Episode 71: 1976 Territory Review: Tennessee Territory

Episode 71: 1976 Territory Review: Tennessee Territory

Episode 71: Tennessee Territory 1976 – The Gulas-Welch Territory in the First Half of the YearIn this episode, host Tony Richards is joined once again by Tennessee wrestling historian Tim Dills for a detailed review of the first six months of 1976 in the powerful Gulas-Welch Tennessee Territory. We explore the behind-the-scenes workings and motivations of the new UWA promotion challenging the established order in Nashville, the heated and emerging Jerry Lawler vs. Tommy Rich feud that would become one of the territory’s biggest draws, the colorful program pitting The Bicentennial Kings against The Fabulous Fargos (including Jackie and Roughhouse), and much more. Throughout the conversation, we see the early seeds of discontent being sown between Nick Gulas and Jerry Jarrett — tensions that would ultimately lead to the dramatic breakup of the territory in 1977.Packed with historical context, key angles, business insights, and classic territory storytelling, this episode is essential listening for fans of Mid-South/NWA action in the 1970s. Episode 71 drops now — available on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.Brought to you by the Grizzly Up Soap Company.Ride with us through the Time Tunnel as we continue our deep dive into 1976!

Episode 70: TNT HOF Series 2: Ron Fuller and George Schire

We continue our 2026 Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame Series with Episode 70, dropping this morning , July 8th — just days before the big Hall of Fame weekend in Waterloo.Joining us is Ron Fuller, who will be accepting the 2026 Lou Thesz Award on behalf of the Welch/Fuller Family. Ron shares heartfelt memories of his family’s legendary contributions to the business, stories from his own career, and his pivotal role promoting Southeastern Championship Wrestling in 1976. We dive deep into the family legacy that helped shape so many territories. Our second guest is the noted wrestling historian George Schire. We discuss my own honor — the James C. Melby Award for excellence in journalism and wrestling history preservation — and I have a special surprise for George during the show that you won’t want to miss.Two outstanding guests, rich Hall of Fame conversation, and plenty of territory history. This is one of those episodes you’ll want to listen to more than once. Brought to you by the Grizzly Up Soap Company — keeping the legends clean and the territory spirit alive!Set your reminders, download it fresh on Wednesday morning, and ride along with us through the Time Tunnel as we celebrate this year’s honorees. Can’t wait for you to hear this one! Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show, Your Home for the History of Territory Wrestliung!

Episode 69: 2026 TNT HOF Series: James Beard & Jimmy Garvin

We proudly launch our brand-new 2026 Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame Series with Episode 69 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show, featuring 2026 Impact Award winner and legendary referee James Beard and Jack Brisco Red Belt Award winner “Gorgeous” Jimmy Garvin!James was a cornerstone official in World Class Championship Wrestling’s glory years at the Sportatorium and later in the WWF. Jimmy Garvin brings his iconic in-ring perspective from his legendary runs across the territories, including his deep Texas roots and time with the Freebirds. In this conversation we cover career highlights, behind-the-scenes stories from Dallas, and what these well-deserved honors mean to them ahead of the Hall of Fame weekend. Episode 69 is live now on Substack,Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. Listen today and let us know what you think. The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling.

Episode 68: 2026 Mailbag Show #2

We’re back with our second Mailbag Show of the year — Episode 67 — and I’m joined once again by my great friend and co-host, Steve Gennerelli!This one is pure fan interaction. Steve and I are diving into your questions from the community — everything from deep territorial history, booking decisions, hidden gems from the 70s and 80s, wrestler careers, and those classic “what if” scenarios that we all love to debate.You asked… we’re answering. Expect plenty of stories, insight, laughs, and that signature Time Tunnel deep dive you’ve come to expect.Whether you’re a longtime territory fan or just discovering the golden age of regional wrestling, this episode is for you. Episode 67 – The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Mailbag Show #2 is live now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you get your shows.Drop a review, share your thoughts, and keep those questions coming for the next mailbag! Thanks for riding with us through the Time Tunnel… let’s open some letters and talk some wrestling history!

Episode 67: 1976 Territory Review: Dallas Territory

It's Episode 67 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory Show as we continue pur 1976 Territory Review Series! I am joined by Greg Klein this week as we we roll into the heart of Texas in 1976 and dive deep into one of the hottest territories in the NWA: Big Time Wrestling out of Dallas. From the roads stretching between Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, and Austin, a stacked roster of talent was tearing it up night after night in arenas big and small.Homegrown hero and NWA American Champion Fritz Von Erich was the beating heart of the promotion. The legendary Iron Claw was working overtime as Fritz anchored fantastic programs, most notably his intense heel feud with The Mongolian Stomper, managed by the cunning J.J. Dillon. These battles had Texas fans on the edge of their seats week after week.The territory was so hot that even top stars were navigating carefully. The great Red Bastien was reportedly steering somewhat clear of the red-hot scene, while still making selective appearances like his time-limit draw with Rick Martel on the big card.The crown jewel of the year? The Super Bowl of Wrestling on June 5, 1976, at Texas Stadium in Irving. One of the biggest shows of the year drew a massive crowd (reported around 17,000) for a star-studded supercard. In the main event, NWA World Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk hooked up with Fritz Von Erich in a sizzling title match that spilled outside and ended in a double count-out, further fueling the ongoing Von Erich vs. Funk family feud that had Texas (and beyond) buzzing.We’ll break down the full card highlights, key angles, the business side of the territory, other top talent on the roads, and how this era set the stage for what would become World Class Championship Wrestling. From blood feuds and big gates to the territorial grind, it’s classic 1976 Texas wrestling at its absolute peak.Tune in for another deep dive through the Time Tunnel—where the territories come alive again!https://tonyrichards4.substack.com/p/pro-wrestling-time-tunnel-history-0af The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling.