Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk

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 Lou Thesz to Wild Bill Longson, the secret merger that wasn't exposed for nearly a decade, Muchnick's eventual "victory" as THE promoter of the St. Louis territory and his subsequent rise to President of the NWA, and so much more!

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Creators and Guests

Host
Ray Russell
The Regional Rasslin Podcast, where we talk histiry from the Pro Wrestling Territories!

What is Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk?

Before the national expansion of Pro Wrestling the business was split into many different regional promotions referred to as "the territories". Each territory competed within their own regional boundaries with unqiue wrestling stars, championship belts, and local TV. We talk the good old days from the territory era, from the AWA to JCP, New York to Los Angeles, Memphis to Mid-South, Portland to Florida, Stampede to Maple Leaf, Houston to Dallas, well... you get the point!