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Pro Wrestling Stories
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Wrestling Territories

From outlaws to ghost territories to powerhouses of the NWA, road stories, backhanded dealings, and beyond, learn the history of many of your favorite wrestling territories and the demise each sadly faced.

From outlaws to ghost territories to powerhouses of the NWA, road stories, backhanded dealings, and beyond, learn the history of many of your favorite wrestling territories and the demise each sadly faced.

The Western States Sports wrestling territory thrived under the helm of Dory Funk Sr., Dory Funk, Jr., and Terry Funk, and stars such as Mike DiBiase, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Ciclón Negro, The Von Brauners, Fritz Von Erich, Don "The Lawman" Slatton, Gory Guerrero, Ricky Romero, and a host of others.

Western States Sports – Funk Amarillo Territory | The Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Apr 22, 2023

The Funk’s Western States Sports wrestling territory out of Amarillo took wrestling to great heights. Here’s the story of its rise and demise.

Betrayal, disloyalty, and mob tactics ran rampant between Ann Gunkel and the NWA with their Battle for Atlanta!

Ann Gunkel and the NWA’s Heated Battle for Atlanta

by Javier Ojst  Jul 14, 2023

Betrayal, disloyalty, and mob tactics ran rampant between Ann Gunkel and the NWA with their Battle for Atlanta!

The Big Time Wrestling in Detroit (BTW) wrestling territory thrived initially under the tutelage of Harry Light and stars such as Lord Athol Layton, Walter "Killer" Kowalski, Abdullah the Butcher, The Mighty Igor, The Sheik, Dick The Bruiser, "Wild Bull" Curry, Fritz Von Erich, Bobo Brazil, The Grand Wizard of Wrestling, and a host of others.

Big Time Wrestling in Detroit | Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Apr 22, 2023

Big Time Wrestling in Detroit was one of the most successful NWA territories and introduced fans to hardcore wrestling before anyone else.

The United States Wrestling Association (USWA) wrestling territory thrived with stars such as Jerry "The King" Lawler, Sid Vicious, Jeff Jarrett, announcer Lance Russell, Nightmare Danny Davis, The Punisher (later the Undertaker), manager Skandor Akbar, Cactus Jack Manson (Mick Foley), "Stunning Steve Austin, Brian Christopher, "Gentleman" Chris Adams, Miss Texas (Jacqueline Moore), Eric Embry, and a host of others.

United States Wrestling Association (USWA) | Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Apr 22, 2023

The United States Wrestling Association (USWA) saw many young stars come through its doors that rattled the wrestling game to its core!

A heel Vince McMahon on USWA television in 1993 and Jerry "The King" Lawler.

Vince McMahon’s WWF and Jerry Lawler’s USWA: A Secret War!

by Javier Ojst  Mar 1, 2023

The war between Vince McMahon and Jerry “The King” Lawler and the time Vince and several WWF stars invaded the USWA in Memphis.

The World Wrestling Association (WWA Indianapolis) wrestling territory thrived under the tutelage of Dick The Bruiser (after purchasing the NWA Indianapolis territory from Jim Barnett with Wilbur Snyder in 1964) and stars such as Baron von Raschke, Big Moose Cholak, Wilbur Snyder, The Great Wojo, Bobby Heenan, Scott Steiner, The Valiant Brothers (Johnny, Jimmy, and Jerry), The Assassins (Joe Tomasso and Guy Mitchell), Ox Baker, The Fabulous Kangaroos, and a host of others.

World Wrestling Association: WWA Indianapolis Wrestling Territory

by Jim Phillips  Apr 22, 2023

World Wrestling Association (WWA Indianapolis) was a territory created out of rebellion with a legacy going back to the creation of the NWA.

The Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW) wrestling territory thrived with stars such as Jack and Jerry Brisco, "The Minnesota Wrecking Crew" Ole and Arn Anderson, El Mongol, The Masked Superstar, Abdullah the Butcher, promoter Jim Barnett, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, Mr. Wrestling II, "The Fabulous Freebirds" Terry Gordy and Michael Hayes, "Wildfire" Tommy Rich, The Assassins, Seth Hansen, and a host of others.

Georgia Championship Wrestling | Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Mar 10, 2023

Georgia Championship Wrestling was a prolific wrestling territory. However, greed, backstabbing, and Vince McMahon would lead to its demise.

This is the story of Ring of Honor, who epitomized the very best of professional wrestling - as told by those who lived and breathed it.

Ring of Honor: Epitomizing The Very Best

by Ian Aldous  Aug 23, 2023

This is the story of Ring of Honor, who epitomized the very best of professional wrestling – as told by those who lived and breathed…

Verne Gagne over the years.

Verne Gagne and the Rise and Fall of the AWA

by Jim Phillips  Apr 22, 2023

From his storied sports career to the AWA, rumors about Hulk Hogan, and troubling final days, this is the unforgettable story of Verne Gagne.

The Portland Northwest (PNW) Wrestling territory, initially under the tutelage of Ted Thye (top left) and later Don Owen (bottom left), thrived with stars such as (from left to right) Beauregarde, the Von Steigers (Kurt and Karl), Elton Owen, Sandy Barr, Billy Jack (later Haynes), Jimmy Snuka, Stan Stasiak, Moondog Lonnie Mayne, Dutch Savage, Terrible Tony Borne, The Royal Kangaroos ("Lord" Jonathan Boyd and Norman Frederick Charles III), Ed Wiskoski (later Colonel DeBeers), The Grappler (Len Denton), Shag Thomas, Rip Oliver, Roddy Piper, Buddy Rose, and a host of others.

Pacific Northwest Wrestling (Portland) | The Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Jul 26, 2024

Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW) was an NWA wrestling territory based in Portland, Oregon that produced iconic names until its sad demise.

The International Championship Wrestling (ICW) territory, under the tutelage of Angelo Poffo and his sons, Randy Poffo (Savage) and Lanny Poffo, thrived with stars such as (from left to right) Miss Elizabeth Hulette, “Hustler” Rip Rogers, George Weingeroff, Gary Royal, “Ratamyus” Bill Howard, “Pistol” Pez Whatley, “The Devils Duo” Doug Vines and Jeff Sword with manager Izzy Slapawitz, Mike Doggendorf, “Crusher Broomfield” George Gray (later known as One Man Gang and Akeem), Barry O (Orton), Bob Roop, Ox Baker, “Ginger” the Wrestling Bear, Ron Wright, Ronnie Garvin, The Great Boris Malenko, Bob Orton, The Mizer, and a host of others. Artwork by Pro Wrestling Stories.

ICW Wrestling Territory: The Poffo Family’s Outlaw Promotion

by Jim Phillips  Nov 13, 2024

Angelo Poffo, Randy Savage, and Lanny Poffo’s ICW wrestling territory defied conventions, forged legends, and reshaped wrestling history.

The Big Time Wrestling in San Fransisco wrestling territory thrived initially under the tutelage of Joe Malcewicz (top left) and later Roy Shire (top right) and stars such as Pat Patterson, Ray Stevens, Roddy Piper, Pepper Gomez, booker Red Bastien, Chavo (Sr.) and Mando Guerrero, "Moondog" Lonnie Mayne, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, and a host of others.

Big Time Wrestling in San Francisco | Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Apr 22, 2023

Big Time Wrestling in San Francisco was one of the most profitable NWA territories. However, unfortunate factors would lead to its demise.

The Mid-South Wrestling Association wrestling territory thrived with the cast of "Cowboy" Bill Watts, Boyd Pierce, Mr. Olympia, The Junkyard Dog, Jim Ross, Jim Cornette, Bobby Eaton, and Dennis Condrey of The Midnight Express, Buddy Landel, Mr. Wrestling II, Magnum T.A., Ted DiBiase, Dr. Death Steve Williams, Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton of The Rock 'n' Roll Express, Kamala, Butch Read, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and a host of others.

Mid-South Wrestling Association | The Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Mar 10, 2023

Mid-South Wrestling Association was one of the hottest wrestling promotions of the 1980s. Its ultimate demise leaves its mark in history.

The Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) wrestling territory thrived with stars such as Jack and Jerry Brisco,

Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF): Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Apr 22, 2023

Championship Wrestling from Florida saw wrestling’s finest travel through its doors. However, it is its tragic demise that leaves its mark.

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla has thrived since 2003 with star alumni such as Adam Pearce, Kevin Steen (Kevin Owens), AJ Styles, Uhaa Nation (Apollo Crews), Frankie Kazarian, Adam Cole, El Generico (Sami Zayn), CM Punk, Colt Cabana, Tyler Black (Seth Rollins), Kenny Omega, Bryan Danielson (FKA Daniel Bryan), Claudio Castagnoli (FKA Cesaro), Johnny Gargano, and a host of others.

PWG: The Untold Story of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla

by Jordan Talbot  Apr 14, 2025

Before WWE & AEW, today’s biggest stars cut their teeth in SoCal’s Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). Discover its untold story!

The NWA Central States Wrestling territory thrived under the tutelage of Bob Giegel (center) and stars such as (from left to right) Harley Race, "Tarzan" Killer Kowalski, Sonny Myers, Mike George, Black Angus Campbell, Steve Regal, "Bulldog" Bob Brown, Dewey Robertson (pre-Missing Link), Wild Bill Longson, "The Big O" Bob Orton Sr., Danny Little Bear, "Nature Boy" Roger Kirby, Orville Brown, "The Freight Train" Rufus R. Jones, and a host of others.

NWA Central States Wrestling: The Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Nov 10, 2023

Central States Wrestling (Heart of America Sports Attractions) was one of the original NWA territories that thrived until its demise in 1989.

The forgotten Pensacola Wrestling territory, known by three names—Southeastern Wrestling, Continental Championship Wrestling, and CWF—left an indelible mark on WWE. Its influence lingers in the ring, shaping the stars and storylines of today’s wrestling world.

A Ghost Story: The Territory That Still Haunts WWE

by Bobby Mathews  Oct 24, 2024

This lost wrestling territory, once known as Southeastern and Continental Championship Wrestling, still haunts WWE in unexpected ways.

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    • HOMAGE.com – Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! (Use code “PWS” for a nice surprise)
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    • Women Wrestling Pioneers
    • Shoot Fights
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      • Pro Wrestling Stories Presents (2015)
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