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".

Author: Ray Russell / The WrestleCopia Network

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!
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Language: en

Genres: Sports, TV & Film, TV Reviews, Wrestling

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Rasslin 153: St. Louis Wrestling History 1953-1954
Episode 153
Monday, 28 September, 2026

This time on Regional Rasslin’ we return to more St. Louis Wrestling History, Guest Phil Adams joins Ray Russell on the journey through the latter months of 1953 and all of 1954. Television continues to shape the territory as stars like Buddy Rogers, Johnny Valentine, Bill Longson, Ray Eckert, and Don Leo Jonathan battle for position beneath reigning NWA Champion Lou Thesz. We examine Thesz’s major title defenses, the continued importance of the Kiel Auditorium, and the sharp decline in attendance at St. Louis’ regular arena events. During the long 1954 off-season, television becomes the primary vehicle for developing dependable names like Cyclone Anaya, Ronnie Etchison, Ralph Garibaldi, and Joe Millich. We’ll also track Guy Brunetti’s surprising late-year surge and the territory’s reliance on draws, no contests, and frequently repeated matchups to keep its featured wrestlers protected. Plus, we venture outside St. Louis to explore Leon Balkin’s fascinating history in Evansville and the city’s growing connection to Sam Muchnick’s booking office. Help keep WrestleCopia growing by joining us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopiaMembers receive premium VideoCast series, early podcast releases, extensively researched show notes, digital downloads, access to our large wrestling archive at select tiers, and much more.Give the gift of WrestleCopia: Patreon Gift MembershipMerchandise: WrestleCopia on TeePublicDirect Support: Donate Through PaypalVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★