The most successful promoter in the history of professional wrestling, World Wrestling Entertainment C.E.O. Vincent Kennedy McMahon, was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina on this day in 1945. The son of renowned Northeastern promoter Vincent…
Category: 1940s-1950s
Renowned NCAA and Olympic wrestler Verne Gagne makes his professional wrestling debut in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gagne, who was also a highly accomplished football player, was among the most famous amateur grapplers of the day and…
In a legendary battle between two amateurs who would soon rule the world of professional wrestling, future NWA World Heavyweight champion Dick Hutton loses in overtime to future AWA World Heavyweight champion Verne Gagne. The…
The National Wrestling Alliance, which for decades was the largest and most powerful governing body in the professional wrestling industry, is officially formed after founder Paul “Pinkie” George assembles a collection of Midwestern promoters in…
The Dumont Network, which was the first television network to establish national broadcasts in America, airs the debut episode of, arguably, the most important TV program in professional wrestling history, “Wrestling from Marigold.” The catalyst…
New Zealander Pat O’Connor defeats Dick Hutton for the National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight title in St. Louis, Missouri. One of the sport’s more popular babyfaces of the era, O’Connor would go on to hold…
Following a career-ending auto accident involving inaugural NWA World Heavyweight champion Orville Brown, reigning National Wrestling Association champion Lou Thesz is awarded the National Wrestling Alliance title, thus unifying the two World championships just weeks…
In a much-anticipated battle of World champions, Lou Thesz defeats Baron Michelle Leone, unifying his NWA title with Leone’s Los Angeles version of the World championship. Interest was so great in the match that local…
Legendary NCAA and Golden Gloves champion, and future NWA World Junior Heavyweight titleholder, Danny Hodge becomes the first wrestler in history to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. Still an amateur at…
Chicago Promoter Fred Kohler Awards Verne Gagne The NWA United States Championship
by Mark Longby Mark LongChicago promoter Fred Kohler defiantly awards his top star, Verne Gagne, the newly-created NWA United States championship. Gagne was seen coast-to-coast on Kohler’s powerful Dumont Network television program, “Wrestling from Marigold,” and was, arguably, the…
Newer Posts