Fuel was added to the fire between the “Family” and Kevin Sullivan by a mystery man known only as “The Bonebuster.”   Jake “the Snake” Roberts broke Barry’s nose and collected $1,100 from the mystery man.  A bounty was then placed on every single bone in Windham’s body.  The mystery man offered $1,100 per bone to anyone who could break one or more bones.  The identity of “The Bonebuster” was debated for weeks.  Finally, it was discovered that “The Bonebuster” was Windham’s very own tag team partner, Kevin Sullivan.  The feud came to a head when Dusty Rhodes appeared on the weekly television show taped at the Tampa Sportatorium.  Dusty Rhodes said,” I have learned to deal with the devil” and challenged Sullivan to a lights out steel cage match.  However, that was not the only stipulation.  Sullivan and Rhodes would have to agree to a “loser leaves the state of Florida for sixty days match.”   The match would take place on the evening of Christmas Day, December 25,1982.  The location of the match would be at the Bayfront Arena in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Sullivan was quoted as saying, ”The final chapter will be written at the Bayfront."  

The match was extremely challenging for both wrestlers.  There were many highs and lows involved in the match including Sullivan pulling out a pair of brass knuckles from his tights and severely lacerating Rhodes’ forehead.  Sullivan covered Rhodes for the three count but Dusty kicked out.  Rhodes was not going to be defeated.  Rhodes regained his second wind and fought back against Sullivan.  Suddenly, a familiar character appeared ringside.  It was an unknown man dressed in a Santa Claus suit.  This was one of many Santa Clauses in the crowd!   Santa handed Sullivan a foreign object, which Sullivan then proceeded to hit Rhodes with.  He covered Rhodes and got the three count for the win.  The crowd at the Bayfront was in shock.  Various wrestlers from the back came into the ring and revived Dusty. 

At the conclusion of the match, a camera crew followed Sullivan and Santa Claus back to the dressing room where the mystery was revealed.  The infamous man in disguise was none other than… Jake “the Snake” Roberts.  Rhodes was interviewed after the match and was said to be embarrassed for his “family, children, and the millions and millions of his fans watching across the country.”  He vowed the ultimate revenge on Kevin Sullivan.  He also quoted himself as saying, ”he would have to find another means of support because of what had been done."  Dusty was quoted as saying, ”Never forget that just when you think it is all over, Daddy, it is only just begun!”

A few days after the classic confrontation, a strange coincidence occurred.  A new masked wrestling superstar emerged.  A two hundred sixty-five pound, six foot tall man became part of the picture from Diablo Canyon.  His name was the Midnight Rider and he strangely resembled Dusty Rhodes. 

NEXT MONTH:

Part two of the epic battle between Dusty Rhodes and Kevin Sullivan.  Just who was the Midnight Rider?