On May 6, 2026, Robert Edward “Ted” Turner III passed away at the age of 87 in the United States. The founder of CNN, pioneer of the cable superstation, and one of the most transformative figures in modern media left behind a legacy that reshaped news, sports, entertainment, and even professional wrestling. While Turner is best remembered for launching the world’s first 24-hour news network and championing environmental causes, his ownership of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) represented one of his most unlikely yet impactful ventures. For more than a decade, Turner’s financial backing and strategic platform turned a struggling territorial promotion into a national powerhouse that briefly dethroned Vince McMahon’s WWF during the legendary Monday Night Wars. His involvement was never about creative control or personal glory; it was rooted in a pragmatic belief that wrestling was essential, profitable programming that helped build his cable empire.
In this special bonus episode of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show, I am joined by two legendary wrestling media veterans: former WWE Magazine editor and historian Brian R. Solomon, and Bob Smith of the iconic London Publishing Group. Drawing on their deep media experience — along with the host’s own background in radio and television — the trio delivers a fascinating deep-dive into the profound influence of television pioneer Ted Turner on professional wrestling. From the birth of Georgia Championship Wrestling to the early Superstation days that brought wrestling into millions of American homes to the creation of WCW and the cable-television revolution that forever changed the industry, this episode uncovers how one man’s bold vision turned pro wrestling into a national phenomenon. A must-listen for wrestling historians, media fans, and anyone who wants to understand the real story behind the rise of modern wrestling television.
This week’s episode of Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Episode 61 should be in your inbox this morning if you are a subscriber here at the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel! You can also see the video version here on Substack and at our YouTube Channel plus download the audio version of our show on your favorite podcast provider platform.
Here’s the archive of our regular podcast episodes for 2026:
Episode 52: Brian R. Solomon 2025 Book of the Year Surprise Party Celebration
Episode 53: 2026 Mailbag Episode 1
Episode 54: The Pro Wrestling World of Ian Douglass
Episode 55: The Dennis Condrey Tribute Show
Episode 57: Wrestlemania 42 Weekend
The 1976 Territory Review Series:
Episode 56: Herb Simmons and Darla Staggs and the 1976 Review of St. Louis Wrestling Club
Episode 58: Howard Baum and Steve Keirn and the 1976 Review of Championship Wrestling from Florida
Episode 59: Steve Gennarelli and the 1976 Review of the World Wide Wrestling Federation
Towns of The Territories Series:
Episode 60: Towns of the Tennessee Territory: Sean Dulaney and Evansville, Indiana
The 1985 Territory Review Series:
Episode 40: Steve Gennerelli and the 1985 Territory Review of The World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
Episode 43: Lance Peterson and the 1985 Territory Review of World Class Championship Wrestling
Episode 44: Tim Dills and the 1985 Territory Review of Memphis Wrestling
Episode 45: George Schire and the 1985 Territory Review of The AWA
Episode 48: Jammie Ward and the 1985 Territory Review of Jim Crockett Promotions
Episode 50: Greg Klein and the 1985 Territory Review of Mid-South Wrestling
Episode 51: Mike Rodgers & Frank Culbertson and the 1985 Territory Review of Portland Wrestling
Special Bonus Episodes In 2026:
Special Bonus Episode 47: Lizzy Flanagan and the 40th Annniversary of the Passing of Gino Hernandez
Thank You for Watching and Listening
I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share pro wrestling historical items in each issue of the Time Tunnel Pro Wrestling History Newsletter and each episode of our podcast show. Thanks for your support! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share with folks you think might like to be a subscriber!
Remember, Premium subscribers get access to exclusive and special content such as some special issues including a multi-part deep dives on wrestling territories, wrestler bios and championship title histories, special audio and video interviews on territory pro wrestling and more available in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel for Premium Subscribers. Being a Premium Subscriber also means you support me in my efforts to document Pro Wrestling History through my research, writing, books, vidoes and podcasts. And…I have something very special planned for our Premium Subscribers on the Podcast side of things in 2026! Details soon here in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel.
