WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard looks back on car crash that put Magnum TA out of action

On the evening of October 14, 1986, Magnum TA’s life changed forever after he suffered a devastating car accident that ended one of the most promising careers at the time.

In a recent episode of “Tully Vision,” Tully Blanchard looked back on his old rival’s career and recalled how he was first given the news. “I don’t remember who called me, but it was early in the morning and I know we had to be very careful,” Tully recalled.

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The veteran probably had to be careful, as kayfabe was still taken very seriously back then and he, as a heel, didn’t want to be seen with a babyface like Magnum. Blanchard also recalled Magnum’s condition when he finally visited him in the hospital.

“I visited Terry (Magnum TA) in the hospital and he was on a table that was rotating to keep his circulation and airway going,” Blanchard recalled. He explained that it was a tragic time for the industry, particularly Jim Crockett Promotions. “Business-wise, he was at the top of his game and he was a great performer. And that was just ripped out and there was a huge gap in the babyface talent space.”

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Magnum was later seen in one final wrestling shot after regaining his ability to walk, which Blanchard said was a special moment for the star and his fans. “The first time Terry was able to walk to the ring with crutches – and I think a year, a year and a half later, to be in Dusty’s corner was just an incredible thing for the wrestling fans and for Terry and for everybody.”

When using quotes from this article, please credit Tully Vision and provide ah/t Wrestling Inc. for transcription.