We are kicking off the month of January with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”:

My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era:

Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935)

Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945)

Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955)

Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965)

Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975)

Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985)

Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995)

1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of tbe system. The Memphis Wrestling Territory was an offshoot of the original Tennessee Territory, possibly the largest geographic territory in the United States founded by Roy Welch. The town of Memphis was purchased by Gulas-Welch Wrestling in 1957. The town got really hot from 1959 to 1961, then carried forward to the 1970s when it was under the supervision of Jerry Jarrett. Jarrett broke away from Gulas in 1977 and ran the town as a hub from the Memphis television show, recorded on Saturday mornings and cycled through the towns the next week.

In 1985, Jarrett and his partner Jerry Lawler are in their 8th year of running the territory and coming off some fantastic years from 1982 through 1984. As in all the territories 1985 kicked off the “Disintegration Stage” which would eventually end with the death of every territory but one, the WWF.. I’m joing by my Tennessee Co-Host and Historian , Tim Dills for a look back at the still-strong and excellently booked, 1985 in Memphis Wrestling!

• (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast
• (00:02:35) - The Jim Melby Award
• (00:07:34) - Tennessee Wrestling History: The Tennessee Territory in 1985
• (00:08:36) - Tennessee Wrestling
• (00:12:25) - 1985 in Review
• (00:19:23) - Randy Savage on His Career
• (00:23:09) - Memphis Wrestling: The Turnaround
• (00:29:00) - Eddie Gilbert
• (00:34:51) - Jerry Lawler in Japan
• (00:37:26) - Jimmy Hart Dumps Flour on Lance Russell's Head
• (00:43:24) - Randy Savage on Tux Newman
• (00:48:49) - David Schultz on Being Fired by Vince McMahon
• (00:50:45) - Jerry Lawler on Bruiser Brody
• (00:52:45) - Lawler vs Randy Savage
• (00:59:46) - Jerry Lawler vs The Free Birds
• (01:05:35) - NWA Superstar Jim Crockett vs Jeff Jarrett
• (01:11:51) - Jerry Lawler Turned On Tom Ernesto
• (01:16:48) - Jerry Jarrett on Tom Ernesto's WWE Split
• (01:22:10) - The Jerry Lawler vs Bill Dundee
• (01:23:26) - Midnight Express
• (01:29:12) - Jerry Jarrett on His State of Wrestling in Tennessee
• (01:35:34) - Jackie Fargo and The Hitman
• (01:35:49) - Tim Ferriss on Pro Wrestling History in the 80s
• (01:42:42) - Jerry Lawler on The Bicentennial
• (01:43:58) - Tennessee and the AWA in 1985
• (01:47:54) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel

We are kicking off the month of January with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”:

My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era:

Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935)

Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945)

Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955)

Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965)

Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975)

Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985)

Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995)

1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of tbe system. 1984 was a blockbuster year for World Class Championship Wrestling with the low point being the death of David Von Erich and the high point being in May when Kerry Von Erich winning the NWA World Heavyweight Title from Ric Flair at the huge stadium show in Dallas.

Lance Peterson is my special co-host as we quickly review the end of 1984 and roll through the year of 1985 for both the Von Erich Family and the World Class wrestling promotion. Lance was both a fan and a super supporter of the promotion. He attended both television tapings at the Sportatorium and some of the biggest Star Wars shows in ‘85. As both the WWF and Jim Crockett Promotions had national expansion in the games plans, World Class was expanding internationally to Israel.

Gino Hernandez and Chris Adams are the hot heel tag team in the territory facing the ever popular Von Erich Family. After Kerry winning the NWA’s biggest prize the year before, Head of the family and the company, as well as a former Preisdent of the NWA, Fritz Von Erich contemplates pulling out of the Alliance and having his own company world champion. These stories and more unfold in the year 1985 and Lance Peterson and I cover them all on today’s episode 43 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show.

• (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Podcast
• (00:00:58) - The Roy Welch Wrestling Dynasty
• (00:05:21) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: Gene Kinisky
• (00:06:36) - World Class Championship Wrestling
• (00:08:06) - 1985
• (00:12:19) - World Class vs WWF in 1985
• (00:17:02) - The Average Age of the WWF Stars
• (00:19:19) - Kevin Von Erich on The Fantastics
• (00:21:41) - Jimmy Fallon on Cornet and the Midnights
• (00:26:55) - WWE Legend Gino on WCW In Texas
• (00:30:54) - Charlotte and Flair vs The Fantastics
• (00:34:05) - Buddy Roberts vs Terry Gordy in Texas
• (00:40:12) - Von Eric vs Ric Flair at Texas Stadium
• (00:43:16) - David Von Erich on Charlotte Flair
• (00:49:38) - Gino and Chris Reunion
• (00:54:02) - Mark Lorenz on the Star Wars Match
• (00:58:13) - Mike Von Erich On The AWA Tour Of Israel
• (01:01:35) - Mike Von Erich on Terry Gordy's Death
• (01:04:00) - Mike Tyson Getting Sick After Israel
• (01:08:03) - The Gino and Chris Hair Match
• (01:12:57) - Lance Peterson on His Daughter's Dress
• (01:17:52) - Gary Williams on His Cotton Bowl Home
• (01:18:20) - Lance Von Erich on His Career
• (01:19:51) - The Thanksgiving at Reunion Arena
• (01:25:02) - Randy Flair on the NWA Split
• (01:30:47) - Bob Ley on Wrestling's World Class Memory Site
• (01:36:07) - "The Day I Met Harley Race"
• (01:37:37) - Free Birds vs Geno in 86
• (01:42:12) - Andre On The Free Bird
• (01:47:06) - Lance Bass on World Class of 1985
• (01:48:47) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: New Member Lance Peterson

Throughout most of the territorial era of professional wrestling, one man was chosen as the very best wrestler in the world to carry the sport’s most coveted trophy, the National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championship.

At the 1965 NWA Convention, the Championship Committee put forth the name of Gene Kiniski to succeed it’s perennial champion, Lou Thesz. That man was Gene Kiniski, who won the title from Thesz in a two out of three falls match at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis on January 7th, 1966.

Today, two amazing historian friends join me as we discuss the life and career of Gene Kiniski. Steve Verrier, who chronicled the life of the champion in his book, “Gene Kinski: Canadian Wrestling Legend” and the co-host for our Vancouver Territory Shows. George Schire, AWA Historian and co-host of our AWA History Shows. These two wonderful lovers of wrestling history have so much to share about Kiniski’s storied career in this special bonus episode honoring the g0th anniversary of Kiniski being crowned “the best in the world.

• (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Gene Kiniski
• (00:03:36) - Gene Kinisky On The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
• (00:05:07) - Gene Kinisky, Canada's Greatest Athlete
• (00:13:53) - Bob Kinisky on Wilbur Snyder and the AWA
• (00:21:03) - Whipper Billy Watson vs Gene Kinisky
• (00:29:53) - Gene Kanisky Was Recognized As The National Wrestling Alliance World Champion
• (00:40:53) - Giant Baba vs Gene Kinisky
• (00:50:38) - Gene Kinisky vs Verne Haggerty
• (00:57:53) - Steve Kovac on Gene Kiniski's Suicide
• (01:05:41) - Gene Kinisky On The 60th Anniversary
• (01:07:44) - Final thoughts on Gene Kinisky
• (01:08:48) - Gene Kiniski Induction into the Wrestling Hall of Fame
• (01:12:11) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
• (01:15:00) - Pro Wrestling: The Time Tunnel
• (01:15:40) - Podcast

We are kicking off the month of January with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”:

My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era:

Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935)

Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945)

Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955)

Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965)

Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975)

Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985)

Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995)

1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of tbe system. The year of 1984 had seen Championship Wrestling From Florida lose some of it’s biggest stars, including The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, to Jim Crockett Promotions. Yet, the biggest impact was yet to come in 1985. In January, on Super Bowl Sunday, the territory’s “captain of the ship”, Eddie Graham would take his own life. In today’s podcast show, we will cover thins and more of the year’s events in 1985 with someone whop was there for it all. I am joined, as always by our Championship Wrestling from Florida analyst, Howard Baum and special guest, Bruce Owens.

Bruce became a fan in the 1960s, joined the company in 1973, became a close friend of several within the promotion, including Eddie Graham himself. This relationship led Owens to be trained to serve in various capacities, including as referee for some of the biggest events in The Florida territory’s history. He worked with the biggest stars and the biggest matches in every one of the Florida towns in the loop. Even with the departure of Dusty Rhodes in ‘84 and then Eddie Graham, the loyal fans of Florida wrestling were still coming through the turnstiles to suppport shows, includin gthe first “Battle of the Belts” show at the Tampa Sun Dome, which was also carried on a network of television stations in many major cities. Join Howard, Bruce and myself as we go backward in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel to Championship Wrestling From Florida in the year of 1985.

• (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
• (00:04:44) - Florida Legend Bruce Owens on Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
• (00:07:09) - Jack Briscoe On The Transition From Eddie Graham To Dory
• (00:15:10) - Eddie Guerrero On His Advice To
• (00:17:05) - Eddie Moreno Was More Involved With the Promotion
• (00:18:47) - West Palm, Tampa and Orlando
• (00:22:29) - Bruce Flannery on Becoming A Referee
• (00:30:19) - Terry Funk on His Babyface Run in ECW
• (00:36:21) - Eddie Guerrero on Andre vs Terry Funk
• (00:40:58) - Don Curtis on His Life
• (00:45:15) - Eddie Graham Was Asked To Do Things Like That
• (00:53:22) - Eddie Graham's Injured Leg
• (00:55:47) - Dusty Rhodes vs The American Dream in 1984
• (01:03:55) - Eddie Fuller's Suicide
• (01:11:24) - Dutch Miller on His Time With Michael Hayes
• (01:15:30) - Bruce Lee on His Hall of Fame Moment
• (01:17:57) - Michael Jackson on Co-Booking the Freebirds
• (01:19:08) - Bruce, How are the houses in the territories during the Dusty
• (01:23:27) - What Did The Freebirds Think About Eddie's Death?
• (01:29:33) - Mike Tyson on The Eddie Graham Feud
• (01:31:32) - Cody Rhodes Was Born in Florida in June of 85
• (01:38:56) - Rick Rude on Wahoo McDaniel
• (01:41:05) - Dusty Had A Good Side
• (01:48:20) - Boxing at the Convention
• (01:49:01) - Lex Luger on His First Year in the WWE
• (01:55:52) - Dusty on His Florida Connection
• (01:56:31) - Bruce interviewing Tony Robbins in 1985
• (01:58:05) - A Taste of 1985 in the Florida Territory

We are kicking off the month of January with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”:

My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era:

Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935)

Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945)

Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955)

Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965)

Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975)

Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985)

Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995)

1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of tbe system. The WWF was the death star of the system with it’s “national expansion”, as it started erasing the geographic lines that had defined the territories as it’s leader, Vince McMahon set out to prove his company could “color outside the lines” and ex[and beyond it’s previous borders. Join Steve Gennerelli and I as we walk through the year of 1985 as the stage of disintegration of the territory era begins.

I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share pro wrestling historical items in each issue of the Time Tunnel Pro Wrestling History Newsletter on Substack and each episode of our podcast show. Thanks for your support! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share with folks you think might like to be a free Substack subscriber!

Remember, Premium subscribers get access to exclusive and special content such as some special issues including a multi-part deep dives on wrestling territories, wrestler bios and championship title histories, special audio and video interviews on territory pro wrestling and more available in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel for Premium Subscribers. Being a Premium Subscriber also means you support me in my efforts to document Pro Wrestling History through my research, writing, books, vidoes and podcasts. And…I have something very special planned for our Premium Subscribers on the Podcast side of things in 2026! A Premium Investment is only $5 per month or $50 per year. Details soon here in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel.

• (00:00:02) - Podcast
• (00:00:34) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: The Territory Era Podcast
• (00:03:17) - The Future of Pro Wrestling: The WWF
• (00:07:13) - Reviewing The WWF in 1985
• (00:09:46) - 1984
• (00:13:37) - Jim Crockett Promotions' Mistake in Not Expanding
• (00:23:21) - What We Missed With The Briscoes
• (00:27:15) - Jerry Briscoe on Hulk Hogan's National Expansion
• (00:32:36) - Vince McMahon's Decision To Sell TBS To Crockett
• (00:41:07) - Bruno Hogan in the WWF in 1985
• (00:49:35) - Terry Funk Coming to the WWE
• (00:55:30) - Randy Savage: The Greatest of All Time
• (00:59:52) - 1985
• (01:06:51) - WWF Championship Wrestling From Florida in 1985
• (01:09:09) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Ending The Roy Welch Family Legacy, and
• (01:13:57) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: 400 Subscribers!

We’ve counted down the first 50 from 100 to 51, now its time to get to my list of the 50 Best Wrestlers of 1975. This list is my list/ I’ve taken into consideration other lists avaailable of ranked wrestlers for the year, along with my own research notes from our podcast shows throughout the year as well as extra study into territories and wrestlers i didn’t know very much about in order to be fair as possible/

I took into consideration:

• The Territory or territories the wrestler worked in and the significance and importance of that territory

• The programs and matches they had during the year

• The position on cards they held throughout the year

• How much time they spent as singles wrestlers vs being in tag teams during the year

• What championships they held and the importance of that title in drawing money on the cards and in the buildings

• How significant was the wrestling to that terriory, how dependant was the territory on them to draw money

• How significant was 1975 to their overall career? Was thier career trajectory swing up, peaked or on the down swing?

• And a few other things, but that was the main criteria I took into consideration

I freely admit my own biases and preferences did come into play in this process, however I did try to maintain awareness of those biases and suspend them and honestly, i felt like I made some tough calls as far as assignments on the list.

Here it is, my Top 50 Best Professional Wrestlers for the year of 1975!

• (00:00:02) - Podcast
• (00:00:35) - Top 100 Wrestlers of the Year 1975
• (00:09:30) - Top 25 Wrestlers in WWE 1975
• (00:20:33) - Ric Flair Won His First Singles Title in 1975
• (00:29:18) - Ken Mantel
• (00:35:20) - Rocky Johnson's Greatest Moments
• (00:40:27) - Waldo Von Erich in the WWF
• (00:50:35) - Baron Von Reschke
• (00:58:51) - Billy Robinson
• (01:07:32) - Dusty Rhodes
• (01:12:52) - Abdullah The Butcher
• (01:17:50) - Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time
• (01:28:08) - Jerry Briscoe and Bobo Brazil
• (01:34:34) - Top 25 Masked Wrestlers in Mexico
• (01:43:02) - Top 20 Wrestlers of 1975
• (01:52:06) - The Making of Pero Ag
• (01:59:46) - Ron Fuller
• (02:06:49) - Giant Baba vs Jumbo Saruta
• (02:15:06) - Mil Mil Mask
• (02:19:26) - Terry Funk at #7 in the Top 10
• (02:24:48) - Top 5 Wrestlers in 1975: Andre the Giant
• (02:32:09) - AWA World Championship Book
• (02:34:04) - The Top 3 Wrestlers in 1975
• (02:44:50) - The Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time Countdown

It’s out with the old year and in with the new…New Year’s Eve 2025 that is..and this holiday, I am counting down my Top 100 Wrestlers of 1975 right here in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel.

Today’s show starts at Number 100 and we count down to Number 51! Tomorrow on New Year’s Day, we run through the Top 50…all the way down to my pick for the Number 1 wrestler for the year of 1975. Get your favorite beverage and maybe a snack and sit back, relax and check out my list. I’d love to hear your thoughts or maybe even your own list for The Top 100 Wrestlers for the year 1975!

• (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast
• (00:05:38) - Living on a ranch with my mom's death
• (00:11:48) - The Top 100 Wrestlers in 1975
• (00:16:41) - Top 100 Wrestlers of the Year 1975
• (00:22:58) - Top 10 WWF Superstars of 1975
• (00:31:39) - Kentaro Oki and Bobby Duncomb
• (00:36:45) - Bob Backlin Dead at 89
• (00:44:46) - Ken Patera
• (00:47:00) - NWA Super Destroyer and Jimmy Snuka at #88
• (00:54:15) - George the Animal Steel at #82
• (01:02:15) - Ranking The Top 100 Wrestlers in the World For 1975
• (01:06:02) - Killer Kowalski at #79
• (01:12:36) - Legendary Names of The UWA
• (01:19:13) - Bob Armstrong on Wrestling Hall of Fame Voting
• (01:26:01) - Red Bastine In Dallas
• (01:37:27) - Cyclone Negro's International Heavyweight Championship
• (01:38:42) - Blackjack Mulligan
• (01:44:06) - Russia Kimura vs Ken Lucas
• (01:53:33) - El Gran Marcus
• (01:55:44) - Top 100 Wrestlers in 1975: Jose Lothario, Dust

It’s here! Our 2025 Christmas Super Show from the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel!

This year we are focusing on the 3 world championships in the world during 1975. My first guest is Steve Gennerelli and we reflect and discuss Bruno Sammartino’s year of 1975 as the WWWF Champion. Bruno has even been declared the wrestler of the year in some historian circles for the year of 1975. Steve and I discuss this and more in Bruno’s championship year of 1975.

Next up, my friend George Schire stops by the Richards Ranch and we discuss the world title in the American Wrestling Association, the AWA. Verne Gagne had been the champion since 1968. Why did he hold the title for so long? Why was the time right in Verne’s mind to end his reign and pass the title to Nick Bockwinkel in November of 1975? George and I discuss these things and more during out visit about the AWA Championship.

Terry Funk won the NWA World Championship in Miami, Florida on December 10th, 1975 winning it from Jack Brisco. Funk had to immediately assume the schedule of the World Champion, which would be taking him to the Central States Territory. Jerry Oates, my next guest was the first challenger on December 11th at Memorial Hall. When did Jerry find out he was wrestling Terry and not Jack? What did Jerry and Terry say to each other? Did they talk before the match or after the match or both? Jerry and I talk about these things and more during our visit about Terry’s first defenses of the NWA Title.

And Gerry Brisco joins me at the Richards Ranch to talk about his brother, Jack Brisco and his reign as NWA WOrld Champion from 1973 to 1975, We discuss Jack’s collegiate career, breaking in for LeRoy McGuirk in Oklahoma, Jack’s first television match, his NWA Title run, the title change with Giant Baba in 1974 and when he decided he wanted to give up the NWA Title and late on, give up pro wrestling and retire. Its a fabulous discussion with all four of my guests on this year’s 2025 Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Christmas Super Show!

• (00:00:02) - Podcast
• (00:00:37) - Christmas Super Show
• (00:01:40) - Story with Briscoe and Bradshaw
• (00:06:08) - WWE Christmas Special
• (00:08:00) - 1975
• (00:09:13) - Bruno Sammartino's Most Frequent Opponents
• (00:15:10) - Bruno vs Jack Briscoe
• (00:23:25) - Bruno Briscoe on Being the WWF Champion
• (00:26:11) - WWE Legend: Bruno Bockwinkel
• (00:27:53) - Bruno vs Ivan Koloff
• (00:31:16) - Did Spiros Aragon Need A Manager?
• (00:33:49) - Do You Think Bruno's Second Reign Was Better Than His First?
• (00:42:07) - Interviewing George Shire
• (00:44:03) - AWA World Championship in 75
• (00:45:09) - Verne Luthez
• (00:52:38) - The AWA Champion Transition
• (01:00:12) - The AWA Championship Belt Stealing
• (01:03:36) - Bobby Heenan Loses A Family Member
• (01:06:12) - St. Paul Championship Change Hands
• (01:12:55) - The NWA World Heavyweight Championship
• (01:18:10) - Verne's Decision To Give the Title to Nick Duncombe
• (01:25:21) - Nick Bockwinkle on Vern Ward's AWA Championship
• (01:30:22) - A Little About Vern Ganya
• (01:34:15) - Nick Bachwinkel on His First Christmas
• (01:36:38) - Terry Funk vs Jerry Oates
• (01:37:29) - Terry Funk on His NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match
• (01:42:59) - Terry Briscoe on His First World Championship Match
• (01:48:09) - Matt Terry on His Match With Jack Briscoe
• (01:50:09) - Bob Geigel Talking About Getting the NWA World Title
• (01:53:44) - Terry Jones on Struggles Getting Over
• (01:58:16) - Jack Briscoe vs Terry Goggle
• (02:04:37) - Harley Jackson on His Return
• (02:08:54) - Terry or Jack vs Harley
• (02:10:48) - Tony Dunphy on His Career in 76
• (02:14:44) - Jerry Briscoe on Terry Funk's NWA World Heavyweight
• (02:16:30) - Jerry Briscoe on Roy Welch's Legacy
• (02:22:30) - Jack Briscoe on His Decision to Go Scientific Wrestling
• (02:29:31) - Jack Briscoe on Dropping the NWA World Title
• (02:34:43) - Jack Backlin on Vince McMahon's Offer for the NWA Championship
• (02:39:55) - Terry Funk vs. Steve Kern
• (02:46:58) - Jack Briscoe on His Time With the WWE
• (02:52:48) - The Funks vs The Rock
• (02:53:39) - Jack Foley on Terry Funk's 14 Month Run
• (02:54:38) - Neville Briscoe on His Brother Jack
• (02:54:59) - WWE Legends: The Welch Family
• (02:56:14) - Christmas Special
• (02:57:57) - Christmas Wish