I enjoyed this video more than I thought I would, because it was better thought out than I was expecting. Well done. As a lifelong Minnesotan who grew up watching the AWA, I’ve asked myself a lot of “what ifs” as well. Verne was probably heading toward Hogan as champion before their disputes became irreconcilable. Bockwinkel, the consummate pro, would’ve gone along with it and made Hogan look awesome in the process. In fact, having Bockwinkel undoubtedly made Verne feel like he was dealing from a position of strength over Hogan. Bockwinkel had about a five-year run on top that made a ton of money, and he was still great when Hogan was there. So Verne clearly didn’t feel like he had to give in to Hogan. Now, if Bockwinkel had greatly deteriorated by that point, Hogan would’ve had a lot more leverage since there wasn’t another obvious successor to Bockwinkel. Regardless, looking at the question of the AWA’s fortunes with Hogan staying and becoming champion, I can’t imagine Verne trying to take over the business nationally. He believed in the territory system and made a lot of money without having to greatly expand. The bigger impact, it seems to me, would’ve been McMahon having to mostly forgo the expansion he eventually carried out. With Hogan in the AWA for the long haul, there likely wouldn’t have been all those key defections that helped Vince expand. (Imagine that magic happening for the WWF without Hulk Hogan, Bobby Heenan, and Gene Okerlund.) In sum, I think the territory system could have remained healthy for years to come.
Thanks. We like to add some depth to our long-form videos so we're glad you enjoyed this one. I think the Hogan/AWA what-if has so much potential. You raise a lot of the possibilities and I agree that I don't think Verne would have gone the same route as Vince. I also doubt Vince's national expansion would've worked without Hogan. He was the main ingredient.
I have always been fascinated by historical "what if" scenarios in all aspects of life, even in fictional stories like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. Your conclusions here are solid and interesting. I'm not sure I can think of a huge "what if" for pro wrestling. I suppose the best one I can think of would be- what if Hogan did not turn heel and form the New World Order? Rumors I heard (tske that for what little it's worth, Lol) are that Hogan was extremely reluctant to do this. Good video and well done.
Thanks a bunch! We aren't going to do these on a regular basis but the nWo one is on the list. You are correct about Hogan. He was extremely reluctant. th-cam.com/video/dw37r6SQ03M/w-d-xo.html
Just found your channel thanks to Reddit. You've got yourself a subscriber! Looking forward to more volumes and I'm about to check out some of your other videos.
This is awesome. These are all questions me and my friends have talked about over the years and it is fun to think about all the different outcomes that could have massively changed the landscape of wrestling. Almost like an alternate universe where things play out much different.
To me, one of the biggest "what ifs" in pro wrestling history is Magnum TA. If he doesn't have that crash...man, how much of the history that we know and cherish would be significantly altered. It's such a game changing "what if"
There would have been no Sting, atleast not to the level that he was, Sting slid into that spot after Magnums crash. Magnum had his crash in August of 86 and they signed Sting in January of 87 although he didn't appear until June of 87, they literally signed Sting to be the company babyface in place of Magnum.
@@TheREALOC1972 I was talking with someone the other day and we discussed how Sting really was "The Franchise" for WCW. Sting reminds me of Ricky Steamboat in the 70s and 80s, wrestling's perfect babyface.
@@wrestlingsgreatestmoments Yep, but if Magnum never had that accident He might not even get signed by WCW and who knows how his career ends up, Maybe he goes to AWA and becomes their franchise and they stay in business, Maybe he goes to WWF and replaces Steamboat while Steamboat has his last run in WCW, we just never know.
What if Pillman had not died could be interesting. Also same with Bruiser Brody, would he have went to WWF to clash with Hogan? I could see him making shots in ECW against Funk and Cactus too. Even though he would have been older at that point, I wonder if he would have done the death match stuff with them two in Japan?
How could you get sympathy for Graham? Yeah that makes sense. Yet fans were already getting sympathy for Andre the Giant, who was even bigger than Billy Graham. It's easy. You have a heel sneak attack him, use weapons or double or triple team him. Like they later did with Hogan as a babyface. Just goes to show the short sightedness of the McMahon family at times. Great video, as always.
Thanks! Yeah, I just don't subscribe to the mindset you can't portray a wrestler like Graham as vulnerable. You described just one of several scenarios where it could work.
I wrote what if scenario decades ago where WWF folded, unable to compete against NWA, AWA, and WCCW interleague shows. I gave boosts to Nikita, DiBiase, Nord, Buckland, Steve Williams, Steamboat, and Hansen all being Champs at one time or another.
Nope, wrote most of it in 1980s and gave it away in 1990s. I would have year end three day round Robin PPV tournaments with roster for each fed facing thier counterparts. Also had mid year multifed 16 bracket PPV elimination tournaments for top singles and tag team wrestlers.
I wrote where WWF folded at 3rd multi fed round robin with Ted Turner beating McMahon in steel cage. It was replaced with 250lb and under AWF league with Muta, Henning, Piper and Savage in top singles. Top teams were Flair and DiBiase vs Steamboat and Buckland and Rockers vs Brett and Owen Hart.
McMahon had USA Network. Crocket had TBS. What if Gagne had kept Hogan and got his shows broadcast on WGN? What if a living David Von Erich drew even better ratings for WCCW on ESPN? Four major wrestling promotions each having successful national cable broadcast shows would have made the future of wrestling from that moment much different.
Plenty of food for thought. I think each promotion could have been a stronger alternative for Vince. The biggest X factor is Hogan. Without Hogan, WWF couldn't have expanded so quickly and did so much.
Great video- question, how do you think any of these situations would have impacted the wrestlemania 4 tournament? It seems like that tournament had a lot of players from world class and other organizations you mentioned here. Such as Ted DiBiase and Hulk Hogan. I think the February 5, 1988 main event show probably would not have happened. And the WWF would have gone in another direction for wrestlemania
No Ric Flair and I think Ted DiBiase is locked into the NWA. As long as it's successful enough to pay him. I'm sure Vince would love to sign Ted if he was NWA Champion so maybe he'd be at WM IV. No way Gagne is letting go of Hogan once the Hulkster starts bringing in the big bucks.
The Star-News story shown stated that the flight departed from Monroe, a Charlotte suburb. What isn't mentioned was the fact that Flair wrestled in Lynchburg, Virginia the night before. None of the others on the plane appeared to have had matches the night before. It says a lot about the transportation infrastructure in that part of the country at the time that Flair didn't want to make such a drive across the territory. I assume I-77 made it easy enough to get from Lynchburg to Charlotte.
In our video on the plane crash, th-cam.com/video/kM_m5GQL-pU/w-d-xo.html we talk about why the wrestlers chartered planes. I've read about it in several bios including Steve Keirn's, Dory Funk Jr.'s, and others.
Billy could have taken Hogans spot for a few years at least, until he aged out and/or Vince found another replacement. Snuka was on fire at the time. But he seemed more like an IC champion. I am really not sure who could have kicked off the Rock n Wrestling era other than Hogan. It's hard to imagine.
Bob Backlund claims Vince Sr. asked him about putting the title on "Superfly" but both had serious reservations about his stability. We talk about it more here th-cam.com/video/F0YSlmD87Bg/w-d-xo.html
Superstar Billy Graham would've gotten over as a good guy , who do you think Hulk Hogan played how he talked , what he said , how he said it it was all old Superstar promos
I agree Superstar would've been a great Fan Favorite as the Road Warriors were ALWAYS cheered regardless what roles tgey played mostly! Hogan's ridiculous persona wouldn't have worked in the AWA in the early 80s especially as it was to an extent as practical & traditional styles like the NWA, All Japan, NJPW, etc! Some performrts are capable of both roles, others just aren't like Bob Backlund & Ricky Steamboat! NOBODY was buying Backlund as a rulebreaker except the Children!😂I also think if things were different Johnny Valentine would've made a great World Champion to end his career & pass the torch to Flair directly or having Flair take it from Dusty in Johnny's honor thrn start a wsr with the Hammer because it should've HIM with thr title shot in his Father's honor instead of Flair! See how easy that was?😂Noe Hogan could've been a grest rulebreaker in the AWA if he stayed without question in my opinion but that "Prayers & Vitamins" would've been laighed at from the teens & up, only the Children would've ate that up but wouldn't be a true 💰 maker overall, same in the NWA, All Japan, NJPW, etc wouldn't even entertain a ☎ call from goodie 2 shoes Hulkamania!😑😂😒😴 EVERYONE would've gone APESHIT if Magnum, Dream & The Russian Nightmare became 6 Man World Champions & would've brought supreme credibility to those belts like the Freebirds & Erichs without question they'd be defending those belts at least twice a month while the Super Powers defend the Tag Belts & eventually lose them to whoever while Magnum defeats Flair for the World Title & continue defend the 6 Man Titles against Tully & The Andersons! Why they made it seemed like being a great Booker was so hard?😂😂😂😂 Anyways every so often we've all thought about what could've been but as far as true interest as an ongoing series I only see it being worth it if the yrue participation's thete & constant but a funtime in my opinion regardless!💯📠
Glad you enjoyed it. We'll see how it does. Most likely it will be something we do once in a while to keep it fresh. I like your speculation on Magnum and Valentine. I think Hogan could work in AWA as long as they didn't go the sappy route you mentioned that they did in WWF. Know your audience. Always great to hear your thoughts!
At the time of the 1975 Airplane crash..."Johnny Valentine'" was already 26 years into his pro- wrestling career. So he would have more then likely, still retired not that long after. Even if the Airplane crash had not ended his career. And I think there is a good chance that "Austin Idol" could have become the face of the NWA. If "Ric Flair's" career had been derailed do to the 1975 plane crash.
I don't know much about Austin Idol's career behind the scenes but I never understood why he didn't do more. Watching him in Memphis, he had it all. The look, charisma, decent worker, and excellent talker.
What if Andre the Giant was about five to 10 years years younger and wins the belt from Hogan at WrestleMania III? How would that have impacted the WWF for the remainder of the 1980s?
To my mind if Vince Sr. would have turned Superstar Graham babyface, it would have been such huge business that probably makes Verne see the money in Hogan. If that happens and already knowing the southern states had absolutely no interest in the WWF’s product, Vince Jr’s expansion never happens. The territory system probably lasts another 10-20 years.
Yes. Graham would have made Vince Sr. boatloads of cash. Same with Hogan and Verne. As for the territories lasting, I think Vince had the vision and the key component (Hogan). I don't think any promoter could do as much with Hogan as Vince. Likewise, Vince just couldn't the same without Hogan. I think the territories would have seen people try to go national but again, without Vince's vision, it wouldn't be a case of territories dropping like flies.
Death and injury hurt the NWA. If David Von Erich had lived he would have been champion. If Gino Hernandez had lived things would have been different. If Magnum TA hadn't gotten hurt things would have been different. Dusty Rhodes was great in the ring and on the mic. They could have used Race more .
The what if of Flair being put out in the plane crash is massive. Harley Race was my favorite world champion, but there is no denying that Flair was a great one. He could draw, make opponents look good and everything. I really don't know who else would have been credible long term except DiBiase. I hate what happened with the Von Erichs, but I don't think David could have pulled it off. The New York stuff is crazy. Billy Graham had charisma but no ring skill. Backlund was amazing in the ring, but couldn't draw. Of course Hulk proved you didn't have to be a great wrestler to get over big.
Yeah. A babyface Graham could have been dynamite and he fit in with WWWF style of brawling. I think David could have pulled it off if he got his act together, which obviously is a huge what if. What do you think of DiBiase's chances at success as NWA World Champion?
@@wrestlingsgreatestmoments I think DiBiase could have had a great run. He was very good at technical wrestling and he could pull off being a heel also. I have always felt that the most important qualities for a champ were being a draw and putting opponents over while keeping the belt. I think Ted could have done it.
If Flair retires in 75, DiBiase would have been the only choice. Von Erichs were too unreliable and Magnum wouldn’t be ready for a run until 86-88 even without the car crash.
Yeah. DiBiase would have been a great pick. Despite conventional wisdom, Magnum was not winning the NWA title right away. th-cam.com/video/Elw8pPWBWsA/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/zFcFhVqLp5w/w-d-xo.html
I have to agree as a huge fan in the 1980's and the main pro wrestling heels were Flair (NWA), and the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase was the biggest heel in the WWF for a while anyway 87-90, they should've gave Ted a title run I think it would have been cool it would have gotten a lot of heat way better than the "Million Dollar Belt," that no one cared about at all. The belt looked stupid really
@@markrhone-lk2jd Apparently Ted was a bit disappointed with not winning the belt but all things considered, he was thrilled with how things ultimately played out. th-cam.com/video/SwIDLZNrWJc/w-d-xo.html
What if the WWF would’ve had Hogan lose the belt 16 times like Flair did in NWA/WCW Who would’ve won 1. Piper 2. Andre the giant 3. Ted DiBiase. 4. Paul Orndorf. 5. Macho man. 6. Mr. perfect 7. The undertaker. 8. The ultimate warrior. 9. Shawn Michaels. 10 yokozuna 11. Brett Hart. 12. Brock Lesnar. 13. The Rock. 14. Stone Cold Steve Austin. 15. Kevin Nash. 16 nature, boy, Ric Flair
I believe if David Von Erich didn't die in the 1980's I have to think he is the guy to have a classic all time feud with Ric Flair for the NWA title, you can even imagine that off that field you could have a Von Eric vs Four Horseman rivalry that would have been great stuff ultimate good guys vs ultimate bad guys on the same card in Greensboro: Kevin and Kerry vs Tully and Arn for the NWA tag team titles, and David Von Eric vs Flair. That show could have rolled on like a title wave through the southern states. Form the Carolinas to Dallas
Question for the peanut gallery. With all of these streaming platforms fighting for content, what are the chances of a new territory system developing?
Wrestling is so hot right now that I'm surprised more streaming channels haven't picked it up. I see a few challenges: 1) WWE ID is going to cherry pick indie scene and small promotions to even worse levels than now. 2) A territory system could work if promotions shared talent and cooperated. Unfortunately, history has shown that rarely happens 3) WWE will do everything to crush competition and has so much power now, it would take a well-funded promotion like AEW to be the so-called angel investor. I don't see that happening.
Wrestling fans have gotten used to weekly (at a minimum) content to build storylines and get fans invested in characters. Indy promotions don't generally run on that timeline. TBH I am not even sure that NJPW or CMLL operate on a weekly television schedule (don't really know at all). For a new promotion to be successful, they would have to have weekly or better content, the ability to pay at least what mainstream midcarders make, and have top notch creative. Personally I just don't think it is doable.
@@patrickdare5356 You nailed it. WWE has such a massive infrastructure that they can phone it in and still get by. Other companies just don't have the resources, the connections, and the experience to produce at that level and on a regular basis. 👍
IF Flair would have had to retire then Tully Blanchard would have been put in his place in the Horsemen. IF David hadn't that negates #1, with David alive the NWA would have moved the "big promotion" from JCP in Charlotte to WCCW in Dallas, They were in the process of doing that very thing when David died and it negates #1 because with David Von Erich alive there wouldn't have been a "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, atleast not on the level that we got, even Flair has admitted that. They were moving everything because of david and when he died they decided not to because they didn't see the star power in WCCW or Kevin or Kerry that they saw in David or Flair.
Yeah. David is another big X factor in wrestling history. Who knows. As various people have mentioned, he showed he could work as a heel or babyface and he's often considered the best worker of the Von Erichs. At the same time, I don't know if anyone could have achieved the same success as Ric Flair did or helped the NWA as much. Flair had it all in terms of portraying a world champion and selling tickets.
No Hogan didn't copy Dusty it was Billy who said brother pythons and gave the same interviews even Dusty who had great matches in msg with Billy said he copied Billy watch Jesse the body he said he and hogan copied Billy even Hogan said it watch superstar Billy Graham 20 yrs to soon
I don't understand, respectfully,why energy gets spent on things not real, about something not real.if you could go back i in time,you are not going to Break the prime directive. That's real, pally.you are on trial on planet Risa in the omicron Delta region for your audacity of doing that very thing. Days of future past indeed.
I enjoyed this video more than I thought I would, because it was better thought out than I was expecting. Well done.
As a lifelong Minnesotan who grew up watching the AWA, I’ve asked myself a lot of “what ifs” as well.
Verne was probably heading toward Hogan as champion before their disputes became irreconcilable. Bockwinkel, the consummate pro, would’ve gone along with it and made Hogan look awesome in the process. In fact, having Bockwinkel undoubtedly made Verne feel like he was dealing from a position of strength over Hogan. Bockwinkel had about a five-year run on top that made a ton of money, and he was still great when Hogan was there. So Verne clearly didn’t feel like he had to give in to Hogan.
Now, if Bockwinkel had greatly deteriorated by that point, Hogan would’ve had a lot more leverage since there wasn’t another obvious successor to Bockwinkel.
Regardless, looking at the question of the AWA’s fortunes with Hogan staying and becoming champion, I can’t imagine Verne trying to take over the business nationally. He believed in the territory system and made a lot of money without having to greatly expand. The bigger impact, it seems to me, would’ve been McMahon having to mostly forgo the expansion he eventually carried out. With Hogan in the AWA for the long haul, there likely wouldn’t have been all those key defections that helped Vince expand. (Imagine that magic happening for the WWF without Hulk Hogan, Bobby Heenan, and Gene Okerlund.)
In sum, I think the territory system could have remained healthy for years to come.
Thanks. We like to add some depth to our long-form videos so we're glad you enjoyed this one. I think the Hogan/AWA what-if has so much potential. You raise a lot of the possibilities and I agree that I don't think Verne would have gone the same route as Vince. I also doubt Vince's national expansion would've worked without Hogan. He was the main ingredient.
I have always been fascinated by historical "what if" scenarios in all aspects of life, even in fictional stories like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. Your conclusions here are solid and interesting.
I'm not sure I can think of a huge "what if" for pro wrestling. I suppose the best one I can think of would be- what if Hogan did not turn heel and form the New World Order? Rumors I heard (tske that for what little it's worth, Lol) are that Hogan was extremely reluctant to do this.
Good video and well done.
Thanks a bunch! We aren't going to do these on a regular basis but the nWo one is on the list. You are correct about Hogan. He was extremely reluctant. th-cam.com/video/dw37r6SQ03M/w-d-xo.html
Just found your channel thanks to Reddit. You've got yourself a subscriber! Looking forward to more volumes and I'm about to check out some of your other videos.
Thanks! Glad someone gave us a shout-out on Reddit and hope you enjoy our videos.
Great video and take on my all time favorite Superstar Billy Graham!!
Thanks! They truly broke the mold with Superstar Billy Graham.
This is awesome. These are all questions me and my friends have talked about over the years and it is fun to think about all the different outcomes that could have massively changed the landscape of wrestling. Almost like an alternate universe where things play out much different.
There are a lot of what-ifs and we will cover more down the road. It's fun speculating on these scenarios.
To me, one of the biggest "what ifs" in pro wrestling history is Magnum TA. If he doesn't have that crash...man, how much of the history that we know and cherish would be significantly altered. It's such a game changing "what if"
Indeed! th-cam.com/video/zFcFhVqLp5w/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/Elw8pPWBWsA/w-d-xo.html
There would have been no Sting, atleast not to the level that he was, Sting slid into that spot after Magnums crash. Magnum had his crash in August of 86 and they signed Sting in January of 87 although he didn't appear until June of 87, they literally signed Sting to be the company babyface in place of Magnum.
@@TheREALOC1972 I was talking with someone the other day and we discussed how Sting really was "The Franchise" for WCW. Sting reminds me of Ricky Steamboat in the 70s and 80s, wrestling's perfect babyface.
@@wrestlingsgreatestmoments Yep, but if Magnum never had that accident He might not even get signed by WCW and who knows how his career ends up, Maybe he goes to AWA and becomes their franchise and they stay in business, Maybe he goes to WWF and replaces Steamboat while Steamboat has his last run in WCW, we just never know.
Another great upload thanks.
Thanks for watching and for your kind comments!
Finally 🔥 "What Ifs" 😍
Hope you enjoyed them.
@wrestlingsgreatestmoments Absolutely Guys 🙏🏼
There is no debate about David's death, they did an autopsy and it found no drugs. I trust a medical report much more than other wrestlers
As noted in the video, that's a decision we're leaving to the fans to decide.💯
Another great what if would be What If all The Von Erichs had lived, and how would you rank The Von Erichs from least successful to most successful.
Excellent idea!
If IF'S and BUTS was Candy and nuts we'd all have a merry Christmas
Indeed.
Perhaps the biggest "what if": what if Jerry Lawler took the ride with Sam Bass?
Most definitely. Can't imagine Memphis doing so well without "The King."
Magnum TA would've went to the WWF like everybody else , and he would've never got over like he did down south
I think Magnum could have fit into a Steamboat I-C title role in the late 80s but he might have main evented during the New Generation.
What if Pillman had not died could be interesting. Also same with Bruiser Brody, would he have went to WWF to clash with Hogan? I could see him making shots in ECW against Funk and Cactus too. Even though he would have been older at that point, I wonder if he would have done the death match stuff with them two in Japan?
Will add those two to the list. Thanks! Bruiser vs Cactus would be money.
How could you get sympathy for Graham? Yeah that makes sense. Yet fans were already getting sympathy for Andre the Giant, who was even bigger than Billy Graham. It's easy. You have a heel sneak attack him, use weapons or double or triple team him. Like they later did with Hogan as a babyface. Just goes to show the short sightedness of the McMahon family at times. Great video, as always.
Thanks! Yeah, I just don't subscribe to the mindset you can't portray a wrestler like Graham as vulnerable. You described just one of several scenarios where it could work.
I wrote what if scenario decades ago where WWF folded, unable to compete against NWA, AWA, and WCCW interleague shows. I gave boosts to Nikita, DiBiase, Nord, Buckland, Steve Williams, Steamboat, and Hansen all being Champs at one time or another.
Sounds very intriguing. Is it online? I think the biggest X factor with interleague shows is promoters' history of infighting.
Nope, wrote most of it in 1980s and gave it away in 1990s. I would have year end three day round Robin PPV tournaments with roster for each fed facing thier counterparts. Also had mid year multifed 16 bracket PPV elimination tournaments for top singles and tag team wrestlers.
@@WhitneySmith-ey7dl Sounds amazing. I wrote a "What If" Crockett Cup 1985 where WWF and AWA teams were involved along with the usual suspects.
I wrote where WWF folded at 3rd multi fed round robin with Ted Turner beating McMahon in steel cage. It was replaced with 250lb and under AWF league with Muta, Henning, Piper and Savage in top singles. Top teams were Flair and DiBiase vs Steamboat and Buckland and Rockers vs Brett and Owen Hart.
@@WhitneySmith-ey7dl A true cavalcade of stars. Vince vs Billionaire Ted had to be epic.
McMahon had USA Network. Crocket had TBS. What if Gagne had kept Hogan and got his shows broadcast on WGN? What if a living David Von Erich drew even better ratings for WCCW on ESPN? Four major wrestling promotions each having successful national cable broadcast shows would have made the future of wrestling from that moment much different.
Plenty of food for thought. I think each promotion could have been a stronger alternative for Vince. The biggest X factor is Hogan. Without Hogan, WWF couldn't have expanded so quickly and did so much.
Great video- question, how do you think any of these situations would have impacted the wrestlemania 4 tournament? It seems like that tournament had a lot of players from world class and other organizations you mentioned here. Such as Ted DiBiase and Hulk Hogan. I think the February 5, 1988 main event show probably would not have happened. And the WWF would have gone in another direction for wrestlemania
No Ric Flair and I think Ted DiBiase is locked into the NWA. As long as it's successful enough to pay him. I'm sure Vince would love to sign Ted if he was NWA Champion so maybe he'd be at WM IV. No way Gagne is letting go of Hogan once the Hulkster starts bringing in the big bucks.
The Star-News story shown stated that the flight departed from Monroe, a Charlotte suburb. What isn't mentioned was the fact that Flair wrestled in Lynchburg, Virginia the night before. None of the others on the plane appeared to have had matches the night before. It says a lot about the transportation infrastructure in that part of the country at the time that Flair didn't want to make such a drive across the territory. I assume I-77 made it easy enough to get from Lynchburg to Charlotte.
In our video on the plane crash, th-cam.com/video/kM_m5GQL-pU/w-d-xo.html we talk about why the wrestlers chartered planes. I've read about it in several bios including Steve Keirn's, Dory Funk Jr.'s, and others.
Professional Wrestling =A soap opera with stuntmen…..lol
And it's so entertaining!
Billy could have taken Hogans spot for a few years at least, until he aged out and/or Vince found another replacement. Snuka was on fire at the time. But he seemed more like an IC champion. I am really not sure who could have kicked off the Rock n Wrestling era other than Hogan. It's hard to imagine.
Bob Backlund claims Vince Sr. asked him about putting the title on "Superfly" but both had serious reservations about his stability. We talk about it more here th-cam.com/video/F0YSlmD87Bg/w-d-xo.html
Superstar Billy Graham would've gotten over as a good guy , who do you think Hulk Hogan played how he talked , what he said , how he said it it was all old Superstar promos
You are correct sir!
Hogan always played Dusty on roids, not Graham
I agree Superstar would've been a great Fan Favorite as the Road Warriors were ALWAYS cheered regardless what roles tgey played mostly! Hogan's ridiculous persona wouldn't have worked in the AWA in the early 80s especially as it was to an extent as practical & traditional styles like the NWA, All Japan, NJPW, etc! Some performrts are capable of both roles, others just aren't like Bob Backlund & Ricky Steamboat! NOBODY was buying Backlund as a rulebreaker except the Children!😂I also think if things were different Johnny Valentine would've made a great World Champion to end his career & pass the torch to Flair directly or having Flair take it from Dusty in Johnny's honor thrn start a wsr with the Hammer because it should've HIM with thr title shot in his Father's honor instead of Flair! See how easy that was?😂Noe Hogan could've been a grest rulebreaker in the AWA if he stayed without question in my opinion but that "Prayers & Vitamins" would've been laighed at from the teens & up, only the Children would've ate that up but wouldn't be a true 💰 maker overall, same in the NWA, All Japan, NJPW, etc wouldn't even entertain a ☎ call from goodie 2 shoes Hulkamania!😑😂😒😴 EVERYONE would've gone APESHIT if Magnum, Dream & The Russian Nightmare became 6 Man World Champions & would've brought supreme credibility to those belts like the Freebirds & Erichs without question they'd be defending those belts at least twice a month while the Super Powers defend the Tag Belts & eventually lose them to whoever while Magnum defeats Flair for the World Title & continue defend the 6 Man Titles against Tully & The Andersons! Why they made it seemed like being a great Booker was so hard?😂😂😂😂 Anyways every so often we've all thought about what could've been but as far as true interest as an ongoing series I only see it being worth it if the yrue participation's thete & constant but a funtime in my opinion regardless!💯📠
Glad you enjoyed it. We'll see how it does. Most likely it will be something we do once in a while to keep it fresh. I like your speculation on Magnum and Valentine. I think Hogan could work in AWA as long as they didn't go the sappy route you mentioned that they did in WWF. Know your audience. Always great to hear your thoughts!
At the time of the 1975 Airplane crash..."Johnny Valentine'" was already 26 years into his pro- wrestling career. So he would have more then likely, still retired not that long after. Even if the Airplane crash had not ended his career.
And I think there is a good chance that "Austin Idol" could have become the face of the NWA. If "Ric Flair's" career had been derailed do to the 1975 plane crash.
I don't know much about Austin Idol's career behind the scenes but I never understood why he didn't do more. Watching him in Memphis, he had it all. The look, charisma, decent worker, and excellent talker.
@@wrestlingsgreatestmoments💯agreed!
What if Andre the Giant was about five to 10 years years younger and wins the belt from Hogan at WrestleMania III? How would that have impacted the WWF for the remainder of the 1980s?
Talk about a rivalry! Plus you'd have Andre working into the early 90s, feuding with 'Taker and possibly Yokozuna. Great question.
To my mind if Vince Sr. would have turned Superstar Graham babyface, it would have been such huge business that probably makes Verne see the money in Hogan. If that happens and already knowing the southern states had absolutely no interest in the WWF’s product, Vince Jr’s expansion never happens. The territory system probably lasts another 10-20 years.
Yes. Graham would have made Vince Sr. boatloads of cash. Same with Hogan and Verne. As for the territories lasting, I think Vince had the vision and the key component (Hogan). I don't think any promoter could do as much with Hogan as Vince. Likewise, Vince just couldn't the same without Hogan. I think the territories would have seen people try to go national but again, without Vince's vision, it wouldn't be a case of territories dropping like flies.
Death and injury hurt the NWA. If David Von Erich had lived he would have been champion. If Gino Hernandez had lived things would have been different. If Magnum TA hadn't gotten hurt things would have been different. Dusty Rhodes was great in the ring and on the mic. They could have used Race more .
I think Gino could have been a megastar. Sadly, we'll never know.
The what if of Flair being put out in the plane crash is massive. Harley Race was my favorite world champion, but there is no denying that Flair was a great one. He could draw, make opponents look good and everything. I really don't know who else would have been credible long term except DiBiase. I hate what happened with the Von Erichs, but I don't think David could have pulled it off. The New York stuff is crazy. Billy Graham had charisma but no ring skill. Backlund was amazing in the ring, but couldn't draw. Of course Hulk proved you didn't have to be a great wrestler to get over big.
Yeah. A babyface Graham could have been dynamite and he fit in with WWWF style of brawling. I think David could have pulled it off if he got his act together, which obviously is a huge what if. What do you think of DiBiase's chances at success as NWA World Champion?
@@wrestlingsgreatestmoments I think DiBiase could have had a great run. He was very good at technical wrestling and he could pull off being a heel also. I have always felt that the most important qualities for a champ were being a draw and putting opponents over while keeping the belt. I think Ted could have done it.
@@kenhill3230 💯That sums it up!
If Flair retires in 75, DiBiase would have been the only choice. Von Erichs were too unreliable and Magnum wouldn’t be ready for a run until 86-88 even without the car crash.
Yeah. DiBiase would have been a great pick. Despite conventional wisdom, Magnum was not winning the NWA title right away. th-cam.com/video/Elw8pPWBWsA/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/zFcFhVqLp5w/w-d-xo.html
I have to agree as a huge fan in the 1980's and the main pro wrestling heels were Flair (NWA), and the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase was the biggest heel in the WWF for a while anyway 87-90, they should've gave Ted a title run I think it would have been cool it would have gotten a lot of heat way better than the "Million Dollar Belt," that no one cared about at all. The belt looked stupid really
@@markrhone-lk2jd Apparently Ted was a bit disappointed with not winning the belt but all things considered, he was thrilled with how things ultimately played out. th-cam.com/video/SwIDLZNrWJc/w-d-xo.html
David Von Erich was never unreliable, he worked heel in Florida - babyface in Texas, he died in ‘84, he would’ve been the one if he hadn’t passed 💯
@@q2rawgaming247 Yeah. That's what we said in the video. He fit the bill for what the NWA wanted in a champion.
What if the WWF would’ve had Hogan lose the belt 16 times like Flair did in NWA/WCW
Who would’ve won
1. Piper
2. Andre the giant
3. Ted DiBiase.
4. Paul Orndorf.
5. Macho man.
6. Mr. perfect
7. The undertaker.
8. The ultimate warrior.
9. Shawn Michaels.
10 yokozuna
11. Brett Hart.
12. Brock Lesnar.
13. The Rock.
14. Stone Cold Steve Austin.
15. Kevin Nash.
16 nature, boy, Ric Flair
What a list!
What if David Von Erich never got sick?
Indeed.
I now see that David was covered in this. To the creators: Great job!
Thanks!
I believe if David Von Erich didn't die in the 1980's I have to think he is the guy to have a classic all time feud with Ric Flair for the NWA title, you can even imagine that off that field you could have a Von Eric vs Four Horseman rivalry that would have been great stuff ultimate good guys vs ultimate bad guys on the same card in Greensboro: Kevin and Kerry vs Tully and Arn for the NWA tag team titles, and David Von Eric vs Flair. That show could have rolled on like a title wave through the southern states. Form the Carolinas to Dallas
Question for the peanut gallery. With all of these streaming platforms fighting for content, what are the chances of a new territory system developing?
Wrestling is so hot right now that I'm surprised more streaming channels haven't picked it up. I see a few challenges:
1) WWE ID is going to cherry pick indie scene and small promotions to even worse levels than now.
2) A territory system could work if promotions shared talent and cooperated. Unfortunately, history has shown that rarely happens
3) WWE will do everything to crush competition and has so much power now, it would take a well-funded promotion like AEW to be the so-called angel investor. I don't see that happening.
Wrestling fans have gotten used to weekly (at a minimum) content to build storylines and get fans invested in characters. Indy promotions don't generally run on that timeline. TBH I am not even sure that NJPW or CMLL operate on a weekly television schedule (don't really know at all). For a new promotion to be successful, they would have to have weekly or better content, the ability to pay at least what mainstream midcarders make, and have top notch creative. Personally I just don't think it is doable.
@@patrickdare5356 You nailed it. WWE has such a massive infrastructure that they can phone it in and still get by. Other companies just don't have the resources, the connections, and the experience to produce at that level and on a regular basis. 👍
IF Flair would have had to retire then Tully Blanchard would have been put in his place in the Horsemen. IF David hadn't that negates #1, with David alive the NWA would have moved the "big promotion" from JCP in Charlotte to WCCW in Dallas, They were in the process of doing that very thing when David died and it negates #1 because with David Von Erich alive there wouldn't have been a "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, atleast not on the level that we got, even Flair has admitted that. They were moving everything because of david and when he died they decided not to because they didn't see the star power in WCCW or Kevin or Kerry that they saw in David or Flair.
Yeah. David is another big X factor in wrestling history. Who knows. As various people have mentioned, he showed he could work as a heel or babyface and he's often considered the best worker of the Von Erichs. At the same time, I don't know if anyone could have achieved the same success as Ric Flair did or helped the NWA as much. Flair had it all in terms of portraying a world champion and selling tickets.
How about what if Dusty took Vince's offer to be his top guy so we got Dustymania instead of Hulkamania.
Definitely worth exploring!
A better what if would be What If Ric Flair had died in the plane crash.
Yikes! Not sure if that would have changed things (other than for Ric) in the alternate timeline that much.
No Hogan didn't copy Dusty it was Billy who said brother pythons and gave the same interviews even Dusty who had great matches in msg with Billy said he copied Billy watch Jesse the body he said he and hogan copied Billy even Hogan said it watch superstar Billy Graham 20 yrs to soon
We will cover that in our long-delayed Superstar Billy Graham video.
What if shockmaster doesn’t trip and fall …. Wcw wins the Monday night wars … no rock or stone cold. … 🤔
Arguably the greatest what if in the history of our sport!
I don't understand, respectfully,why energy gets spent on things not real, about something not real.if you could go back i in time,you are not going to Break the prime directive. That's real, pally.you are on trial on planet Risa in the omicron Delta region for your audacity of doing that very thing. Days of future past indeed.
Well said! BTW, if there's a trial on Risa, it can't be all bad. LOL.
You actually are entertaining and have a sense of humor and appreciation of the absurdity of life
@Charles-e8e9m Thank you. 😂🙏