National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Heavyweight Champion "Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Barry Windham have been making life miserable for "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert.  When Gilbert challenges them to a tag match against himself and a mystery partner, they readily agree.  The match is signed for World Championship Wrestling, the Saturday evening show on Super Station WTBS.  The two heels look on in shock when they see who Gilbert's partner is...

...Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, back from an extended run in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).   Steamboat has battled Flair on many occasions and is very familiar with the Nature Boy's tactics.

Gilbert watches on as the match begins.  He knows he couldn't have picked a better partner.

Steamboat surveys his opponents.  While Windham is in the ring, the man he really wants to wrestle is Flair.

A frustrated Flair tells Steamboat he has no business being in the ring and promises to kick Steamboat's ass.

The fans are elated to see Steamboat back in the NWA.  Steamboat was one of their most beloved wrestlers before he left for the WWF.

After some punishment at the hands of Steamboat, Flair bails out of the ring to regroup.

Steamboat taunts the champion by approaching announcer Jim Ross and telling Flair he needs to get in the sandbox if he wants to play.

When Barry Windham tries to help Flair, Steamboat takes him out too by delivering a double noggin knocker.

Both men bail as their manager James J. Dillon (left) tries to figure out a way to handle Steamboat.  No one (save Eddie Gilbert) was expecting Steamboat to be Gilbert's partner.

Gilbert tags in to dish out some punishment to Flair.  Now that Gilbert has someone watching his back, he is ready to deal with Flair.

However Flair and Windham are tough opponents and Gilbert is eventually forced to tag Steamboat back in.

Once again, Steamboat handles both Flair and Windham with surprising ease.

After dazing Flair, Steamboat delivers an aerial offense off the top rope.

Before he can react, Flair finds himself being pinned by Steamboat.

Referee Teddy Long raises Steamboat and Gilbert's arms in victory.  Steamboat has made a triumphant return to the NWA

The match would lead to a series of title defenses by Flair against Steamboat, one of the most celebrated series in professional wrestling.