Download the January/February 2024 issue of NWA Official Wrestling magazine today.
From the Desk Of…
The NWA: Nationwide & Coast-to-Coast
Growing up, our family moved often — and I always considered it a curse. Each year brought a new home, new school, and a need to make new friends. From a practical standpoint, even eight years spent floating around Southeast Texas was a nightmare.
Looking back as a fan of the National Wrestling Alliance, though, they brought an unexpected windfall! My childhood came during the height of pro wrestling’s territory system, and Houston received a wealth of weekly broadcasts showcasing the best NWA affiliates across the country. From a very early age, I was exposed to the greatest wrestling of all-time and the legendary names who defined the NWA for generations.
Each Saturday was Mid-South Wrestling, my all-time favorite, featuring stars like Junk Yard Dog, “Dirty” Dick Slater and Dark Journey, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Butch Reed, Missy Hyatt, The Freebirds and Terry Taylor. I also enjoyed Championship Wrestling from Florida, Georgia’s Mid-Atlantic, Dallas-based World Class Championship Wrestling and more.
That great territory system of the past ended before my childhood did, but the memories and its legacy live on. Now NWA President William Patrick Corgan has endeavored to rebuild it!
Cleveland, OH-based Exodus Pro was announced as the first, official territory of the Lightning One Era, quickly followed by Tennessee’s Joe Cazana Promotions. Early in 2024, NWA Chicago joined the mix as well. All are rife with young, hungry pro wrestling talent, and it seems likely other companies similarly packed with the stars-of-tomorrow nationwide might soon fall in line as well.
Bit by bit, from touring Australia to seeing its belts defended in Japan and Finland, the NWA is reimagining what some considered an antiquated network of promotions recognizing its legendary titles. EC3 is revitalizing the concept of being a true traveling World’s champion.
It’s an exciting time to be a pro wrestling fan. More importantly, it’s an incredible time to be a fan of the National Wrestling Alliance. We might never again know the excitement of the ‘80s territory system, but today’s ever-expanding NWA certainly harkens back to it!
Warmest Regards,
Paul E. Pratt
Editor-in-Chief, NWA Official Wrestling
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