 Their name was reference to the fact that its two prominent members, Muta and Funk, were from Japan and Texas, respectively.The group was conceived in July 1989, feuding primarily with NWA World Champion Ric Flair and Sting and then with the Four Horsemen after their surprise reformation later that year.Prior to the Horsemen's reformation, Flair and Sting defeated Slater and Muta by disqualification at Clash of the Champions VIII on September 12, 1989.