The Evolution of Pro Wrestling is a series for our Premium Subscribers designed to track the historical changes and paradigms in the art form and creative aspects of the sport through Professional Wrestling’s History.
The 1960s in Professional Wrestling
In the mid-1960s, professional wrestling was a regional, territory-based industry, primarily in North America, with a mix of athletic competition and theatrical storytelling. The NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) was the dominant force, a coalition of regional promoters sharing talent and recognizing one world champion. Prominent territories included Jim Crockett Promotions (Mid-Atlantic), Georgia Championship Wrestling, and Championship Wrestling from Florida.
The WWW (World Wide Wrestling Federation) was based in the Northeast, run by Vince McMahon Sr., it was an NWA member until 1963 when it split due to a dispute over the NWA World Championship. The WWWF crowned Bruno Sammartino as its champion, a major draw.
The AWA (American Wrestling Association): Based in Minneapolis, led by Verne Gagne, it was another major player, focusing on technical wrestling. Gagne was often the champion and a central figure.
In the mid-1960s, wrestling was slower-paced, emphasizing holds, mat work, and storytelling over high-flying moves. Matches often went long (20–60 minutes), with time-limit draws common. Hardcore elements were rare but emerging with stars like The Sheik. Clear good guy/bad guy dynamics drove storylines, often tied to cultural or ethnic identities to connect with local audiences.
Out of this boiling pot of what wrestling was in the 1960s, came the tag team of The Interns and Dr. Ken Ramey. Ramey went from referee to ringside manager, Ramey was a volcano in southern arenas every night.
