WWE: US Championship – A Legacy of Greatness DVD Review: 14 Interesting Observations

11. Art Imitating Life

WWE united states championship dvd cover
WWE.com

Given that the United States Heavyweight Championship represents the United States of America and all it stands for, having a Russian Sympathizer go after the title at the height of the Cold War was a ballsy move by the NWA.

After Magnum T.A. won the title from Tully Blanchard in an I Quit Steel Cage Match at Starrcade 85, The Russian Nightmare Nikita Koloff challenged America's Heart Throb as the US went head-to-head with the Soviet Union.

The storyline claimed that the Soviet Union sent Koloff over to fight for them, while they were also sending over spies in real life.

A series of matches took place, and with the scores level at three-a-piece the rubber match saw Koloff win at Worldwide in August 1986.

This rivalry went further than the action inside the ring. At a time when many still believe that the pro wrestling business as a whole was real, it was also an incredibly brave move by all concerned.

 
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Video & written Content Producer for WhatCulture Wrestling. NCTJ trained journalist. BA Hons, Sports Journalism.