Podcast · Sport

Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk

by Ray Russell / The WrestleCopia Network · English · Sport

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 t

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 28 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 41 minNew

Rasslin 155: Florida 1980 (Dusty's Bullrope, Manny's Push, Eddie Graham Unretires)

Get ready as Florida superfan Harold Strassler joins us on this week’s Regional Rasslin’ as we wrap up Tampa’s final two shows of December 1979 (including a big Christmas card) and we'll ring in 1980! We follow the action into the first part of January, focusing primarily on the Tampa cards and television as Oliver Humperdink’s crew keeps Dusty Rhodes, Manny Fernandez, and Mike Graham fighting on multiple fronts. A controversial clash between Florida Champion Manny Fernandez and Southern Champion Leroy Brown sparks a wild aftermath that knocks Dusty out of a scheduled main event. Dusty’s war…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E154 · 6 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
Rasslin 154: Malden, Missouri Part 2 (Mario Galento, Movie Star?!?)
Guest Steve Crawford is back from being “on assignment”, as he joins Host Ray Russell to continue the discussion of Henry Rogers’ Malden, Missouri wrestling territory. In Part 2, thanks to Henry’s daughter Dianna, we give answers to questions we were left with from the 1960s. From there, we follow the promotion from 1970 through 1975. Rogers filled his Saturday night cards with local regulars like Buddy Chandler, Bobby Guy, and Bo and Tuffy Taylor while bringing in wrestlers from surrounding territories. Mario Galento became a fixture in Malden, where the papers even announced plans to film…
E153 · 29 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
Rasslin 153: St. Louis Wrestling History 1953-1954
This time on Regional Rasslin’ we return to more St. Louis Wrestling History, Guest Phil Adams joins Ray Russell on the journey through the latter months of 1953 and all of 1954. Television continues to shape the territory as stars like Buddy Rogers, Johnny Valentine, Bill Longson, Ray Eckert, and Don Leo Jonathan battle for position beneath reigning NWA Champion Lou Thesz. We examine Thesz’s major title defenses, the continued importance of the Kiel Auditorium, and the sharp decline in attendance at St. Louis’ regular arena events. During the long 1954 off-season, television becomes the…
E152 · 22 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
Rasslin 152: Chicago Wrestling Club History 1971 / 1972
It's a new Regional Rasslin, as Guest Richard Vicek joins Host Ray Russell to discuss two more eventful years in Chicago Wrestling Club history, beginning with the rise of Nick Bockwinkel, Strong Kobayashi and the popular team of Red Bastien and Hercules Cortez. We discuss Cortez’s tragic death, the emergence of Bobby Heenan’s Blackjacks and Chicago’s increasingly violent main events. In 1972, Dick the Bruiser and the Crusher’s bloody war with the Blackjacks became the promotion’s hottest feud. We also follow the growing momentum of Ivan Koloff, Billy Robinson, Dusty Rhodes and Wahoo…
E151 · 15 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 46 min
Rasslin 151: AWA on ESPN September 3rd & 10th, 1985 (Martel vs. Gordy, Roadies Sing!)
Guest Roman Gomez is back to join host Ray Russell to discuss two weeks of AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN from September 3rd & 10th, 1985! Rick Martel defends the AWA World Title against Terry Gordy. Greg Gagne and Nick Bockwinkel renew their rivalry, while Ray Stevens and Sgt. Slaughter act as their cornermen. AWA Tag Champs The Road Warriors "sing" before they sit down with Larry Zbyszko "In This Corner". Plus, AWA Light Heavyweight Champ Steve Regal vs. Buck Zumhofe, The Long Riders want another title shot, Jimmy Garvin sets his sights on Martel, Curt Hennig introduces Tom Zenk as his…
E150 · 8 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
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…
E149 · 1 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 34 min
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…
E148 · 25 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 44 min
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…
E147 · 18 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 28 min
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…
E146 · 11 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
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…
E145 · 4 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
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…
E144 · 28 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 41 min
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…
E143 · 21 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 40 min
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…
E142 · 14 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 45 min
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…
E141 · 7 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
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…
E140 · 30 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 35 min
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…
E139 · 23 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 38 min
Rasslin 139: Chicago Wrestling History 1969 & 1970 (Chain Gang, Vachons, Baron, More!)
Guest Richard Vicek returns to Regional Rasslin' to discuss more Chicago Wrestling history with host Ray Russell. This week, we dive into two very important years in the growth of the CWC as we look at 1969 and 1970. Topics include the giant Comiskey Park event in the summer of 1970, the Chain Gang arrive and wreak havoc vs. Crusher & Bruiser, the real-life Hells Angels biker gang shooting Frank Dillinger and forcing his leg to be amputated, Chris Colt replacing Frank in the Chain Gang, Bobby Heenan's cleverness in his battles with Dick the Bruiser, Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon taking over the…
E138 · 16 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 43 min
Rasslin 138: St. Louis Wrestling History Part 3 (1950 - 1952)
The St. Louis Wrestling Project continues as Phil Adams returns, joining host Ray Russell as they begin to discuss the 1950s. Sam Muchnick now has TWO St. Louis Wrestling promotions, but continues to use them as separate entities. We look at the early NWA Title defenses of Lou Thesz, Wild Bill Longson's last big run, Wladek "Killer" Kowalski makes a big name for himself, Buddy Rogers shines in the main event picture, while Gene Stanlee later TRIES to replace Buddy's "spot" on the card. We talk the "outdoor" experiment for the summer of 1950 that led to Muchnick going seasonal. We also…
E137 · 9 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
Rasslin 137: The AWA on ESPN (Setting the Stage!)
Familiar Guest Roman Gomez returns to Regional Rasslin, as he joins host Ray Russell to set the stage for the upcoming AWA on ESPN Project. The two go back in time a couple years to discuss the infancy of Hulkamania and how the AWA dropped the ball, Verne Gagne's inability to change with the times, Greg Gagne's many claims at what led to business woes, the many talents that came through during the post-Hogan (pre-ESPN) era, Pro Wrestling USA, Roman attending several events in Las Vegas, the Champions of 1985, The Road Warriors impact, Sgt. Slaughter's return, RAMBO Greg Gagne, how the…
E136 · 2 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
Rasslin 136: Memphis Wrestling 7/13/85 (Bota And The Rat!)
This week on Regional Rasslin, Guest Gene Jackson joins host Ray Russel to continue their way through Memphis 1985, now covering the week of July 13th. With Dave Brown away on vacation, Lance Russell goes solo as Tom Branch takes over managerial duties of Bota the Witchdoctor after it appears Bota has transformed former manager Leslie Floyd Creatchman III into a rat! Plus, The PYT turn face while Buddy Wayne gets personal, the Fabulous Ones/Sheepherders feud continues on, the Knight Riders team arrives (and leaves), Big John Harris steps into the arenas, Phil Hickerson is your new…
E135 · 26 May 2026 · 1 hr 28 min
Rasslin 135: Georgia Wrestling May/June 1982 (Freebirds Reunite, Dr. X Unmasked, Flair's Gift!)
It's Regional Rasslin' #135 looking at late May and early June of 1982 in the Georgia territory. Jammie Ward returns with host Ray Russell to talk the reuniting of the Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy & Michael Hayes) after a year apart! Plus, Ric Flair has a surprise for Leroy Brown, Masked Superstar & Mr. Wrestling #2 rekindle their feud, Roddy Piper takes exception to Tommy Rich's comments, the mysterious Dr. X has arrived, Buzz Sawyer takes out Kevin Sullivan, Paul Orndorff prepares for a National Title shot, & much more! If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us…
E134 · 19 May 2026 · 1 hr 33 min
Rasslin 134: Georgia Wrestling 1953 - 1955 (Graham's Push, Early TV, Screwjobs, & More!)
This week on Regional Rasslin', Guest Rick Fields is back as he joins host Ray Russell to continue the discusson of Georgia Wrestling history. As they work their way to the Georgia War of the early 1970s, the duo take a look at some of the happenings building up to that era. Topics discussed this week cover 1953 - 1955 and include talk of interesting booking patterns, the June Byers/Mildred Burke "screwjob", the lack of World Title defenses, Georgia's first Wrestling TV program, the introduction of the Southern Title, Don & Red McIntyre, Jackie Fargo, The Swedish Angel, Verne Gagne, Gorgeous…
E133 · 12 May 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
Rasslin 133: Chicago Wrestling 1967 & 1968 (Gagne vs. Dr. X, Hennig/Race vs. Crusher/Bruiser)
Richard Vicek returns to Regional Rasslin to join Ray Russell as they discuss two more years of Chicago Wrestling Club history, covering the full years of 1967 & 1968. Including the first ever sellout crowd in Chicago, the legendary feuds between Dr. X vs. Verne Gagne and the tag feud of Larry Hennig & Harley Race vs. Dick the Bruiser & Da' Crusher, the makings of Blackjack Lanza, Bill Watts, the Japanese duo of Mitsu Arakawa & Mr. Moto, early Mighty Igor, Rock Rogowski (Ole Anderson), Bobby Heenan, & more! If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please…
E132 · 5 May 2026 · 1 hr 33 min
Rasslin 132: St. Louis Wrestling History Part 2 (1923 - 1950, Tom Packs, Thesz, Muchnick)
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…
E131 · 28 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
Rasslin 131: Los Angeles 1982; The End of an Era (LeBell Folds, Vince Takes Over)
This week on Regional Rasslin', Vandal Drummond makes his long-awaited return to discuss the final year of the LeBell Los Angeles territory (1982) with host Ray Russell. We talk everything from the Japanese invasion of talent, the Lucha Libre stars, memories of journeyman Bobby Lane's big push, outlaw promotions, the deal struck with Vince McMahon for the WWF to take over the area, and much more! Plus, Vandal gets candid as he pays respects at the top of the program to his dear friend, rockabilly band musician and co-founder of Incredibly Strange Wrestling, Johnny Legend. If you're enjoying…
E130 · 21 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 38 min
Rasslin 130: SPECIAL EDITION (Southeastern Becomes Continental!)
This is a very special edition of Regional Rasslin' as Guest Co-Host Aaron Gartlan has made a special Patreon request and joins Ray Russell to discuss an era and territory that is very near and dear to his heart... Aaron has selected to discuss the transformation of his native Alabama's Southeastern Championship Wrestling over to Continental Wrestling in 1985. Gartlan goes back in time to talk childhood memories with friends, attending events at the old Houston County Farm Center in Dothan, growing up on Gulf Coast, Southeastern and eventually Continental. From there, they discuss the 1985…
E129 · 14 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
Rasslin 129: The Poffo Family's ICW, The Final Years! (1983 - 1985)
Regional Rasslin #129 looks at the final years of the Poffo Family's ICW (1983 - 1985). Steve Crawford returns to talk with host Ray Russell about the slow decline as talent begins to jump ship, from Rip Rogers to Pez Whatley to Ron Garvin, even Lanny Poffo packs it in. We discuss a plan for Bruiser Brody falling through (where money lies, honor dies!). Ronnie Garvin collects money owed. Eventually, Randy Savage works out a deal to work for Jerry Jarrett & Lawler in Memphis, before Angelo completely folds up shop after the Macho Man signs a deal with the WWF. If you're enjoying WrestleCopia…
E128 · 7 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
Rasslin 128: Georgia 1947 - 1953 (ABC Booking, NWA, Thesz, Ward, Gunkel)
This week, Regional Rasslin' continues to set the stage for the 1970s Georgia War by futher exploring the build-up of one of the most successful territories in pro wrestling history. RIck Fields returns to chat with Ray Russell about the 1940s and 1950s in Georgia. Some of the topics include the arrival of NWA (Association) Champion Lou Thesz, Paul Jones' "ABC Booking" Company, Cowboy Luttrell vs. Boxing Legend Jack Dempsey, the Fred Ward relationship begins, the NWA (Alliance) is born, Gorgeous George, Argentina Rocca, Fabulous Moolah, Eddie Graham debuts with a 5 second win, Don McIntyre,…
E127 · 31 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
Rasslin 127: Memphis 7/6/85 (BIG JOHN HARRIS Debuts! RIP Dennis Condrey)
This week, Regional Rasslin goes back to the Memphis territory in 1985 as we kick off the month of July. Guest Gene Jackson joins Ray Russell as they discuss the interesting debut of the 7'7" giant BIG JOHN HARRIS. They talk Big John's peculiar "music video" and articulate promo (YUP!). Plus, the current Southern Champion Bota the Witch Doctor is back in the studio wielding fire! BUT, the studio fans are not impressed. Leslie Floyd Creatchman III is still here (perhaps for the final time). FORMER Referee Tom Branch competes, while his feud with Jerry Lawler rages on. Speaking of the King,…
E126 · 24 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Rasslin 126: Discussing Chicago Wrestling 1966 (with Guest Richard Vicek)
This week on Regional Rasslin', Ray Russell is joined once again by Chicago Wrestling historian Richard Vicek, as they look into the full year of events for 1966 in the Chicago Wrestling Club! Discussing the AWA vs. WWA, the legendary feud between Da Crusher & Dick the Bruiser vs. Harley Race & Larry Hennig, Gene Kiniski, Verne Gagne, Wilbur Snyder, Johnny Valentine, Mad Dog Vachon, Pat O'Connor, Angelo Poffo, Ernie Ladd, Chris Markoff, Killer Kowalski, Mitsu Arakawa, Jack Lanza, how Igor Volkoff came to be, early Bobby Heenan (still a genius), RIchard attends his first Chicago event, and…

About Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk

Regional Rasslin' - Territory Talk is a English sport podcast from Ray Russell / The WrestleCopia Network. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Ray Russell / The WrestleCopia Network
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 28 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1659300648

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