The wrestling history in California traces back to the era of traveling carnivals and the earliest versions of what would soon evolve into professional wrestling.
Because of its geographical separation from the rest of the wrestling scene, the West Coast had a particularly localized wrestling scene. Joe Malcewicz was one of the pioneering figures who began bridging that gap and expanding wrestling's reach in the region.
Roy Shire Gets InvolvedRoy Shire, nicknamed "The Professor" among San Francisco area fans, was a wrestler who spent several years working for Joe Malcewicz during the 1950s.
Arenas like The Kiel, The Sportatorium, MSG, The Omni, and The Cow Palace in San Francisco all have identities of their own that wrestling only helped to bolster.
For years, it was one of the most profitable territories under the NWA banner. However, dwindling attendance and an unfortunate health scare would lead to the promotion’s demise.