In 1983 I did see Ken Lucas wrestle Ric Flair for the NWA World’s title at the Bayfront Auditorium in Pensacola, FL. Ken came with in a whisker of taking the gold, but he was a bit overzealous and ended up being disqualified. The crowd was not too pleased with the referee that night.

Back to 1983, after completing his run against Bob Armstrong, The Midnight Express needed its comeuppance. Who better to teach Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose and Norvel Austin who runs what than Ken Lucas? Some people may scoff at his partner, but I think it’s a testament to the professionalism of Ken Lucas. He and Eddie Hogan (AKA Eddie Boulder, Brutus Beefcake, Ed Leslie, etc.) did what no team since the Mongolian Stomper and Stomper Jr. had been able to do in nearly a year, they defeated The Express for the Southeastern Tag Team Titles. Lucas and Hogan actually formed a decent team, although most credit goes to Lucas and deservedly so. This team provided a reputable team to go against The Express, something that had been lacking for quite some time.

Ken Lucas’ wrestling career was abruptly halted by a car accident. It is a shame that his career ended that way. A legend like Ken Lucas deserved to go out in a blaze of glory. Ken Lucas deserved to have one last swan song. Unfortunately fate didn’t work out that way. Nonetheless he was our Living Legend, and no one can take that away from him. He was not arrogant or cocky; he was just Ken Lucas.

I got to witness something quite remarkable in 1996. At an independent show at the Pensacola Fairground, Ken Lucas was on the bill. A testament to his will power to do what he loved best: he wrestled. I can not recall who his opponent was for that show, not that it mattered much. The crowd reaction to Ken Lucas was phenomenal. I met Ken at the show and got to talk with him. He was a true class act, very appreciative of the fact he was so revered. They don’t build them that way anymore. Ken Lucas-Southeastern Wrestling’s own “Living Legend.”

NEXT MONTH: 

A look at the tag team of Mr. Olympia and Super Olympia

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