Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk

This week on Regional Rasslin', it's a look into more Georgia Wrestling history courtesy of host Ray Russell and Guest Rick Fields. Talking the years of 1955 - 1957. In this era, Georgia wrestling took a major step forward as the promotion began bringing in nationally recognized stars from Chicago and the DuMont television network while introducing fans to increasingly wild gimmick matches like Indian Strap Matches, Texas Death Matches, Boxing bouts, and even "mask vs. loser leave town" encounters. Jerry Graham remained one of the promotion's top heels, while the fierce rivalry between Freddie Blassie and the McIntyre brothers became...

The summer of 1985 continues on as Guest Gene Jackson joins host Ray Russell to discuss another week in the Memphis territory, talking July 20th - 26th. Between the lack of overall talent depth and the outdated booking of Tom Renesto, it can be "hard times" for the CWA fans right now, but there are some bright spots. As Norvell Austin leaves the territory his partner Koko Ware turns babyface and debuts his "Birdman" character, Jerry Lawler apparently learns karate, Terry Taylor wins.. then loses the International Title, Bota the Witchdoctor continues his Southern Title reign vs. David Haskins in...

Jammie Ward returns to join host Ray Russell as they discuss another THREE WEEKS of Georgia Championship Wrestling from June 1982! Tons of topics this week including Paul Orndorff winning the National Heavyweight Title from Buzz Sawyer, The Freebirds crowned as the NEW National Tag Team Champions, Dr. X unmasked as Don Muraco, Roddy Piper hires bounty hunters to take out Tommy Rich & Dusty Rhodes, Steve O reappears (again), Stan Hansen is back in Georgia, & much more!

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Guest Richard Vicek returns to Regional Rasslin' to discuss more Chicago Wrestling history with host Ray Russell. This week, we dive into two very important years in the growth of the CWC as we look at 1969 and 1970. Topics include the giant Comiskey Park event in the summer of 1970, the Chain Gang arrive and wreak havoc vs. Crusher & Bruiser, the real-life Hells Angels biker gang shooting Frank Dillinger and forcing his leg to be amputated, Chris Colt replacing Frank in the Chain Gang, Bobby Heenan's cleverness in his battles with Dick the Bruiser, Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon taking over the...

The St. Louis Wrestling Project continues as Phil Adams returns, joining host Ray Russell as they begin to discuss the 1950s. Sam Muchnick now has TWO St. Louis Wrestling promotions, but continues to use them as separate entities. We look at the early NWA Title defenses of Lou Thesz, Wild Bill Longson's last big run, Wladek "Killer" Kowalski makes a big name for himself, Buddy Rogers shines in the main event picture, while Gene Stanlee later TRIES to replace Buddy's "spot" on the card. We talk the "outdoor" experiment for the summer of 1950 that led to Muchnick going seasonal...

Familiar Guest Roman Gomez returns to Regional Rasslin, as he joins host Ray Russell to set the stage for the upcoming AWA on ESPN Project. The two go back in time a couple years to discuss the infancy of Hulkamania and how the AWA dropped the ball, Verne Gagne's inability to change with the times, Greg Gagne's many claims at what led to business woes, the many talents that came through during the post-Hogan (pre-ESPN) era, Pro Wrestling USA, Roman attending several events in Las Vegas, the Champions of 1985, The Road Warriors impact, Sgt. Slaughter's return, RAMBO Greg Gagne...

This week on Regional Rasslin, Guest Gene Jackson joins host Ray Russel to continue their way through Memphis 1985, now covering the week of July 13th. With Dave Brown away on vacation, Lance Russell goes solo as Tom Branch takes over managerial duties of Bota the Witchdoctor after it appears Bota has transformed former manager Leslie Floyd Creatchman III into a rat! Plus, The PYT turn face while Buddy Wayne gets personal, the Fabulous Ones/Sheepherders feud continues on, the Knight Riders team arrives (and leaves), Big John Harris steps into the arenas, Phil Hickerson is your new International Champion...

It's Regional Rasslin' #135 looking at late May and early June of 1982 in the Georgia territory. Jammie Ward returns with host Ray Russell to talk the reuniting of the Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy & Michael Hayes) after a year apart! Plus, Ric Flair has a surprise for Leroy Brown, Masked Superstar & Mr. Wrestling #2 rekindle their feud, Roddy Piper takes exception to Tommy Rich's comments, the mysterious Dr. X has arrived, Buzz Sawyer takes out Kevin Sullivan, Paul Orndorff prepares for a National Title shot, & much more!

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This week on Regional Rasslin', Guest Rick Fields is back as he joins host Ray Russell to continue the discusson of Georgia Wrestling history. As they work their way to the Georgia War of the early 1970s, the duo take a look at some of the happenings building up to that era. Topics discussed this week cover 1953 - 1955 and include talk of interesting booking patterns, the June Byers/Mildred Burke "screwjob", the lack of World Title defenses, Georgia's first Wrestling TV program, the introduction of the Southern Title, Don & Red McIntyre, Jackie Fargo, The Swedish Angel, Verne Gagne, Gorgeous...

Richard Vicek returns to Regional Rasslin to join Ray Russell as they discuss two more years of Chicago Wrestling Club history, covering the full years of 1967 & 1968. Including the first ever sellout crowd in Chicago, the legendary feuds between Dr. X vs. Verne Gagne and the tag feud of Larry Hennig & Harley Race vs. Dick the Bruiser & Da' Crusher, the makings of Blackjack Lanza, Bill Watts, the Japanese duo of Mitsu Arakawa & Mr. Moto, early Mighty Igor, Rock Rogowski (Ole Anderson), Bobby Heenan, & more!

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This week, Ray Russell is joined by Phil Adams to continue the discussion on the early years of pro wrestling in St. Louis. Topics this week cover the years of 1923 through 1950 as Tom Packs takes over as promoter for John Contos and has a successful 25 years on top before his side habits force him to sell. From there, they dive into the business split between Packs and his right-hand man Sam Muchnick, the early issues Sam encountered when trying to run opposition, the Mississippi Valley Sports Club taking over, the various owner stakes in St. Louis that ranged from...

This week on Regional Rasslin', Vandal Drummond makes his long-awaited return to discuss the final year of the LeBell Los Angeles territory (1982) with host Ray Russell. We talk everything from the Japanese invasion of talent, the Lucha Libre stars, memories of journeyman Bobby Lane's big push, outlaw promotions, the deal struck with Vince McMahon for the WWF to take over the area, and much more! Plus, Vandal gets candid as he pays respects at the top of the program to his dear friend, rockabilly band musician and co-founder of Incredibly Strange Wrestling, Johnny Legend.

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This is a very special edition of Regional Rasslin' as Guest Co-Host Aaron Gartlan has made a special Patreon request and joins Ray Russell to discuss an era and territory that is very near and dear to his heart... Aaron has selected to discuss the transformation of his native Alabama's Southeastern Championship Wrestling over to Continental Wrestling in 1985. Gartlan goes back in time to talk childhood memories with friends, attending events at the old Houston County Farm Center in Dothan, growing up on Gulf Coast, Southeastern and eventually Continental. From there, they discuss the 1985 roster, the title belts, how...

Regional Rasslin #129 looks at the final years of the Poffo Family's ICW (1983 - 1985). Steve Crawford returns to talk with host Ray Russell about the slow decline as talent begins to jump ship, from Rip Rogers to Pez Whatley to Ron Garvin, even Lanny Poffo packs it in. We discuss a plan for Bruiser Brody falling through (where money lies, honor dies!). Ronnie Garvin collects money owed. Eventually, Randy Savage works out a deal to work for Jerry Jarrett & Lawler in Memphis, before Angelo completely folds up shop after the Macho Man signs a deal with the WWF.

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This week, Regional Rasslin' continues to set the stage for the 1970s Georgia War by futher exploring the build-up of one of the most successful territories in pro wrestling history. RIck Fields returns to chat with Ray Russell about the 1940s and 1950s in Georgia. Some of the topics include the arrival of NWA (Association) Champion Lou Thesz, Paul Jones' "ABC Booking" Company, Cowboy Luttrell vs. Boxing Legend Jack Dempsey, the Fred Ward relationship begins, the NWA (Alliance) is born, Gorgeous George, Argentina Rocca, Fabulous Moolah, Eddie Graham debuts with a 5 second win, Don McIntyre, Ginger the Wrestling Bear...

This week, Regional Rasslin goes back to the Memphis territory in 1985 as we kick off the month of July. Guest Gene Jackson joins Ray Russell as they discuss the interesting debut of the 7'7" giant BIG JOHN HARRIS. They talk Big John's peculiar "music video" and articulate promo (YUP!). Plus, the current Southern Champion Bota the Witch Doctor is back in the studio wielding fire! BUT, the studio fans are not impressed. Leslie Floyd Creatchman III is still here (perhaps for the final time). FORMER Referee Tom Branch competes, while his feud with Jerry Lawler rages on. Speaking of...

This week on Regional Rasslin', Ray Russell is joined once again by Chicago Wrestling historian Richard Vicek, as they look into the full year of events for 1966 in the Chicago Wrestling Club! Discussing the AWA vs. WWA, the legendary feud between Da Crusher & Dick the Bruiser vs. Harley Race & Larry Hennig, Gene Kiniski, Verne Gagne, Wilbur Snyder, Johnny Valentine, Mad Dog Vachon, Pat O'Connor, Angelo Poffo, Ernie Ladd, Chris Markoff, Killer Kowalski, Mitsu Arakawa, Jack Lanza, how Igor Volkoff came to be, early Bobby Heenan (still a genius), RIchard attends his first Chicago event, and more!

If...

This week on Regional Rasslin, Jammie Ward returns to join Ray Russell in discussing the month of May 1982 in the Georgia territory. Roddy Piper is involved in TWO major angles as he tries to break the hand of Tommy Rich, AND the Hot Rod also costs Michael Hayes a match on TV against Bill White! From there, some great storytelling in the short but memorable feud between Leroy Brown vs. NWA World Champion Ric Flair. Listener John Walker writes in with detailed results from Marion, OH and the notable lazy work from Big John "Grizzly" Studd. Tommy Rich attempts...

It's another new and exciting project starting up this week in Regional Rasslin when Guest, Rick Fields, joins Ray Russell to talk all things Georgia Wrestling as we set the stage for the 1970s "Georgia War" to come. We go back to briefly touch on the earliest known bout from 1873, and then jump ahead to the John Contos era of the late 1920s. From there we move ahead to the 1940s and discuss promoter Paul Jones' arrival and creating the foundation of his ABC Booking company. Plus, we discuss World Heavyweight Champions, Mr. Wrestling #2, Bobby Simmons, many of the...

This marks the debut of the St. Louis Wrestling Project, documenting the history of Pro Wrestling throughout the years. In this episode Ray Russell is joined by superfan Phil Adams as they discuss some of the earliest promoters of the St. Louis area. Discussions include the early success and importance of Jack Curley as a promoter. We also look into turn-of-the-century promoter turned sports gambling figure Charles "Hardluck" Haughton and his run-in with notable KC Gangster Solly "Cutcher Head Off" Weismann (AKA "Slicey"), an altercation that ends one of their lives! Plus, we talk former Featherweight Boxing Champion Tommy...

Regional Rasslin goes back to the Poffo's ICW promotion once more, this time tackling 1982 with guest Steve Crawford. Among the long list of topics include... The Randy Savage/Bill Dundee handgun story, the debut of RATAMYUS, original Sheik arriving and blading poor Bill Martin a gusher, Ron Garvin stomps Ox Baker's teeth, changing TV venues, Crusher Broomfield leaving for Mid-South, bodybuilding competitions wirth Rip Rogers & Randy Savage, King Pez Whatley's push, the nearly 60-year old Great Kabooki returns to the ring after 7 years, Mop Hat Matches, Tio & Tapu finally unite, John Ruffin's mysterious push, Angelo Poffo gets his head...

Regional Rasslin' returns to Georgia 1982 with Ray Russell and Jammie Ward. This time around we tackle another 3 weeks of GCW action covering late April and early May as Dusty Rhodes brings in his "gorilla" to aid him in his war against Roddy Piper & Ole Anderson. That gorilla turns out to be none other than GEORGE "THE ANIMAL" STEELE, doing his babyface shtick long before the WWF turn in 1985! Plus, The Masked Superstar returns from Japan to rekindle his issues with "Bad" Leroy Brown, TWO National Title changes that ends with Buzz Saywer getting the gold, Paul Orndorff continues to...

This week on Regional Rasslin' we head back to the Memphis territory to look at the week of June 29th - July 5th, 1985! Guest Gene Jackson joins Ray Russell as this week we answer the question, if a wrestling program has almost no wrestling, no angles, or promos, did it actually happen? Leslie Floyd Creatchman III is back is back this week, along with his charge the NEW Southern Heavyweight Champion... BOTA, The Witchdoctor, who makes his TV studio debut!!! Plus, the Jerry Lawler/Tom Branch feud escalates, the Fabs are back after Steve Keirn's injury last week at...

Regional Rasslin' #119 has arrived, with Ray Russell & guest Steve Crawford talking Angelo Poffo's ICW in 1981. We cover it all from the year of 81, from the dark Crusher Broomfield storyline to Randy Savage's run-in with the law at the local Waffle House, from Pez Whatley as "Miss Macho" to the infamous Bob Roop Sugarhold Challenge escape by William Harding. From the Macho Man stealing a steak to the summer exodus of top talent like Orton, Roop, the Devil's Duo, Izzy. Plus, we discuss the business aspect of the promotion... Who was running what, how many "partners" had points in the...

Regional Rasslin' makes its triumphant return as Guest Jammie Ward joins Ray Russell to discuss THREE WEEKS of Georgia Wrestling as we close out March and tackle the first several weeks of April in 1982! The Dusty Rhodes vs. Ole Anderson feud rages on as they prepare for a "Minnesota Logger's" Blindfold Match! Feuds entertwine as Dick Slater, Tommy Rich & Bob Armstrong battle Roddy Piper, Great Kabuki, & Gary Hart in a 6-Man Canadian Lumberjack w/Straps Match! Plus, one of the earliest televised bouts between Tommy Rich vs. Buzz Sawyer.. a tremendous angle with Brad Armstrong, a blindfold, & Ole Anderson...

Regional Rasslin is back with Guest Gene Jackson joining Ray Russell to look at Memphis Wrestling for June 22th - 28th, 1985, featuring the debut of Manager Leslie Floyd Cretchman III and... BOTA, THE WITCH DOCTOR!!! Plus, more terrible booking from Tom Renesto, another title change, Jerry Lawler has his own vision, more legends are dusted off for a underwhelming return, Rip Morgan is GREEN, Jonathan Boyd says BLOODY a lot, Steve Keirn IS Bloody, Referee Tom Branch begins rasslin, & more! 

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This week, the Regional Rasslin' Podcast brings you not one, not two, but three full episodes of our sister program Regional Rasslin' Un-Reeled from Patreon.com/WrestleCopia, absolutely FREE! A sample of one of the many Video-Cast Series we offer at Patreon. Co-Host Jammie Ward joins Ray Russell as they discuss Mid-Atlantic Wrestling from January 1982, Southwest Wrestling on the USA Network, and Mid-South Wrestling from December 1981!

HOUR 1: The Regional Rasslin' Un-Reeled Series continues on as this week we go back to the very popular Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling / JCP territory to look at the first week of January 1982...

This week, Regional Rasslin' returns to Georgia Championship Wrestling in March of 1982 as Ray Russell & Guest Jammie Ward are back to break it down! Dick Slater arrives and wants a piece of Roddy "Don't call me RODNEY" Piper! Plus, Bunkhouse Return match is set up between Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen vs. Dusty Rhodes & Terry Funk! Ron Bass with an upset win over Tommy Rich to capture the National Heavyweight Title! It appears Bob Armstrong will get his fair shake versus The Great Kabuki when Gary Hart is barred from ringside, BUT Roddy Piper has an idea! Buzz Sawyer picks...

This week, Regional Rasslin returns to once again discuss the greatest outlaw promotion of all time, the Poffo Family's ICW based ouf of Lexington, Kentucky. Steve Crawford returns to join Ray Russell in discussing the year of 1980 in the ICW. We talk Macho Man's flying elbow on midget Wee Willie (and why it was really booked), Randy Savage threatening Lance Russell & Dave Brown, the discovery of George "Crusher Broomfield" Gray (future One Man Gang), Ernie Couch's barn of fun, a rookie Buddy Landel breaking in, the creation of the Devil's Duo (Doug Vines & Jeff Sword) with Izzy Slapawitz, Bob...

This week on Regional Rasslin', Ray Russell & Guest Gene Jackson return as we look at June 15, 1985 in the Memphis territory. Southern Champ Jerry Lawler vs. Koko Ware headlines this week's TV. The Referee Tom Branch heel turn continues. Matchmaker Tom Renesto announces the PYT are stripped of the Southern Tag Titles, forcing a Title tournament at the Coliseum Monday night where NEW Champions are crowned! Jerry Lawler turns to Nick Bockwinkel as an unsuspecting partner, Botchmania runs wild during a Jerry Oski & Jay Youngblood tag match, Gino Della Serra and Les Freeman arrive, the Buddy Wayne (Bearer) led team...

Special Guest Brian R. Solomon joins Host Ray Russell and the Regional Rasslin' program this week to discuss his latest book "Irresistible Force", talking the storied career of Gorilla Monsoon. This episode covers a variety of topics including Gorilla's time as commentator, working with Jesse Ventura, the Bobby Heenan chemistry, getting physical with the Brooklyn Brawler & Vader, health issues, if there were plans for any other post-retirement Gorilla angles, being replaced by Jim Ross on PPV in 1993, how Monsoon felt about the 1990s product, Bret Hart writing the foreword, working Japan and early heel work in the WWWF, shunning...

This week on the program Host - Ray Russell is joined by two very Special Guests as Richard Vicek returns along with fellow Wrestling Historian, Steve Verrier, to discuss the book they co-authored, "Wilbur Snyder, The World's Most Scientific Wrestler"! The two writers and researchers took time out of their schedule to sit down and discuss Wilbur Snyder the family man, how they approached writing their parts of the book, new discoveries through their research, and much more!

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This week on Regional Rasslin', Host Ray Russell & Guest Jammie Ward return as they continue to discuss Georgia Championship Wrestling 1982 with the first half of March. In an awesome angle, after being turned on by Ole Anderson and Stan Hansen, Terry Funk offers Dusty Rhodes a prized possession as collateral in order to get Dusty to be his partner at the Omni! Plus, a wild angle involving Roddy Piper, Kabuki, and the Armstrongs! Harley Race challenges NWA World Champion Ric Flair, Roddy Piper in perhaps his only match vs. Tommy Rich, Gino Hernandez is back again, Tom Prichard looking...

It’s another fun ride back in time as Vandal Drummond returns to Regional Rasslin’ to join Ray Russell, as this week we continue to talk the early 1980s in the old LeBell Los Angeles territory. Just some of the topics we discuss this week include Independent Rivals (Gory Guerrero, Karl Lauer, Ripper Leone, more!), a drunken Andre the Giant story, “Exotic” Adrian Street & Miss Linda arrive in the States, The Kiss, Luis Mariscal as Sweet Brown Sugar, Diamond Timothy Flowers, The Monster’s babyface turn, events switching from the Olympic Auditorium to the Sports Arena, the changing of TV station...

Back with a new project on Regional Rasslin! Guest Steve Crawford returns as he and host Ray Russell begin to discuss the history of Angelo Poffo's famed outlaw promotion, ICW. Topics discussed include the early life of the Poffo family in the wrestling business, father Angelo, and his sons Lanny Poffo & Randy "Macho Man" Savage. Plus, the early ideas of creating ICW in 1979, working with Dale Mann, merging with the talent from Knoxville's All-Star promotion, the legendary frugality of the Poffos, lawsuits, and much more!

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This week on Regional Rasslin', Gene Jackson returns to co-host with Ray Russell to look at more Memphis Wrestling for June 1985! Jerry Lawler is riding high after defeating Randy Savage for the Southern Title and sending the Macho Man packing to the WWF... BUT, the King finds out there's no rest for the weary as Bruiser Brody looms ahead Monday Night! Tux Newman is laid up in bed, but that doesn't stop him from creating a "HIT" LIST! Kareem Muhammad continues to stick it to Jay Youngblood. The Sheepherders return in a new incarnation. The Fabs seek revenge on...

This week on Regional Rasslin, Jammie Ward returns to join host Ray Russell to discuss more Georgia Championship Wrestling from February 1982! The big World Tag Team Title tournament makes its way to the Omni featuring teams from all over the world including the Briscos, the Funks, Jumbo Tsuruta & Tenryu, Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen, Masked Superstar & Super Destroyer, & many more! Plus, NWA World Champion Ric Flair defends against former 6 times champ Harley Race, the Giant Baba brings his PWF Title to the states to defend against Terry Gordy, the Jimmy Garvin & Buzz Sawyer feud continues, Dusty Rhodes vs. Great Kabuki...

This week on Regional Rasslin, we finish up the Tennessee 1977 Project with Guest Steve Crawford joining Ray Russell on the program. We do a quick overview of the split between Jerry Jarrett and Nick Gulas and then dive into the following years that led up to the demise of Gulas' run as a promoter in 1980. We talk "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Dutch Mantel, Bobby Eaton, early Freebirds Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy, George Gulas, & more! We also look at the final card promoted by Gulas in Nashville, and the first card promoted by Jerry Jarrett when he took over the...

It's a truly historical episode of Regional Rasslin' as Ray Russel & guest Gene Jackson cover the week of June 1st - 7th, 1985 in the Memphis Territory. Jerry "The King" Lawler battles Southern Champion Randy "Macho Man" Savage in a NO DQ - LOSER LEAVES TOWN MATCH! This is the match that would send the Macho Man off to the WWF, which jumpstarted his legendary career in the "big time". Plus, Kareem Muhammad hosts an entire episode of The Jerry Lawler Show AND finds the time to humiliate Jay Youngblood, Stan Lane cuts another funny promo, the Mexican Angel debuts...

Regional Rasslin returns to Georgia 1982 with Ray Russell & guest Jammie Ward to talk the first half of February, including two more episodes of TV and another big 10-Match Omni card! Find out what happens when Roddy Piper finally climbs into a Georgia ring for the first time to battle Bob Armstrong. Dusty Rhodes returns to town to take on the Great Kabuki in the infamous "Dragon Shai" Match, NWA World Champ Ric Flair awaits to see who the #1 Contender will be when Tommy Rich faces Harley Race. Gino Hernandez makes a rare appearance on TBS and is interviewed (multiple...