What Was Memphis Wrestling Called?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Memphis Wrestling, also known as Memphis Championship Wrestling, was a popular professional wrestling promotion that operated in Memphis, Tennessee. It gained immense popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a hotbed for some of the biggest names in the industry. Let’s take a closer look at what made Memphis Wrestling so special. The Birth of Memphis Wrestling Memphis Wrestling was founded in 1948 by legendary promoter Roy Welch and his brother Lester Welch. Initially known as NWA Mid-America, the promotion quickly gained a loyal fanbase with its action-packed matches and larger-than-life characters. Over time, the promotion underwent several name changes before settling on Memphis Wrestling. This name perfectly encapsulated the promotion’s focus on showcasing talent from the Memphis area and its surrounding territories. The Golden Era of Memphis Wrestling Memphis Wrestling reached its peak during the 1970s and 1980s when it became synonymous with over-the-top storytelling and intense rivalries. One of the key figures responsible for this success was legendary announcer Lance Russell, whose charismatic commentary added an extra layer of excitement to every match. Bold personalities: Jerry “The King” Lawler: Perhaps the most iconic figure in Memphis Wrestling history, Jerry Lawler was not only a talented wrestler but also an exceptional entertainer. His feuds with wrestlers like Bill Dundee and Austin Idol drew massive crowds to arenas across Tennessee. Andy Kaufman: A comedian by profession, Kaufman brought his unique brand of entertainment into the wrestling world when he began feuding with Lawler. Their infamous feud culminated in a memorable match at the Mid-South Coliseum in 1982. The Fabulous Ones: Stan Lane and Steve Keirn formed one of the most popular tag teams in Memphis Wrestling history. Their good looks, charm, and in-ring skills made them fan favorites. Innovative Matches and Storylines Memphis Wrestling was known for its innovative matches and compelling storylines. Promoter Jerry Jarrett introduced the “Empty Arena” match, where two wrestlers would battle it out in an empty arena, creating a unique atmosphere for fans watching on television. Underlined elements: The Hair vs. Hair Match: In this match, the loser would have their head shaved as a result of defeat. This stipulation added an extra layer of intensity to already heated rivalries. The Strap Match: Wrestlers would be tied together by a leather strap, and victory could only be achieved by touching all four corners of the ring consecutively. The End of an Era As professional wrestling evolved and national promotions gained prominence, Memphis Wrestling began to decline in popularity. The promotion eventually closed its doors in 1997 after entertaining fans for nearly five decades. In recent years, there have been attempts to revive Memphis Wrestling’s legacy through nostalgia-driven events and documentaries. The impact of Memphis Wrestling on the wrestling industry cannot be underestimated, as it helped shape the future of sports entertainment. In Conclusion Memphis Wrestling, also known as Memphis Championship Wrestling, left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. With its larger-than-life characters, innovative matches, and captivating storylines, Memphis Wrestling carved out its own unique place in wrestling history. Though it may be gone, its legacy continues to inspire and entertain wrestling fans to this day.
