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In the midst of a heated feud with Nikita Koloff, NWA United States Champion Magnum TA lets his temper get the best of him, leading to disciplinary action from President Bob Geigel
National Wrestling Alliance - Jim Crockett Promotions - Summer 1986
In the midst of a heated feud with Nikita Koloff, NWA United States Champion Magnum TA lets his temper get the best of him, leading to disciplinary action from President Bob Geigel.
In mid-1986, Magnum TA was struggling to keep a grip on his US Title from the impressive Nikita Koloff. Known as The Russian Nightmare, Nikita was portrayed as being honed in a Russian laboratory and trained for the ring by his Uncle Ivan. With his impressive size and awesome power, it was said he had been sent on orders by The Kremlin to embarrass America by winning the very championship that was named for it.
The only thing standing in the way was Jim Crockett Promotions' dashing young star.
The two performers would go on to have a classic feud, with plenty of drama added in to fuel their storyline. The patriotic themes of East vs. West were a great representation of the Cold War Era, one that seems oddly nostalgic now in retrospect.
As their story reached its apex, Jim Crockett, Jr. set up a contract signing between the two. At the arranged event, Magnum brought his mother, Marion, while Nikita brought Ivan. The proceedings eventually grew tense, and Nikita would insult Magnum's mother, which prompted a fight.
Bob Geigel reprimanded TA for "conduct unbecoming a champion." Magnum replied, "Reprimand this!" and dropped Geigel with a punch. As a result, Magnum was stripped of his title. The two would go on to a best-of-seven series to settle who the winner and rightful champion should be. Nikita won, only to turn babyface shortly after Magnum TA's career-ending automobile accident just a few months later.
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