John's Icons of Wrestling: Tully Blanchard Quiz

Answer: Tully sold programs and refreshments at the events

Tully began working for his father at the tender age of ten. He would sell programs and refreshment at the live events. As Tully grew older, he would also referee some of the matches. Tully like many second generation wrestlers had a unique insight to the profession. Tully did not wrestle his first match until after he graduated from college.

Answer: SCW

Southwest Championship Wrestling was based in San Antonio, Texas. It ran events from 1978 until 1985. Tully wrestled his first professional match for SCW. He held the SCW Heavyweight Championship on six separate occasions. His father ran the operation until it sold in 1985.

Answer: Gino Hernandez

Tully and Gino were known as "The Dynamic Duo". The pair also held the SCW World Tag Team Championship on two separate occasions. Tully would develop his rivalry with Wahoo McDaniel while in the SCW. The team of Blanchard and Hernandez defeated Wahoo McDaniel and Ivan Putski for their first title reign. Gino left the SCW for the WCCW in 1984. Gino became a top stories in the WCCW and quickly became a top star. Gino sadly passed away on February 2, 1986.

Answer: Demolition

Tully and Arn won the titles in a best two out of three falls match. The match was aired live on network television. It was Saturday Night's Main Event on July 18, 1989. Tully and Arn ended the 478 day title reign of Ax and Smash. "Demolition" would win the belts back on October 2, 1989. "The Brainbusters" managed by Bobby Heenan held the belts for 76 days.

Answer: War Games:The Match Beyond

War Games:The Match Beyond was thought up by Dusty Rhodes. He had two rings placed side by side than fully enclosed with a steel cage. The first War Games Blanchard and the other members of "The Four Horseman" along with manager, J J Dillon. They squared off against Dusty Rhodes, Nikta Koloff, and "The Road Warriors" with Paul Ellering. Dusty's team won when J J Dillon submitted to end the battle.

Answer: Dusty Rhodes

Dusty Rhodes and Tully had a bitter heated rivalry for many years. Tully defeated Dusty in Atlanta, Georgia on December 19, 1985 for the strap. Tully held the title less than three months before losing to old SCW rival, Wahoo McDaniel. Wahoo bested Tully on March 4, 1986 for the belt.

This was not the first title Dusty and Tully battled over. Between 1984 and 1986, they squared off over the NWA World Television Title as well.

Answer: Barry Windham

Barry turned on his friend and co-holder of the NWA Tag Team Title during a defense of the belts. Windham was heard making comments such as you paid to see me as well. It was clear Barry thought that Lex was getting more attention then himself. Barry turned on Lex and left him easy pray for Arn and Tully.

It was later announced Barry had joined the Horsemen as a member. Barry quickly began a rivalry with mentor, Dusty Rhodes. He captured the NWA United States Heavyweight Title and quickly became a top heel. Windham's membership in the group also was considered the most technical or best incarnation of the Horsemen to date.

Answer: West Texas State University

The University is now known as West Texas A & M University. It is located in Canyon, Texas and was founded in 1910. Tully played football for the University; first as the Quarterback than as a defensive end. Tully played alongside future wrestlers Tito Santana and Ted DiBiase. Dusty Rhodes, Barry Windham, and Stan Hansen are all listed as alumni from West Texas.

Answer: AWA

Due to failed negotiations with the NWA and having been fired from the WWF, Tully had no contract to wrestle. He would briefly wrestle for Verne Gagne's promotion in the Spring of 1990. He did receive any significant push and soon left the area. Tully retired from the sport in 1990 and became a Minister.

Answer: I Quit Match

Tully and Magnum were battling over the United States Heavyweight Championship in a steel cage. The two bloodied each other before Magnum made Tully quit. This was an intense match and one of the first for me watching NWA action. Up to this point, all I had access to was WWF. Tully quickly became one of my favorite heels and I rooted for him constantly.