Ric Flair vs Ted Dibiase (Way of the Blade Art Print)
"Ric Flair vs Ted Dibiase" - ink & digital illustration
Mid South Wrestling TV - 11.06.1985, Irish McNeil Boys Club, Shreveport, Louisiana
Another of my favourite illustrations from the original Way of the Blade book & another match that I loved dearly. One of the greatest examples of just how bloody good an episode of Pro Wrestling television can really be!
This bout takes place in one of my all-time favourite Wrestling territories; 'Cowboy' Bill Watts' Mid-South/UWF. The combination of great logic-laden booking with kick-ass wrestling always made Mid-South for me. And this match is just the perfect example of that. Just one of the greatest face-turns that you will ever see. It starts out with long-time bad-guy, Dibiase challenging for Ric Flair's NWA World Heavyweight Championship, only for 'Captain Redneck' himself, 'Dirty' Dick Murdoch to demand Ted step aside for him to take the shot. Dibiase rightfully refuses, only for Murdoch to sucker punch him & ram his head into the corner post, opening up a gusher. Now this is the part that I really liked, the referee didn't just ask him if he wanted to continue. They took him to the back, the doctor wrapped him up & only then, he demanded to still take the match. Bill Watts actually warns parents to put the kids to bed as this one promises to be a gruesome one. And a fantastic TV challenge for the world championship from a clearly handicapped challenger ensues.
Just fabulous stuff! When Phil was doing the 'Way of the Blade' Podcast, he actually had THE Tony Khan on the show to discuss this one as it was a big-time favourite match of his.
ENJOY!!!
Fancy, high quality art prints of this book illustration are now available to purchase for as little as 25 clams, FREE worldwide postage!
HQ Basic Art Prints: Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. (Printing & delivery arranged by Printful).
'Premium' Art Prints: Voluptuously extra thick, textured & hand-signed! Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. 1cm additional border for easy framing unless otherwise requested. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you! + ALL PREMIUM PRINT PURCHASES COME WITH CHRIS THINGS ZINE VOL. 1!!
Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you require a different size - all prints made to order.
