Pro-wrestling is renowned for its enduring personalities, yet some figures mysteriously fade from the spotlight.
Such was the case for Barry Windham, a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion and WWE Tag Team Champion alongside Mike Rotunda. By the late 80s, Windham was primarily associated with NWA and WCW, despite his WWE accolades. Windham’s profile soared through his entanglements with the legendary Four Horsemen, led by the iconic ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair. His impressive nine-month reign as the US Champion and notable feuds added to his wrestling legacy.
After a pay dispute with WCW’s Executive Vice President, Jim Herd, Windham made a surprising return to WWE in the summer of 1989. His stint, though brief, showcased a new heel persona and dominance over lesser opponents on television. However, his second WWE tenure lasted merely four months, leaving fans puzzled. In an interview with RF Video Inc., Windham shed light on this enigmatic departure, offering insights into the circumstances surrounding his exit.
“I called Vince (McMahon) myself. I give my notice to Jim Herd. I told him. I said “you won’t even talk to me. I don’t know if you don’t like me or what it is”. He’s a rough guy to deal with. He’s hard to deal with. That was early ’89… I think I just went home. When I went home, I called Vince and he said “I got a spot for ya.” And he said “well come up here and we’ll figure out something”.”
Windham seized the opportunity to reinvent himself in the WWE, crafting a subtle alter-ego that carried a hint of familiarity.
“I was the same character that I always was but I put my hair in a ponytail and I slicked it back and I was the one that came up with the name ‘The Widow Maker’. I said, “Vince, what do you think about this. ‘The Widow Maker’ is a famous rodeo bull.” I said “what he’s done is gourd y’know like six or seven cowboys almost to death. He’s killed a couple of guys… And they actually had to retire the bull because nobody wanted to ride him.”
Windham mentioned that McMahon personally approved the introduction of his darker persona and expressed optimism about its potential, indicating that he believed there were opportunities to explore this new direction.
“I had my boots made up in black with the ‘Widow Maker’ on… And I think then, I was probably the biggest and in best condition of my life so far. I was 325lbs, I was doing behind the neck presses with 305… y’know, I was big and I was strong and that’s what Vince wanted. That’s what Vince liked.”
During his time in WWE, ‘The Widow Maker’ made a strong impression on viewers by dominating opponents in squash matches from June 1989. This was a customary method for nurturing new talent at the time. He was slated to join Randy Savage’s ‘King’s Court’ team at that year’s Survivor Series. However, Windham’s unexpected departure led to a change in plans, resulting in his replacement by another up-and-coming wrestler, Earthquake.
“The reason it was short lived and this is kinda personal in my family but it’s common knowledge and anybody can find out… But my dad and my brother got into some trouble. So I told Vince. I said, “Vince, I think I’m gonna be, in one way or another, associated with what’s happened with these guys.” And I said, “I think it would be better if I’m at home instead if the FBI… or secret service or whatever… you don’t want the publicity if they think they can tie me into what’s happened”.”
Barry Windham refuted any involvement but preferred not to attract attention while his family was under investigation for counterfeiting. Subsequently, he reappeared in WCW by May of 1990 and later resurfaced in the WWE in 1996 under the persona of ‘The Stalker’. Notably, Windham has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, first as a member of The Four Horsemen in the 2012 class, and later as a part of the U.S. Express in the 2024 class.
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H/t to TJRWrestling.net
