Since we just posted a video about this very subject with Jim Cornette, I’m trying to imagine what it would look like if Great Muta stuck around through 1990 or even worked WCW in addition to New Japan during that time.
What Does a Turn Look Like?
If Muta was coming out of Starrcade ‘89 with the three losses, while still a horrible fucking idea, it could be the storyline impetus for dissension between Gary Hart and Muta. It’s the easy storyline of Hart being pissed at Muta for losing on the grandest stage. You could build to a turn that leads to a quick TV title program (Muta is still champion) with Buzz Sawyer since Hart also managed him at the time. That could have been built up for either the Clash or Wrestle War, and would have been a good match underneath, with Muta winning.
A Big Change?
With the Horsemen newly-turned heels, they’re the next logical step with J-Tex in the rear view. With Sting injured, Muta could have joined forces with Luger and the Steiners to battle the Horsemen while Sting rehabbed. Muta could have worked with Arn and later, Barry Windham, in undercard matches that look excellent on paper. You had the option of keeping the TV title on him as well.
But what if Luger doesn’t turn because Muta already has? What if Muta slides into the role Luger took as the placeholder for Flair until Sting came back? Lex did well, and business increased with him in that position, but his heel work in 1989 was so fucking good, and he only turned because they didn’t feel they had another credible option with Sting out. Plus, if Luger didn’t turn, it’s one more strong heel for babyface Muta to work a program with. Unlike at Starrcade, it wouldn’t be a heel vs. heel match with both men having their third bout of the evening.
In Closing
There were a lot of options here. It’s too bad Muta leaves so quickly after his phenomenal 1989 and never has an official babyface turn. He works big shows as a heel in 1990 and 1991 and then shows up teaming with Sting at house shows and working heels in 1992. It’s hard to believe WCW could get anything right enough to draw money in this era, but at least it would have been damn fun.
