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. 4d ago

    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!)

  2. 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)

  3. 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!)

  4. 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)

  5. Aug 11

    Rasslin 146: Southeastern Wrestling's Final Days (6/8/85)

    Regional Rasslin' returns with a special edition as Alabama superfan Aaron Gartlan joins host Ray Russell to relive the unforgettable final days of Southeastern Championship Wrestling, culminating with the historic June 8, 1985 television episode before the promotion officially became Continental Wrestling. Aaron brings outstanding insight from both sides of the "guardrail", breaking down the action in the ring while sharing behind-the-scenes business stories, firsthand memories of watching SECW TV, and attending live events with friends at the Houston County Farm Center. We also revisit the impact of stars like Ron Fuller, Bob Armstrong, the RAT Patrol, Lord Humongous, The Flame, Austin Idol, and more as we celebrate one of the most fascinating turning points in territorial wrestling history. 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 146: Southeastern Wrestling's Final Days (6/8/85)

  6. Aug 4

    Rasslin 145: Henry Rogers - Malden, Missouri Promotion (Part 1)

    Steve Crawford returns to Regional Rasslin with Host Ray Russell to discuss the outlaw promotion ran by Henry Rogers in Malden, Missouri! In Part One of the series, they talk the early days of Rogers as a promoter in the 1960s. We discuss the early association with Gulas & Welch, moving from Malden to Hayti, then Hayti back to Malden, the various names that came through the territory in the early days, the first note of TV, a tragedy blended into the weekly storylines, and various other odds and ends from that period in wrestling history. 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 145: Henry Rogers - Malden, Missouri Promotion (Part 1)

  7. Jul 28

    Rasslin 144: St. Louis Wrestling History Part 4 (1952 - 1953: TV Era Begins, Piledriver Reinstated)

    Guest Phil Adams is back to join host Ray Russell as they discuss 1952/1953 in the St. Louis Wrestling History Project as part of Regional Rasslin'! St. Louis wrestling enters one of the most important turning points in its history as Sam Muchnick's promotion begins evolving into the modern television era. We'll look back at the legendary NWA World Heavyweight Championship clashes between Lou Thesz and Wild Bill Longson, the rise of Hans Schmidt as the territory's first true monster heel attraction, and the booking philosophy that forever changed the business. Plus, we'll dive into the launch of weekly television on KSD-TV in 1953, a gamble that helped shape St. Louis into one of wrestling's most influential cities. It's a fascinating look at the stories, stars, and business decisions that helped build the foundation of professional wrestling as we know it today. 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 144: St. Louis Wrestling History Part 4 (1952 - 1953: TV Era Begins, Piledriver Reinstated)

  8. Jul 21

    Rasslin 143: AWA Championship Wrestling 8/27/85 (Slaughter, Freebirds, Road Warriors, Garvin)

    This week on Regional Rasslin', we get the ball rolling with the AWA on ESPN project, After a super fun debut edition where we set the stage, this week we dive into the very first episode of AWA Championship Wrestling from August 27, 1985 taped at Atlantic City's Tropicana Hotel & Casino! Guest Roman Gomez joins host Ray Russell to discuss Sgt. Slaughter and his Americas Title vs. the debuting evil foreign Russian menace known as Boris Zhukov. Plus, 6-Man action with the Fabulous Freebirds vs. Curt Hennig, Tom Zenk, & Buck Zumhofe, Tag Champs The Road Warriors vs. Bill & Scott Irwin, Larry Zbyszko debuts his Talk Show segment "In This Corner" with Guest AWA Champ Rick Martel (but why is Larry Nelson there?), RAMBO Greg Gagne steps in the ring vs. Kahlua, "Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin & Precious return from "suspension", we discuss the dangers of the Sleeper hold, Verne Gagne pats himself on the back, Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens speak, and 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 143: AWA Championship Wrestling 8/27/85 (Slaughter, Freebirds, Road Warriors, Garvin)
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4.6
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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
    154
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    WrestleCopia · © Copyright 2026 · All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk