#WrestlingHistory #1985WrestlingHistory #MidSouthWrestling #WrestlingObserverNewsletter #AWAPolitics #TedTurner #WTBS #NickBockwinkel #RickMartel #ObserveThis #FightGameMedia
Video Summary
Join John LaRocca and Garrett Gonzales as they review an epic snapshot of 1985 wrestling history, based on the essential archives of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter 1985. This episode of Observe This! is a time capsule of one of the most tumultuous years in the professional wrestling industry, as the territory system faced its final, furious battles.
The Superstation War: Mid-South on WTBS
We begin by breaking down the landmark moment Mid-South Wrestling, led by Bill Watts, debuted on Sunday nights on Ted Turner's WTBS. Look at the strategic maneuvers and the immediate fallout in the three-way power struggle between Vince McMahon’s expanding WWF, Jim Crockett Promotions, and Bill Watts’ gritty, hard-hitting Mid-South. How did that first Sunday show change the television landscape? We dive deep into the 1985 business dynamics discussed in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The Gagne Deception: Bockwinkel, Martel, and AWA Title Politics
The core of today's deep dive—as seen in our thumbnail—unravels the bizarre political machinations of AWA promoter Verne Gagne. We explain exactly why Gagne sent the legendary Nick Bockwinkel as the "reigning" AWA World Champion to Memphis to face Jerry "The King" Lawler, even though the actual, recognized champion at the time was Rick Martel! We trace the political maneuvering and the ripple effects this odd booking choice had on multiple territories.
The Barbarian Stampede
Lastly, we discuss a hilarious quirk of 1985 wrestling history: the sudden influx of various wrestlers all using the name "Barbarian" at the same time. How did the industry manage this naming confusion? We look at the different versions of the character and who actually held the strongest claim to the name in 1985.
In this detailed 1985 wrestling history deep dive, we cover:
Mid-South Wrestling's WTBS debut strategy.
The WWF vs. Crockett vs. Watts Superstation war of 1985.
The truth behind the Nick Bockwinkel vs. Rick Martel AWA Title confusion.
Behind-the-scenes territory politics from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter 1985 archives.
The naming controversy of "The Barbarian."
This is your definitive guide to the chaotic, thrilling business side of 1985 wrestling.
Don't miss an episode! Make sure to like this video, subscribe to Fight Game Media, and drop a comment letting us know your favorite Mid-South or AWA moment from 1985!
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