Magnum TA: The Anointed That Never Was
A look back at the man who could have changed the course of wrestling history.
In wrestling there have been many a man (and woman) who were crowned as to be the next torch bearer. And yet sadly for many, it never came to fruition. In the NWA/Jim Crockett Promotions days, the first that immediately comes to mind for me is Magnum T.A.
Magnum seemed to have the rocket strapped to him almost from the start. His career began in 1980. Before coming into JCP in 1984, he was the Mid-South Wrestling North American Heavyweight Champion, which was their highest honor.
Upon signing with the Crocketts, he almost immediately became the United States Champion, their #2 singles belt, which was second only to the World title. He feuded with lauded Horsemen Tully Blanchard, with the two facing in a very memorable “I Quit” match at Starrcade 1985.
Starrcade 1985, in my opinion is one of the best shows in wrestling history. Keeping with the Horseman, Magnum also had a great match with Ric Flair around this time as well.
I think his most definitive rivalry though was his last, with Nikita Koloff over the US Championship. The highlight was a seven match series for the vacated title. It was booked beautifully, with Nikita taking the first three matches, and Magnum battling back to win the next three. The final saw Nikita come out with the belt, but I’m almost certain that had the course of history not been changed, Magnum and Nikita would’ve continued this red hot feud.
Magnum T.A. had everything you looked for in a wrestler in the 1980s. He had the look, he was very handsome and popular with the female fans; but also viewed as a tough guy and respected by the male fans. He could talk, he could work and he could definitely tell a story.
Sadly, Magnum never did get to wear the big gold belt. He suffered a horrific neck injury in a car accident in late 1986. This effectively ended his in-ring career and he was considered very lucky to have survived the accident at all, and to be able to walk again. He did make appearances after that in a non-wrestling capacity, but there will always be the thoughts of what might have been.
Could he have helped spearhead JCP into the 90s? Would he have been a memorable World Heavyweight Champion? If only we knew.
Short as it may have been, Magnum T.A.’s career was definitely one to be remembered, and he definitely is at the top of my list of guys that should have been world heavyweight champion.
