Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk

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 Sullivan who learns that promoting boxing is not the same as wrestling, AND the Greek John Contos plants the seeds that would stabilize the St. Louis Wrestling territory for decades to come!
(NOTE: This episode will also be available in video form as part of the new "Regional Rasslin Presents..." program located at Patreon.com/WrestleCopia, complete with info slides and the full unedited version of this discussion.)


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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!