Let's focus on the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and its territorial system, which was the backbone of professional wrestling in North America from the 1940s through the 1980s. Here’s a look at the Top 10 NWA territories and why they were considered significant:
1. Jim Crockett Promotions (Mid-Atlantic Territory)
Base: Charlotte, North Carolina
Promoters: Jim Crockett Sr. and Jim Crockett Jr.
Why It Was Important: Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) became the flagship territory of the NWA in the 1980s. Known for its strong TV presence, particularly with programs like “World Championship Wrestling” on TBS, JCP featured stars like Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, the Four Horsemen, and Ricky Steamboat. JCP was crucial in representing the NWA during its national expansion attempts and eventually led to the formation of World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
2. Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW)
Base: Atlanta, Georgia
Promoters: Jim Barnett, Paul Jones
Why It Was Important: GCW was one of the most influential NWA territories due to its national television exposure on WTBS, the "Superstation." Under Jim Barnett’s leadership, GCW became the first NWA territory to broadcast wrestling nationwide via cable TV, significantly increasing the NWA's exposure and popularity. Stars like Tommy Rich, Mr. Wrestling II, and Buzz Sawyer became household names through GCW.
3. Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF)
Base: Tampa, Florida
Promoters: Eddie Graham
Why It Was Important: Eddie Graham's CWF was known for its innovative booking, technical wrestling, and dramatic storylines. Florida produced numerous wrestling stars, including Dusty Rhodes, Jack Brisco, Kevin Sullivan, and Barry Windham. Graham's influence within the NWA made CWF a key territory for developing new talent and testing new booking ideas. The Florida territory was also known for the legendary “Florida Heavyweight Championship” and numerous intense feuds.
4. Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW)
Base: Portland, Oregon
Promoters: Don Owen
Why It Was Important: PNW was one of the longest-running territories in NWA history. Don Owen’s promotion became a proving ground for new talent, developing future stars like Roddy Piper, Billy Jack Haynes, Buddy Rose, and Rick Martel. Owen’s commitment to wrestling’s integrity and his fair treatment of wrestlers made PNW a respected territory that consistently produced high-quality matches and compelling feuds.
5. St. Louis Wrestling Club
Base: St. Louis, Missouri
Promoters: Sam Muchnick, later Bob Geigel
Why It Was Important: St. Louis was the hub of the NWA’s power, as Sam Muchnick served as the NWA President for many years. The St. Louis Wrestling Club promoted "Wrestling at the Chase," a legendary television show that became a hallmark of the NWA’s prestige. The territory was known for featuring the NWA World Heavyweight Champion frequently, giving it a reputation for high-caliber wrestling and top-tier competition.
6. Maple Leaf Wrestling
Base: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Promoters: Frank Tunney, later Jack Tunney
Why It Was Important: Maple Leaf Wrestling was the main NWA outpost in Canada. Frank Tunney was a key figure in the NWA, and the territory regularly featured the NWA World Heavyweight Champion in high-profile matches at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. Wrestlers like Whipper Billy Watson, Gene Kiniski, and Dewey Robertson were staples in the territory, and its alliance with both the NWA and later the WWF underscored its strategic importance.
7. Big Time Wrestling (Detroit)
Base: Detroit, Michigan
Promoters: Ed "The Sheik" Farhat
Why It Was Important: Big Time Wrestling in Detroit, led by The Sheik, was known for its hardcore, bloody style and featured one of the most notorious heels in wrestling history in The Sheik himself. The territory had a unique presentation that featured wild brawls and outlandish characters, influencing the hardcore style that would become popular in later decades. It was a highly profitable territory in the 1960s and 1970s, drawing huge crowds to Cobo Hall in Detroit.
8. Central States Wrestling
Base: Kansas City, Missouri
Promoters: Bob Geigel, Pat O'Connor
Why It Was Important: Central States Wrestling was a key Midwestern territory that acted as a breeding ground for future stars and provided a platform for NWA talent. It was also crucial in the political landscape of the NWA, with promoter Bob Geigel serving as NWA President for a period. Stars like Harley Race, Bulldog Bob Brown, and Ox Baker were prominently featured in this territory.
9. Western States Sports
Base: Amarillo, Texas
Promoters: Dory Funk Sr., later Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk
Why It Was Important: The Amarillo territory was run by the Funk family, with Dory Funk Sr. laying the groundwork for its success. The promotion was known for its technical wrestling and toughness, with Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk as its top stars. Amarillo was a training ground for many wrestling legends, including Stan Hansen, Dick Murdoch, and Bruiser Brody, making it a significant feeder territory for the entire wrestling industry.
10. Houston Wrestling
Base: Houston, Texas
Promoters: Paul Boesch
Why It Was Important: Houston Wrestling was run by Paul Boesch, one of the most respected and innovative promoters in the NWA. Known for promoting great wrestling matches at the Sam Houston Coliseum, Boesch’s Houston territory often featured the NWA World Heavyweight Champion in marquee matches. The territory was a critical hub for top NWA talent and had a strong television presence, showcasing stars like Johnny Valentine, Wahoo McDaniel, Gino Hernandez, and Junkyard Dog.
Conclusion:
These top 10 territories were the backbone of the NWA, contributing to its dominance in professional wrestling for several decades. Each had its unique flavor, star power, and regional influence, which combined to create a robust network that defined the golden age of wrestling.
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