Joseph ‘Toots’ Mondt

Joseph “Toots” Mondt was a revolutionary figure in professional wrestling who not only excelled as a wrestler but also became one of the most influential promoters in the history of the sport. Born in 1894, Mondt's contributions to professional wrestling include the creation of the "Slam Bang Western Style" of wrestling and his critical role in the founding and expansion of Capitol Wrestling Corporation, the precursor to the **World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)**, later known as **WWE**.

### **Early Career and Contributions to Wrestling:**

1. **Early Wrestling Career and Involvement with Farmer Burns:**

- Toots Mondt began his wrestling career in the early 1910s under the tutelage of the legendary wrestling coach **Martin "Farmer" Burns**, who was one of the most respected trainers of his time. Under Burns’ guidance, Mondt developed his wrestling skills and gained a deep understanding of the wrestling business.

- Burns was a traditionalist who emphasized wrestling's roots in legitimate athletic competition, but Mondt had a different vision. He believed wrestling needed to evolve to appeal to a broader audience, so he began to experiment with new styles and presentation methods.

2. **Development of "Slam Bang Western Style" Wrestling:**

- In the 1920s, Mondt innovated a new style of wrestling he called the "Slam Bang Western Style," which emphasized a faster-paced, more action-oriented approach that incorporated elements of boxing, brawling, and amateur wrestling. This style differed from the traditional, slower-paced wrestling matches that focused primarily on holds and submissions.

- Mondt's vision was to create a more entertaining product that would appeal to larger crowds. His approach helped to popularize professional wrestling, making it more of a spectacle and paving the way for its evolution into a form of entertainment with predetermined outcomes.

### **Promotional Career and the Development of Territories:**

1. **Partnership with Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Billy Sandow:**

- In the early 1920s, Toots Mondt partnered with **Ed "Strangler" Lewis**—the reigning world heavyweight champion—and **Billy Sandow**, Lewis's manager, to form a syndicate known as the "Gold Dust Trio." Together, they revolutionized professional wrestling by promoting their shows under Mondt's new, exciting style.

- The Gold Dust Trio controlled most of the wrestling business in the 1920s, booking top wrestlers and touring them across different regions. They introduced concepts such as time limits, "worked" matches (predetermined outcomes), and tag team wrestling, which became staples of the sport.

2. **Expansion into Various Territories:**

- After the dissolution of the Gold Dust Trio in the late 1920s, Mondt went on to establish himself as a promoter in various territories throughout the United States. His innovative style made him a key figure in wrestling, and he continued to exert considerable influence over the direction of the sport.

- During the 1930s and 1940s, Mondt promoted wrestling events in various territories, including the Northeast and Midwest. He developed strong connections with other promoters and wrestlers, maintaining control over several markets by strategically aligning himself with influential figures in wrestling. He was known to have interests in territories around Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York, and other cities where wrestling had become popular.

### **Formation of Capitol Wrestling Corporation and the Rise of the WWWF:**

1. **Partnership with Vincent J. McMahon:**

- In the early 1950s, Mondt's career took a significant turn when he partnered with **Vincent J. McMahon**, a former boxing promoter who saw an opportunity to expand professional wrestling in the Northeast. Together, they formed the **Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC)** in **1953**, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

- Mondt and McMahon began promoting shows at various venues in the Northeast, including the prestigious **Madison Square Garden** in New York City. They joined the **National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)** in 1953, using the alliance’s recognition to bring the NWA World Heavyweight Champion to their territory. This affiliation helped them gain legitimacy and attract top talent to their shows.

2. **Breaking Away from the NWA:**

- Despite their initial success, tensions began to rise between Capitol Wrestling Corporation and the NWA. Mondt and McMahon were frustrated with the NWA’s strict booking policies and its reluctance to give their region's wrestlers title opportunities. Mondt, who was known for his assertive and aggressive business tactics, wanted more control over the championship picture and the talent in his territory.

- In **1963**, CWC officially broke away from the NWA, following a disagreement over the booking of Buddy Rogers, who was then the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Mondt and McMahon had positioned Rogers as the face of their promotion, but the NWA wanted the title returned to Lou Thesz. Mondt and McMahon refused, leading to the formation of the **World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)**. Rogers was then declared the first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion.

3. **Control and Promotion of the New York Territory:**

- With the formation of the WWWF, Mondt and McMahon concentrated their efforts on controlling the New York territory, which was considered one of the most lucrative markets in professional wrestling. Mondt’s experience as a promoter and his connections with various wrestlers allowed the WWWF to quickly establish itself as the dominant wrestling organization in the region.

- Mondt and McMahon capitalized on the popularity of local television by securing key broadcast deals that enabled them to air wrestling programs across the Northeast. This exposure helped build a loyal fan base and made the WWWF one of the most recognizable brands in professional wrestling.

### **Later Years and Legacy:**

1. **Decline in Involvement and Passing:**

- As the 1960s progressed, Toots Mondt began to reduce his involvement in the day-to-day operations of the WWWF. He continued to work closely with Vincent J. McMahon but increasingly took on a more behind-the-scenes role. By the 1970s, McMahon had assumed greater control of the promotion, eventually transitioning it to his son, **Vincent K. McMahon**.

- Toots Mondt passed away in **1976**, but his impact on the professional wrestling industry continued to be felt long after his death. He was regarded as one of the most innovative and influential figures in wrestling history, having played a crucial role in shaping the sport's modern presentation and business model.

2. **Influence and Contributions:**

- Toots Mondt’s innovations in the 1920s and his vision for a more entertaining style of wrestling helped transform the sport from a legitimate athletic competition to a form of sports entertainment. His "Slam Bang Western Style" set the stage for the evolution of wrestling as a spectator event that emphasized drama, storytelling, and character development.

- His partnership with Vincent J. McMahon and the founding of the Capitol Wrestling Corporation laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the global phenomenon known as WWE. Mondt's ability to adapt to changes in the business, including the advent of television, helped propel wrestling into the mainstream consciousness.

### **Conclusion:**

Toots Mondt’s career spanned several decades and encompassed nearly every aspect of professional wrestling—from wrestler to promoter to visionary. His efforts to reshape wrestling into a more entertaining product helped the sport grow in popularity, ultimately leading to the establishment of one of the most successful wrestling promotions in history. His partnership with Vincent J. McMahon and the creation of the WWWF marked the beginning of a new era in wrestling that continues to impact the industry today.