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 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)

  2. 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)

  3. 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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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)

  6. Jul 14

    Rasslin 142: Georgia Wrestling 1955 - 1957 (Graham, Blassie, McIntyre, More!)

    This week on Regional Rasslin', it's a look into more Georgia Wrestling history courtesy of host Ray Russell and Guest Rick Fields. Talking the years of 1955 - 1957. In this era, Georgia wrestling took a major step forward as the promotion began bringing in nationally recognized stars from Chicago and the DuMont television network while introducing fans to increasingly wild gimmick matches like Indian Strap Matches, Texas Death Matches, Boxing bouts, and even "mask vs. loser leave town" encounters. Jerry Graham remained one of the promotion's top heels, while the fierce rivalry between Freddie Blassie and the McIntyre brothers became the backbone of the territory. During this period, Georgia also expanded its touring schedule well beyond Atlanta, establishing a regular loop of towns that helped grow wrestling across the entire state.  Plus, Augusta gets its own TV, and a steady parade of legendary names passed through including Lou Thesz, Buddy Rogers, Argentina Rocca, Verne Gagne, Dick the Bruiser, Bull Curry, the Lewin Brothers, and many others. We'll follow the Southern Championship lineage, the top rivalries, the expansion of the territory, and the foundation being laid for what would soon become one of wrestling's premier promotions. We set the stage for a deveopment that will take place in 1957 which leads to promoter Paul Jones and the ABC Booking company leaving the NWA.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 142: Georgia Wrestling 1955 - 1957 (Graham, Blassie, McIntyre, More!)

  7. Jul 7

    Rasslin 141: Memphis Wrestling July 20, 1985 (The Birdman's In Town, Lawler's Karate Kick)

    The summer of 1985 continues on as Guest Gene Jackson joins host Ray Russell to discuss another week in the Memphis territory, talking July 20th - 26th. Between the lack of overall talent depth and the outdated booking of Tom Renesto, it can be "hard times" for the CWA fans right now, but there are some bright spots. As Norvell Austin leaves the territory his partner Koko Ware turns babyface and debuts his "Birdman" character, Jerry Lawler apparently learns karate, Terry Taylor wins.. then loses the International Title, Bota the Witchdoctor continues his Southern Title reign vs. David Haskins in a cluster-mess of a match, Big John Harris is making the rounds on the house shows, the duo of Jerry Jarrett & Tojo Yamamoto continue their "The Way We Were" tour, praise to Phil Hickerson, Tom Branch in action (nepotism at its finest), and 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 141: Memphis Wrestling July 20, 1985 (The Birdman's In Town, Lawler's Karate Kick)

  8. Jun 30

    Rasslin 140: Georgia Wrestling June 1982 (New Champions Crowned, Muraco Unmasked)

    Jammie Ward returns to join host Ray Russell as they discuss another THREE WEEKS of Georgia Championship Wrestling from June 1982! Tons of topics this week including Paul Orndorff winning the National Heavyweight Title from Buzz Sawyer, The Freebirds crowned as the NEW National Tag Team Champions, Dr. X unmasked as Don Muraco, Roddy Piper hires bounty hunters to take out Tommy Rich & Dusty Rhodes, Steve O reappears (again), Stan Hansen is back in Georgia, & 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 140: Georgia Wrestling June 1982 (New Champions Crowned, Muraco Unmasked)
See All (151)

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
    151
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    WrestleCopia · © Copyright 2026 · All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk

You Might Also Like