Who Owned Georgia Championship Wrestling?By Coder| September 1, 2023 Wrestling Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW) was a popular professional wrestling promotion that operated from 1944 to 1985. During its run, the ownership of GCW changed hands multiple times, with several notable individuals at the helm. Let’s take a closer look at who owned Georgia Championship Wrestling and the impact they had on the promotion. The Welch Family One of the earliest owners of GCW was Jack and Roy Welch. They acquired the promotion in the early 1950s and successfully ran it for several years. The Welch family played a significant role in establishing GCW as one of the premier wrestling promotions in the Southeastern United States. The TBS Era In 1972, Georgia Championship Wrestling entered into a partnership with Ted Turner’s WTBS television station. Under this deal, GCW gained national exposure through cable television, allowing them to reach a much wider audience. This era marked a turning point for the promotion. Jim Barnett In 1974, Jim Barnett became involved with GCW and eventually took over as its president. Barnett was an influential figure in professional wrestling and played a pivotal role in expanding GCW’s reach beyond Georgia. Expanding Territories: Under Barnett’s leadership, GCW expanded its operations to other territories such as Alabama and Tennessee. International Expansion: Barnett also facilitated international expansion by forming partnerships with various promotions around the world. Talent Development: During his tenure, Barnett focused on nurturing young talent and helping them establish themselves as stars within the industry. The Brisco Brothers After Jim Barnett left GCW in 1983, Jack Brisco and his brother Jerry Brisco took over ownership of the promotion. The Briscos were accomplished wrestlers themselves and brought their in-ring experience to the management side of the business. Youthful Energy: The Brisco Brothers injected new energy into GCW and continued to build on its success. Partnerships: They formed partnerships with other regional promotions, strengthening GCW’s presence in the wrestling landscape. Transition to World Championship Wrestling (WCW): Under their stewardship, GCW eventually transformed into World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1988, marking a new era for the promotion. In Conclusion Throughout its existence, Georgia Championship Wrestling saw various owners who each played a crucial role in shaping its legacy. From the Welch family to Jim Barnett and finally the Brisco Brothers, each owner left their mark on GCW and contributed to its growth and success. Today, WCW’s legacy lives on as part of professional wrestling history.
