10 Classic Wrestling Matches New Fans Need To See
8. War Games, Great American Bash 1987
War Games was the brain child of "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. Two rings, two cages and two teams. When those teams involved the Road Warriors and The Four Horsemen, magic was almost sure to happen.
The War Games match made its debut during NWA's 1987 Great American Bash. The basic premise is that there are two cojoined rings surrounded by a cage. The participants of both teams make staggered entrances until all wrestlers are in the cage. From there, the melee goes on until any participant either submits, surrenders, or is knocked unconscious.
The Road Warriors were the top babyface tag team and the Four Horsemen were the number one heels. The Warriors were joined by top names Dusty Rhodes, Nikita Koloff and Paul Ellering. Manager James J. Dillon accompanied the Horsemen.
War Games showcased The Four Horsemen using classic heel psychology, teaming up on Rhodes, getting bloody and throwing groin shots.
The Road Warriors ended it by smashing J.J. Dillon with the Doomsday Device, who legitimately separated his shoulder and ultimately surrendered.
Different versions of War Games matches have been booked by several promotions through the years, but the best place to start is right at the beginning.