Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk

Ray Russell / The WrestleCopia Network
  • 4.6 (43)
  • Wrestling
  • Updated Weekly

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!

  1. 7h ago

    Rasslin 154: Malden, Missouri Part 2 (Mario Galento, Movie Star?!?)

    Guest Steve Crawford is back from being “on assignment”, as he joins Host Ray Russell to continue the discussion of Henry Rogers’ Malden, Missouri wrestling territory. In Part 2, thanks to Henry’s daughter Dianna, we give answers to questions we were left with from the 1960s. From there, we follow the promotion from 1970 through 1975. Rogers filled his Saturday night cards with local regulars like Buddy Chandler, Bobby Guy, and Bo and Tuffy Taylor while bringing in wrestlers from surrounding territories. Mario Galento became a fixture in Malden, where the papers even announced plans to film scenes for a movie featuring Galento in the starring role(?). We look at the murder of wrestler Bearcat Jones, as well as the young wrestlers passing through, including Pez Whatley, Larry Latham, Bill Ash, and a future David Shultz working as “Rhode Island Red”. There were masked men, bloody feuds, stretcher matches, hair matches, and stipulations that grew stranger by the year. We also follow Rogers’ shows beyond Malden and his connections with other promoters. By 1973, the arena was being billed as “Little Madison Square Garden” and the “blood capital” names that tell you plenty about the show Rogers was selling to the local fans!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 Paypal Visit 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 ★

    Rasslin 154: Malden, Missouri Part 2 (Mario Galento, Movie Star?!?)

  2. Sep 29

    Rasslin 153: St. Louis Wrestling History 1953-1954

    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 Paypal Visit 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 ★

    Rasslin 153: St. Louis Wrestling History 1953-1954

  3. Sep 22

    Rasslin 152: Chicago Wrestling Club History 1971 / 1972

    It's a new Regional Rasslin, as Guest Richard Vicek joins Host Ray Russell to discuss two more eventful years in Chicago Wrestling Club history, beginning with the rise of Nick Bockwinkel, Strong Kobayashi and the popular team of Red Bastien and Hercules Cortez. We discuss Cortez’s tragic death, the emergence of Bobby Heenan’s Blackjacks and Chicago’s increasingly violent main events. In 1972, Dick the Bruiser and the Crusher’s bloody war with the Blackjacks became the promotion’s hottest feud. We also follow the growing momentum of Ivan Koloff, Billy Robinson, Dusty Rhodes and Wahoo McDaniel. The centerpiece is the ambitious Soldier Field spectacular featuring Verne Gagne, André the Giant and a steel-cage bloodbath refereed by Jersey Joe Walcott. Plus, Superstar Billy Graham arrives as Chicago wrestling moves toward a new era. 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 ★

    Rasslin 152: Chicago Wrestling Club History 1971 / 1972

  4. Sep 15

    Rasslin 151: AWA on ESPN September 3rd & 10th, 1985 (Martel vs. Gordy, Roadies Sing!)

    Guest Roman Gomez is back to join host Ray Russell to discuss two weeks of AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN from September 3rd & 10th, 1985! Rick Martel defends the AWA World Title against Terry Gordy. Greg Gagne and Nick Bockwinkel renew their rivalry, while Ray Stevens and Sgt. Slaughter act as their cornermen. AWA Tag Champs The Road Warriors "sing" before they sit down with Larry Zbyszko "In This Corner". Plus, AWA Light Heavyweight Champ Steve Regal vs. Buck Zumhofe, The Long Riders want another title shot, Jimmy Garvin sets his sights on Martel, Curt Hennig introduces Tom Zenk as his new partner, Boris Zhukov in action, we get a mat classic from Verne Gagne’s retirement match vs. Bockwinkel, a look back at Martel’s title win vs. Jumbo Tsuruta, we discover the identity of "The Blue Max", an early Nailz sighting, Jim Londos in 1985(?), and we get some buildup to SuperClash ’85. If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us cover some of our costs! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more! HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit 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 ★

    Rasslin 151: AWA on ESPN September 3rd & 10th, 1985 (Martel vs. Gordy, Roadies Sing!)

  5. Sep 8

    Rasslin 150: Memphis Wrestling July 27, 1985 (Master Blaster, Broken Cages, Title Changes!)

    Another milestone edition of Regional Rasslin' as we reach episode #150! Guest Gene Jackson returns to join Ray Russell as they close out July 1985 in the Memphis Territory! In perhaps the most fun CWA episode yet, the duo share laughs and discussion on the latest in the Memphis world! Find out what happens when Steve Keirn (accidentally) rips off an entire cage wall during a Steel Cage match vs. The Sheepherders! Plus, Jerry Lawler dethrones BOTA for the Southern belt, Phil Hickerson regains the International Title from Terry Taylor, Big John Harris "runs" off Buddy Wayne, The Master Blaster squashes poor David Hasking (twice), Koko Ware is doing 'The Bird', Jarrett & Tojo remember the way they were, Michael Hayes pops in, & much more! The Renesto booking continues on! Come for the history lesson, stay for the fun! If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us cover some of our costs! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more! HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit 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 ★

    Rasslin 150: Memphis Wrestling July 27, 1985 (Master Blaster, Broken Cages, Title Changes!)

  6. Sep 1

    Rasslin 149: Georgia History 1957 - 1958 (Thesz/Carpentier NWA World Title Controversy)

    This week, Regional Rasslin' goes back to the Georgia Wrestling History Project. Guest Rick Fields joins Ray Russell to pick up where they left off, discussing more of the late 1950s with the return of Ray Gunkel, the arrival of Dickie Gunkel, Don McIntyre continues to ride high, plus a pair of new evil foreign menace teams in the Von Brauners & Volkoffs, Fred Blassie, & so much more! Plus, we'll spend the first half of the program discussing the controversial NWA World Title Match between Lou Thesz vs. Edouard Capentier, and how it led to two men claiming the World Championship at the same time, the many regional promotions creating their own "World Champions", and the fallout it caused between the NWA and many of the territories of the time. If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us cover some of our costs! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more! HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit 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 ★

    Rasslin 149: Georgia History 1957 - 1958 (Thesz/Carpentier NWA World Title Controversy)

  7. Aug 25

    Rasslin 148: Georgia 7/3 - 7/10/82 (Omni Spectacular! Backlund vs. Flair! Muraco vs. Dusty!)

    This time on the Regional Rasslin', Jammie Ward joins Ray Russell to talk Georgia Wrestling for July 1982! It's the Fourth of the July at the Omni featuring NWA World Champion Ric Flair vs. WWF Champion Bob Backlund! Plus, Roddy Piper banned from TBS studios but finds a loophole to return to the airwaves, Don Muraco searches for the "big white shark" Dusty Rhodes (who has the 'Eye of the Tiger', if you will), Orndorff vs, Snuka, the Freebirds vs. Wild Samoans, Wrestling #2 vs. Masked Superstar, Ole Anderson, Stan Hansen, Ivan Putski, Tommy Rich, Buzz Sawyer, Sonny King's lollipop, & much more! If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us cover some of our costs! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more! HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit 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 ★

    Rasslin 148: Georgia 7/3 - 7/10/82 (Omni Spectacular! Backlund vs. Flair! Muraco vs. Dusty!)

  8. Aug 18

    Rasslin 147: The Florida 1980 Project Begins! (Guest Harold Strassler)

    The long-awaited Florida Territory Project of 1980 on Regional Rasslin' finally begins as CWF Superfan Harold Strassler joins Ray Russell to set the stage by discussing many of the talents from 1979 that take us into the new year. Some of the names discussed include Dusty Rhodes, Don Muraco, Leroy Brown, Oliver Humperdink, Manny Fernandez, Saito, Stan Lane/Bryan St. John, Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin), Jimmy Garvin, Sato (Kabuki), Bugsy McGraw, Sonny King, Ox Baker, Reggie Parks, Sweet Brown Sugar, Bobo Brazil, & much more! If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us cover some of our costs! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more! HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit 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 ★

    Rasslin 147: The Florida 1980 Project Begins! (Guest Harold Strassler)
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4.6
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Ray Russell / The WrestleCopia Network
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    158
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    WrestleCopia · © Copyright 2026 · All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk

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