The Wild World of Memphis Wrestling: Did They Ever Settle on a Name?
Ah, Memphis wrestling. A place where hairspray flowed freely, promos were hotter than Mississippi asphalt in July, and piledrivers were delivered with enough gusto to wake the King himself (Elvis, that is). But one thing that might leave you scratching your head is: what on earth was it called? Buckle up, wrestling fans, because we're taking a hilarious trip down a path paved with championship belts and name changes galore.
What Was Memphis Wrestling Called |
From Gulas to Lawler: A Wrestling Family Feud (But With More Leg Slaps)
It all started in the 1950s with NWA Mid-America, run by the legendary Nick Gulas. This was the era of Jackie Fargo, a fiery wrestler with a microphone as sharp as his elbow drops. Think Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat with a sprinkle of stand-up comedy.
Then came the 70s, and things got interesting. Jerry Jarrett, a wrestling promoter with a vision (and a comb-over that defied gravity), took the reins. He renamed it the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA), which some called Championship Wrestling Inc. (talk about confusing!). This is where a young Jerry "The King" Lawler emerged, his charisma and in-ring skills electrifying audiences.
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Here's where things get really messy. In the late 80s, a power struggle erupted between Jarrett and Lawler. Let's just say they weren't exactly sharing a milkshake (wink wink). This led to a brief stint as the United States Wrestling Association (USWA). Think of it as a wrestling family feud, but with bodyslams instead of Thanksgiving dinner arguments.
The Legacy Lives On (With a Few More Name Changes)
The 90s saw a flurry of promotions pop up and fade away, all claiming the Memphis wrestling mantle. We had Power Pro Wrestling (PPW), Kick-Ass Wrestling (KAW) (because apparently regular wrestling wasn't hardcore enough), and finally, Memphis Championship Wrestling (MCW).
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It's enough to make your head spin faster than a spinning clothesline!
But hey, that's the beauty of Memphis wrestling. It was a chaotic, unpredictable circus that somehow managed to produce some of the most iconic moments in wrestling history.
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So, to answer your question: Memphis wrestling didn't have one definitive name. It was like a chameleon, constantly changing its skin but always retaining its electrifying spirit.
How To: Dive Deeper into the Memphis Wrestling Madness
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Still curious about this wild world of wrestling? Fear not, for these FAQs will have you knee-deep in piledrivers and dropkicks in no time:
How To Decipher Memphis Wrestling History? Start with the promoters: Nick Gulas for the early days, Jerry Jarrett for the CWA/USWA era, and Jerry Lawler for the later independent promotions.
How To Identify a Memphis Wrestler? Look for outrageous characters, high-flying action, and enough hairspray to hold a wig convention. Bonus points for flamboyant ring attire and promos that would make a sailor blush.
How To Experience Memphis Wrestling Today? While the promotions of yesteryear are gone, YouTube is your friend! Search for classic CWA matches or Jerry Lawler's legendary promos. You won't be disappointed.
How To Channel Your Inner Memphis Wrestler? Practice your trash talk, invest in some hairspray (seriously, lots of hairspray), and perfect your dropkick. Just remember, safety first (unlike some of those old-school moves!).
How To Explain Memphis Wrestling to Your Non-Wrestling Friends? Think professional wrestling on a rollercoaster ride fueled by moonshine and charisma.