World Class Championship Wrestling

World Class Championship Wrestling was a Territory pro wrestling promotion operating in the United States, based in Dallas, Texas, USA.

The WCCW promotion was founded on May 14, 1940 by Ed McLemore, and it ceased operations on April 28, 1991.

The company, later known as the World Class Wrestling Association (WCWA), was initially an NWA territory, then went independent in 1986 in an attempt to become a major national promotion. WWE owns the rights to the pre-1989 WCCW tape library, while post-1988 rights are held by International World Class Championship Wrestling. Select episodes from 1982 to 1988 are available on the WWE Network.

WCCW enjoyed significant success from 1981 to 1985, setting attendance records and gaining global exposure through its syndicated television program. The promotion was known for its high-impact action and dramatic storylines featuring the Von Erich family and various villains. Key figures in WCCW included bookers Ken Mantell, David Von Erich, Gary Hart, and Bruiser Brody. The promotion was notable for its talent exchanges, which brought future stars like Chris Adams, The Fabulous Freebirds, Jake Roberts, Mick Foley, Shawn Michaels, Gino Hernandez, and Iceman King Parsons into the spotlight.

Originally named Big Time Wrestling, the promotion rebranded to World Class Championship Wrestling in 1982, a name suggested by Mickey Grant, who produced its broadcasts. WCCW primarily held events at the Sportatorium and Reunion Arena in Dallas, both prominent venues for wrestling and boxing.

World Class Championship Wrestling: Info