Introduction

 

My first experience with pro wrestling was back in 1968.  In the area where this blogger lives, the era was known as The Territory Era.

 

Our area was known as Big Time Wrestling.  The Bay Area had a weekly show known as National All Star Wrestling.  KTVU Channel 2, located in Oakland, was the flagship station for the wrestling area.

 

The major shows would be held at the Cow Palace in Daly City about once a month.  Wrestlers from the Big Time Wrestling stable would appear in shows throughout Northern California roughly four to five times a week.

 

Over this period, local wrestling names such as Ray Stevens, Pepper Gomez, Pat Patterson, Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson were well known in the area.  Walt Harris, pictured in the center above, called the action.

 

My first show was in July 1970.  In America, I've seen American wrestling shows in Daly City, Oakland, San Francisco, Newark, San Jose, Sacramento, Los Angeles and Eugene, OR.  

 

In the time of watching pro wrestling, this fan would see the NWA, AWA, WCW, WWE, ROH, NJPW, TNA and AEW.   The independent promotions were All Pro Wrestling (Daly City), West Coast Pro Wrestling (San Francisco) and Big Time Wrestling (Newark).

 

In 2022, this blogger would venture out of America and would take in a Southeast Asian show in Quezon City, Philippines.  It would have been earlier except for the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

This would continue in 2023 with three shows in eight days.  This fan was fortunate enough to see all three promotions.  They were the Manila Wrestling Federation, World Underground Wrestling - Philippines and Filipino Pro Wrestling.  The thoughts of this fan is to see other shows throughout Southeast Asia, Asia and Australia as well as Europe, Canada and Mexico.

 

The idea of doing a History Of Pro Wrestling blog is definitely far fetched.  However, this fan will give it an attempt.  Hope all of you enjoy it.