Pictured: The book that explains my adventure in pro wrestling as a promoter (and how to promote wrestling events).In the 1980s, Vince McMahon became the dominant force in professional wrestling. Up to that point, wrestling consisted of territories- small regions that promoters carved out on their own. Vince took the WWF and made it the first national promotion (although some small promotions were tied to the NWA but that's another story).
Throughout the years, wrestling was treated as a sport- as in, a real sport. So, with characters in the sport like "Strangler" Lewis or "Killer" Kowalski, the state governments put them under the control of the Athletic Commission. After all, would you let a "Killer" roam free?
Boxing and wrestling both reported to the AC of each state. What did that mean? Each promoter needed to buy a very expensive license and each wrestler was tested for drugs and they were also given a physical (blood pressure, etc) and had to be approved by a doctor before the match.
On the face of it, it seems like good regulation but actually, many of the Commissions were friendly toward already existing promotions. Had palms been greased?
Remember, wrestling consisted of territories back then so if you tried to do business as a new promoter, you were shut out by the Athletic Commission who worked in tandem with the promoter in that territory. The Athletic Commission would find some minor flaw in what you were doing and they would fine you...or find some way to shut you down the night of your event, thereby discouraging any potential fanbase.
Vince was smart. Since the athletic commission made things very expensive for a wrestling promoter, Vince decided to reveal that wrestling was not a sport but, instead, was purely entertainment (in my opinion, it actually is a sport but this column is not for that purpose).
Until that time wrestling lived under the rule of Kayfabe- which was a term used to describe the guarded secrets of wrestling before Vince McMahon and others gave it away. Old time wrestlers remember a day when they could not eat with another wrestler after an event if they were 'enemies.' It was Kayfabe- a respect for keeping the illusion intact.
Thanks to Vince McMahon, wrestling was released from the grip and expense of the Athletic Commission (except in a few states like Nevada and New York).
When I was a wrestling promoter in the late 90s, the Athletic Commission still tried to show up at events and collect a fee. Now, I'm not sure if the money would go to the state or if the Commissioner was pocketing the money but at an event in 1999 at the San Jose Civic Auditorium, Mr. Bobby Ponzi showed up to collect money.
He didn't get any money from me but he was, no doubt, going to wrestling events for a "shakedown." You wouldn't think this happens in America...but it does.
Looking back, it's ironic that the scheme was carried out by a man with the last name Ponzi.
True story.
