tag team match pitting Ric Flair and Blackjack Mulligan against Bobby Duncum and Greg Valentine. Can you think of four harder-hitting competitors? Of course Flair and Valentine were no stranger to tag team wrestling in the area, at one time teaming together. On the other end we have a full color shot of Sweet Ebony Diamond. Wherever Diamond wrestled, you can be sure a little Rock was rolling right along behind him.

And of course no Mid-Atlantic Wrestling feature is complete without stalwart Paul Jones. The passing of Jones earlier this year was sadly overshadowed by names more familiar to the modern fan, but there's no denying that it was one of the biggest blows to the business in 2018. From the sound of the article, it appears as if "Number One" was once again wrestling on the side of the fans. We all know that didn't last long.

As mentioned above, the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Magazines are highly collectible and sought after. Secondary market prices vary, but it's often hard to pinpoint individual issues at any one time. You either strike while the iron is hot or you could wait some time before you see that exact issue available again. From the earlier artistic covers of the '70s to the photographic shots that brought the publication into the following decade, I don't think there's a single issue that sells for under $20 if properly listed. Monetary value aside, they're just fun to collect!

And there ain't nothin' humble about that!

Bloody Disgusting!

Maybe this list should've been saved for Halloween! Who else loved the bloody wrestling magazine covers of yesteryear? I can't imagine many saying that they didn't. These covers are almost a foreign concept in a world where wrestling matches are stopped when a drop of blood comes trickling out. It's a different time, and not necessarily a better one. Thankfully, we have these artifacts to look back on, showcasing the gory, wild west world of vintage professional wrestling.

The stars of the '70s were wild in and out of the ring. Two of the most notorious were Harley Race, who could fill a bloody cover story all by himself, and the late Blackjack Mulligan. In March 1979, the two were seen in a gruesome bloodbath on the cover of Inside Wrestling. Mulligan's infamous clawhold seems to be actually causing the blood to squirt from the head of Race...

Speaking of wild, how about Buddy Colt? This top talent in such areas as Florida and Georgia may not be a common name to today's fans, but students of the past are more than familiar with the grappler. In fact, it's the very photo used on the cover of a 1974 Wrestling Yearbook issue that shows up time and again when Colt comes into the conversation. The caption? "Buddy Colt Loves Blood - Even If It's His." Well then...

Speaking of loving their own blood, you get a feeling that "The Brain" may have been the same way. There are tons of magazine covers featuring Bobby Heenan's mug covered in a "crimson mask," but none are more iconic than the November 1970 issue of The Wrestler. The magazine had it's own feature on this blog at one point, and Heenan still lights up when he sees this particular cover.

One of Heenan's most connected protege's also shed blood on occasion, that being Nick Bockwinkel. On a 1980 Wrestling Annual magazine, the erudite champion is seen on the cover after a brutal AWA Championship defense. His famous belt barely held up, the dazed Bockwinkel likely just had the fight of his life.

Of course, bloody covers can come in the form of programs, too. Each territory had their programs, but few may have been cooler than those from Memphis. The September 26, 1979 program cover features a very young Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy covered in a mass of blood. The photo may be black and white, but that does not stop the intensity of the moment from coming through.

A small sampling? Yes, but some of the best. The blood is often missed from today's product, but looking at these images certainly keeps the gruesome past alive. Bloody Hell!

Happy Trails, Blackjack Mulligan

I love everything about '70s wrestling. I may not have come along until the '80s, but I think that may play a part in my fascination of the previous decade in the squared circle. Not quite the entertainment spectacle that it would become yet no longer carrying an illusion of pure sport, you might say that wrestling came of age in the 1970's. The territories, the car rides, the crazed fans, and yes, the famous smell of smoke at ringside. All that and more play part in what had to have been a Helluva time to be in wrestling or even just follow it. And when you think of the names that made such an important impact on the decade, you have to think of the man that we lost this past week, Blackjack Mulligan.

Less than a decade ago, Blackjack published his autobiography "True Lies & Alibis," but you don't have to have read the book to know some crazy stories about the towering cowboy. It seems that every wrestler from the '70s has a Blackjack story or two. If you put them altogether, it would seem that Blackjack must not have lived an ordinary day in his life. He was a true character. A legend in his own time.

Like many wrestlers from Texas, Blackjack started out playing football. It's said that Wahoo McDaniel is responsible for getting "Big Bob Windham" into professional wrestling. McDaniel obviously knew what he was doing, as Mulligan became one of his classic opponents just a few years later. In a way, it was like a meeting of the parallels of the same man: both Mulligan and McDaniel personified the hard living, hard fighting, and hard drinking image. The only difference, one was a cowboy and one was an Indian.

The legendary Wahoo wasn't Mulligan's only main nemesis. The cowboy from Eagle Pass, TX also had famous battles with Andre the Giant, Ric Flair, "Number One" Paul Jones, Masked Superstar, Bruno Sammartino, Dusty Rhodes, Harley Race, and Dick Murdoch just to name a select few. He also ended up teaming with many of those legends, but his most famous partner was his fellow "Blackjack," Jack Lanza. Paired with Bobby Heenan or Lou Albano, the team made the most waves in the Midwest and the WWWF.

Of course, it's no secret that Mulligan is the patriarch of a wrestling dynasty that includes sons Barry and Kendall Windham and grandsons Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas. Barry, for a time, in fact wrestled under the name of Blackjack Mulligan Jr. He would go on to carve out his own legacy away from that of his storied father.

Blackjack was all over the wrestling magazines of the '70s, often complete with a classic "bloody" cover. Aside from the main newsstand titles of the era, he also appeared on a number of the fabled Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Magazine covers during his days with Jim Crockett Promotions. Later in their WWE Classic Superstars line, Jakks unveiled a prototype of what would have been the first Blackjack Mulligan action figure. For whatever reason, the figure never saw production. Although too late for the man himself to see it, it would be nice if a figure of the rough and tumble cowboy was produced posthumously.

Although I wanted to do this small tribute of my own, I must recommend that you check out a site that I've referred you to before, The Mid-Atlantic Gateway. Blackjack was certainly one of the biggest stars of that great resource, and their tributes do not disappoint. You will also want to check out their past stories on Blackjack, including "The Legend of The Hat & The Robe." I guarantee that you will end that read thinking but one thing: "Now THAT is how a wrestling story should be told!"

Mr. Mulligan suffered for a long time. He is now out of pain and in a far better place. His life and the many stories surrounding it could probably fill ten books minimum. He was a one-of-a-kind person who starred in a unique industry in a time when outlaws truly lived up to that moniker. Through those stories, film footage, photos, and his cherished family, Blackjack Mulligan lives on forever.

  

Robert "Blackjack Mulligan" Windham

1942-2016

 

Another 5 Wrestlers...Who Never Had An Action Figure

I still don't believe that there is a bigger victim of the "Wrestler That Did Not Get An Action Figure" crime than The Blue Meanie.  As a wrestler in two different companies that had action figure deals during the late '90s wrestling "boom" period, it's mind boggling to think that The Meanie, who looks like he was thought up exclusively to become an action figure, never had one.  It's an even bigger crime that he did not find his way into Jakks WWE Classic Superstars line which had a nice selection of ECW stars amongst the many series.

The Meanie's absence in plastic, as well as that of Dino Bravo, Buddy Rogers, Verne Gagne, and Dick Murdoch, was the subject of a blog entry here back in 2011.  The topic conjured up some great discussion both here on the blog and on our Facebook page that even made me second-guess one of my initial "top five" choices.

Two years later, it's time to revisit this fun and ever-discussable topic.  Once again, the list is limited to male wrestlers that would've had a decent shot at being produced as an action figure at some point in time.  Although they are among my favorite names in wrestling, again I am not including female wrestlers, managers, announcers, and other non-wrestling types.  This is simply because figures of these stars aren't always included in the plans of toy companies.  I could probably make a list of twenty female stars alone if I were to include them.  In no particular order, here we go again...

#5--Ronnie Garvin

Ronnie is perhaps the one wrestler that I would go back to include in the original list.  Garvin would replace fellow '70s and '80s star Dick Murdoch.  "Hands of Stone" was mentioned in the comments section of the original entry and I still cannot believe that I omitted him.  Coming to the WWF in early 1989, Garvin was just a tad late for the planning of the final LJN WWF figure series.  He was still with the company in time for the design of the first couple Hasbro WWF figure lines, but he would've been another great Jakks Classic Superstars candidate.  A towel and "big gold" belt would've been top accessory choices for the crew cut coiffed grappler.

#4--Pedro Morales

Although his heyday was in the 1970's, many fans forget that Pedro was still with the WWF well into the next decade in various capacities.  With Ted Arcidi and S..D Jones in the LJN WWF figure lineup, Pedro would not have been out of the question.  As with all of the wrestlers in this feature, he also would've made a spectacular Jakks Classic Superstars figure.  As a former holder of both the WWWF Championship and the WWF Intercontinental Championship, Morales is long overdue.

#3--Pat Patterson

One of the great regrets of the greatest wrestling figure line of all-time, Jakks Classic Superstars, is that many announced figures of the later few series never saw production.  Pat Patterson was one of those figures.  It is likely that Pat was to be in wrestling gear rather than a representation of his later role as one of Mr. McMahon's "stooges," but any version would've been welcome.  Similar to Morales above, it would've been ideal to include the Intercontinental Championship with Patterson, the first holder of the title.

#2--Blackjack Mulligan

While his son Barry Windham has seen many figures over the years, the same cannot be said for Blackjack.  Like Pat Patterson, Mulligan was slated for a Classic Superstars figure.  The difference between the two is that a photo of the Blackjack Mulligan prototype was released.  An amazing facial likeness as well as simple and effective details made fans mouths water, but it just wasn't meant to be.  It would be nice if Jakks were somehow able to release the figure as a "Legends of the Ring" figure, but hope for such an opportunity seems extremely dismal.

#1--Magnum T.A.

The golden boy of Jim Crockett Promotions for a few years in the 1980's is a top choice for many collectors.  When Mattel polled fans as to which WWE Legends figures should be produced, Magnum belly-to-belly suplexed the competition.  A prototype was shown and all seemed well when suddenly the figure fell into the same pit of "cancellation" that the Jakks Blackjack Mulligan was lost in.  It's unknown if Magnum will find his way into the Mattel Elite "Flashback" position that other previously-planned "Legends" have, but I would personally bet against it.  Mattel is much more content producing "Flashback" figures of stars who have had endless figures in the past and it doesn't look like a change in their business plan is coming anytime soon.

Another five worthy contenders.  I can see revisiting this topic once again down the line, perhaps breaking a few "rules" that I've imposed on the first two lists.  Between now and then, one can only wonder which deserved wrestlers will finally get action figures...

From The Musty Yellowed Pages--Mid Atlantic Wrestling Magazine Vol. 3 No. 5 & No. 6

It seems like a veritable "who's who" of wrestling passed through the Crockett-owned Mid-Atlantic Wrestling territory at one point or another.  Those big names coupled with the beautiful Carolinas, great fans, historic venues, and hot in-ring action all combined to make Mid-Atlantic Wrestling as remembered and revered as it still is today.

I have lost hours combing through the great Mid-Atlantic Gateway website with all of the great features and pictures assembled there.  The stories and memories let you know exactly why Jim Crockett's business is remembered as a shining star of the territorial era in pro wrestling.  Another still-existing Mid-Atlantic morsel that can give you the same feeling are the remaining issues of Mid-Atlantic Magazine.

While every wrestling promotion of the era had programs, in the '70s and '80s Crockett put out a full-fledged magazine.  Produced in-house, the issues featured articles, amazing exclusive photography, and ultimately conveyed a very intimate feel for the promotions fans.  Encountering a Mid-Atlantic fan today, you can often get a sense that the wrestlers were viewed as local heroes who were larger-than-life yet also somewhat accessible.

The crown jewels of these magazines are the beautifully rendered covers highlighting the stars of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling.  Done similarly to the WWWF's Wrestling Action in-house publication of the same era, I've often felt that the amazing covers, combined with relatively scarcity, has made these magazines so desired and collectible.  It should be noted that issues done in the 1980's have a photographic cover rather than art.

The Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Magazine issues labeled Volume 3 and numbered 5 and 6 are circa 1978.  The covers feature the famous artistic renderings of some of the territories most beloved stars.  Number 5 features Texas legends Blackjack Mulligan and Dick Murdoch while Number 6 shows then-up-and-comer Tony Atlas.

When purchasing these magazines second-hand, it can often be an adventure just opening the cover.  While you're always guaranteed a trip back in time with the great photos, sometimes you get just a bit more than you had bargained for.  Issue Number 5 features a roll call of the then-current champions on the inside cover.  In this particular example, a Don Kernodle autograph is featured in the middle of the page.  Surprises like this are not only fun, but they convey the feeling of the territory.  One can imagine a lucky fan catching Mr. Kernodle on his way out of the venue for the evening and asking for a quick autograph.

In addition to the article-accompanying photography, many of the issues included photo galleries of the stars.  These were photos that were exclusive to the territory and not something that you were likely to see published in other magazines of the day.  From those like Ric Flair who became a legend to others like Bryan St. John who disappeared after only a few years, many stars were featured in these full-color photo pages.  One star featured here is none other than Richard Blood.  While we all know that Richard Blood is the real name of Ricky Steamboat, the Richard Blood featured here would go on to greater fame as Tito Santana.

Features like "Ringside" would include a full profile and photos of a particular wrestler.  The wily Dick Murdoch is featured here in a pose that many could imagine without the accompanying photo.  On a dirt-covered ranch with the sun beating down, Murdoch looks ready for the next barroom brawl whether it be in Spartanburg, SC or Waxahachie, TX.

Issue Number 6 has a "Ringside" feature on the tag team of Greg Valentine and Baron Von Raschke.  Valentine had many tag partners in his long career, but captured both the NWA World and Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Titles with the grimacing German.  The photo of both in leisure suits with the tag straps is perhaps one of the best I've seen in any wrestling publication regardless of promotion or era.  Similar photos of other stars are featured in this and other issues.

In addition to highlighting the promotions stars like Paul Jones and Rick Steamboat, these photos were a true testament to the beauty of the area.  The lush greenery set a dynamic scene much different than pictures of the wrestlers set against the backdrop of a dingy locker room or other common scenario.  These Mid-Atlantic publications are visually spectacular in every sense and just another reason as to why they should be set apart from the rest.

The articles weren't just focused on Mid-Atlantic Wrestling but also included information from around the NWA that would be significant for Mid-Atlantic fans.  The NWA World Heavyweight Championship was defended in the Carolinas and the man to beat at the time was Harley Race.  Fans knew that when the title was coming through the area it was going to be a can't-miss show.  Deserving champions such as Race proved that night in and night out while shedding the blood, sweat, and tears that defined their legacies.  It's no surprise that so many of the sports biggest champions came through the Mid-Atlantic area whether it was before or after their national reigns.

On the back cover of Issue Number 6 we're treated to a look at one of those men who, in a few short years, would become "The Man" for decades to come.  "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, decked out in one of his original Olivia Walker-crafted robes, is shown in a classic pose using the same lush Carolina greenery as in the aforementioned shots.

Territorial wrestling will never come back, but it's nice that we can relive it through items like these.  For those of us that weren't there, it's a whole new experience.  Another of the ways that Mid-Atlantic Wrestling and other classic promotions are celebrated will sadly not be taking place in 2012.  The event in question would be the NWA Fanfest promoted by Greg Price.  If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you know that around this time I often discuss what a great event Fanfest is.  This entry was originally slated to kick-off "Fanfest" season here on the blog.  A few weeks ago, Greg Price announced that due to a medical ailment and subsequent procedure, Fanfest would be postponed until 2013.  The Fanfest was to have a "Mid-Atlantic Memories" theme and return to Charlotte after a foray to Atlanta in 2011.  Just like everyone else who enjoys Fanfest year in and year out, I wish nothing but the best for Greg at this time and know that the big return in 2013 will be nothing but amazing.

After seeing these glimpses into Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, I know that you're making your 2013 plans already!

NWA Legends Fanfest 2009: The Greatest of All-Time

When one anticipates a period of time or event, often a great disappointment follows. After all, time marches on. With an event like the NWA Legends Fanfest, however, the days, weeks, months, and years that follow are just as exciting as the days a fan will spend there. That's because the event is all about one thing--making memories that will last a lifetime.

Three of my friends and I have been looking forward to the event for the better part of a year. It's a huge undertaking for both the folks involved in making the weekend happen and the fans themselves. For us, an eight-hour drive and four full days isn't easy. We're not rich, just a couple of guys looking to celebrate the sport we love and the hobby that grew out of it. Saving the money for the tickets, spending money, lodging, food, and travel expenses is no small chore, but I think we can all agree...it was 110% worth it.

Ric Flair. Harley Race. The Four Horsemen. Dusty Rhodes. These are names you think of when you think classic NWA Wrestling, and these are names that converged on Charlotte, North Carolina this past weekend for Fanfest.

Fanfest is more than just autographs and photos. Fanfest had question and answer sessions with Flair and Race, as well as legendary manager/promoter/booker/announcer Jim Cornette. Fanfest had two southern-style wrestling shows. Fanfest had the Hall of Heroes banquet and ceremony where we had the opportunity to see Lance Russell, The Fargos, Wahoo McDaniel, Nelson Royal, Gary Hart, and Blackjack Mulligan inducted into the Hall by their peers, friends, and family. Fanfest is the all-inclusive package.

While I'd love to go on and on about Fanfest, the name of this blog is Wrestling Memorabilia, so that is what I shall give you. Keeping to the topic, in this entry I shall present to you my top five favorite items I had signed and/or purchased at Fanfest.

NUMBER FIVE--The Glamour Girls & Jimmy Hart Photo

This item is the most personal to me, most likely because I made it. For a number of the NWA Fanfest guests, there simply isn't a lot of merchandise out there. While I go out of my way to find items for most of the guests, this year I went a different route for some and made my own photos. With each guest on the main Fanfest lineup, you receive two autographs on the autograph stage. While many of the guests will sign other items for you during the weekend, it is limited to two on the stage to ensure that all of the guests get at least two from each star.

When Judy Martin was announced for the lineup, I was elated. I've taken a particular interest in the '70s and '80s women's wrestling stars in the past few years, and Miss Martin was always one of my favorites. She was always believable in the ring, produced hard-hitting entertaining matches, and is even rumored to be one of the first to do the powerbomb on American soil. In the late '80s in the WWF, the Japanese Jumping Bomb Angels took the WWF woman's tag team ranks by storm. Their main opponents were Judy Martin and Leilani Kai--The Glamour Girls--managed by "The Mouth of the South" himself, Jimmy Hart.

Despite their great matches and popularity, neither team got much recognition as far as merchandising. A promo photo of the Girls and Jimmy does exist, but due to its rarity even I could not locate it. In lieu, I did the next best thing. I found a small copy of the photo, and that, coupled with seperate photos of Martin and Kai put together a photo I felt would look great signed. Despite promoter Greg Price's best efforts, Kai could not be found to complete the reunion. Martin, however, was my favorite of the team and did not disappoint. Both her and Hart gave me contact information to obtain copies of my work for themselves, and we "recreated" the picture in my photo with them.


NUMBER FOUR--Fanfest Event Programs

Each year, a host of items commemorating the Fanfest weekend are available. From photos of the stars appearing, to posters, to t-shirts are the norm, however this year fans were treated to the return of the NWA Fanfest program. Make that...programs. A beautiful full-color program was produced for each days events, as well as a special fourth program dedicated to the Hall of Heroes event. Each individual day book featured pictures of the legends who would be signing autographs that day, as well as other classic action photos. I will treasure my full set of these as much as I would a vintage program. I made sure to have my Hall of Heroes program signed by one of the inductees, in this case, the voice of Memphis wrestling himself, Lance Russell. (Thanks, Rick!)

NUMBER THREE--Inside Wrestling March 1979


Originally, Blackjack Mulligan was scheduled to attend Fanfest and be inducted into the Hall of Heroes in person. This was not to be, however. Nonetheless, I found a way to ensure Blackjack sign a few items I had specifically for Fanfest.

This magazine has in my opinion one of the greatest "Apter Mag" covers of all-time. Mulligan and Harley Race in a bloody battle for the ages. Mr. Race signed it at the event, and it's become one of my all-time favorite signed magazines.

Please say a prayer for Mr. Mulligan, as he is not in the best of health right now.

NUMBER TWO--Starrcade '86-The Skywalkers Event Program

From one great collection to another, I acquired this item at the show from Mr. Jim Cornette himself. It is signed by Mr. Cornette and Midnight Express members Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey. Normally on an item like this I would try and get as many autographs on it as I could from the stars within, however I believe I will let this one remain as is. Nearly everyone who paid to see Starrcade '86 paid to see Cornette and MX get theirs in the infamous scaffold match. The program included the original lineup sheet (with info on the next month's show at the Atlanta Omni) and inset is a picture of Mr. Cornette and myself with the piece.

NUMBER ONE--AWA Remco Ric Flair vs Larry Zbyszko Action Figure Set

In all my years of collecting, I've never actually owned a carded AWA Remco action figure. Most of them came in two packs like these, and cost in the three digits to purchase. When I saw this one only a few minutes after entering the vendor floor, I knew I had to have it. The price, which I will only say was a bargain, motivated me as did the fact that I could have Flair sign it just a few hours later. Getting Zbyszko to sign it should be relatively easy as well, and I'll be very happy once it is a "complete" piece.

Next time--My Top Five Items Of My #1 Favorite Wrestler!

...till then..."Dream" about it!

June Update

Long break between posts, but that doesn't mean I've disappeared!

Due to a couple of no-shows not everything in the last entry ended up getting signed, but I still came home from the Legends of the Ring convention with more autographs than I bargained for and some new items to boot!

For the figure collectors out there, Jakks released some of the final series lineups before they cease production on the WWE line. The good news...Jack Swagger WILL get a figure. The bad news...it seems the Blackjack Mulligan Classic figure has been canceled.

My friend and reader Big Chad has requested an entry on my top five favorite Dusty Rhodes collectibles, after he asked me how many total I had. While a few have already been seen in here, that's upcoming!

Now, it's off to Charlotte, North Carolina in August! For those of you into the autograph world, you may be interested in joining us. It's the NWA Legends Fanfest, and this year it will be the place to meet some of the truly, truly classic wrestling greats that you may never get another chance with. Blackjack Mulligan, Barry Windham, "Purple Haze" Mark Lewin, The Fargo Brothers, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Big Van Vader, The Steiner Brothers, Magnum TA, Harley Race, Judy Martin, and many, many more! Check out NWALegends.com for more details.