The Modernization Of Pro Wrestling

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Today, people think of Vince McMahon as the father of modern pro wrestling, but this successful promoter joined the family business and continued developments begun by his grandfather and father.

The Family Business of Pro Wrestling

Irish-American Roderick James "Jess" McMahon promoted wrestling, boxing, and musical events in New York City. His son, Vince Sr., grew up around pro wrestling and, after the end of World War II, saw many opportunities for the sport. Founding the Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC), McMahon Sr. recognized that wrestling perfectly suited television. His Wednesday night program helped popularize the sport across the U.S., but he promoted matches in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.

Titan Sports Developed

McMahon Jr. developed an interest in the sport, too, entering pro wrestling as a wrestler and promoter. Then the youngest McMahon in the business, he envisioned going beyond the regional promotions common to the sport up to the 1980s. In 1980, he formed Titan Sports, Inc. with his wife and business partner, Linda McMahon. Two years later, he purchased his father's shares in CWC and brought it under the management of Titan Sports. The combined power of the two organizations provided him with the stable of wrestlers and East Coast dominance needed to make pro wrestling a favorite sport in the U.S. and eventually worldwide.

Glitz, Glamour, and Gore

Vince McMahon Jr. studied other promoters, including his family members. When he recognized a good idea, like the Crockett brothers' Great American Bash, he co-opted the idea, making it bigger and gorier. Jim Crockett Promotions, located in Charlotte, NC, hosted its inaugural Great American Bash in the company's hometown. McMahon saw the success of it, and other regional promotions, such as Starcade. He countered with Wrestlemania, hosting his events at major venues, like Madison Square Garden.

Focusing on featuring his fights on network television let the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and later, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), dominate televised fights. McMahon also used pay-per-view events, like the Crockett brothers' National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the Southwest Sports, Inc. product, World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), which became World Class Wrestling Association (WCWA).

An Eye for Talent

McMahon scouted talent from his competitors, luring the Von Erich brothers of Texas to compete in his organization and Sting away from the NWA. Through savvy business tactics and a talent for over-the-top sports drama, Vince McMahon created some of wrestling's first true superstars, including Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and Brock Lesnar.