Tales From the Territories

At the Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis’ unique blend of slow-burn, story-driven matches and pre-MTV music video vignettes, captivated audiences every week.

One of the most infamous stories in wrestling lore, TV star Andy Kaufman traveled from Hollywood to Memphis to wrestle women, before facing off against King Jerry Lawler.

Verne Gagne created the American Wrestling Association with one singular goal: return dignity and athleticism to a business losing touch with both.

Championship Wrestling from Florida was known for a training regime that both elevated its wrestlers and literally broke newcomers, like future WWE star Hulk Hogan.

Stampede Wrestling was formed and operated by the patriarch of the legendary Hart family. Stars were trained in the Hart Family basement gym, infamously known as “The Dungeon.”

Polynesian Pro Wrestling was formed by High Chief Peter Maivia, grandfather of Dwayne Johnson, and later run by his grandmother Lia, one of the first female wrestling promoters.