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The Fantastics were a professional wrestling tag team composed of Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers who worked together extensively between 1984 and 2007. At times, Bobby Fulton would team up with his brother Jackie Fulton under the same name.

Key Information

Team history

[edit]

Mid South Wrestling (1984)

[edit]

While in the Mid-Southern area (Memphis), Terry Taylor was teamed with a budding young wrestler named Bobby Fulton, who at the time was a jobber on TV but showed promise. To capitalize further on the success of The Fabulous Ones, they were named "The Fantastic Ones" and teamed only for a brief time before splitting up.[1] In 1984, Bobby Fulton moved to the Mid-South area and teamed with Tommy Rogers shortening the name of the team to "The Fantastics". Their first match came on June 20, 1984, at a Mid-South TV taping in Shreveport, LA, where the duo defeated Barry Orton and Pat Rose.[2]

After defeating preliminary competition on television, The Fantastics earned their first significant victory when they defeated Hercules Hernandez and Krusher Khruschev on July 15, 1984, in Tulsa, OK.[3] They then began a feud with The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey) that would extend into the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).[4]

World Class Championship Wrestling (1984–1985)

[edit]

In October 1984 the Fantastics joined the Von Erich's popular Texas based promotion, carrying over their feud with the Midnight Express. The Fantastics defeated the Midnights in their debut match with the promotion at a house show in San Antonio, TX on October 20, and a day later in Fort Worth they beat The Long Riders (Bill Irwin & Scott Irwin) to capture the NWA American Tag Team Championship.[5] They would continue the Midnight Express feud over the World Class Wrestling Association's WCWA Tag Team Championship.[6] The Fantastics hired a bodyguard, Silo Sam who stood at 7 feet 7 inches. As champions they would successfully defend against numerous duos, including Pretty Young Things (Koko B Ware & Norvell Austin) and Jake Roberts & Kelly Kiniski.

On January 11, 1985, the Midnight Express defeated the Fantastics to gain the NWA American Tag-Team Championship, re-igniting their feud. At WCCW house shows that winter the two teams would face off in numerous matches, with the Fantastics usually winning that spring after Eaton & Condrey vacated the titles. Rogers and Fulton would face off against the Express for the vacant championship at the 2nd Von Erich Memorial Parade Of Champions on May 5, 1985, and regained the titles.[7] The Fantastics second reign lasted until June 24, when they were defeated by the Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez).[8]

Mid-South Wrestling (1985)

[edit]

Almost immediately after their loss to Adams and Hernandez the Fantastics returned to Mid-South Wrestling. They made their return on June 30, 1985, in Tulsa, OK, defeating The Midnight Express once more.[9] That fall they moved on to a feud with Dutch Mantell & Bill Dundee. On September 25 they defeated Mantell & Dundee on television in a "bullwhip on a pole" match.[10]

Continental Wrestling Association (1985–1986)

[edit]

In November 1985 the Fantastics joined the Continental Wrestling Association, making their debut at a house show in Lexington, KY on the 15th of that month in a successful effort versus Pat Rose & Tom Prichard.[11] As the winter progressed they would face off against Rip Morgan & Taras Bulba, as well as The Freedom Fighters (the rookie Jim Hellwig and Steve Borden). On January 13, 1986, in Memphis, TN the Fantastics defeated The Sheepherders to win the vacant AWA Southern Tag Team Championship.[12] Less than two weeks later Rogers and Fulton beat The Sheepherders in a loser-leaves-town match, sending their new nemesis departing from the CWA. However the Fantastics stint in the CWA would be relatively short, as they lost the titles to The MOD Squad on March 24, 1986[13] and departed for the UWF.

Universal Wrestling Federation (1986)

[edit]

The Fantastics thus jumped to the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), making their debut on March 30, 1986, at a UWF TV Taping where they defeated The Sheepherders to win the UWF Tag Team Championship.[14] While continuing to defend their championship the duo participated in the NWA Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup 1986. On April 19 the team defeated The Fabulous Ones in the first round of the tournament in a matinee event held at the Super Dome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Later that evening a second card was held, and the second round of the tournament began. Fulton and Rogers defeated the tandem of NWA National Heavyweight Champion Tully Blanchard & NWA Television Champion Arn Anderson. In the quarterfinals the Fantastics faced off against their UWF opponents The Sheepherders; both were placed out of the tournament after battling to a double disqualification.[15]

After successfully retaining against The Sheepherders in numerous rematches throughout the spring of 1986, the Fantastics lost the UWF Tag-Team Championship to Hot Stuff & Hyatt International (Eddie Gilbert & Sting) at a television taping on July 20.[16] The two teams would trade the titles back and forth during the summer of 1986. This feud would continue through the remainder of the year and into 1987.

World Class Championship Wrestling (1987–1988)

[edit]
Fantastics, circa 1987

In February 1987, the duo returned to World Class Championship Wrestling. They hired a 7"5 bodyguard Silo Sam. Early in their tenure they captured the World Class Tag Team Championship by defeating Al Madril & Brian Adias at a house show in Lubbock, TX on March 4.[17] During the WCCW run they feuded with Mike Davis and Tommy Lane, The Rock 'n' Roll RPMs. The Fantastics won the feud by winning a scaffold match at the Parade of Champions 4 on May 3, 1987.[18] On June 26, 1987, they lost the titles to Eric Embry & Frankie Lancaster,[19] and would later feud with Jack Victory & John Tatum.

National Wrestling Alliance (1988–1989)

[edit]

On March 12, 1988, the Fantastics made their debut on NWA Pro television for the NWA's Jim Crockett Promotions, defeating the latest version of The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane). The latter were the NWA United States Tag Team Title at the time, and the Fantastics won in their non-title debut. On March 27, 1988, the duo again faced the Midnights at the inaugural Clash of Champions, this time falling in defeat. The next month they participated in the NWA Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup 1988, earning a first round bye and defeating Al Perez & NWA Western States Heritage Champion Larry Zbyszko. On April 23, 1988, in the quarterfinals in Greensboro, NC they defeated Rick Steiner & NWA Television Champion Mike Rotunda, but were eliminated in the semifinals by NWA World Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard. On April 26, 1988, the Fantastics won the United States Tag-Team Championship from the Midnight Express in a 40-minute match held at an NWA television taping in Chattanooga, TN.[20] Their feud would continue throughout the spring, with the Express regaining the titles on July 10 in Baltimore, MD at The Great American Bash 1988 - "The Price For Freedom" PPV. The Midnights later vacated the titles after winning the NWA World Tag-Team Championship from Anderson & Blanchard, and as their feud with the Fantastics continued it would now be for the NWA's ultimate prize. Meanwhile, Rogers & Fulton competed in a tournament for the vacant United States championship and would win them back at Clash of the Champions IV "Seasons Beatings" on December 7, 1988, in Chattanooga, TN when they defeated Ron Simmons & Eddie Gilbert. Their second title reign was short, as they were beaten for the belts by The Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan & Steve Williams) at Starrcade 88.[21][22]

As 1989 began the Fantastics were programmed into a house show series with the newly arrived Original Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Randy Rose). They would also face The Varsity Club in rematches for the United States Tag-Team Championship, as well as face The Commandos. On February 15, 1989, in Cleveland, OH at Clash of the Champions V the Fantastics received a televised rematch with the Varsity Club, but were unsuccessful. They then left NWA, due to problems with booker Kevin Sullivan.[4][23]

All Japan Pro Wrestling (1989)

[edit]

Following a very brief stint in the CWF, the Fantastics resurfaced in All Japan Pro Wrestling in the summer of 1989, entering the AJPW Summer Action Series 1989. They made their first appearance on July 1, 1989, and defeated Isamu Teranishi & Mighty Inoue at a television taping in Omiya, Saitama, Japan.[24] The Fantastics were undefeated in their first nine matches and were finally defeated by Dean Malenko & Joe Malenko on July 15, 1989, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.[25] They finished the Summer Action Series with a 17–3 record before Bobby Fulton returned to the United States.

World Championship Wrestling (1989–1990)

[edit]

While Rogers wrestled in Japan Fulton resurfaced in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) teaming with his brother, Jackie Fulton, as the Fantastics. They briefly feuded with AWA Tag Team Champions Mike Enos and Wayne Bloom. On September 21, 1989, the "new" Fantastics made their debut for WCW at a television taping in Savannah, GA where they lost to NWA World Tag-Team Champions The Fabulous Freebirds. On the October 21, 1989 edition of World Championship Wrestling the new tandem earned their first televised victory, pinning Lee Scott & Agent Steel.[26] They would then lose to old nemesis The Midnight Express on December 23's edition of World Championship Wrestling to close out the year.[27]

The brother tandem competed infrequently for World Championship Wrestling, as their next match would not come until March 30, 1990, when they faced Jack Victory & Rip Morgan in Lynchburg, VA. On July 30 the Fultons defeated Barry Horowitz & Scotty Williams at an NWA Power Hour taping for a match that would air on August 12. On the same show they were interviewed by Missy Hyatt and were referred to as the Fantastics, and given the length of time since their last televised appearance it was referred to as their arrival. On the August 24, 1990 edition of the Power Hour they received a title opportunity against NWA World Tag-Team Champions Doom, but were unsuccessful. A day later they had another shot at Doom on NWA Pro but were also defeated.[28] After this Bobby Fulton left the promotion, leaving Jackie to compete in singles action for a time.

South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (1990–1991)

[edit]

On October 19, 1990, the duo of Bobby and Jackie Fulton resurfaced in South Atlantic Pro Wrestling. Wrestling at a television taping for a match that would air the following month, the Fantastics defeated Tommy Landell & Trent Knight.[29] On December 29, 1990, the Fantastics won the SAPW Tag-Team Championship from The Pitbulldogs (The Pitbulls) at a TV taping in Greenville, SC.[30] They would continue to wrestler for South Atlantic Pro Wrestling until at least March 1991.[31]

Smoky Mountain Wrestling (1991–1992)

[edit]

When Jim Cornette began his own promotion, Smokey Mountain Wrestling (SMW) Bobby Fulton and his brother Jackie wrestled as "The Fantastics" for Cornette's company[32] and occasionally as "The Fantastic Ones" in other promotions. The brothers made their debut at the inaugural SMW taping on October 30, 1991, Greenville, SC, teaming up to defeat Ivan Koloff & Vladimir Koloff in a match that would air on February 8, 1992. The duo would immediately get into a feud with Jim Cornette and The Heavenly Bodies. On March 12, 1992, the brothers introduced original Fantastics member Tommy Rogers as a surprise partner on an episode of Smoky Mountain television; the three Fantastics then defeated Billy Black, Joel Deaton, and Jimmy Golden.

In March 1992 the Fantastics entered a tournament to crown the SMW Tag-Team Champions. On March 12 they defeated The Wild Bunch (Billy Black & Joel Deaton) to advance past the first round of the tournament. On April 9 the Fantastics were victorious over The Maulers (Jack Victory & Rip Morgan) to progress to the finals. However, on April 23, 1992, the Heavenly Bodies defeated them to win the titles. The Fantastics would challenge the Bodies that spring and summer, but were unsuccessful in their efforts to gain the Smoky Mountain titles. Their final match came on November 8, 1992, at a house show against Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden.[33]

All Japan Pro Wrestling (1990–1994)

[edit]

Meanwhile, overseas the original version of the Fantastics remained ongoing. On January 2, 1990, Tommy Rogers and Bobby Fulton would reunite in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Competing in the AJPW New Year Giant Series 1990, they defeated Isamu Teranishi & Mighty Inoue in Tokyo.[34] The following night they challenged Footloose (Samson Fuyuki & Toshiaki Kawada) for the All Asia Tag Team Championship, but were defeated.[35] As with their tour the previous year, the Fantastics were highly successful in the Giant Series 1990, registering a record of 18–2 with their only other loss coming to Isamu Teranishi & Tiger Mask (Mitsuharu Misawa) at a tour event on January 26.[36]

Rogers and Fulton would return again that summer for the AJPW Summer Action Series II 1990 series and were again quite successful. They competed for the vacant All Asia Tag-Team Championship on September 7, 1990, in Fukui against Johnny Ace & Kenta Kobashi but were defeated.[37][38] They would return for regular tours over the next three years and achieve considerable success, occasionally teaming with Jackie Fulton in six man matches.

World Championship Wrestling (1994–1995)

[edit]

On October 30, 1994, the original version of The Fantastics made their return to World Championship Wrestling at a WCW Worldwide taping in Orlando, FL, defeating Sonny Trout & Rick Thames. On the December 3 edition of the show they challenged WCW World Tag Team Champions Pretty Wonderful for their titles. On the December 10, 1994 episode of WCW Saturday Night the Fantastics suffered their first defeat in their comeback when they fell to Harlem Heat. The same day on WCW Worldwide their challenge to Pretty Wonderful for the tag-team championship was unsuccessful.

On the January 21, 1995 edition of WCW Worldwide the Fantastics received another shot at the WCW Tag-Team belts, this time against new champions Harlem Heat. Once more Rogers and Fulton failed to secure the titles.[39] After this the tandem slid down the card. On the March 26th edition of World Wide they were again beaten by Pretty Wonderful, and on April 30 lost to The Blue Bloods (Lord Steven Regal & Bobby Eaton). Their final date with the promotion came on June 18, 1995, in a dark match against Harlem Heat at the Great American Bash 95 PPV.[40]

All Japan Pro Wrestling (1995–1996)

[edit]

Tommy Rogers and Bobby Fulton returned for another tour of All Japan on January 2, 1995, taking part in the AJPW New Year Giant Series 1995. This time they lost their opening bout, falling to Ryukaku Izumida & Tamon Honda in Tokyo, Japan.[41] As with previous years they were successful in the overall event, and on January 29, 1995, unsuccessfully challenged Jun Akiyama & Takao Omori for the vacated All Asia tag-team championship.[42] Following their departure from World Championship Wrestling they returned for their normal summer tour of All-Japan, taking part in the AJPW Summer Action Series II 1995 tour to great success.[43]

In 1996 the Fantastics would embark on two additional tours of All Japan. Their final match saw Fulton & Rogers defeat Kentaro Shiga. & Satoru Asako[44]

World Championship Wrestling (1996)

[edit]

On October 21, 1996, the Fantastics made a surprise appearance on Monday Nitro, losing to The Faces of Fear in a match airing from Mankato, MN. The following day they faced High Voltage in a dark match at a WCW Saturday Night taping.[45]

World Wrestling Federation (1997)

[edit]

While not wrestling together, both Tommy Rogers and Bobby Fulton made appearances as the World Wrestling Federation began to showcase its new Light Heavyweight division. The partners would face off against each other on June 16, 1997, when Rogers wrestled Bobby Fulton on an episode of Raw is War as part of the tournament to crown the inaugural WWF Light Heavyweight Championship. Rogers defeated a heelish Fulton in the match, but would lose to Brian Christopher in the next round of the tournament.[46]

Later Years (1997–2005)

[edit]

In August 1997 Bobby and Jackie Fulton reformed their version of the Fantastics, traveling to New Dimension Wrestling. They made their return as a team October 25, 1997 at an event in Thomasville, NC, losing to The Mavericks (Chris Mantell & Buck Mantell).[47] The Fantastics would continue to make appearances for NDW through the remainder of the year and 1998, facing The Terminators, as well as fellow babyface teams The Rock 'n' Roll Express and The Bushwhackers (their old Sheepherder opponents).[48]

In subsequent years the Fantastics occasionally worked as a team on the independent circuit. On March 12, 2004, the original Fantastics reformed for the first time in eight years when Tommy Rogers and Bobby Fulton traveled to International Wrestling Association Japan to compete in the IWA Japan Exciting Series 2004. They won their debut in Osaka, defeating Ryo Miyake & Yukihide Ueno.[49] Three days later in Chiba they challenged IWA World Tag-Team Champions Steve Williams & Ryo Miyake, but were defeated.[50]

Returning to the United States, the Fantastics then faced The Midnight Express for the first time in many years. Held at the WFP 3rd Annual Night Of The Superstars event Waynesboro, VA, this encounter saw them defeat Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey.[51] On January 29, 2005, Rogers & Fulton joined forces with The Rock 'n Roll Express to defeat all three active members of The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton, Stan Lane, and Dennis Condrey) at the WrestleReunion event in Tampa, FL.[52] This would mark the final appearance of the original version of The Fantastics, as Rogers retired from the ring in 2007.[53]

Eight months later, on August 25, 2005, the Fantastics returned for WrestleReunion 2 to compete in a four corners match. This time it was the Fulton Brothers competing as the Fantastics, and they were victorious against The Samoan Island Tribe (Samu & Alofa), The Backseat Boyz (Johnny Kashmere & Trent Acid) and The Thunderfoots (Dave Deaton & Joel Deaton).[54]

Aftermath

[edit]

On June 1, 2015, Tommy Rogers died at the age of 54. Since then, Fulton has done multiple reunions with Terry Taylor as the Original Fantastics aka The Fantastic Ones.

In their early years, they used the ZZ Top song "Sharp Dressed Man" as an entrance theme. One night they were approached and told that Dusty Hill was inviting them to meet him at a local bar in Texas, which Rogers and Fulton thought was a prank. When Hill actually showed up, they expected to be served with a cease and desist order for using the song. Hill was actually a huge fan of them, and loved that they used the song.[55]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
  • IWA Tag Team Championship (1 time)
  • SCW Tag Team Champions (1 time)

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fantastics

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Fantastics was an American tag team active from 1984 to 2007. The team consisted of and Tommy Rogers, who were known for their high-flying maneuvers and technical wrestling style. They competed primarily in (NWA) territories, (WCCW), Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), (WCW), and (AJPW), holding multiple tag team championships and engaging in prominent rivalries with teams such as the Midnight Express and the Sheepherders.

Members

Bobby Fulton

James Franklin Hines, better known by his ring name , was born on October 4, 1960, in , where he grew up as the son of a local and developed an early fascination with . He began his training in the wrestling scene during the late , working closely with established figures such as Lord Zoltan, , , and , which laid the foundation for his in-ring skills. Fulton made his professional debut on June 15, 1977, in , and quickly entered the independent circuit in southern , aligning with promotions run by figures like Hank Vest, where he shared cards with wrestlers including J.D. "Killer" Kent and "Hangman" Hank Vest Jr. His early independent bouts often featured preliminary matches, including stints with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) on undercard events. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and billed at 220 pounds (100 kg), Fulton was typically presented as hailing from , to enhance his high-flying, technically proficient style that emphasized aerial maneuvers like the diving clothesline and his signature Fantastic Flip—a flying senton. Throughout his career, he adopted various ring personas, including the masked gimmick in the post-2000 era as a tribute to classic wrestling archetypes. In his later years, Fulton remained active in regional promotions, competing in events for Big Time Wrestling and Championship Wrestling through the 2000s and into the 2010s, while also making sporadic appearances in the (AWA), such as teaming with his brother Jackie Fulton in a 1989 six-man tag bout alongside against opponents including . On July 16, 2020, Fulton announced his retirement from full-time wrestling, citing health challenges including throat cancer treatment, though he continued occasional matches for Professional Big Time Wrestling thereafter. In August 2024, Fulton faced heart complications during surgery related to prior throat cancer treatments but has continued promoting events for World Classic Professional Big Time Wrestling as of 2025. In 2024, he was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, recognizing his enduring contributions to the sport.

Tommy Rogers

Thomas R. Couch, better known by his ring name Tommy Rogers, was born on May 14, 1961, in . As a high school athlete, he initially showed little interest in , preferring activities like tinting car windows, but a chance opportunity as a last-minute fill-in at a local event sparked his curiosity. He debuted in 1981 in , working under the direction of promoter George Scott in the NWA Mid-Atlantic territory. In the early 1980s, Rogers built a reputation as a skilled junior heavyweight competitor across several NWA-affiliated promotions, including Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, where he primarily worked as a singles performer engaging in notable feuds. One key achievement came in 1983 when he defeated to win the CWA Junior . He also briefly explored competition, partnering with to capture the NWA Central States Tag Team . In 1984, Rogers teamed with to form the Fantastics. Rogers was celebrated for his crisp technical style combined with athletic flair, particularly his precise and powerful dropkicks, which peers regarded as some of the most effective in during the era. His repertoire featured high-flying maneuvers, including the signature "Rogers' Rocket," a coordinated launch by a partner that propelled him into a targeted on opponents. After years of physical demands from his career, Rogers retired from in-ring competition in 2007 following hip replacement surgery necessitated by accumulated injuries. He relocated to , , and made occasional appearances at wrestling conventions and fan gatherings in the years that followed. On June 1, 2015, Rogers died at age 54 from a heart attack in his apartment. His roommate found him unresponsive around 3 a.m. and called emergency services; he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The wrestling world mourned his loss, with longtime partner calling him "like a brother" and praising his unmatched dedication to the industry. Veterans like Dutch Mantell also paid tribute, noting Rogers' exceptional talent and lasting influence on .

History

Formation and Mid-South Wrestling (1984)

The Fantastics were formed in early 1984 in Mid-South Wrestling when , who had briefly teamed as one half of the Fantastic Ones with in the preceding year, paired with Tommy Rogers to create a new high-flying . Billed from , , the duo quickly established themselves as charismatic babyfaces known for their athleticism and synchronized aerial maneuvers. Their official debut occurred on June 20, 1984, during a television taping at the Irish McNeil Boys Club in , where they defeated jobbers and Pat Rose in a showcase match aired on the June 30 episode. From the outset, the Fantastics were positioned in storylines as energetic underdogs challenging established heel factions, most notably the Midnight Express of and , accompanied by the scheming manager . This rivalry ignited almost immediately after their debut, with the teams clashing in intense bouts that highlighted the Fantastics' speed against the Express's technical prowess and dirty tactics; a key early encounter took place on July 29, 1984, at The Myriad in , . Cornette's loudmouth promos and interference added to the , portraying the Fantastics as the heroic counter to his villainous stable. The team's early momentum built through appearances at prominent venues like the in , where they engaged in multi-team skirmishes and tag matches that emphasized their role as fan favorites in Bill Watts' hard-hitting territory. These initial Mid-South outings solidified the Fantastics' identity as a dynamic act capable of elevating the promotion's tag division, setting the stage for their expansion beyond the region later that year.

World Class Championship Wrestling (1984–1985)

The Fantastics made their (WCCW) debut in October 1984, quickly establishing themselves as fan favorites in the territory by defeating the Midnight Express in their first match for the promotion. This victory positioned them for a title challenge against the reigning NWA American Tag Team Champions, (Bill and ), whom they dethroned on October 22, 1984, in , to begin their first reign with the belts. Their high-flying style and chemistry resonated with audiences, leading to matches against prominent teams like the and the Fabulous Freebirds, often in multi-man formats that highlighted the promotion's intense rivalries. The duo's primary feud in WCCW centered on the Midnight Express, continuing their rivalry from Mid-South Wrestling into a series of heated encounters that elevated both teams' status. On January 11, 1985, in , the Midnight Express, managed by , defeated the Fantastics to capture the NWA American Tag Team Championship, ending their initial 81-day reign. The titles were later held up following a controversial bout, setting the stage for a rematch at the 2nd Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions on May 5, 1985, at in Irving, where the Fantastics reclaimed the belts in a two-ring no-disqualification match by pinning after 8:35. This event, attended by over 26,000 fans, featured multi-man stipulations that intensified the ongoing conflict, with the Fantastics often teaming alongside against the Midnight Express and allies like Chris Adams. Their second reign lasted until June 24, 1985, when they dropped the titles to the Dynamic Duo (Gino Hernandez and Chris Adams), amid shifting booking priorities in WCCW that reduced opportunities for the team. Prior to their exit in mid-1985, the Fantastics engaged in notable bouts against Iceman King Parsons, a rising heel, and Kerry Von Erich in handicap and multi-man scenarios that tested their resilience but underscored booking decisions favoring established Von Erich storylines. This period solidified the Fantastics' popularity in Texas, with their athletic performances drawing strong crowd reactions despite the promotion's internal changes.

Mid-South Wrestling and Continental Wrestling Association (1985–1986)

Following their successful stint in , The Fantastics returned to Mid-South Wrestling on June 30, 1985, teaming with and to defeat The Midnight Express and their manager in a six-man match at the . This appearance marked their re-entry into the promotion, where they quickly reignited rivalries and established themselves as fan favorites through high-energy performances. Throughout the summer and early fall of 1985, the duo feuded prominently with the veteran tandem of and Dutch Mantell, clashing in a series of bouts that highlighted their aerial offense against the heels' brawling style; notable encounters included victories for the Fantastics on August 4 in and September 22 at The Myriad in . These matches, often extending into six-man variations involving allies like or Steve Williams on the opposing side, built momentum for the team amid Mid-South's competitive tag division. In November 1985, The Fantastics transitioned to the nearby (CWA) in the Memphis territory, debuting on November 18 at the by defeating and Pat Rose in a house show match that drew strong attendance. They rapidly built popularity as babyfaces, engaging local heels in fast-paced contests featured on CWA's weekly television tapings at the studios, where their acrobatic maneuvers contrasted sharply with opponents' rugged tactics. Early feuds targeted teams like and , whom they bested on November 25 and December 21 at the Coliseum, as well as The Blade Runners in a disqualification win on December 30 before a crowd of 11,300. A heated rivalry with The Kiwi Sheepherders ensued, featuring wins on December 2 and 16, offset by a loss on December 9, all at the Coliseum and amplified through TV exposure that showcased the teams' intense, no-holds-barred exchanges. The Fantastics' CWA run peaked on January 13, 1986, at the Mid-South Coliseum, where they captured the vacant AWA Southern Tag Team Championship in a tournament final by defeating The Sheepherders (Rip Morgan and The Nightmare), following semifinal victories over The Bladerunners and Dutch Mantell & Buddy Landel. This triumph solidified their status in the territory, leading to immediate defenses on television tapings and house shows; they retained the titles against Mantell and Landel via disqualification on January 20, dispatched The Sheepherders in a no-disqualification "loser leaves town" stipulation match on January 27, and successfully defended against challengers like Abdul Gaddafi and The Assassin on February 17 at the Coliseum. These victories, often drawing over 10,000 fans to Mid-South Coliseum events, underscored the team's transitional role in elevating the promotion's tag team scene before their departure later in the year.

Universal Wrestling Federation (1986)

The Fantastics debuted in the Universal Wrestling Federation on March 30, 1986, at a television taping in the , where and Tommy Rogers defeated the Sheepherders (Butch Miller and Luke Williams) to win the UWF World Tag Team Championship in their for the promotion. This victory immediately established them as dominant challengers, leveraging their high-flying, fast-paced style against the rugged Sheepherders in a style clash that highlighted the UWF's emphasis on athletic . Throughout the spring of 1986, the Fantastics defended the titles successfully in multiple rematches against the Sheepherders, solidifying their status as fan favorites amid intense, brawling encounters that drew strong crowds in UWF territories. Their first reign concluded on July 20, , in Tulsa, when they lost the championships to Eddie Gilbert and Sting via pinfall in a hard-fought bout that showcased Gilbert's technical prowess and Sting's rising star power. The loss intensified a heated with Gilbert and Sting, marked by interference from and aggressive promos that positioned the Fantastics as resilient underdogs. The duo recaptured the UWF World Tag Team Championship on September 27, 1986, again in Tulsa, defeating Gilbert and Sting in a rematch that ended Sting's brief title run and reignited their popularity. During this period, they also engaged in prominent feuds with Freebirds (Michael Hayes and ), including a July 13 television main event where the champions retained against the cocky veterans in a match blending aerial offense with the Freebirds' hard-hitting tactics. Additional clashes, such as a November 22, 1986, encounter, extended the rivalry and featured the Freebirds' signature bravado, contributing to the UWF's tag division excitement. The Fantastics' second reign included defenses against various challengers, emphasizing their endurance in the promotion's competitive landscape, but ended abruptly on October 26, 1986, in Tulsa, when John Tatum and Jack Victory dethroned them with underhanded tactics. This loss signaled their departure from the UWF by late 1986, capping a year of title dominance and key rivalries that elevated the promotion's scene.

World Class Championship Wrestling (1987–1988)

The Fantastics returned to World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) in late February 1987, during a period of internal turmoil for the promotion, including roster instability and financial strains following its attempted national expansion. Their reappearance, building on their earlier successful run in the territory from 1984 to 1985, saw them quickly inserted into high-profile matches as fan-favorite challengers aiming for the top tag team positions. Upon their return, the duo reignited a heated with the Rock 'n' Roll RPMs (Mike Davis and Tommy Lane), a matchup that escalated amid WCCW's chaotic booking landscape. The feud reached its peak at the 4th Von Erich Memorial on May 3, 1987, held at in , where the Fantastics teamed with Steve Simpson to defeat the RPMs and in a brutal six-man scaffold match, solidifying their momentum as top contenders. The following night, on May 4, 1987, in , the Fantastics captured the vacant by defeating the RPMs in a tournament final, marking a pivotal achievement in their second WCCW stint. As champions, the Fantastics became entangled in the promotion's signature family-oriented storylines, clashing with elements of the and the villainous in multi-man bouts that highlighted WCCW's dramatic, Texas-based rivalries. These encounters, often featuring at major venues like , underscored the territory's emphasis on intense, personal conflicts amid its declining attendance and creative shifts. Their title reign lasted until June 26, 1987, when they dropped the belts to Eric Embry and Frankie Lancaster in , but they remained key players in the tag division through late 1987. By early 1988, as WCCW continued its downward spiral with reduced crowds and booking disarray, the Fantastics wrapped up their run with notable matches against Matt Borne and John Tatum, a program that showcased their athletic style against the heels' brawling aggression. This stint concluded with their departure from the promotion in March 1988, prompted by its overall instability and their pursuit of opportunities elsewhere.

National Wrestling Alliance (1988–1989)

The Fantastics, consisting of Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers, debuted for the National Wrestling Alliance's Jim Crockett Promotions in early 1988, quickly establishing themselves as fan favorites with high-flying maneuvers and technical prowess. Their initial television appearance came on an episode of NWA Pro, where they secured a victory over local competitors in a non-title bout, setting the stage for a prominent push within the promotion. The team rapidly entered a high-profile feud with the reigning NWA United States Tag Team Champions, the Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane, managed by Jim Cornette), known for its intense, fast-paced encounters that highlighted the Fantastics' aerial style against the Express's methodical aggression. On April 26, 1988, Fulton and Rogers dethroned the Midnight Express in , to capture the NWA United States Tag Team Championship in a match taped for NWA Worldwide and aired on May 14, marking their first reign with the titles. This victory propelled them into major events, including defenses amid ongoing clashes with the Midnight Express during the tour, where the rivalry intensified through stipulation matches and Cornette's interference tactics. At on July 10, 1988, in , , the Fantastics defended the championships against the Midnight Express in a rematch bout, where a loss would result in ten lashes for each member; however, the Express recaptured the titles via pinfall after 22 minutes, ending the Fantastics' initial reign and extending the into house shows and television angles. The rivalry persisted into late 1988, with the Fantastics also crossing paths with powerhouse teams like the (Samu and Fatu), contributing to their reputation for versatile, hard-hitting bouts against diverse opponents. Following a period of tag division turmoil, the Tag Team titles were vacated, leading to a tournament at IV: Jungle Wars on December 7, 1988, in . The Fantastics advanced to the finals and defeated Eddie Gilbert and to win their second NWA United States Tag Team Championship, solidifying their status as top contenders. They capped the year with a successful defense at : True Gritt on December 26, 1988, in , overcoming Steve Williams and Kevin Sullivan—representing the Varsity Club—in a 16-minute match that showcased their resilience against the club's brute force. As rebranded to in 1989 under Ted Turner's ownership, the Fantastics transitioned seamlessly into the new entity, carrying forward their championship momentum and feuds into WCW's early programming.

All Japan Pro Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling (1989–1990)

In the summer of 1989, the Fantastics, composed of and Tommy Rogers, made their debut in (AJPW) as part of the Summer Action Series tour. The team demonstrated strong chemistry against Japanese competition, securing victories in multiple bouts that highlighted their high-flying style and technical prowess. Notable wins included defeats over and on July 3 in , Shunji Takano and Yoshinari Ogawa on July 5 in , and Mighty Inoue and Yoshinari Ogawa on July 6 in . They also bested American imports and twice during the tour, on July 18 in and July 20 in Tokushima, further establishing their presence in the promotion. Additional triumphs came against Samson Fuyuki and Yoshinari Ogawa on July 26 in , contributing to an overall successful excursion that blended fast-paced offense with resilient defense against AJPW's established roster, including multi-man encounters involving figures like and the Great Muta. Transitioning back to the United States, a variant of the Fantastics featuring and his brother Jackie Fulton debuted in (WCW) on September 21, 1989, at a television taping in . This iteration of the team immediately entered the tag division, facing off against the Midnight Express ( and ) in a competitive showcase that aired on WCW programming. The match emphasized the Fultons' aerial maneuvers against the veterans' power-based attack, setting the stage for their push in the promotion. The Fultons quickly engaged in feuds that defined their brief WCW run, starting with the Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and ), who held the at the time. A key encounter on September 23, 1989, aired on , saw the Fultons challenge the champions in a hard-fought bout that showcased intense brawling and near-falls, though they fell short of capturing the titles. This rivalry extended into house shows and TV tapings, highlighting the Freebirds' dirty tactics against the Fultons' underdog resilience. By late 1989 and into early 1990, the team also clashed with the ( and ), engaging in a series of matches that pitted the Fultons' experience against the young duo's Southern-style fire, including bouts on WCW where high spots and chain wrestling were prominent features. In early , the original Fantastics reunited for a return to AJPW, participating in events that allowed them to balance their international commitments with WCW appearances. On , , in , Fulton and Rogers, alongside , defeated ( and ) in a six-man tag match, underscoring their adaptability in the strong-style environment. This period marked a demanding schedule of trans-Pacific travel, with the team maintaining momentum in both promotions through selective bookings that prioritized key tours and feuds.

South Atlantic Pro Wrestling and Smoky Mountain Wrestling (1990–1992)

In late 1990, The Fantastics joined South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (SAPW), a regional promotion operating in the and Georgia, where they quickly established themselves as top contenders in the tag division. On December 29, 1990, and Tommy Rogers defeated The Pitbulldogs (Rex Humphreys and Spike Humphreys) to win the SAPW Tag Team Championship in . Their reign was short-lived, as the title was returned to The Pitbulldogs in January 1991 after the team failed to return for a defense within 15 days due to commitments on an tour. The duo reclaimed the SAPW Tag Team Championship on February 22, 1991, defeating The Pitbulldogs once again in , beginning a more substantial reign that lasted until August 31, 1991. During this period, they defended the titles successfully against various local teams, including jobber squads and enhancement talent, at house shows across the , emphasizing their fast-paced, high-flying offense to draw crowds in smaller venues. The reign ended abruptly when the promotion stripped them of the belts for no-shows related to scheduling conflicts, awarding the titles to The Stormtroopers (Helmut Hessler and Hans Schmidt) in . These defenses solidified their status as reliable draws in SAPW's limited circuit before transitioning to a new . In October 1991, The Fantastics debuted in (SMW), appearing at the promotion's inaugural TV taping on October 30 in , where they teamed to victory in an early showcase match. They soon entered a intense with The Heavenly Bodies ( and ), managed by , characterized by brawls and promos highlighting the contrast between the teams' styles—high-flying athleticism versus power-based aggression. This rivalry became a of SMW's early booking, playing out across TV tapings and live events in the Appalachian region. The feud escalated into SMW's in March and April 1992, with The Fantastics advancing through the first round by defeating Billy Black and Joel Deaton, followed by a semifinal win over The Maulers (Jack Victory and ). On April 23, 1992, in , they reached the tournament final but fell to The Heavenly Bodies via pinfall after 9:55, allowing the latter to become the inaugural SMW Champions. Despite the loss, the antagonism persisted through the summer, featuring rematches under no-disqualification rules, street fights, and disqualifications that built tension toward major stipulations. At SMW's Fire on the Mountain supercard on August 8, 1992, in , The Fantastics captured the SMW from The Heavenly Bodies in a barbed wire steel cage match lasting 13:18, with Fulton securing the pin after a grueling exchange. Their championship run proved fleeting, however, as they dropped the titles to The Heavenly Bodies just two days later on August 10 in a no-DQ bout. This cycle of contention underscored The Fantastics' role as resilient challengers in SMW's competitive tag scene during 1991–1992.

Extended All Japan Pro Wrestling tours (1990–1996)

The Fantastics, consisting of Tommy Rogers and , reunited for (AJPW) on January 2, 1990, embarking on an extended tour that marked a significant phase in their career as they adapted to the promotion's intense strong style wrestling. Their return began with the New Year Giant Series, where they immediately captured the AJPW by defeating champions and Samson Fuyuki on January 3 in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall. This victory showcased their high-flying offense meshed with AJPW's hard-hitting approach, earning them defenses against notable opponents during the tour, including a win over Mighty Inoue and Yoshinari Ogawa on January 7. The duo successfully defended the titles multiple times in 1990, including against challengers like and in August, solidifying their status as reliable performers in AJPW's ecosystem of long-term booking and grueling schedules. Building on this momentum, the Fantastics returned for annual tours from 1991 to 1994, consistently facing a mix of Japanese veterans and fellow foreign heels to highlight AJPW's emphasis on endurance and realism in matches. In 1991's Summer Action Series, they competed against teams like the Malenko brothers (Dean and Joe), losing a hard-fought bout on July 7, while securing victories such as over Isamu Teranishi and Mighty earlier in the tour. Their 1992 appearances included triumphs over Yoshinari Ogawa and on August 21, though they fell to the Can-Am Express (Dan Kroffat and ) on September 2, demonstrating their role in elevating undercard action amid AJPW's stacked roster. By 1993, during the New Year Giant Series, they defeated emerging talents like Yoshinari Ogawa and Takao Omori on January 1, and Satoru Asako and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi on January 17, while clashing with top such as and (as "The Masters") on January 8. In 1994's Super Power Series, wins over Masao and Yoshinari Ogawa on May 22, and Kentaro Shiga and Yoshinari Ogawa on June 3, underscored their continued adaptation, even in losses like to and Giant Kimala II on January 29. These tours often pitted them against powerhouses like and Steve Williams in multi-man formats, such as a 1992 Summer Action Series bout where they teamed with Danny Spivey against the pair and Tommy Angel, reinforcing AJPW's narrative of rivalries. The partnership's AJPW commitments extended into 1995 and 1996, with tours that blended veteran performances against rising stars and job squads to build draws. During the 1995 New Year Giant Series, they opened strong with a victory over Kentaro Shiga and Yoshinari Ogawa on January 5, followed by a win against and on January 15. In 1996, the Fantastics undertook two brief tours, including matches like against The Lacrosse and Brian Dyet on June 3. Their final appearance as a came on June 7 at Budokan Hall, defeating Kentaro Shiga and Satoru Asako in 8:10 to cap a legacy of consistent, workhorse contributions to AJPW's international appeal.

World Championship Wrestling returns (1994–1996)

After a period focused primarily on extended tours with , The Fantastics—consisting of and Tommy Rogers—made a sporadic return to (WCW) in late 1994. On October 30, 1994, the duo appeared on , issuing a challenge to the WCW World Tag Team Champions Stars 'n' Stripes (Marcus Bagwell and The Patriot) for a title opportunity, marking their re-entry into the promotion's division amid ongoing storylines involving patriotic-themed competitors. This appearance highlighted their continued high-flying style but did not immediately lead to a championship bout, as WCW prioritized other feuds at the time. Throughout 1995 and into 1996, The Fantastics competed in a series of television matches against established WCW tag teams, often utilizing variant lineups to accommodate scheduling conflicts during their commitments, though the core duo of Fulton and Rogers remained consistent in most outings. Notable encounters included a loss to (Booker T and ) on the June 18, 1995, episode of , where the champions retained their dominance with Sherri's interference aiding a pinfall victory after 8:42. They also faced The Blue Bloods (Lord Steven Regal and ) on the April 29, 1995, WCW , engaging in a technical showcase that emphasized the British aristocrats' brawling against the Americans' aerial assaults, ending in a 7:15 defeat for The Fantastics via Regal's submission hold. Additional bouts pitted them against remnants of earlier WCW factions, such as former York Foundation associate Terrence Taylor in preliminary pairings, and teams like Pretty Wonderful ( and ) on February 3, 1995, WCW programming, where they fell to the veterans' power moves after 6:50. These matches positioned The Fantastics as resilient challengers but rarely elevated them beyond mid-card status. By 1996, appearances grew even more limited due to the advent of in September 1995, which shifted the promotion's resources toward prime-time stars and the burgeoning Monday Night Wars, reducing syndication slots for established but non-headline acts like The Fantastics. Their final notable WCW television match came on the October 21, 1996, episode of , where they suffered a quick 5:18 loss to The (Meng and The Barbarian) in a hard-hitting encounter that underscored the islanders' brutal style overpowering the duo's speed. This bout, taped amid WCW's expanding roster, exemplified the challenges of securing consistent bookings as the company prioritized newer alliances and international crossovers, effectively concluding their intermittent WCW stint without major accolades.

World Wrestling Federation (1997)

In 1997, the Fantastics entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as part of the promotion's initiative to launch a division aimed at featuring high-flying, technical wrestlers under 220 pounds to counter WCW's cruiserweight success. Their television debut occurred on the June 16 episode of Monday Night Raw from , where and Tommy Rogers faced off in a singles match billed as the inaugural showcase for the new division. Rogers defeated Fulton via pinfall in 2:48 after a series of armdrags and dropkicks, with Fulton portraying a role by stalling and taunting the crowd to build antagonism between the longtime partners. This face-off match was designed to highlight internal team discord, as Fulton adopted aggressive tactics against his former tag partner, foreshadowing the Fantastics' eventual split and marking a rare singles confrontation for the duo in WWF. The bout, introduced by Sable, emphasized the division's focus on agile, fast-paced action but received limited follow-up due to the WWF's pivot toward the edgier Attitude Era style, which favored character-driven narratives over established tag teams like the Fantastics. Rogers advanced to another undercard appearance the same night on a taping of WWF Shotgun Saturday Night, facing Brian Christopher in a non-televised singles match that further tested his individual potential in the division. The pair's WWF run was confined to the undercard, with sporadic house show appearances against emerging light heavyweights such as , Devon Storm, and the duo of Christopher and Scott Taylor, where they typically worked as enhancement talent to elevate the division's newcomers. These matches, often lasting under 10 minutes, showcased the Fantastics' signature high spots like double-team armdrags and synchronized dives but failed to garner a sustained push amid the promotion's broader creative overhaul. By late summer, internal tensions and the WWF's emphasis on main-event storylines led to their quick departure, ending their brief experiment in the Light Heavyweight landscape.

Later years and reunions (1997–2020)

Following their brief stint in the World Wrestling Federation in 1997, the Fantastics—Tommy Rogers and Bobby Fulton—made sporadic appearances as a team on the independent wrestling circuit over the next several years. These reunions were infrequent, often tied to nostalgia events or regional promotions seeking to capitalize on their legacy from the 1980s and early 1990s. Notable instances included a steel cage match on January 18, 2005, in Southern Championship Wrestling (SCW), where they defeated the Midnight Express to win the vacant SCW Tag Team Championship. This was followed by their final match as the original duo on January 29, 2005, at WrestleReunion in Tampa, Florida, teaming with the Rock 'n' Roll Express to defeat members of the Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey, Bobby Eaton, Stan Lane, and manager Jim Cornette) in an eight-man elimination tag team bout. These outings highlighted their enduring chemistry but marked the end of their in-ring partnership, as accumulating injuries began to limit Rogers' participation. In January 2007, Rogers underwent surgery due to long-term injuries sustained throughout his career, prompting his full from at age 45. Fulton, however, continued wrestling independently, often performing under masks in various gimmicks such as the Masked Assassin or Masked Blue Angel to extend his career while protecting his identity in smaller promotions. These masked appearances allowed him to compete into his late 50s, primarily in regional shows across the , though he no longer teamed regularly as part of the Fantastics. On June 1, 2015, Rogers was found dead in his home at the age of 54; the cause of death was not publicly disclosed, though he had battled personal struggles including in his later years. In the wake of his passing, the wrestling community paid tribute through various memorials, including a special segment on the Tag Teams Back Again, where hosts discussed his contributions to . Fulton honored his partner by continuing to reference the Fantastics in interviews and by reforming a version of the team with —Rogers' early tag partner—as the "Original Fantastics" for select independent appearances starting in 2015. This reunion paid homage to their shared history while allowing Fulton to keep the team's spirit alive without Rogers. Fulton maintained an active schedule in independent promotions until July 16, 2020, when he announced his from full-time in-ring competition at age 59, citing the physical toll of age and health concerns after over four decades in the industry. Despite the , he occasionally made non-wrestling appearances and expressed openness to limited comeback bouts for special events, such as those with World Classic Professional Big Time Wrestling. This effectively closed the chapter on the Fantastics' active era, leaving their legacy preserved through archival footage and fan recollections.

Championships and accomplishments

Tag team championships

The Fantastics, consisting of Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers, captured numerous tag team championships across various promotions, establishing themselves as a prominent team in the 1980s and beyond. Their title reigns often highlighted their high-flying style and rivalries with teams like the Midnight Express.
ChampionshipPromotionNumber of ReignsKey Dates and Duration
NWA American Tag Team ChampionshipWorld Class Championship Wrestling2First reign: October 22, 1984 – January 11, 1985 (81 days); second reign: May 6, 1985 – June 24, 1985 (49 days)
AWA Southern Tag Team ChampionshipContinental Wrestling Association1January 13, 1986 – March 24, 1986 (70 days)
UWF Tag Team ChampionshipUniversal Wrestling Federation1March 30, 1986 – July 20, 1986 (112 days)
World Class Tag Team ChampionshipWorld Class Championship Wrestling1March 4, 1987 – April 21, 1987 (48 days, held up after match)
NWA United States Tag Team ChampionshipNational Wrestling Alliance / Jim Crockett Promotions2First reign: April 26, 1988 – July 10, 1988 (75 days); second reign: December 7, 1988 – December 26, 1988 (19 days)
SAPW Tag Team ChampionshipSouth Atlantic Pro Wrestling1December 29, 1990 – February 21, 1991 (54 days)
IWA Tag Team ChampionshipInternational Wrestling Association1August 13, 1994 (duration not specified; later career reign)
SCW Tag Team ChampionshipSouthern Championship Wrestling12005 (duration not specified; independent circuit reign, defeating the Midnight Express)

Other accomplishments

The Fantastics competed in prominent NWA events, showcasing their high-flying style against top competition. At on December 26, 1988, in , they faced The Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan and Steve Williams) in a match that highlighted their athleticism before a crowd of over 8,200. Earlier that year, on July 10, 1988, at in , , they battled The Midnight Express (Bobby and Stan ) in a fast-paced encounter attended by approximately 15,000 fans, further establishing their reputation in the territory. In tournament settings, the team achieved notable placements outside of championship pursuits. During the inaugural SMW Title Tournament from March 12 to April 23, 1992, The Fantastics ( and Jackie Fulton, using the team name in SMW) advanced to the finals by defeating teams like and The Batten Twins, ultimately finishing as runners-up after a loss to The Heavenly Bodies. The also secured titles in smaller promotions, contributing to their extensive resume across independent circuits. In Pro Wrestling America, they captured the PWA Championship on August 16, 1987, in , holding the belts for 77 days before vacating them upon departure from the territory. Their intense rivalry with The Midnight Express earned widespread acclaim, winning the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Feud of the Year award for 1988, as voted by the publication's subscribers for its dramatic storytelling and memorable matches.

Legacy

Influence on tag team wrestling

The Fantastics, consisting of and Tommy Rogers, played a pivotal role in advancing during the by pioneering synchronized high-flying maneuvers that contrasted sharply with the era's dominant power-based teams. Their signature double dropkicks and intricate aerial sequences, often executed in tandem against opponents like the Midnight Express, emphasized athletic precision and timing, elevating the visual and technical standards of tag matches in territorial promotions. Through intense feuds, particularly their prolonged rivalry with Express, the Fantastics contributed to richer storytelling in divisions by embodying resilient babyfaces who persevered through isolation tactics and brutal dominance. This dynamic not only heightened emotional investment from audiences but also influenced subsequent high-flying duos, such as those adopting a similar energetic, crowd-engaging style akin to that of the Rock 'n' Roll Express and other territorial teams, by demonstrating how aerial innovation could drive narrative tension and hot tags. Despite their contributions, the Fantastics remain somewhat overlooked in discussions of the golden era of , overshadowed by more prominently managed teams due to limited national exposure. In Mid-South Wrestling and (WCCW), they innovated by blending technical proficiency with high-flying flair against powerhouses, creating match structures that prioritized logical progression and over mere athleticism, which helped define the territorial tag division's emphasis on contrast and endurance. During their extended tours in from 1990 to 1996, the Fantastics adapted their American babyface style—characterized by charisma and aerial work—to the promotion's hard-hitting strong style, providing a model for tag teams navigating the demanding Japanese environment.

Recognition and tributes

The Fantastics' innovative style and high-energy matches earned them notable acclaim within the wrestling community. In 1986, their quarterfinal bout against The Sheepherders (Luke Williams and Butch Miller) at the NWA Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament received a rare five-star rating from of the , praised for its intense brawling and athletic exchanges that showcased the era's territorial grit. Following the death of Tommy Rogers on June 1, 2015, at age 54, tributes poured in from peers honoring his technical prowess and partnership with . Fulton, his longtime teammate, expressed profound grief in a public statement: "I am totally devastated by this loss. Words can't even describe it. Tommy blessed me with an amazing friendship for over 30 years. He was a brother to me. My heart is broken. I will miss him dearly." In March 2024, was inducted into the Hall of Fame during a ceremony in , where he began his career as a teenager. The honor acknowledged his decades-long impact, including his role in The Fantastics across multiple promotions like and the . As of 2025, discussions continue regarding their absence from major wrestling halls of fame, highlighting their enduring but underappreciated legacy.

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  80. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=405&page=4
  81. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/bobby-fulton/
  82. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3579
  83. https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-raw-1997/
  84. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3756
  85. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/wrestlereunion-tampa.html
  86. http://placetobenation.com/tag-teams-back-again-episode-6-special-edition-tommy-rogers-tribute/
  87. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/07/bobby-fulton-announces-retirement-from-pro-wrestling-672483/
  88. https://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/161943-bobby-fulton-announces-retirement-from-wrestling/
  89. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=55
  90. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/cwa/awa-s-t.html
  91. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=308
  92. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/wccw/wcwa-t.html
  93. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=153
  94. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=96
  95. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-us-t.html
  96. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3688
  97. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/midatlantic/sapw/sapw-t.html
  98. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=28&nr=33
  99. http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html
  100. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=4694
  101. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/mn/pwa/pwa-t.html
  102. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=97&nr=121
  103. https://tjrwrestling.net/feature/fantastics-sheepherders-nwa-1986/
  104. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NivVwY4lS34
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