Vol. 7: Booking 101 – The Art of Storytelling In Pro Wrestling

Have you ever wondered how magicians learn their craft? Have you ever wondered how storytellers get their style? Or more appropriately, have you ever wondered how wrestlers have gotten over with the crowd? Or why do some get put in certain places on the card? Well, the latter two fall under the Booking. Join Seth and Crazy Train as they pull back the curtain a little to explain some of the psychology behind booking a wrestling show. Plus, they mention seven famous bookers and why they were considered to be so great.

George Scott – Most famous for booking Jim Crockett Promotions and a lot of the early “Rock ‘n Wrestling” “Hulkamania Era” for WWE.

Eddie Graham – Widely considered one of the greatest minds for the business and had a very successful run in Florida.

Kevin Sullivan – A very well-respected wrestler and booker who had success in multiple territories. Also worked under Eddie Graham.

Bill Watts – Known for booking the Mid-South territory and for a brief stint running WCW. Also had tutelage under Eddie Graham.

Paul Heyman – The main booker and promoter of ECW.

Gary Hart – Helped book World Class Championship Wrestling in Texas for Fritz Von Erich. And yes, learned from Eddie Graham.

Dusty Rhodes – “The American Dream” had as much success, if not more, behind the scenes as he did in the ring. He booked arguably the greatest period of Jim Crockett Promotions,. And, you guessed it, learned under Eddie Graham.

As mentioned during the show, here is an example of George Scott utilizing a hot up-and-coming star in Sting and a grizzled veteran in The Iron Sheik.

Vol. 6: The Great Memphis Split

NWA Wrestling Logo

Memphis has always been a hot territory for wrestling, especially in the late 20th Century. Join Seth, Crazy Train, and special guest Dan “The Dragon” Wilson as they talk about the Memphis Territory. Specifically, the split that happened in March of 1977 between Promotors Nick Gulas and Jerry Jarrett. Hear the history behind Memphis dating back to the late 1940s and all the stars that came through that territory for big-money events. People like Jackie Fargo, Tojo Yamamoto, Sputnik Monroe, and many more. Then hear what lead to the parting of ways between Gulas and Jarrett. And of course the rise of WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler.

As talked about during the show, here are the results of the final show promoted by Gulas in the legendary Mid-South Coliseum, and the first show promoted by Jarrett in the same venue.

This is the type of stuff you don’t get in very many wrestling podcasts. Join us in another fun-filled episode of Classic Wrestling Memories as we provide you with exclusive insight into wrestling history. Give us a like and a review! And let us know below what you think of the show and what you’d like to hear in the future?

Dan “The Dragon” Wilson can be found on Twitter and Facebook. Be sure to take a look at Anarchy Wrestling where he is the lead play-by-play announcer.