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"Magnum T.A.= Terry Allen"
Terry Allen had all the necessary ingredients, good looks,
athleticism and a love for the business. But Allen had the
misfortune of never realizing his full potential as a pro-
fessional wrestler.
Magnum T.A. was injured in a horrific automobile accident in
1987, ending his mat career prematurely. The ruggedly hand-
some Allen might have gone on to stardom akin to that of Hulk
Hogan or Stone Cold Steve Austin had his Porsche not struck a
utility pole that fateful night.
But when it did, a career ended way too soon. Magnum was a
sure-fire champion, combining athletic ability with charisma.
He took his name from the popular television series Magnum
P.I. starring Tom Selleck. He had the same ruggedly handsome
appeal as Selleck. He was being schooled by The American
Dream Dusty Rhodes. Rhodes obviously thought a great deal of
Magnum, as evidenced by the time he spent working with the
youngster.
He battled Tully Blanchard in a bloody "I Quit" match at Star-
rcade. It became an instant classic. The two went at it in
some classic matches in 1985 with the NWA U.S. Heavyweight
title changing hands several times.
I saw Magnum give Ric Flair all he could handle in Pittsburgh
in the early '80s in a rare outdoor match at Three Rivers
Stadium.
He could have been the next Hulk Hogan.
Actually, he might have been bigger than Hogan, since Magnum
actually could wrestle.
The promoters were starting to give the classic babyface a
push before the accident.
Magnum made a triumphant and tearful return to a few NWA
arenas long enough to bid farewell to his adoring fans and
proud colleagues. With his career over, he disappeared from
the radar screen for several years before resurfacing as an
announcer and host on WTBS' wrestling shows. He worked with
Missy Hyatt for a while before again fading away.
One wrestling fan from the South recalls seeing him about
four years ago with Tully Blanchard in one of the small NWA
groups.
His appearance had changed and he looked strangely like Paul
Ellering at the time, sporting a shaved head and a goatee.
There were similar stars before Magnum. John Tolos and Rick
Rude are two that come to mind. In recent years, we've seen
the likes of Shawn Michaels and The Rock. The girls loved
these handsome hunks.
There's no doubt that had Allen's car not hit that pole, his
name would be right up there with the great ones. He had that
kind of charisma and work ethic.
It's a shame an auto accident that rainy Carolina night rob-
bed him Ñ and us Ñ of seeing a wrestler bloom into a superstar.
Magnum T.A. certainly would have done just that.
Fans who would like to see Magnum T.A. in the prime of his
career can order a four-hour tape for $20. The title is "The
Best of Magnum T.A.: The NWA's Golden Child."
Go to www.wrestletapes.net/bestofmagnumta.html to order.
Some of the matches include Magnum against The Missing Link,
Blanchard, the Andersons, Ric Flair and Nikita Koloff.
***enf of history***
