Since 2002, The History of WWE.com has served as
the premiere online resource for the in- and
out-of-the-ring histories of multiple wrestling
companies. Now, for the first time in print, you have
access to the thousands of dates, cities and ring
results that comprise pro wrestling's past. You can now
find the hidden gems, the main events that drew
thousands and the ones that only drew flies. This first
volume in "The History of Professional Wrestling" series
contains EVERY known result from the World Wrestling
Federation from it's inception in 1963 all the way
through 1989. Did you know…? While Buddy Rogers was
recognized as WWWF World Champion for the better part of
4 months, he wasn’t presented with the title belt until
mere weeks before his title loss to Bruno Sammartino?
The WWWF was operated as a territory in the northeastern
United States. But in the days before a national or
global audience, it was not uncommon to see the
heavyweight champion in Japan, Canada, Florida,
Nashville, Indianapolis, or California. And he would
often bring his belt to defend against the local star.
Bruno Sammartino was “defeated” for the heavyweight
crown a few times by the likes of Gorilla Monsoon, Ray
Stevens and Prof. Tanaka. The title was returned on a
technicality. WWWF action aired on HBO as early as 1973.
Top names like King Kong Bundy, Curt Hennig, Jim Duggan,
Eddie Gilbert, and Mick Foley all had their start on TV
as enhancement talent during the timeframe of this book.
Many marquee matches at TV tapings never saw the light
of day in the U.S. but some were later televised
exclusively in Europe or Canada. During the expansion of
the 1980s, fans of other wrestling organizations didn’t
always appreciate the WWF product when it debuted in
their area. Often, even with Hulk Hogan on the card,
hosting events in a new part of the U.S. was not an
immediate success when it came to attendance. And there
are countless others you’ll come across in this
incredible "History of Professional Wrestling"
series!
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