Barry Windham Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 26, 2024
Barry Windham Then
Barry Windham, born on July 4, 1960, in Sweetwater, Texas, is a renowned professional wrestler, best known for his work in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
Trained by his father Blackjack Mulligan and world champion Harley Race, Windham debuted on November 27, 1979, against J.J. Dillon at just 19 years old.
Barry Windham Wrestling Career
Windham initially gained prominence in the NWA’s Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) territory, where he became a fan favorite and had significant success in both singles and tag team action.
Teaming up with his brother-in-law Mike Rotunda in 1984, they formed the “U.S.
Express” and quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the WWF Tag Team Championship twice.
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After leaving WWF, Windham returned to the NWA, where he wrestled in memorable feuds, including intense matches against Ric Flair and others.
In 1988, Windham joined the prestigious Four Horsemen stable, solidifying his status as a top heel in the wrestling world.
He continued to make his mark in the industry, including a stint in WCW where he won multiple championships, notably teaming with Curt Hennig and his brother Kendall Windham.
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Despite his success, Windham’s career was marred by injuries and controversies, including a brief involvement in a counterfeiting scandal that led to his departure from WWF in 1989.
He made several returns to both WWF and WCW, but his later years in the industry were marked by fluctuating success and brief storylines.
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Windham’s legacy in professional wrestling is marked by his versatility, memorable feuds, and his role as a key member of the Four Horsemen, one of the most iconic stables in wrestling history.
His contributions to the tag team division and his singles career have left a lasting impact on the sport.
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Barry Windham Wrestling Competition
- National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
- Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF)
- Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP)
- Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF)
- NWA Western States Heritage Championship
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
- U.S. Express (with Mike Rotunda)
- The Widowmaker
- The Stalker
- The New Blackjacks (with Justin “Hawk” Bradshaw)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- Four Horsemen
- The West Texas Rednecks
- WCW World Tag Team Championship (with Curt Hennig, Kendall Windham)
- Independent Circuit
- Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling (TCW)
- Xtreme Horsemen (with Steve Corino and C. W. Anderson)
- World Wrestling Council (WWC)
- WWC World Tag Team Championship (with Kendall Windham)
- American Combat Wrestling (ACW)
- Major League Wrestling (MLW)
Barry Windham Now
Barry Windham, at 64 years old, remains a celebrated figure in the world of professional wrestling.
As the son of the legendary wrestler Blackjack Mulligan, Windham carved out his own distinguished career, becoming well-known for his contributions to major wrestling promotions such as the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
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His career is marked by numerous accolades, including his memorable runs as a member of the Four Horsemen and his successful tag team partnerships.
Windham’s wrestling legacy will be further honored in 2024 when he, alongside his former tag team partner Mike Rotunda, is inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of The U.S. Express.
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This induction recognizes the impact and success Windham and Rotunda achieved together in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where they made a significant mark in the tag team division.
The induction ceremony will celebrate their achievements and contributions to the sport, solidifying their place in wrestling history.
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FAQs
Barry Windham, a retired professional wrestler, has remained involved in the wrestling world through occasional appearances and contributions.
He wrestled his final match in February 2010 and has since made sporadic appearances in various wrestling-related events.
Barry Windham is related to Mike Rotunda by marriage; Windham’s sister, Kendall Windham, is married to Rotunda, making them brothers-in-law.
Yes, Barry Windham will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2024 as part of The U.S. Express, alongside his former tag team partner Mike Rotunda.
Blackjack Mulligan’s real name was Robert Windham.
Barry Windham was loosely associated with the nWo (New World Order) in WCW but was not a central or official member of the faction.