From 1971 to 1979, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) experienced a period of both consolidation and upheaval. This era marked significant changes in leadership, the rise of new stars, and challenges to the organization's dominance in professional wrestling. While the NWA continued to operate as the central governing body of many regional territories, internal conflicts, competition, and the shifting wrestling landscape would begin to test its unity and influence.
1971-1973: The End of Dory Funk Jr.'s Reign and the Rise of Harley Race
1971 marked the end of Dory Funk Jr.'s long reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Funk held the title for over four years, one of the longest reigns in history, and defended it against a wide range of challengers across the NWA territories. His reign was seen as a stabilizing force within the organization, as he was considered a reliable, credible champion who could work with different styles and promoters.
In 1973, Harley Race defeated Dory Funk Jr. to win his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Race was a versatile wrestler known for his toughness and adaptability, which made him an ideal champion in an era when the NWA needed a credible figure who could draw fans across various territories. However, his first reign was short-lived, as he lost the title back to Jack Brisco later that same year.
Jack Brisco emerged as a new face of the NWA during this period. Brisco, a former amateur wrestling champion with a polished technical style, was a natural athlete and a charismatic figure who appealed to a wide audience. He won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from Harley Race in 1973 and held it for several years, further establishing himself as one of the premier wrestlers of the 1970s.
1974-1977: The Brisco Era and the NWA's Continued Expansion
Jack Brisco's reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion (1973-1975) was marked by a series of high-quality matches and feuds that helped raise the profile of the NWA across its territories. Brisco defended the title in classic bouts against a range of challengers, including Dory Funk Jr., Terry Funk, Harley Race, and others. His technical skills and ability to sell his opponent's offense made him a respected champion in the eyes of both promoters and fans.
In 1975, Terry Funk won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from Jack Brisco. Funk, like his brother Dory, came from a wrestling family and was known for his brawling style, charismatic personality, and willingness to travel extensively to defend the title. His reign added a different flavor to the NWA’s championship lineage, with his unique style appealing to both traditional wrestling fans and those who favored a more unpredictable, chaotic approach.
During the mid-1970s, the NWA also saw the rise of new territories and the growth of existing ones. Jim Crockett Promotions in the Carolinas, Georgia Championship Wrestling, and Mid-South Wrestling (led by Bill Watts) became increasingly influential within the NWA. These territories began to expand their television reach and attracted top talent, further solidifying the NWA's reach across the United States.
Japan continued to be an important market for the NWA. The NWA maintained strong relationships with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), led by Giant Baba, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), led by Antonio Inoki. Both promotions recognized the NWA World Heavyweight Champion as a prestigious title, and the champion often toured Japan to defend the belt, further establishing the NWA’s global presence.
1977-1979: Harley Race Reclaims the Title and the NWA Faces Challenges
In 1977, Harley Race won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for the second time by defeating Terry Funk. Race’s second reign was far more substantial than his first, lasting until 1981. During this time, Race became one of the most respected champions in NWA history. He was known for his toughness, in-ring skill, and his ability to draw large crowds in various territories.
Race defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and even parts of Europe. His willingness to work in different styles and with various opponents made him a versatile champion and helped maintain the NWA's reputation during a period of growing competition.
The late 1970s saw the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), both of which had previously been part of the NWA, continue to grow in prominence. The AWA, led by Verne Gagne, had a stronghold in the Midwest, while the WWWF, led by Vincent J. McMahon Sr., continued to dominate the Northeastern United States. Both organizations promoted their own world champions, creating more competition for the NWA and challenging its status as the premier governing body in wrestling.
Internal tensions began to surface within the NWA during this period, particularly over the booking of the world champion and disagreements between promoters over talent exchanges and television rights. The NWA's territorial structure required cooperation between competing promoters, but as the wrestling business became more lucrative, these alliances were increasingly tested.
1979: Major Changes and the Return of Sam Muchnick
Sam Muchnick, who had been one of the founding members of the NWA and a long-time president, stepped down from his role in 1975 but returned to the presidency in 1978 to help manage growing tensions and reassert control over the organization. Muchnick was respected for his fairness and his ability to mediate between the various factions within the NWA.
Muchnick's return coincided with the beginning of significant changes in the wrestling industry. As cable television began to expand in the late 1970s, wrestling promotions started to recognize the potential for national exposure. Georgia Championship Wrestling was among the first territories to secure a national TV deal, airing on WTBS (a superstation owned by Ted Turner), which began to expose the NWA to a broader audience beyond its regional bases.
By 1979, it became clear that the wrestling industry was on the cusp of a major transformation. The NWA, while still the dominant governing body, was facing increasing competition from both within and outside its ranks. Promotions like the AWA and WWWF were starting to assert their independence more forcefully, and technological changes such as cable television were beginning to alter the traditional territorial model.
Key Developments from 1971-1979:
The Brisco and Funk Reigns: Jack Brisco and Terry Funk became major stars during this period, holding the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and representing the NWA across the globe. Their reigns helped maintain the NWA's credibility and appeal during a time of change.
Harley Race's Ascendance: Harley Race’s second reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion marked a period of stability and credibility for the NWA. Race’s ability to adapt to different territories, styles, and opponents made him a respected champion and a major draw for the NWA.
Growing Competition from Other Promotions: The AWA and WWWF continued to grow and challenge the NWA’s dominance, with their own world champions gaining recognition. This increased competition began to test the NWA's claims to being the only legitimate governing body in professional wrestling.
Internal Struggles and Leadership Changes: The NWA faced internal struggles over booking decisions, television rights, and talent exchanges. Sam Muchnick's return to the presidency in 1978 helped stabilize the organization temporarily, but underlying tensions remained.
The Emergence of Cable Television: The rise of cable television began to change the way wrestling was presented and consumed. Promotions like Georgia Championship Wrestling started to gain national exposure, setting the stage for the eventual nationalization of the wrestling business in the 1980s.
Legacy of the NWA from 1971-1979:
The period from 1971 to 1979 was a transitional era for the NWA. The organization continued to maintain its dominance as the central governing body for professional wrestling, but cracks began to show in its foundation. The rise of new stars like Harley Race, Jack Brisco, and Terry Funk helped to keep the NWA relevant, but growing competition from the AWA and WWWF, along with the expansion of cable television, began to challenge the NWA's territorial model. As the 1980s approached, the NWA faced a rapidly changing wrestling landscape, where the old rules would soon no longer apply.
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