This week, Ray Russell is joined by Phil Adams to continue the discussion on the early years of pro wrestling in St. Louis. Topics this week cover the years of 1923 through 1950 as Tom Packs takes over as promoter for John Contos and has a successful 25 years on top before his side habits force him to sell. From there, they dive into the business split between Packs and his right-hand man Sam Muchnick, the early issues Sam encountered when trying to run opposition, the Mississippi Valley Sports Club taking over, the various owner stakes in St. Louis that ranged from Lou Thesz to Wild Bill Longson, the secret merger that wasn't exposed for nearly a decade, Muchnick's eventual "victory" as THE promoter of the St. Louis territory and his subsequent rise to President of the NWA, and so 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/wrestlecopia
YOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/gift
Includes 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 PAYPAL
WRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopia
Visit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.com
Follow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenade
Follow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenade
Subscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade