Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk

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 George, Buddy Rogers, Johnny Valentine, Jerry Graham, Baron Leone, Argentina Rocca, Fred Blassie, Pat O'Connor, Ray Villmer, Ida Mae Martinez, Cora Combs, the Mighty Midgets, & much more!

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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 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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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 promoter Ron Fuller was able to make the best of his talent, and of course the storylines leading into the "big change". Storylines range from Championship battles to blackmail to racial tension, and everything in between. Talent featured... Ron Fuller, The Flame (Jody Hamilton), Lord Humongous, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, Boomer H. Lynch, Pork Chop Cash, Nightmares, RAT Patrol, Bill Ash, and more stars of the territory! Finally, the duo recap the very first episode of CCW from June 15, 1985, as we say so long to Charlie Platt (for now) and welcome Gordon Solie to add to the "big league" feel of the new program from Birmingham's Boutwell Auditorium. On the card, a Southeastern Title match featuring Champion Jimmy Golden vs. Austin Idol, NWA World Champ Ric Flair is in town, Tommy Rich vows revenge for "cousin" Johnny, we define what a "Nightmare Cage Match" is & talk the psychology of it, and so much more!

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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, Herb Welch, Fred Blassie, Al Lovelock (the Bolo), Art Nelson, the 'Riot Squad' Duseks, Bobby Lane, Red Duggan, Charlie Harben standing his ground, and the territory debut of a major figure moving forward, Ray Gunkel!

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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 the King, it's Lawler vs. Phil Hickerson in a fun TV match. The Tojo/Jarrett retirement tour continues on, while Jerry Bryant impresses, a few moments reflecting on the legendary Dennis Condrey.. and, thanks to listener David Taub doing the research, Ray & Gene discuss live Memphis wrestling going up against NBC Sports!

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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!

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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 to regain the National Title from Buzz Sawyer. Ted Dibiase is back in Georgia. We look at Omni results when Dusty Rhodes & Tommy Rich team up for the first time ever vs. Rod Piper & Ole Anderson. Jerry Brisco is named Vice President of GCW. El Mongol returns to the territory after many years away. Atlanta Mayor, Andrew Young, stops by TBS studios. Kevin Sullivan finds a doll. Plus, we talk Brad Armstrong, Masked Superstar, Super Destroyer, Ray Stevens, Tom Prichard, Chic Donovan, Mike Jackson, & more!

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