The World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), was officially founded in 1963 by Vincent J. McMahon and Toots Mondt. It emerged from the Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC), a regional wrestling promotion based in the northeastern United States. The founding of the WWF marked the beginning of what would become the most successful and globally recognized professional wrestling promotion in history.
Background and Context:
Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC): The story of the WWF begins with the Capitol Wrestling Corporation, which was established in 1953 by Jess McMahon, a boxing and wrestling promoter, and his son, Vincent J. McMahon. The CWC operated primarily in the northeastern United States, particularly in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. By the 1950s, CWC had become a member of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), the largest governing body of professional wrestling promotions at the time.
Vincent J. McMahon and Toots Mondt: After the death of Jess McMahon in 1954, his son Vincent J. McMahon took over the promotion's operations. In the late 1950s, McMahon formed a partnership with Toots Mondt, a veteran wrestling promoter, and former wrestler who had been influential in the development of modern professional wrestling. Mondt had previously worked with other major promoters and was known for his innovative ideas, including the concept of "slam-bang Western-style wrestling," which emphasized more action, brawling, and entertainment over the traditional mat-based wrestling style.
CWC’s Rise in the NWA: Under the leadership of McMahon and Mondt, CWC grew to become one of the most powerful and influential members of the NWA. The promotion had significant leverage due to its key television deal with the DuMont Television Network and its control over the lucrative New York territory, centered around Madison Square Garden.
The Split from the NWA (1963): The formation of the WWF was a direct result of a split with the NWA. In 1963, Buddy Rogers, who had been promoted heavily by the CWC and was a major draw in the Northeast, was the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion. However, Rogers lost the NWA title to Lou Thesz in a one-fall match instead of the usual best-of-three falls format, which upset McMahon and Mondt. They believed that Rogers' popularity, particularly in the Northeast, warranted him remaining as champion.
Founding of the WWWF: Following this disagreement, McMahon and Mondt decided to break away from the NWA and establish their own world championship. On April 25, 1963, they officially formed the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), which would later be renamed the WWF. They recognized Buddy Rogers as the first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion. The storyline reason given was that Rogers had won a fictitious tournament in Rio de Janeiro to become the inaugural champion.
Buddy Rogers and Bruno Sammartino: Just a month after the WWWF was founded, Buddy Rogers lost the title to Bruno Sammartino on May 17, 1963, at Madison Square Garden. Sammartino's victory marked the beginning of an era where he would become one of the most beloved and longest-reigning champions in wrestling history. Sammartino held the title for nearly eight consecutive years, establishing the WWWF as a major force in the wrestling world.
Development of the WWF in the 1960s and 1970s:
Focus on the Northeastern Market: After its founding, the WWWF focused on promoting events primarily in the northeastern United States. The promotion continued to operate within the NWA's framework, maintaining an affiliation with the NWA but promoting its own world championship separately. This strategy allowed the WWWF to build a strong local fanbase, particularly in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, where its television programs were widely viewed.
Promotional Strategy and Style: The WWWF, under McMahon and Mondt's leadership, focused on presenting larger-than-life wrestlers and more entertainment-oriented storylines compared to the more traditional style of the NWA. The promotion became known for its "big man" style, emphasizing powerhouses like Bruno Sammartino, Gorilla Monsoon, Bobo Brazil, and Pedro Morales, who would appeal to blue-collar audiences in the Northeast.
Rebranding to WWF: In 1979, the WWWF was renamed the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as part of an effort to modernize the promotion's image and reflect a more global ambition. Though Vincent J. McMahon still owned the company, he started to step back, with his son, Vincent K. McMahon, taking on a more significant role in the business.
Transition to Vince McMahon Jr. and Expansion:
Vincent K. McMahon Takes Over (1982): In 1982, Vincent K. McMahon purchased the WWF from his father. This marked a major turning point in professional wrestling history. Unlike his father, Vince Jr. envisioned the WWF as a national and even international brand, rather than a regional promotion confined to the Northeast. He began an aggressive expansion strategy that included acquiring television contracts, buying out competing promotions, and signing top talent from other territories.
Breaking Away from the NWA: Vince McMahon Jr. formally withdrew the WWF from the NWA in 1983, making the WWF fully independent. This move allowed McMahon to promote the WWF as the only major promotion in the United States with its own world championship, paving the way for the WWF's national and global expansion.
National Expansion and WrestleMania: Under Vince McMahon Jr., the WWF revolutionized professional wrestling, transforming it from a regional attraction into a worldwide phenomenon. The creation of WrestleMania in 1985 was a key moment in WWF history, showcasing a star-studded event that blended celebrity culture, mainstream entertainment, and professional wrestling. The success of WrestleMania established the WWF as the preeminent wrestling promotion in the world.
Legacy:
The WWF's founding marked a significant shift in the professional wrestling landscape, moving from the regional, territory-based system dominated by the NWA to a national and eventually global entertainment powerhouse.
The WWF's rise and Vince McMahon Jr.'s vision of wrestling as "sports entertainment" fundamentally changed the industry, influencing countless promotions worldwide and setting the standard for the modern era of professional wrestling.
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