5 Eras that defined wrestling before its global popularity

2. MEMPHIS 'RASSLIN BOOM

The Mid-South Coliseum would become hallowed grounds for the early wrestling boom.

Memphis, Tennessee is one of America's more centrally located major regions. It was only a matter of time before promoters started looking at the mid-south as what would become one of the premier hotbeds for professional wrestling. One of the prominent names in Memphis wrestling history, was Sputnik Monroe. Sputnik was credited for breaking down the deep south segregation problems within wrestling venues. At a time when whites sat in the floor seats, while blacks sat in the balcony, Monroe went public, voicing his dislike for the practice. In fact, Sputnik would dress in his most dapper, flamboyant clothing and go into urban areas of Memphis and encourage the African American fans to come out to the shows, which eventually led to a multicultural boom in the area.

The Memphis region would continue to thrive, throughout and beyond the birth and explosion of the territory days. The Mid-South Coliseum would be the site of the birth of many legendary careers. Names such as Jerry Lawler, Junkyard Dog and Tommy Rich would find unprecedented success at the fairgrounds venue.