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PERFECT STORM: THE LEGEND OF THE HAT AND ROBE
Blackjack was the top dog, but Flair was moving up quickly, and despite their friendship, was ready to take Mulligan's spot if the opportunity ever presented itself. It almost did in 1977 when Mulligan returned after a brief departure from the area, only to find that his best buddy had won the US title from Bob Brazil, the man that had finally toppled the great Blackjack a few months earlier. Blackjack made it known he wanted his title back for a then-unprecedented 4th title reign, and Promoter Jim Crockett immediately signed the match. Before it could take place, Ricky Steamboat upset Flair for the title, and the collision of best friends was barely avoided.
Jump ahead to April 1978. Ric Flair had just again won the United States Heavyweight Championship. Ironically, just as he had done with Brazil seven months earlier, Flair had defeated a man who had also taken the US title from Mulligan in "Mr. Wrestling" Tim Woods. Mulligan had been through another round of brutal matches with Woods, part of a feud that stretched back to 1975. He was exhausted from those battles. And this time, Flair was ready to make his move.
As Bob Caudle interviewed Flair with his newly won championship and wearing his favorite peacock feathered robe, Mulligan came out to congratulate his best friend, but instead of graciously accepting, Flair began to suggest that Mully's best days might be behind him, and he might need to head back to the Headlock ranch and consider retirement.
Blackjack could not believe what was happening, but maintained his composure until Flair became disrespectful, and as a stunned audience of millions of TV viewers watched, tugged on Blackjack's moustache and told him it was time to hang it up.
Mulligan had heard enough, and literally picked Flair up by his robe and gave him a huge shot with his mammoth right hand that sent Flair flying across the studio. Flair left the set quickly, and Mulligan angrily told Bob Caudle that he had about all he could take out of the Nature Boy.
When they came back from commercial in the WRAL TV studios, Mulligan had entered the ring for his scheduled TV match. As Blackjack battled Tony Russo, Flair entered the studio wearing Blackjack's favorite cowboy hat, a gift from Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.
"I'm wearing the hat that Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson gave Blackjack Mulligan. The pride of Texas, huh?"
And with that, Flair began tearing the hat to shreds.
After Blackjack realized what was going on, he quickly executed a piledriver on Russo for the pin, and then came over and picked up the remains of his hat. Flair had left the TV studio. With an icy edge to his voice, he said the following:
"Let me tell you something, you gutless little wonder. I stood behind you so many times, we've been in so many places. And the bad were there, and they said 'Let's get Flair'. And somebody said, 'No. He's backed by the Jack. Let it be.' Let me tell you something Nature Boy, it's over. You've gone too far. You've insulted me, you've embarrassed me, and I want you to take a look at me real good. Because if you think that I'm over the hill, I think I've got just enough, just enough left to muster one more great big push. Somewhere, sooner or later, you're going to pay for this. And that US belt is going to be mine again."
The studio crowd exploded. But Mulligan wouldn't have to wait too long to get a little back on Flair.
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© 2004 Dick Bourne | Mid-Atlantic Gateway |
