World Wrestling Association: WWA Indianapolis Wrestling Territory

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World Wrestling Association (WWA) was a wrestling territory built out of rebellion and on a legacy that goes back to the foundation of the NWA. Learn more

While it was a small, center-of-the-country promotion, its impact was felt coast to coast until 1989, when it met its unfortunate demise.

The Rise and Fall of World Wrestling Association: WWA Indianapolis

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The year was 1964, and midwestern standout wrestler Dick the Bruiser (William Afflis) decided to break away from the NWA affiliate in Detroit and start his brand in his home state of Indiana.

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Along with fellow wrestler Wilbur Snyder, the two purchased the NWA Indianapolis territory from Jim Barnett, who was amassing capital for a new venture in Australia. They formed Championship Wrestling of Indiana as their parent company, and the WWA was founded shortly after.

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Purchasing the Territory from Wrestling Promoter Jim Barnett

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There are a few schools of thought on exactly how and why Jim Barnett left the area for Australia. One is that he was making a swift departure to avoid a brewing scandal surrounding himself, the University of Kentucky football team, and several instances of indiscretion. Whatever the case, big changes soon came!

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