Know the History of Jim Crockett Promotions Jim Crockett Promotions since 1948 has functioned under a number of pseudonyms such as Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Championship Wrestling and World Wide Wrestling. In alliance with National Wrestling Alliance which was also known as NWA wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions covered the areas of Virginia and Carolina. By 1970’s, it became rather famous and widespread and thus included a number of other areas namely, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, Ohio, New York and also Canada. Eventually Jim Crockett Promotions became known as Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. It formed its own brand and made a name for itself.
In the 40’s one of the most prominent forms of primary television broadcasting was that of professional wrestling that had its origination in the major television markets of New York and Chicago. In the 50’s when there was an overhaul in the local broadcasting, Jim Crockett promotions in association with WBTV which was a local affiliate of CBS, produced the live airing of the Charlotte based wrestling bouts. This proved to be a very effective move as it aided in the promotion of their wresting cards at the Charlotte Park Center. The first broadcast of Professional Wrestling was done in January 1958 on WBTV.
Television shows previously were used for advertising wrestling cards which also included the battle for the Southern Heavyweight title in 1960’s. While this was a singles title, it was transformed later on into the Eastern Heavyweight Title by 1970 in order to promote the singles championship in the region which was largely team oriented. It was by March 1972 that Jim Crockett Promotions had created the brand ‘Mid-Atlantic Wrestling’. By the end of 1973, the Mid Atlantic title had made a name for itself while it’s new belts gaining recognition too. This was the actual transition of the title. Jerry Barisco in September 1973 became the first Mid Atlantic Champion. Slowly but steadily, the Mid-Atlantic Championship formed into the greatest regional titles of 70’s and 80’s. Few of the biggest names in the history of wrestling were a part of this championship such as, Johnny Valentine, Paul Jones, Wahoo McDaniel, Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, Dory Funk, Jr., Jack and Jerry Brisco.
By 1983, recording of live shows from the arena was done by Jim Crockett Promotions in place of weekly shows being done in the television studios. That same year, the supercard- Starrcade for the NWA was also made. Starcadealomg with Great American Bash were some of the best and the greatest shows showcasing the likes of Wahoo McDaniel, The Read Warriors, The Andersons and Ric Flair. Traditionally, for many years, Starrcade was held on Thanksgiving. It was always held in the Greensboro Colliseum which could hold approximately 23,000 spectators. While on the other hand, The Great
American Bash was held mostly in summers in the Baltimore Arena which could hold around 14,000 spectators.