I hate that family versus family thing. For David to be in Charlotte the other guys would have had to have lived and boy do I wish they did. I loved World Class.
Glad you enjoyed it and really appreciate you running through the playlist on the channel! Were you a Von Erich fan? Did you see him as a future world champion?
@@essdeeluckof893 that’s a great one! I actually did something about that on my audio podcast, Wrestling With The Truth, but it’s one I’d like to redo for the channel at some point!
4 reputable sources said David would've been champion: Kevin Sullivan, Gary Hart, Ric Flair, and Harley Race. He would've switch Babyface to Heal as needed in the territories. He was 25 years old when he died. According to the NWA title defenses, Kerry made all his dates. Crocket was able to put the belt back on Ric for Starcade. The question is would David got a long run and with David's run, would the territories survived longer?
You have to think it would have helped strengthen the territories and enable them to last longer. Plus you may not have had so many people jump to WWF.
@@johnsparklin2128 Not what Flair Said According to Ric Flair it was already written in . They were just waiting for David to make it back from Japan to set it up . I mean it Depends on Who you Believe be it Ric Flair who was the NWA Champion Or Gary Hart who I believe was not Working in The Front Office back then as a Booker . Seeing he was Fired . The First time he was a Booker in World Class Championship Wrestling
I believe if David would have lived WCCW and JCP combined would have set South on fire. The 4 horsemen would have comprise of Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, and Gino Hernandez vs the Von Erichs. The Russians vs Von Erichs, Freebirds vs Rock -n- Roll express Gino vs Magnum Ric vs David, Nikita vs Kerry Dusty vs Bruiser Brody etc. I believe NWA would have lasted into the 90s
So much possible positive scenarios would’ve happened if David had lived and went on to become NWA World Champion. In my opinion, David would’ve become a pillar of the NWA alongside Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair and maybe Magnum TA. Both territories in Texas and N Carolina would’ve made such formidable competition to the WWF in the late 80’s to early 90’s. Eventually, Ted Turner would buy both World Class and Crockett Promotions to merge into WCW. David would have helluva run as champion and have countless classics against Flair, Dusty, Magnum, Koloff and Tully Blanchard. My biggest 80’s dream match in a WWF ring would be the Von Erichs vs The Hart Foundation. Could you imagine David Von Erich vs Bret Hart in singles title match?! Kevin and Kerry would both be world champs too for the NWA, but ultimately, Kerry would be a bigger WWF Superstar if it wasn’t for his motorcycle accident and losing his leg. What happened to David and all his brothers were extremely tragic. They may be gone, but they will not be forgotten. The Von Erich brothers will forever be remembered as Champions
nice video guys... if you remember I asked you to do this one when you did your Magnum video. This one presents the biggest and most what if's for me of this time period and maybe ever in pro wrest. history. Seems to me the territories or a few of them may of gone on for a more significant amount of time had David gotten a run and it gone for the best. Maybe JCP doesn't take over the strap and it become a promotion championship. An stays as the historic way the strap was used. A David reign and having him as an option going forward may change things quite a bit. Maybe WCCW and Mid South are stronger for a bigger part of the 80's and even into the 90's if the top few NWA territories share stars for there big shows. WCCW had the best production of the territories and was even ahead of WWF in the first part of the 80's. Maybe Kerry and Kevin and by connection Adams and Gino don't have the dark side of the ring that they endured without the death of David? Maybe WCCW and the NWA in the states is hot enough Brody works just NWA and Japan and he isn't a murder victim in Puerto Rico? Think Vince is gonna come out on top of the heap. But without DVE death and Magnum accident and the territories working together doubt it happens near as quick. Another what if from this same time period. What if Ted DiBiase wins the NWA vote over Ric? That one may of changed big time a big number of companies and pro wrest. history. Keep em coming good stuff!
Thanks Matt, I’m glad you enjoyed this one! 🙏🏻 There are so many what if’s that spawn from one single event in history. The DiBiase question is a good one. He would have been a great champion but I think the charisma of Flair is what kept the NWA alive as long as it lasted. But he was a tremendous worker that could play both face and heel so he would have done a great job carrying that belt from territory to territory!
So many things that happened during The 1980's might have changed if David Von Erich lived? Iwondered whether he would have in fact move to The Mid_Atlantic Area of if he would have stayed in World Class? What happens with Mganum TA, Barry Windham, Ted DiBiase, Kerry Von Eirch, Kevin Von Erich for examples?
I say in march 1987 the Von Erichs blend in with the crowd at the Silverdome. And just as the main event ends they jump the barrier and beat living hell Hogan and Andre, with the Heenan family running to the ring and making the save. Some people you didnt mention as potential challengers were Terry Funk, Mick Foley and Nikita Koloff
You know, it’s funny, I’ve always said the same thing, but watching Smackdown tonight I had a little epiphany…Bate/Dunne worked with Pretty Deadly in a match because it made sense since worked together many times in NXT UK and probably the British scene, much like a lot of NXT guys get paired up together like territory guys did back in the day. So, although we don’t have true territories anymore, at least we have some high level developmental where these folks get to work together, master their craft and bring it up to the main roster. Hopefully Triple H will continue to develop the system to mimic the territory model in the future.
I think that if David Von Erich was still alive he would have most definitely been NWA Champion. I saw some of David Von Erich Heel promo's from Florida and I thought those were good. David would have to bring his brothers Kevin and Kerry with him to get white hot heat from the crowd. David could have picked up his feud he had with Dusty Rhodes in Jim Crockett Promotions and took it all over the country. David I believe would have had a long run and could have feuded with: Magnum TA, Jimmy Valiant, Ricky Steamboat, Manny Fernandez. I think David being champion may have been able to convince none other than Roddy Piper to stay in the NWA and not jump to WWF. I could only imagine Roddy Piper pissing off the crowds in Dallas with his promos bashing Dallas Texas, and the Von Erichs.
Yes, Piper staying in the NWA in 1984 instead of heading to WWF is another big “What if?” I want to explore this n a future episode. He had so much momentum after the dog collar match at Starrcade. Glad you liked the video and appreciate your feedback! 🙏🏻
Could you please have an episode about: What if Vince McMahon Jr. did not leave the NWA when he purchased the WWWF from his father? That would be very interesting!!!
@@WrestlingWithThe80s Can you do One on if Gino Hernandez had Lived . Cause I always wondered if he would have gone to NWA Wrestling or Perhaps WWF like Kerry Did
I that if David Von Erich had not died, that it's possible that some of his other brothers would also still be alive today -- or at least they would have died decades later than they did. David was older than Kerry, Mike, and Chris. I think that Kevin being the oldest of this brothers, felt a special responsibility to his parents Jack (Fritz) and Doris, to outlive them. Each of his brothers' deaths hit Kevin hard, but he weathered the storm, and he's still alive to this day. Someone asked me why 'The Iron Claw' movie is about Kevin's life, as opposed to Kerry's. I said: "It's because Kevin's life had a happier ending than Kerry's".
I don't think that would have prevented Mike ,Kerry And Chris Death as If David had lived and won the NWA Title he would have been in the NWA defending it and Depending on how long he would have been champion . They would have needed another Von Erich Brother to help them against the Freebirds which would have been Mike . He would have still injured his Shoulder and the idiot surgeon would have still screwed up Mikes Arm where he would have had a infection in it . By the way that surgeon should have lost his medical license. But he still would have committed suicide. And Kerry was so Screwed up on Drugs that he still would have been Addicted and committed Suicide . And Chris was Depressed over not being able to Wrestle like his Brother's so he would have still committed suicide .
David would have been The NWA World Heavyweight Champion on a number of occasions. Plus, I think David would have been in the War Games with The American Dream Dusty Rhodes and The Road Warriors.
I disagree as I feel he would have been in Warsgame . However I feel it wouldn't have been Dusty and Road Warrior and David against The 4 Horsemen as it would have been The Von Erich Brothers against The 4 Horsemen In Wars Game
He and Magnum TA would have had some incredible matches for the NWA heavyweight championship. Ric Flair might have only been a 3 or 4 time champ at best.
David should have been checked out by a doctor . Kevin talked him into going to see a doctor about the pain and getting sick at his stomach .The doctor was going to check David out , but he freaked out and said he would tear the place apart if he didn't get out of the stirrups .Its a shame he didn't get checked out (He had an intestinal Infection .David's intestines ruptured and poison leaked out and killed him unfortunately .There are a lot of what ifs (Well what if he would have taken care of himself (Maybe he would still be alive today .What a sad day Feb.10 1984 was for his family ,friends ,fans 😢
He would have had probably 1 to 3 runs up till around 87 or so. Maybe instead of Ronnie Garvin at Starcade 87, it would have been David. Magnum still wouldn't have been in the picture obviously.
He would’ve been multiple time world champ. The other boys would not have died. WCCW would’ve been stronger for longer with many more possibilities. Mike would not have been thrust into the spotlight so soon if at all. Just wouldn’t have been necessary.
Nope Chris would have still been Depressed about not being able to Wrestle like his Brother's . And Kerry would have still been a Drug Addict . And Mike have still had Brain Damage from the infection from the shoulder surgery
@@robertrodriguez787 possibly on Chris. Kerry went downhill bad after the bike wreck. I say it doesn’t happen if David lives. Mike would not had so much pressure to wrestle if David lives and thus never gets injured and never gets TSS. David could’ve talked Fritz into going nation/world wide and beat Vince to it. Lol all revisionist history!
Had David lived........... NOT ONLY would he been champion, JCP wouldn't have controlled things like he did & Flair wouldn't have had longevity as champion. Also, The Von Erichs could have been successful Bookers, bcuz WCCW had & brought in a Who's Who of talent. Would've been nice to see The NWA & AWA have a successful working relationship & outlast WWF.
The WWF made it do to the front office and economic minds. The World Class , AWA and Crockett all had bad accounting and office management. We could have had AWA, World Class and Memphis all merge with Jerry Jarrett at the helm, they'd still be in business today. Crockett could have had a merger with the other territories or if they merged with the Jerry Jarrett organization I just mentioned. I would have also had Gary Hart involved with Jerry in the front office role. Vince would have never became what he did if my scenario would have come true.
I just don't think all those egos would have been able to work together unfortunately. Verne couldn't even get his in check to keep Hogan. That was the downfall of AWA unfortunately.
One thing I couldn't understand at the time was Jim Crockett's desire to end the NWA traveling champion. He buys up Florida, Georgia, Central States. Only World Class was the hold out to keep the old NWA structure. David Von Erich winning the title strengthens Fritz' position and the NWA board deciding the champion. But only for a while, assuming WWF continues to swallow up talent and Dusty becomes booker in JCP. Dusty booked Dusty in JCP. Steamboat figured that out and left for the WWF. Who else would Dusty have pushed aside? I would think the Von Erichs would have been rivals for what Dusty wanted to establish. David had charted the course for working different territories. Kerry and Kevin worked Missouri briefly, but never left Texas to do it. If only the NWA promoters had the foresight to share talent even more. They imploded during the Pro Wrestling USA co-promotions. That should have been key to defeating WWF.
I'd read all the debates about this over the years and I just don't see David as a long term champion in '84. His small slipups on promos were brought up but i watched most of his Florida stuff and his heel promos were just .. It's unfair to say bad but they were very close. Could you imagine a '82-83 David try to joust as a heel against a Lawler, Piper or a face Flair? Heck, as a heel, even an underrated Dutch Savage would've owned him on the mic. The importance of this is is that no way he sells tickets against a regional face as champ. Yes, Dory was as bad on the mic but during his era, promos were not a sticking point. I have other points but i do this on my phone so i leave some stuff out initially.
Thanks for your comments @A_real_Ha_So! I think we can all agree that David wasn't the strongest promo, but going back and watching him over the years there was some improvement but never Flair/Piper/Lawler or even Harley Race level. He wasn't going to be talking fans into the seats, he would have to earn it with the wrestling. I agree, I only see him being a shorter term champion (thinking 3 to 6 months) but possibly a couple reigns and used as a conduit to get the title to other wrestlers. Like we mentioned in the video it's more about what this would do for the NWA as a whole and what possible opportunities would have opened up overall. Hope you enjoyed it and keep the comments coming!
@@WrestlingWithThe80s As a face though, David was an exceptional promo and with seasoning, in the ring he very possibly could've joined that club talentwise. But I'll say this and it's rarely mentioned but if he were still with us at that point, Vince has a harder road because David inherited Fritz's business acumen if stories are to be believed and he would've not only possibly helped reigned in Kerry, he might've had a better chance than frigid Fritz in helping maintain a Pro Wrestling USA that Verne, Jarrett and Crockett were unsuccessfully running.
@@A_real_Ha_So great point about David's mind for the business! I mentioned that in his spotlight video, that it was felt that he would've gone on to become a great booker. That probably could have been where he'd make the biggest impact overall.
David would have outtalked them your bias ignorance is what's Making you say that and there were and are a lot of Wrestlers that would have Owned Jerry . Fact if your forgetting the Wrestlers Jerry outtalked was because he was The Booker in that Promotion Jerry was in so of course he's going to out talking people if that's what they want to happen .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks for having me on. Really enjoy these episodes.
Couldn’t have done it without you! Appreciate you helping out👍
@@WrestlingWithThe80s you are too modest
I hate that family versus family thing. For David to be in Charlotte the other guys would have had to have lived and boy do I wish they did. I loved World Class.
World Class was a very special place in the 80's! Would have lived to experience that territory in person 👍
Great questions
Glad you enjoyed it and really appreciate you running through the playlist on the channel!
Were you a Von Erich fan? Did you see him as a future world champion?
I love these what ifs keep working
Thank you so much for the positive feedback! 🙏🏻
Any particular “What If” come to mind you’d be interested in seeing?
@@WrestlingWithThe80s other then hulk hogan who could of been the guy Vince ran with in the 80s
@@essdeeluckof893 that’s a great one! I actually did something about that on my audio podcast, Wrestling With The Truth, but it’s one I’d like to redo for the channel at some point!
4 reputable sources said David would've been champion: Kevin Sullivan, Gary Hart, Ric Flair, and Harley Race. He would've switch Babyface to Heal as needed in the territories. He was 25 years old when he died. According to the NWA title defenses, Kerry made all his dates. Crocket was able to put the belt back on Ric for Starcade. The question is would David got a long run and with David's run, would the territories survived longer?
You have to think it would have helped strengthen the territories and enable them to last longer. Plus you may not have had so many people jump to WWF.
Gary Hart was close to the Von Erichs at that time. In his book David was never promised the belt. Nobody knows for certain.
Eddy Mansfield says David told him he was getting the belt when he came back from Japan.
@@johnsparklin2128 Not what Flair Said According to Ric Flair it was already written in . They were just waiting for David to make it back from Japan to set it up . I mean it Depends on Who you Believe be it Ric Flair who was the NWA Champion Or Gary Hart who I believe was not Working in The Front Office back then as a Booker . Seeing he was Fired . The First time he was a Booker in World Class Championship Wrestling
I believe if David would have lived WCCW and JCP combined would have set South on fire. The 4 horsemen would have comprise of Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, and Gino Hernandez vs the Von Erichs. The Russians vs Von Erichs, Freebirds vs Rock -n- Roll express Gino vs Magnum Ric vs David, Nikita vs Kerry Dusty vs Bruiser Brody etc. I believe NWA would have lasted into the 90s
My god I wish we had gotten to see that unfold!
Don't forget Gino Hernandez. HE was so gifted. Like you said, "The story would have written itself".
Huge loss for the wrestling business!
So much possible positive scenarios would’ve happened if David had lived and went on to become NWA World Champion.
In my opinion, David would’ve become a pillar of the NWA alongside Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair and maybe Magnum TA. Both territories in Texas and N Carolina would’ve made such formidable competition to the WWF in the late 80’s to early 90’s. Eventually, Ted Turner would buy both World Class and Crockett Promotions to merge into WCW. David would have helluva run as champion and have countless classics against Flair, Dusty, Magnum, Koloff and Tully Blanchard. My biggest 80’s dream match in a WWF ring would be the Von Erichs vs The Hart Foundation. Could you imagine David Von Erich vs Bret Hart in singles title match?!
Kevin and Kerry would both be world champs too for the NWA, but ultimately, Kerry would be a bigger WWF Superstar if it wasn’t for his motorcycle accident and losing his leg.
What happened to David and all his brothers were extremely tragic. They may be gone, but they will not be forgotten. The Von Erich brothers will forever be remembered as Champions
Absolutely agree with everything you said here! Would have loved to have had the opportunity to see it all unfold.
nice video guys... if you remember I asked you to do this one when you did your Magnum video. This one presents the biggest and most what if's for me of this time period and maybe ever in pro wrest. history. Seems to me the territories or a few of them may of gone on for a more significant amount of time had David gotten a run and it gone for the best. Maybe JCP doesn't take over the strap and it become a promotion championship. An stays as the historic way the strap was used. A David reign and having him as an option going forward may change things quite a bit. Maybe WCCW and Mid South are stronger for a bigger part of the 80's and even into the 90's if the top few NWA territories share stars for there big shows. WCCW had the best production of the territories and was even ahead of WWF in the first part of the 80's. Maybe Kerry and Kevin and by connection Adams and Gino don't have the dark side of the ring that they endured without the death of David? Maybe WCCW and the NWA in the states is hot enough Brody works just NWA and Japan and he isn't a murder victim in Puerto Rico? Think Vince is gonna come out on top of the heap. But without DVE death and Magnum accident and the territories working together doubt it happens near as quick. Another what if from this same time period. What if Ted DiBiase wins the NWA vote over Ric? That one may of changed big time a big number of companies and pro wrest. history. Keep em coming good stuff!
Thanks Matt, I’m glad you enjoyed this one! 🙏🏻
There are so many what if’s that spawn from one single event in history. The DiBiase question is a good one. He would have been a great champion but I think the charisma of Flair is what kept the NWA alive as long as it lasted. But he was a tremendous worker that could play both face and heel so he would have done a great job carrying that belt from territory to territory!
So many things that happened during The 1980's might have changed if David Von Erich lived? Iwondered whether he would have in fact move to The Mid_Atlantic Area of if he would have stayed in World Class? What happens with Mganum TA, Barry Windham, Ted DiBiase, Kerry Von Eirch, Kevin Von Erich for examples?
I say in march 1987 the Von Erichs blend in with the crowd at the Silverdome. And just as the main event ends they jump the barrier and beat living hell Hogan and Andre, with the Heenan family running to the ring and making the save. Some people you didnt mention as potential challengers were Terry Funk, Mick Foley and Nikita Koloff
A Von Erich run in would have been fun to watch for sure!
Gino would have been a Horseman after Ole. Perfect fit
I agree! 👍
Exactly. Imagine a spoiled brat tag team of Gino's and Tully. Now that is a heel team that would get get incredible heat.
They need to bring back territories as place to get the talent over so they can work get ring time then do cross over matches so new stars can be made
You know, it’s funny, I’ve always said the same thing, but watching Smackdown tonight I had a little epiphany…Bate/Dunne worked with Pretty Deadly in a match because it made sense since worked together many times in NXT UK and probably the British scene, much like a lot of NXT guys get paired up together like territory guys did back in the day. So, although we don’t have true territories anymore, at least we have some high level developmental where these folks get to work together, master their craft and bring it up to the main roster. Hopefully Triple H will continue to develop the system to mimic the territory model in the future.
I think that if David Von Erich was still alive he would have most definitely been NWA Champion. I saw some of David Von Erich Heel promo's from Florida and I thought those were good. David would have to bring his brothers Kevin and Kerry with him to get white hot heat from the crowd. David could have picked up his feud he had with Dusty Rhodes in Jim Crockett Promotions and took it all over the country. David I believe would have had a long run and could have feuded with: Magnum TA, Jimmy Valiant, Ricky Steamboat, Manny Fernandez. I think David being champion may have been able to convince none other than Roddy Piper to stay in the NWA and not jump to WWF. I could only imagine Roddy Piper pissing off the crowds in Dallas with his promos bashing Dallas Texas, and the Von Erichs.
Yes, Piper staying in the NWA in 1984 instead of heading to WWF is another big “What if?” I want to explore this n a future episode. He had so much momentum after the dog collar match at Starrcade.
Glad you liked the video and appreciate your feedback! 🙏🏻
Could you please have an episode about: What if Vince McMahon Jr. did not leave the NWA when he purchased the WWWF from his father? That would be very interesting!!!
@@kaioh187 it’s on the list 👍
@@WrestlingWithThe80s Can you do One on if Gino Hernandez had Lived . Cause I always wondered if he would have gone to NWA Wrestling or Perhaps WWF like Kerry Did
I that if David Von Erich had not died, that it's possible that some of his other brothers would also still be alive today -- or at least they would have died decades later than they did. David was older than Kerry, Mike, and Chris. I think that Kevin being the oldest of this brothers, felt a special responsibility to his parents Jack (Fritz) and Doris, to outlive them. Each of his brothers' deaths hit Kevin hard, but he weathered the storm, and he's still alive to this day. Someone asked me why 'The Iron Claw' movie is about Kevin's life, as opposed to Kerry's. I said: "It's because Kevin's life had a happier ending than Kerry's".
Great call! I consider Kevin Von Erich to be one of the strongest human beings alive today to survive all the tragedy he has faced in his life.
I don't think that would have prevented Mike ,Kerry And Chris Death as If David had lived and won the NWA Title he would have been in the NWA defending it and Depending on how long he would have been champion . They would have needed another Von Erich Brother to help them against the Freebirds which would have been Mike . He would have still injured his Shoulder and the idiot surgeon would have still screwed up Mikes Arm where he would have had a infection in it . By the way that surgeon should have lost his medical license. But he still would have committed suicide. And Kerry was so Screwed up on Drugs that he still would have been Addicted and committed Suicide . And Chris was Depressed over not being able to Wrestle like his Brother's so he would have still committed suicide .
David would have been The NWA World Heavyweight Champion on a number of occasions. Plus, I think David would have been in the War Games with The American Dream Dusty Rhodes and The Road Warriors.
I never thought of the War Games possibility, but it would have been a great fit!
I disagree as I feel he would have been in Warsgame . However I feel it wouldn't have been Dusty and Road Warrior and David against The 4 Horsemen as it would have been The Von Erich Brothers against The 4 Horsemen In Wars Game
He and Magnum TA would have had some incredible matches for the NWA heavyweight championship. Ric Flair might have only been a 3 or 4 time champ at best.
Would have been interesting if you got a heel DVE against a face Magnum for the title!
@@WrestlingWithThe80s If I remember correctly, I think DVE spent some time in Florida as a heel at some point in his career.
@@ericmarks6322 you are correct! I think it was to help prepare him for his eventual NWA Title run as he would have to work heel in some territories.
@@WrestlingWithThe80s they said he was a damn good heel too.
David should have been checked out by a doctor . Kevin talked him into going to see a doctor about the pain and getting sick at his stomach .The doctor was going to check David out , but he freaked out and said he would tear the place apart if he didn't get out of the stirrups .Its a shame he didn't get checked out (He had an intestinal Infection .David's intestines ruptured and poison leaked out and killed him unfortunately .There are a lot of what ifs (Well what if he would have taken care of himself (Maybe he would still be alive today .What a sad day Feb.10 1984 was for his family ,friends ,fans 😢
He would have had probably 1 to 3 runs up till around 87 or so. Maybe instead of Ronnie Garvin at Starcade 87, it would have been David. Magnum still wouldn't have been in the picture obviously.
He would’ve been multiple time world champ. The other boys would not have died. WCCW would’ve been stronger for longer with many more possibilities. Mike would not have been thrust into the spotlight so soon if at all. Just wouldn’t have been necessary.
It would have been nice if things had turned out that way.
Nope Chris would have still been Depressed about not being able to Wrestle like his Brother's . And Kerry would have still been a Drug Addict . And Mike have still had Brain Damage from the infection from the shoulder surgery
@@robertrodriguez787 possibly on Chris. Kerry went downhill bad after the bike wreck. I say it doesn’t happen if David lives. Mike would not had so much pressure to wrestle if David lives and thus never gets injured and never gets TSS. David could’ve talked Fritz into going nation/world wide and beat Vince to it. Lol all revisionist history!
Had David lived........... NOT ONLY would he been champion, JCP wouldn't have controlled things like he did & Flair wouldn't have had longevity as champion. Also, The Von Erichs could have been successful Bookers, bcuz WCCW had & brought in a Who's Who of talent. Would've been nice to see The NWA & AWA have a successful working relationship & outlast WWF.
So many possibilities!
If that happens Vince targets jcp for a hostile takeover and a possible main event for wm 3 is Hogan vs Flair
Boy that would have been something 🤔
The WWF made it do to the front office and economic minds. The World Class , AWA and Crockett all had bad accounting and office management. We could have had AWA, World Class and Memphis all merge with Jerry Jarrett at the helm, they'd still be in business today. Crockett could have had a merger with the other territories or if they merged with the Jerry Jarrett organization I just mentioned. I would have also had Gary Hart involved with Jerry in the front office role. Vince would have never became what he did if my scenario would have come true.
I just don't think all those egos would have been able to work together unfortunately. Verne couldn't even get his in check to keep Hogan. That was the downfall of AWA unfortunately.
DEAD MAN WALKING
One thing I couldn't understand at the time was Jim Crockett's desire to end the NWA traveling champion. He buys up Florida, Georgia, Central States. Only World Class was the hold out to keep the old NWA structure.
David Von Erich winning the title strengthens Fritz' position and the NWA board deciding the champion. But only for a while, assuming WWF continues to swallow up talent and Dusty becomes booker in JCP.
Dusty booked Dusty in JCP. Steamboat figured that out and left for the WWF. Who else would Dusty have pushed aside? I would think the Von Erichs would have been rivals for what Dusty wanted to establish.
David had charted the course for working different territories. Kerry and Kevin worked Missouri briefly, but never left Texas to do it.
If only the NWA promoters had the foresight to share talent even more. They imploded during the Pro Wrestling USA co-promotions. That should have been key to defeating WWF.
Great point on the talent sharing! It really was the downfall to their survival during the WWF growth period.
I'd read all the debates about this over the years and I just don't see David as a long term champion in '84.
His small slipups on promos were brought up but i watched most of his Florida stuff and his heel promos were just .. It's unfair to say bad but they were very close. Could you imagine a '82-83 David try to joust as a heel against a Lawler, Piper or a face Flair? Heck, as a heel, even an underrated Dutch Savage would've owned him on the mic.
The importance of this is is that no way he sells tickets against a regional face as champ. Yes, Dory was as bad on the mic but during his era, promos were not a sticking point.
I have other points but i do this on my phone so i leave some stuff out initially.
Thanks for your comments @A_real_Ha_So! I think we can all agree that David wasn't the strongest promo, but going back and watching him over the years there was some improvement but never Flair/Piper/Lawler or even Harley Race level. He wasn't going to be talking fans into the seats, he would have to earn it with the wrestling.
I agree, I only see him being a shorter term champion (thinking 3 to 6 months) but possibly a couple reigns and used as a conduit to get the title to other wrestlers.
Like we mentioned in the video it's more about what this would do for the NWA as a whole and what possible opportunities would have opened up overall.
Hope you enjoyed it and keep the comments coming!
@@WrestlingWithThe80s As a face though, David was an exceptional promo and with seasoning, in the ring he very possibly could've joined that club talentwise.
But I'll say this and it's rarely mentioned but if he were still with us at that point, Vince has a harder road because David inherited Fritz's business acumen if stories are to be believed and he would've not only possibly helped reigned in Kerry, he might've had a better chance than frigid Fritz in helping maintain a Pro Wrestling USA that Verne, Jarrett and Crockett were unsuccessfully running.
@@A_real_Ha_So great point about David's mind for the business! I mentioned that in his spotlight video, that it was felt that he would've gone on to become a great booker. That probably could have been where he'd make the biggest impact overall.
David would have outtalked them your bias ignorance is what's Making you say that and there were and are a lot of Wrestlers that would have Owned Jerry . Fact if your forgetting the Wrestlers Jerry outtalked was because he was The Booker in that Promotion Jerry was in so of course he's going to out talking people if that's what they want to happen .
If David was still alive today? He would have eventually be ran out of business by the cartoon master from Stamford like everyone else.
He is dead and end of story