- Tony D. 

On June 10, 1983 in St. Louis, Missouri, Harley Race defeated Ric Flair for  the NWA World Title. This put Ric Flair into a position that he wasn’t in much in his career, that of contender for the World Title.

Harley Race was the Missouri State Champion when he won the NWA World Title, so Race gave up the Missouri title. On July 14, 1983 in Kansas City, Harley Race defeated Ric Flair in a rematch. The next night in St. Louis was a tournament for the vacant Missouri State Title, and Ric Flair won the belt by defeating Bulldog Bob Brown in the first round, "Master G" George Wells in the second round, and David Von Erich in the finals.

On August 5, 1983 in St. Louis, Race again defeated Ric Flair. On September 6, 1983 in St. Louis, David Von Erich defeated Ric Flair for the Missouri State Title, and David Von Erich defeated Flair again in a rematch on November 4, 1983.

Sometime in 1983 while Harley Race was still the NWA World Champion, Ric Flair wrestled Mr. Wrestling II in a match that I think took place in November of 1983 in which the winner would receive a title shot against Harley Race the next time the World Title  was defended in Kansas City  .  We join that match in progress at the 10 minute mark. Mr. Wrestling II has a headlock on Ric Flair and Flair is on the mat. Ric Flair escapes the headlock, backs II into the corner and catches Mr. Wrestling II with two shoudlerblocks. Flair punches II in the head twice. Kevin Wall said "We talk about the Promoters, Bob Geigel and all of the good folks here in the Midwest bringing in some of the top talent around, and I think in Wrestling II and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, you have two of the best at their particular craft." Both of these guys want a shot at Harley Race and the World Title. Flair with an Irish Whip, but II reversed it and Flair goes into the opposite turnbuckle. Flair bounces out of the corner and gets a backdrop from Mr. Wrestling II. Mr. Wrestling II with his "Million Dollar Kneelift." Ric Flair is in the corner begging for mercy, Kevin Wall said "I never thought I’d see it, he is begging Wrestling II for mercy."