Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: On August 17th, 1986, Nikita Koloff defeated Magnum T.A. in Charlotte, North Carolina to win their best-of-seven series 4-3 and capture the NWA United States Heavyweight title.
Today in Pro Wrestling History (August 17): The Russian Nightmare Takes the US Gol
The championship had been vacant since May, after Magnum TA was suspended for losing his temper and striking NWA president Bob Geigel. Koloff started off by winning the first three matches of the series, but TA had rallied back to tie the series at 3-3, giving fans hope heading into this deciding match.
Note: It’s a doubly historic day for Nikita Koloff – as one year later, on August 17th, 1987, he defeated Tully Blanchard to win the NWA World Television championship.
Here’s another great story about the legendary Magnum T.A: Magnum T.A. Tragedy: Secret Tale of Wrestling’s Greatest What If
https://youtu.be/qrHmC9r4CMY
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