What Was Wrestling Called in the 70s?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Wrestling, a popular sport known for its dramatic and intense matches, has undergone several transformations over the years. In the 1970s, this form of entertainment was commonly referred to as professional wrestling. Let’s take a closer look at what wrestling was called in the 70s and how it evolved during that era. The Rise of Professional Wrestling During the 1970s, professional wrestling experienced significant growth in popularity. It captivated audiences with its unique blend of athleticism, storytelling, and larger-than-life characters. While some may argue that wrestling has always been “professional,” the term became widely associated with this era. The Golden Age of Wrestling Also known as “The Golden Age of Wrestling,” the 1970s saw the emergence of legendary wrestlers who became household names. Icons such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Andre the Giant, and Dusty Rhodes rose to prominence during this time. The Regional Territories Unlike today’s globally recognized promotions like WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), wrestling in the 70s was primarily organized into regional territories. These territories were operated by different promoters who would collaborate and exchange talent to create exciting matchups for fans. American Wrestling Association (AWA): Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, AWA was one of the most prominent territories during this period. It featured stars like Hulk Hogan and Nick Bockwinkel. National Wrestling Alliance (NWA): The NWA was an alliance of various territories across North America. Promotions like Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) and Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) were part of the NWA, offering a mix of regional wrestling styles and rivalries. World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW): Based in Texas, WCCW showcased stars like the Von Erich family, Fritz Von Erich, and the Fabulous Freebirds. It had a distinct southern flavor and attracted a devoted fan base. The Popularity of Territories Each regional territory had its own television show where fans could tune in to watch their favorite wrestlers in action. These shows were broadcast on local channels and drew significant ratings, generating excitement and anticipation for live events held in arenas across the country. Innovations in Storytelling During this era, professional wrestling began incorporating more intricate storylines and character development. Wrestlers would engage in feuds that played out over weeks or months, captivating audiences with their dramatic confrontations and personal vendettas. The Role of Managers Managers also became an integral part of wrestling during this time. These colorful characters would accompany wrestlers to the ring, providing support or interference during matches. Some notable managers from the 70s include Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Captain Lou Albano. The Transition to Sports Entertainment As the 1970s came to a close, professional wrestling started evolving into what is now commonly referred to as sports entertainment. This shift saw a greater emphasis on entertainment value rather than purely athletic competition. The Birth of WWE In 1982, Vince McMahon purchased his father’s promotion, Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC), which operated under the banner of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). McMahon’s vision and marketing strategies would eventually lead to the global expansion of professional wrestling and the birth of WWE. In conclusion, during the 1970s, wrestling was commonly referred to as professional wrestling. It thrived with regional territories, larger-than-life characters, captivating storylines, and devoted fan bases. This era laid the foundation for the future growth and evolution of this exciting form of entertainment.
