The now-legendary Graham vs. Race match took place as a direct result of Vince McMahon, Sr. re-joining the NWA in 1971, after nearly a decade of running the WWWF independently of the large national coalition of promoters.  The first NWA vs. WWWF title match took place in 1978, deep in the heart of NWA territory -- Miami, FL.  The historic 2 out of 3 falls bout was held at a venue befitting such a monumental event, The Orange Bowl.  To add further mystique and preceived importance to the match, officials from both groups were on hand -- NWA President Eddie Graham and WWWF representative Gorilla Monsoon.

Here we see Graham using his size and strength advantage to control the rugged NWA champ early on in the match.  By the time the sixty minute time limit had passed, both combatants were a bloody -- but undefeated -- mess.