NWA 73 Anniversary notes: Ric Flair's speech, #1 contender to National Title, Mickie James

Originally published at NWA 73 Anniversary notes: Ric Flair's speech, National Title, Mickie James

NWA Hall Of Famer and 10-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair returned to the National Wrestling Alliance at the 73rd Anniversary Show. Flair said Billy Corgan told him he could say and do what he wants in the ring because he’s Ric Flair. Flair thanked the likes of Vince McMahon, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker for lifting him up throughout the years. Flair also mentioned Tony Khan, Chris Jericho and that he wanted Randy Orton to break his 16-time world title record.

Ric Flair pulled up to @nwa and gave an electric promo 🙌pic.twitter.com/RO37L7gMEt

— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) August 30, 2021

Mickie James had her first singles match since October of 2020. She picked up a win over Kylie Rae. Following her win, James was ambushed by IMPACT Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo. Purrazzo bested Melina at the NWA EmPowerrr show on 8/28.

NWA 73rd featured the arrival of Judias, also known as ‘Mikael Judas’ from his time in TNA Wrestling and NWA Wildside. Judias partook in a Battle Royal to determine a new #1 contender to the National Heavyweight Title. Judias eliminated JTG to win the Battle Royal. He was accompanied to the ring by ‘Father’ James Mitchell.

🚨🚨🚨¡Última hora!🚨🚨🚨

Quien un día fuese conocido como Mikael Judas en la IWA, Judias, manejado por Father James Mitchell, hace su debut en la NWA y gana el Battle Royal para convertirse en el primer contendiente al Campeonato Mundial Peso Completo de la NWA.

#NWA73 pic.twitter.com/3OFVWvPnWA

— Lucha Libre Online (@luchalibreonlin) August 30, 2021

The NWA World Women’s Title was on the line. After her Women’s Invitational Cup win at EmPowerrr, Chelsea Green got her shot at Kamille’s title but was unsuccessful in her attempt to become champion.

Conrad Thompson joined Joe Galli and Velvet Sky on commentary for the first two matches. Once Thompson exited, NWA Powerrr commentator Tim Storm joined the team after competing in the opening match.