How the mighty have fallen

Eventually, any athlete will face a decline. Misty Blue stormed onto the scene in 1985 and took the wrestling world by storm. Vaunted speed, skill and looks pushed her to be #1 in the world rankings by 1986 and the NWA US title holder, and other belts!

1987 was more of the same. The 28 year old was in her prime and she was dominant. 1988, 1989 her legend grew. She was undefeated and 30 years old in the magazine post above. I remember thinking she would NEVER lose.

But , 15 year old me was not as wise to life. 30 is a tipping point for many athletes where decline begins. And it did for Misty.

1990 was LPWA, which ran out of Laughlin NV . Misty was tag Champ with Heidi Lee Morgan, a 25 year old soon to be superstar. All was right with the world. My girl was a Champion, and life was grand.

But I did start seeing troubling signs. Heidi Lee was bearing more and more of the workload in matches. Misty appeared to have put on 10 pounds or so. By 1991, she was noticeably heavier , slower and tiring in matches. 2 years after her peak, the signs were there that Misty was no longer invincible.

1992 Misty headed to Puerto Rico , ranked #1 still to defend the AWF title against WWA Champ Monster Ripper, ranked #38. I was nervous. Ripper had a fearsome reputation. But, surely Misty can handle her! I thought.

Misty was beaten to being unsteady on her feet. Ripper forced her into deep water, and you could sense watching Misty was aware she was in big trouble. I'd never seen her take such a beating.

A massive upset. Misty was injured. Her world ranking dropped to #8. Then, # 10. She was out of the top 10 for good in 1993. Monster Ripper had effectively ended her reign, and her run at the top of the sport as her injuries from this matched dogged her going forward.