WWE Hall of Famer and original Four Horsemen member Tully Blanchard has weighed in on one of the great “what ifs” in wrestling history: would the iconic faction have worked in WWE? In a new interview, the legendary tag team specialist stated without a doubt that the group’s talent and star power would have made them a success in any promotion, including Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation.
Tully Blanchard on the Success of The Four Horsemen
Appearing on the latest episode of his TullyVision podcast for AdFreeShows, Tully Blanchard was asked if he thought The Four Horsemen could have gotten over in the WWF of the 1980s. He explained that the group’s success wasn’t tied to one specific promotion, but to the incredible talent of the individuals who made up the stable.
“I think the Horsemen would have worked well wherever they were… For the people that we were, it would have worked period, because the performance level, and we knew what to do and how to do it at all the levels, with all the opponents in singles or in tag matches,” Blanchard said.
He also noted that they would have been great with either of WWE’s top managers at the time, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan or J.J. Dillon, who was the Horsemen’s manager in the NWA.
A Collection of All-Stars
Blanchard went on to break down exactly what made the most famous incarnation of the group—which consisted of himself, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Barry Windham—so special. He explained that the power of the faction was that every single member was a legitimate main event-level star in their own right.
“The thing about it, the power of what the Four Horsemen were, is we were all stars in our own right. Flair was the World Champion. He didn’t need to be in the horseman. Barry was probably the best performer. He was 6’5, 280 pounds, and handsome, and oh my gosh, could do anything in the ring,” Blanchard explained. “Arn and I were arguably as good a tag team as has ever been in wrestling. Then you just put the collaboration of us together. I mean, it worked, whether you called the Horsemen or not.”
A Close Call with History
While the Four Horsemen as a unit never made it to the WWF, most of the members did eventually work for the company. Blanchard and Arn Anderson had a successful run as The Brain Busters, managed by Bobby Heenan, and captured the WWF Tag Team Championships. Ric Flair, of course, would go on to have a legendary run in the WWF, winning the WWE Championship twice. Barry Windham also had a run with the company. Tully shared a funny anecdote from the time when he, Arn, and Barry were all in the WWF together.
“One TV show when Dusty was with the WWF, Arn and I were with the WWF. Barry Windham came back to the WWF, and we were the only ones sitting around the monitor. Vince was there, he looked at the group of us and said, ‘Am I safe?’ That was a real laughing moment,” he recalled.
Tully Blanchard’s comments provide a fascinating look back at one of the greatest factions in the history of the business. His confidence in the group’s ability to succeed in any environment is a testament to the incredible and unique collection of talent that came together to form the legendary Four Horsemen.