From its humble beginnings in the Midwest after World War II to its worldwide expansion and eventual dominance of a $25-million-a-year industry,В the National Wrestling Alliance's (NWA) rise and fall is detailed in this dramaticВ tale. While celebrating the great achievements of star wrestlers like Lou Thesz, Ed ''Strangler'' Lewis, and Buddy Rogers, this history also exposes the inner workings of wrestling, describing inВ detailВ the Department of Justice's investigation of the NWA's operating procedures.В The comprehensive study of NWA promoters and how their relationships to influential politicians, writers, and each other protected their interests for more than 50 years offers an inside look at wrestling's complicated legacy,В revealing the intricateВ conspiracies ofВ this century-old brand of entertainment.
Author(s): Tim Hornbaker
Publisher: Ecw Press
Year: 2007
Language: English
Commentary: 48573
Pages: 399
Copyright......Page 6
Table of Contents......Page 7
Introduction......Page 9
The Origins of a Wrestling Monopoly......Page 11
International Expansion......Page 23
The Undisputed Champ......Page 40
The Backbone of the Alliance......Page 56
The Nekoosa Strangler......Page 71
Chicago’s Consummate Entrepreneur......Page 87
The Red-Haired Shooter......Page 104
Wrestling’s First $100,000 Gate......Page 119
United States v. the National Wrestling Alliance......Page 130
Sonny Myers v. the NWA......Page 153
The Founding Father Resigns......Page 170
The Expansion of Capitol Wrestling......Page 184
NWA World Heavyweight Champions......Page 222
Distinguished Wrestling Champions......Page 246
Promotional Wars......Page 276
Booking Wrestling’s Future......Page 298
NWA Worldheavyweight Champions......Page 349
NWA History......Page 372
Acknowledgments......Page 393
About the Photos......Page 394
Photo Credits......Page 397
Photo Section......Page 195
