Get ready, wrestling fans. FloWrestling is bringing you an unprecedented look into one of the most iconic moments in collegiate wrestling history. "The Dual of the Decade: The 1986 Iowa vs. Iowa State Wrestling Classic," is available for free on FloWrestling. This series dives deep into the unforgettable showdown between two wrestling powerhouses—Iowa and Iowa State—in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest duals ever.

The Setup: A Rivalry for the Ages

It was February 23, 1986, when Dan Gable’s top-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes traveled to Ames to take on Jim Gibbons’ second-ranked Iowa State Cyclones in front of a packed Hilton Coliseum crowd. The stakes couldn’t have been higher. Iowa was in the midst of a dynasty, dominating the NCAA under Gable’s leadership. Iowa State, led by the young and determined Gibbons, was eager to challenge their arch rivals and prove they belonged at the top.

This dual had it all: fierce competition, intense rivalries, and a crowd of over 15,000 fans roaring with every move. The drama unfolded across ten matches, each brimming with tension, and the final outcome came down to the heavyweight bout. It was wrestling at its finest—raw, unpredictable, and unforgettable.

Episode 1: Setting the Stage

The first episode of the series takes viewers back to the mid-1980s, a golden era for collegiate wrestling. Through a combination of archival footage and fresh interviews, Episode 1 sets the stage for the historic dual.

Dan Gable and Jim Gibbons anchor the series, sitting down together in an engaging two-man interview to reflect on the rivalry, the buildup to the dual, and the immense pressure both teams faced. Their candid insights, paired with perspectives from the wrestlers who competed that night, paint a vivid picture of what made this dual so special.

Episode 1 introduces the key players, and sets the stage for what's to come. You’ll hear firsthand how they prepared for the match of their lives and what it meant to step onto the mat in such a charged environment.

A Weekly Journey Through Wrestling History

This series is more than a recap of a single event; it’s a celebration of the athletes, coaches, and fans who made wrestling history. Each week, a new episode will be featured, delving deeper into the dual, match by match, moment by moment. From thrilling victories to heart-wrenching defeats, the series captures the essence of what made this dual one for the ages.

Watch Episode 1 Now

Episode 1 is now streaming for free on FloWrestling. Don’t miss this chance to relive the buildup to the historic 1986 dual and get an insider’s look at the rivalry that defined an era. Check back next week as we continue the journey with Episode 2, diving into the action as it unfolds on the mat.

Episode 2: Momentum Swings

Now, the battle intensifies. Episode 2 covers the 126, 134, and 142-pound matches, as Iowa looks to fight back while Iowa State aims to extend its lead.

First, we meet Iowa’s 126-pounder, Brad Penrith, known as "The Flea." Through interviews with Iowa wrestlers and coaches, we gain insight into Penrith’s relentless style and impact on the team. However, he falls in a tough match to Iowa State’s Bill Kelly, keeping the momentum in the Cyclones' favor and extending their lead to 9-0.

The focus then shifts to the Gibbons family, as brothers Jeff and Joe Gibbons take the mat for Iowa State, competing under the leadership of their older brother, head coach Jim Gibbons. Both Gibbons brothers fight hard but come up short, with Iowa winning back-to-back matches to close the team score to 9-6. With six matches remaining, the intensity only builds from here.

Watch Episode 2 Now

Episode 2 is now streaming for free on FloWrestling. Relive the momentum swings and fierce competition as the battle continues to unfold. 

Stay tuned to FloWrestling each week as we feature a new chapter in the story of the 1986 Dual of the Decade. Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling fan or new to the sport, this is a series you won’t want to mis