Author: Today In Pro Wrestling History: On January 24, 1963, Lou Thesz defeated Buddy Rogers to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for the third time. However, a group of Northeastern US promoters refused to recognize the title change due to it occurring in a one-fall match and behind-the-scenes disagreements over Rogers’ bookings.
The Start of the WWF Champion
This match led to the creation of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (now WWE). In their subsequent rematch on February 7 in Toronto, Thesz won two falls to one. Rogers would later be recognized as the inaugural WWWF Champion in April.
This match is often seen as highly influential, laying the groundwork for significant changes in the New York territory and the future McMahon empire.
Thesz vs. Rogers in a prior 2 out of 3 falls match:
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