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{{Short description|Defunct professional wrestling territory}}
{{Infobox Wrestling promotion
{{Infobox Wrestling promotion
| name = NWA Hollywood Wrestling
| name = NWA Hollywood Wrestling
| image = Exterior_view_of_the_Olympic_Auditorium_in_Los_Angeles,_ca.1920-1929_(CHS-35279).jpg
| image =
| caption = The [[Grand Olympic Auditorium]], the home base of NWA Hollywood Wrestling.
| acronym =
| acronym =
| established = 1958<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
| established = 1958<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
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| location = [[Los Angeles, California]], USA<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
| location = [[Los Angeles, California]], USA<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
| founder = Cal Eaton<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><br>[[Aileen Eaton]]<ref name="Grasso2013"/>
| founder = Cal Eaton<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><br>[[Aileen Eaton]]<ref name="Grasso2013"/>
| owner = Cal Eaton<br>(1958–1966)<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><br>Aileen Eaton<br>(1958–1966)<ref name="Grasso2013"/><br>Mike LeBell<br>(1966–1982)<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><ref name="GreenbergBlassie2010"/>
| owner = Cal Eaton and Aileen Eaton<br>(1958–1966)<ref name="Grasso2013"/><br>Mike LeBell<br>(1966–1982)<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><ref name="GreenbergBlassie2010"/>
| parent =
| parent =
| sister =
| sister =
| formerly = North American Wrestling Alliance<br>(1958–1961)<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><br>Worldwide Wrestling Associates<br>(1961–1968)<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
| formerly = North American Wrestling Alliance<br>(1958–1961)<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><br>Worldwide Wrestling Associates<br>(1961–1968)<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
|}}
|}}
'''NWA Hollywood Wrestling''' was a [[professional wrestling promotion]] headquartered in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] in the United States that promoted [[professional wrestling]] matches throughout [[Southern California]]. The promotion was founded in 1958 as the '''North American Wrestling Alliance''', a member of the [[National Wrestling Alliance]]. The promotion broke away from the NWA in 1959 and was renamed '''Worldwide Wrestling Associates''' in 1961. In 1968, the promotion rejoined the NWA and adopted its final name, remaining a member until the promotion was closed in 1982.<ref name=WT1>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/wwa/|title=Worldwide Wrestling Associates|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=January 11, 2016}}</ref><ref name=WT2>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/hw/|title=Hollywood Wrestling|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=January 11, 2016}}</ref><ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/><ref name="Oliver">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/24/11914276.html|title=Los Angeles promoter Mike Lebell dies|publisher=[[Postmedia Network]]|author=Oliver, Greg|work=[[Canoe.com]]|accessdate=February 12, 2017}}</ref>
'''NWA Hollywood Wrestling''' (sometimes referred to as '''NWA Los Angeles''') was a [[professional wrestling promotion]] headquartered in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] in the United States that promoted [[professional wrestling]] matches throughout [[Southern California]]. It was founded in 1958 as the '''North American Wrestling Alliance''', a member of the [[National Wrestling Alliance]]. It broke away from the NWA in 1959 and was renamed '''Worldwide Wrestling Associates''' in 1961. In 1968, it rejoined the NWA and adopted its final name, remaining a member until closing in 1982.<ref name=WT1>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/wwa/|title=Worldwide Wrestling Associates|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|access-date=January 11, 2016}}</ref><ref name=WT2>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/hw/|title=Hollywood Wrestling|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|access-date=January 11, 2016}}</ref><ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/><ref name="Oliver">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/24/11914276.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213090301/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/24/11914276.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 13, 2017|title=Los Angeles promoter Mike Lebell dies|publisher=[[Postmedia Network]]|author=Oliver, Greg|work=[[Canoe.com]]|access-date=February 12, 2017}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
In 1942, Frank Garbutt, vice president of the [[Los Angeles Athletic Club]], hired former [[California State Athletic Commission]] inspector Alvah "Cal" Eaton as the promoter of the [[Grand Olympic Auditorium]] at the advice of his secretary, [[Aileen Eaton|Aileen LeBell]]. Eaton and LeBell married in 1948, and over the following years the couple became major professional wrestling and boxing promoters in [[Southern California]].<ref name="SpringerChavez2011">{{cite book|author1=Steve Springer|author2=Blake Chavez|title=Hard Luck: The Triumph and Tragedy of "Irish" Jerry Quarry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HbKCBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA46|date=1 April 2011|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-0-7627-6863-9|pages=46–47}}</ref><ref name="Grasso2013">{{cite book|author=John Grasso|title=Historical Dictionary of Boxing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=njefAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA135|date=14 November 2013|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-7867-9|pages=135}}</ref> By the early-1950s, the Eatons, along with Hugh Nichols, Johnny Doyle, and Mike Hirsch (known as the "California Combine"), dominated professional wrestling in Southern California, leading to a [[United States Department of Justice]] [[United States antitrust law|antitrust]] investigation in 1955 and 1956.<ref name="WilsonJohnson2003"/>
In 1942, Frank Garbutt, vice president of the [[Los Angeles Athletic Club]], hired former [[California State Athletic Commission]] inspector Alvah "Cal" Eaton as the promoter of the [[Grand Olympic Auditorium]] at the advice of his secretary, [[Aileen Eaton|Aileen LeBell]]. Eaton and LeBell married in 1948, and over the following years the couple became major professional wrestling and boxing promoters in [[Southern California]].<ref name="SpringerChavez2011">{{cite book|author1=Steve Springer|author2=Blake Chavez|title=Hard Luck: The Triumph and Tragedy of "Irish" Jerry Quarry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HbKCBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA46|date=1 April 2011|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-0-7627-6863-9|pages=46–47}}</ref><ref name="Grasso2013">{{cite book|author=John Grasso|title=Historical Dictionary of Boxing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=njefAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA135|date=14 November 2013|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-7867-9|pages=135}}</ref> By the early-1950s, the Eatons, along with Hugh Nichols, Johnny Doyle, and Mike Hirsch (collectively known as the "California Combine"), dominated professional wrestling in Southern California, leading to a [[United States Department of Justice]] [[United States antitrust law|antitrust]] investigation in 1955 and 1956.<ref name="WilsonJohnson2003"/>


On July 24, 1957, [[Lou Thesz]] defeated [[Édouard Carpentier]] under controversial circumstances to win the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]], the principal [[championship (professional wrestling)|championship]] recognized by the [[National Wrestling Alliance]]. The decision was challenged by some members of the National Wrestling Alliance who continued to recognize Carpentier as World Heavyweight Champion.
On July 24, 1957, [[Lou Thesz]] defeated [[Édouard Carpentier]] under controversial circumstances to win the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]], the principal [[championship (professional wrestling)|championship]] recognized by the [[National Wrestling Alliance]]. The decision was challenged by some members of the National Wrestling Alliance who continued to recognize Carpentier as World Heavyweight Champion.


In 1958, the Eatons created the North American Wrestling Alliance as a new vehicle for promoting professional wrestling in Los Angeles.<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/> Eaton at the time was still a member of the National Wrestling Alliance, the national league that dominated professional wrestling in the United States, but had not paid dues since 1955. In October 1959, Eaton and LeBell withdrew from the NWA, recognizing [[Edouard Carpentier]] as the inaugural [[WWA World Heavyweight Championship (Los Angeles)|World Heavyweight Champion]] backdated to June 14, 1957, when Carpentier had originally won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The promotion was renamed Worldwide Wrestling Associates in 1961.<ref name="Hornbaker2007">{{cite book|author=Tim Hornbaker|title=National Wrestling Alliance: The Untold Story of the Monopoly That Strangled Professional Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=npQBhSTtvCsC&pg=PT334|year=2007|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-55490-274-3|pages=330–334}}</ref><ref name="Beekman2006">{{cite book|author=Scott Beekman|title=Ringside: A History of Professional Wrestling in America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SzAHxRZtreQC&pg=PA101|year=2006|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-275-98401-4|pages=101}}</ref>
In 1958, the Eatons created the North American Wrestling Alliance as a new vehicle for promoting professional wrestling in Los Angeles.<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/> Eaton at the time was still a member of the National Wrestling Alliance, the national league that dominated professional wrestling in the United States, but had not paid dues since 1955. In October 1959, Eaton and LeBell withdrew from the NWA, recognizing Carpentier as the inaugural [[WWA World Heavyweight Championship (Los Angeles)|World Heavyweight Champion]] backdated to June 14, 1957, when Carpentier had originally won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The promotion was renamed Worldwide Wrestling Associates in 1961.<ref name="Hornbaker2007">{{cite book|author=Tim Hornbaker|title=National Wrestling Alliance: The Untold Story of the Monopoly That Strangled Professional Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=npQBhSTtvCsC&pg=PT334|year=2007|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-55490-274-3|pages=330–334}}</ref><ref name="Beekman2006">{{cite book|author=Scott Beekman|title=Ringside: A History of Professional Wrestling in America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SzAHxRZtreQC&pg=PA101|year=2006|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-275-98401-4|pages=101}}</ref>


The promotion ran events throughout Southern California, with the Grand Olympic Auditorium as its base.<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005">{{cite book|author1=[[Eddie Guerrero]]|author2=Michael Krugman|title=Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eQlHZTIsOl4C|year=2005|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-0-7434-9353-6}}</ref> [[Booker (professional wrestling)|Bookers]] included [[Jules Strongbow]], [[Freddie Blassie]], [[Tor Kamata|Mr. Moto]], and [[Gory Guerrero]].<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/><ref name="Graham2010"/> The promotion developed a working relationship with the [[Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance|Japan Wrestling Association]] and [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]], resulting in many talent exchanges.<ref name="Hornbaker2015">{{cite book|author=Tim Hornbaker|title=Capitol Revolution: The Rise of the McMahon Wrestling Empire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c0MlBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT228|date=1 March 2015|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-77090-689-1|pages=228}}</ref> Aileen Eaton introduced a system of paying wrestlers a proportion of the gate rather than a guaranteed fee, boosting profits and encouraging wrestlers to help promote the events.<ref name="GreenbergBlassie2010">{{cite book|author1=Keith Elliot Greenberg|author2=[[Freddie Blassie]]|title=The Legends of Wrestling: "Classy" Freddie Blassie: Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2MDgz2o0ly0C&pg=PA74|date=15 June 2010|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-4516-0426-9|pages=74–76}}</ref> The promotion also pioneered the use of [[closed-circuit television]] to show matches to fans who were unable to secure tickets for live events, an early precursor to the [[pay-per-view]] model that emerged in the 1980s.<ref name="Oliver"/>
The promotion ran events throughout Southern California, with the Grand Olympic Auditorium as its base.<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005">{{cite book|author1=Eddie Guerrero|author-link=Eddie Guerrero|author2=Michael Krugman|title=Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eQlHZTIsOl4C|year=2005|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-0-7434-9353-6}}</ref> [[Booker (professional wrestling)|Bookers]] included [[John Bilbo (wrestler)|Jules Strongbow]], [[Freddie Blassie]], [[Tor Kamata|Mr. Moto]], and [[Gory Guerrero]].<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/><ref name="Graham2010"/> The promotion developed a working relationship with the [[Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance|Japan Wrestling Association]] and [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]], resulting in many talent exchanges.<ref name="Hornbaker2015">{{cite book|author=Tim Hornbaker|title=Capitol Revolution: The Rise of the McMahon Wrestling Empire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c0MlBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT228|date=1 March 2015|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-77090-689-1|pages=228}}</ref> Aileen Eaton introduced a system of paying wrestlers a proportion of the gate rather than a guaranteed fee, boosting profits and encouraging wrestlers to help promote the events.<ref name="GreenbergBlassie2010">{{cite book|author1=Keith Elliot Greenberg|author2=Freddie Blassie|author2-link=Freddie Blassie|title=The Legends of Wrestling: "Classy" Freddie Blassie: Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2MDgz2o0ly0C&pg=PA74|date=15 June 2010|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-4516-0426-9|pages=74–76}}</ref> The promotion also pioneered the use of [[closed-circuit television]] to show matches to fans who were unable to secure tickets for live events, an early precursor to the [[pay-per-view]] model that emerged in the 1980s.<ref name="Oliver"/>


In 1963, WWA World Heavyweight Champion [[Bearcat Wright]] faced Freddie Blassie in a bout that Wright was scripted to lose. Instead, Wright headbutted Blassie, dazing him, and then [[shoot (professional wrestling)|legitimately pinned]] him. Wright was subsequently stripped of the championship which was then awarded to Edouard Carpentier.<ref name="JohnsonOliver2013">{{cite book|author1=Steven Johnson|author2=Greg Oliver|author3=Mike Mooneyham|author4=[[J.J. Dillon]]|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes and Icons|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0wxLpfRhZqcC&pg=PT333|date=11 January 2013|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-77090-269-5|pages=333}}</ref>
In 1963, WWA World Heavyweight Champion [[Bearcat Wright]] faced Freddie Blassie in a bout that Wright was scripted to lose. Instead, Wright headbutted Blassie, dazing him, and then [[shoot (professional wrestling)|legitimately pinned]] him. Wright was subsequently stripped of the championship which was then awarded to Edouard Carpentier.<ref name="JohnsonOliver2013">{{cite book|author1=Steven Johnson|author2=Greg Oliver|author3=Mike Mooneyham|author4=J. J. Dillon|author4-link=J. J. Dillon|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes and Icons|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0wxLpfRhZqcC&pg=PT333|date=11 January 2013|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-77090-269-5|pages=333}}</ref>


Eaton died on January 10, 1966, with Aileen's son from a prior marriage Mike LeBell taking over on behalf of his mother, who by then was a major figure in boxing.<ref name="ToombsToombs2016">{{cite book|author1=Ariel Teal Toombs|author2=Colt Baird Toombs|title=Rowdy: The Roddy Piper Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L6ngCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT90|date=4 October 2016|publisher=Random House of Canada|isbn=978-0-345-81623-8|pages=90}}</ref><ref name="Smith2014">{{cite book|author=Malissa Smith|title=A History of Women's Boxing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_ErHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA113|date=5 June 2014|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|isbn=978-1-4422-2995-2|pages=113}}</ref><ref name="GreenbergBlassie2010"/> On August 18, 1968, LeBell rejoined the NWA, renaming the promotion NWA Hollywood Wrestling. The WWA World Heavyweight Championship was abandoned and the promotion began recognizing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship once more.<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
Eaton died on January 10, 1966, with Aileen's son from a prior marriage Mike LeBell taking over on behalf of his mother, who by then was a major figure in boxing.<ref name="ToombsToombs2016">{{cite book|author1=Ariel Teal Toombs|author2=Colt Baird Toombs|title=Rowdy: The Roddy Piper Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L6ngCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT90|date=4 October 2016|publisher=Random House of Canada|isbn=978-0-345-81623-8|pages=90}}</ref><ref name="Smith2014">{{cite book|author=Malissa Smith|title=A History of Women's Boxing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_ErHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA113|date=5 June 2014|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|isbn=978-1-4422-2995-2|pages=113}}</ref><ref name="GreenbergBlassie2010"/> On August 18, 1968, LeBell rejoined the NWA, renaming the promotion NWA Hollywood Wrestling. The WWA World Heavyweight Championship was abandoned and the promotion began recognizing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship once more.<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>


In August 1971, the promotion set a national gate record for a event headed by a bout between Blassie and [[John Tolos]] that sold $142,158 worth of tickets.<ref name="Hornbaker2015"/><ref name="Oliver"/>
In August 1971, the promotion set a national gate record for an event headed by a bout between Blassie and [[John Tolos]] that drew $142,158 ({{Inflation|US|142158|1971|fmt=eq}}).<ref name="Hornbaker2015"/><ref name="Oliver"/>


In 1981, the promotion obtained a legacy of sorts by being the first recipient of the ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'' award for [[Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic]]. This tactic involved the push of Tony Hernandez, who had previously wrestled in the Arizona territory as "Frankenstein", a crazed man who believed himself to be [[Frankenstein's monster]] and even wore a rubber mask depicting the creature. LeBell chose instead to push him as "The Monster", who was billed as legitimately being made in a laboratory, and use him as a top heel. After being defeated by [[André the Giant]] (who was reportedly unimpressed by the act and decided to stiff Hernandez), the Monster was unmasked - despite the mask being intended to be his real face - and turned into a child-friendly babyface. This entire arc was seen as insulting by hardcore fans.<ref>{{cite web|website=eWrestlingNews|author=Kyle Dunning|title=Don't Try These Promotional Tactics At Home! Vol. #1|url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/lists/don-t-try-these-promotional-tactics-at-home-vol-1|date=19 September 2016|accessdate=8 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=411Mania|author=Ryan Byers|title=The 8-Ball 10.26.12: Top 8 Weirdest Monster Gimmicks|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-8-ball-10-26-12-top-8-weirdest-monster-gimmicks/|date=26 October 2012|accessdate=8 August 2021}}</ref>
⚫
NWA Hollywood Wrestling continued to operate until folding on December 26, 1982.<ref name="Gross2016">{{cite book|author=Josh Gross|title=Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainment|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rPCGDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA82|date=9 June 2016|publisher=BenBella Books|isbn=978-1-942952-20-6|pages=82}}</ref> In March 1983, the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] began promoting shows in its former territory.<ref name="BacklundMiller2013">{{cite book|author1=[[Bob Backlund]]|author2=Robert Harrax Miller|author3=[[Roddy Piper]]|title=The All-American Kid: Lessons and Stories on Life from Wrestling Legend Bob Backlund|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YTCGCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT451|date=20 November 2013|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated|isbn=978-1-61321-696-5|pages=451}}</ref><ref name="WilsonJohnson2003">{{cite book|author1=Jim Wilson|author2=Jim Wilson|author3=Weldon T. Johnson|title=Chokehold: Pro Wrestling's Real Mayhem Outside the Ring|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=epCYZj7Li-AC&pg=PA367|date=2 September 2003|publisher=Xlibris Corporation|isbn=978-1-4628-1172-4|pages=367}}</ref>

⚫
NWA Hollywood Wrestling continued to operate until December 1982.<ref name="Gross2016">{{cite book|author=Josh Gross|title=Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainment|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rPCGDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA82|date=9 June 2016|publisher=BenBella Books|isbn=978-1-942952-20-6|pages=82}}</ref> Mike LeBell sold his interest in the territory to the [[World Wrestling Federation]],<ref name="Riesman2023">{{cite book |last=Riesman |first=Abraham Josephine |author-link=Abraham Josephine Riesman |title=Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America |publisher=[[Atria Books]] |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-9821-6944-2 |pages=60–61 |chapter=Get Over, Act I }}</ref> which in March 1983, began promoting shows in its former territory.<ref name="BacklundMiller2013">{{cite book|author1=Bob Backlund|author-link=Bob Backlund|author2=Robert Harrax Miller|author3=Roddy Piper|author3-link=Roddy Piper|title=The All-American Kid: Lessons and Stories on Life from Wrestling Legend Bob Backlund|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YTCGCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT451|date=20 November 2013|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated|isbn=978-1-61321-696-5|pages=451}}</ref><ref name="WilsonJohnson2003">{{cite book|author1=Jim Wilson|author2=Jim Wilson|author3=Weldon T. Johnson|title=Chokehold: Pro Wrestling's Real Mayhem Outside the Ring|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=epCYZj7Li-AC&pg=PA367|date=2 September 2003|publisher=Xlibris Corporation|isbn=978-1-4628-1172-4|pages=367}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|certain=yes|date=January 2018}}


== Championships ==
== Championships ==
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|1957
|1957
|1982
|1982
|{{Small|The original World Tag Team Championship of the WAWA. It was created in 1957 and abandoned in 1958 upon the WAWA leaving the NWA. The championship was reactivated in 1979.}}
|{{Small|The original World Tag Team Championship of the NAWA. It was created in 1957 and abandoned in 1958 upon the NAWA leaving the NWA. The championship was reactivated in 1979.}}
|-
|-
|[[WWA International Television Tag Team Championship]]
|[[WWA International Television Tag Team Championship]]
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==Alumni==
==Alumni==
*[[Chris Adams (wrestler)|Chris Adams]]
*[[Chris Adams (wrestler)|Chris Adams]]
*[[Buddy Austin]]<ref name="GreenbergBlassie2010"/>
*[[Freddie Blassie]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/>
*[[Freddie Blassie]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/>
*[[Lord James Blears]]
*[[Lord James Blears]]
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*[[Édouard Carpentier]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
*[[Édouard Carpentier]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
*[[Dick Beyer|The Destroyer]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><ref name="Oliver"/>
*[[Dick Beyer|The Destroyer]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/><ref name="Oliver"/>
*[[Ric Drasin]]<ref name="Drasin">{{cite book|author=[[Ric Drasin]]|title=The Time of My Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5ubBDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT94|publisher=Creators Publishing|isbn=978-1-945630-42-2|pages=94}}</ref>
*[[Ric Drasin]]<ref name="Drasin">{{cite book|author=Ric Drasin|author-link=Ric Drasin|title=The Time of My Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5ubBDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT94|publisher=Creators Publishing|isbn=978-1-945630-42-2|pages=94}}</ref>
*[[Terry Funk]]<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/>
*[[Terry Funk]]<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/>
*[[Superstar Billy Graham|Billy Graham]]<ref name="Graham2010">{{cite book|author=[[Superstar Billy Graham]]|title=WWE Legends - Superstar Billy Graham: Tangled Ropes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T9AEDADI4_IC&pg=PT103|date=11 May 2010|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-4391-2179-5|pages=103–104}}</ref>
*[[Superstar Billy Graham|Billy Graham]]<ref name="Graham2010">{{cite book|author=Superstar Billy Graham|author-link=Superstar Billy Graham|title=WWE Legends - Superstar Billy Graham: Tangled Ropes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T9AEDADI4_IC&pg=PT103|date=11 May 2010|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-4391-2179-5|pages=103–104}}</ref>
*[[Chavo Guerrero, Sr.]]<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/>
*[[Chavo Guerrero, Sr.]]<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/>
*[[Richard "Dick" Lane|Dick Lane]] (announcer)<ref name="EnbergPerry2004">{{cite book|author1=Dick Enberg|author2=Jim Perry|title=Dick Enberg, Oh My!|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EmUGSTsTkPsC&pg=PA54|date=January 2004|publisher=Sports Publishing LLC|isbn=978-1-58261-824-1|pages=54}}</ref>
*[[Dick Lane (announcer)|Dick Lane]] (announcer)<ref name="EnbergPerry2004">{{cite book|author1=Dick Enberg|author2=Jim Perry|title=Dick Enberg, Oh My!|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EmUGSTsTkPsC&pg=PA54|date=January 2004|publisher=Sports Publishing LLC|isbn=978-1-58261-824-1|pages=54}}</ref>
*[[Gene LeBell]]<ref name="GreenbergBlassie2010"/>
*[[Gene LeBell]]<ref name="GreenbergBlassie2010"/>
*[[Don Leo Jonathan]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
*[[Don Leo Jonathan]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
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*[[Pedro Morales]]<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/>
*[[Pedro Morales]]<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/>
*[[Tor Kamata|Mr. Moto]]<ref name="Graham2010"/><ref name="OliverJohnson2010">{{cite book|author1=Greg Oliver|author2=Steven Johnson|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H-6DoPuiRkEC&pg=PA373|date=16 November 2010|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-55490-284-2|pages=373}}</ref>
*[[Tor Kamata|Mr. Moto]]<ref name="Graham2010"/><ref name="OliverJohnson2010">{{cite book|author1=Greg Oliver|author2=Steven Johnson|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H-6DoPuiRkEC&pg=PA373|date=16 November 2010|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-55490-284-2|pages=373}}</ref>
*[[Roddy Piper]]<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/><ref name="Matysik2013">{{cite book|author=Larry Matysik|title=50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time: The Definitive Shoot|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TFFB1LAMbN8C&pg=PT198|date=14 March 2013|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-77090-305-0|pages=198}}</ref>
*[[Roddy Piper]]<ref name="GuerreroKrugman2005"/><ref name="Matysik2013">{{cite book|author=Larry Matysik|author-link=Larry Matysik|title=50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time: The Definitive Shoot|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TFFB1LAMbN8C&pg=PT198|date=14 March 2013|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-77090-305-0|pages=198}}</ref>
*[[Rikidōzan]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
*[[Rikidōzan]]<ref name="Hornbaker2007"/>
*[[Victor Rivera]]<ref name="LapradeHebert2013">{{cite book|author1=Patric Laprade|author2=Bertrand Hebert|title=Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ey8bluWM_m4C&pg=PA1974|date=14 March 2013|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-77090-296-1|pages=1,974}}</ref>
*[[Víctor Rivera (professional wrestler)|Victor Rivera]]<ref name="LapradeHebert2013">{{cite book|author1=Patric Laprade|author2=Bertrand Hebert|title=Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ey8bluWM_m4C&pg=PA1974|date=14 March 2013|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-77090-296-1|pages=1,974}}</ref>
*[[Ed Farhat|The Sheik]]<ref name="DixonFurious2015">{{cite book|author1=James Dixon|author2=Arnold Furious|author3=Lee Maughan|title=The Complete WWE Guide Volume Six|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OfRDCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA162%7Cdate%3D17+December+2015%7Cpublisher%3DLulu.com%7Cisbn%3D978-1-326-50746-6%7Cpages%3D162%E2%80%93%7D%7D%3C%2Fref%3E|date=17 December 2015|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-1-326-50746-6|pages=162}}</ref>
*[[Ed Farhat|The Sheik]]<ref name="DixonFurious2015">{{cite book|author1=James Dixon|author2=Arnold Furious|author3=Lee Maughan|title=The Complete WWE Guide Volume Six|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OfRDCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA162%7Cdate%3D17+December+2015%7Cpublisher%3DLulu.com%7Cisbn%3D978-1-326-50746-6%7Cpages%3D162%E2%80%93%7D%7D%3C%2Fref%3E|date=17 December 2015|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-1-326-50746-6|pages=162}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|certain=yes|date=January 2018}}
*[[Dennis Stamp]]
*[[Dennis Stamp]]
*[[Sándor Szabó (wrestler)|Sándor Szabó]]<ref name="StrodeYoung1993">{{cite book|author1=Woody Strode|author2=Sam Young|title=Goal Dust: The Warm and Candid Memoirs of a Pioneer Black Athlete and Actor|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RCzxAqM4smQC&pg=PA119|date=8 September 1993|publisher=Madison Books|isbn=978-1-4617-3052-1|pages=119}}</ref>
*[[Sándor Szabó (wrestler)|Sándor Szabó]]<ref name="StrodeYoung1993">{{cite book|author1=Woody Strode|author2=Sam Young|title=Goal Dust: The Warm and Candid Memoirs of a Pioneer Black Athlete and Actor|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RCzxAqM4smQC&pg=PA119|date=8 September 1993|publisher=Madison Books|isbn=978-1-4617-3052-1|pages=119}}</ref>
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==Footnotes==
==Footnotes==
{{reflist|3}}
{{Reflist|3}}


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/la/wwa/ Worldwide Wrestling Associates at WrestlingTitles.com]
* [http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/la/wwa/ Worldwide Wrestling Associates at WrestlingTitles.com]
* [https://www.cagematch.net/?id=8&nr=373 National Wrestling Alliance Hollywood Wrestling at Cagematch.net]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZAMuVyambA NWA Hollywood Documentary]
{{National Wrestling Alliance}}
{{Professional wrestling in the United States}}
{{Professional wrestling in the United States}}


⚫
[[Category:NWA Hollywood Wrestling| ]]
[[Category:1958 establishments in California]]
[[Category:1958 establishments in California]]
[[Category:1982 disestablishments in the United States]]
[[Category:1982 disestablishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Independent professional wrestling promotions based in California]]
[[Category:Independent professional wrestling promotions based in California]]
⚫
[[Category:NWA Hollywood Wrestling|*]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling in California]]
[[Category:Defunct professional wrestling promotions]]

Latest revision as of 02:24, 20 September 2024

NWA Hollywood Wrestling
Founded1958[1]
Defunct1982[1][2]
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California, USA[1]
Founder(s)Cal Eaton[1]
Aileen Eaton[3]
Owner(s)Cal Eaton and Aileen Eaton
(1958–1966)[3]
Mike LeBell
(1966–1982)[1][4]
FormerlyNorth American Wrestling Alliance
(1958–1961)[1]
Worldwide Wrestling Associates
(1961–1968)[1]

NWA Hollywood Wrestling (sometimes referred to as NWA Los Angeles) was a professional wrestling promotion headquartered in Los Angeles, California in the United States that promoted professional wrestling matches throughout Southern California. It was founded in 1958 as the North American Wrestling Alliance, a member of the National Wrestling Alliance. It broke away from the NWA in 1959 and was renamed Worldwide Wrestling Associates in 1961. In 1968, it rejoined the NWA and adopted its final name, remaining a member until closing in 1982.[5][6][7][8]

History

[edit]

In 1942, Frank Garbutt, vice president of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, hired former California State Athletic Commission inspector Alvah "Cal" Eaton as the promoter of the Grand Olympic Auditorium at the advice of his secretary, Aileen LeBell. Eaton and LeBell married in 1948, and over the following years the couple became major professional wrestling and boxing promoters in Southern California.[9][3] By the early-1950s, the Eatons, along with Hugh Nichols, Johnny Doyle, and Mike Hirsch (collectively known as the "California Combine"), dominated professional wrestling in Southern California, leading to a United States Department of Justice antitrust investigation in 1955 and 1956.[10]

On July 24, 1957, Lou Thesz defeated Édouard Carpentier under controversial circumstances to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the principal championship recognized by the National Wrestling Alliance. The decision was challenged by some members of the National Wrestling Alliance who continued to recognize Carpentier as World Heavyweight Champion.

In 1958, the Eatons created the North American Wrestling Alliance as a new vehicle for promoting professional wrestling in Los Angeles.[1] Eaton at the time was still a member of the National Wrestling Alliance, the national league that dominated professional wrestling in the United States, but had not paid dues since 1955. In October 1959, Eaton and LeBell withdrew from the NWA, recognizing Carpentier as the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion backdated to June 14, 1957, when Carpentier had originally won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The promotion was renamed Worldwide Wrestling Associates in 1961.[1][11]

The promotion ran events throughout Southern California, with the Grand Olympic Auditorium as its base.[7] Bookers included Jules Strongbow, Freddie Blassie, Mr. Moto, and Gory Guerrero.[1][7][12] The promotion developed a working relationship with the Japan Wrestling Association and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, resulting in many talent exchanges.[13] Aileen Eaton introduced a system of paying wrestlers a proportion of the gate rather than a guaranteed fee, boosting profits and encouraging wrestlers to help promote the events.[4] The promotion also pioneered the use of closed-circuit television to show matches to fans who were unable to secure tickets for live events, an early precursor to the pay-per-view model that emerged in the 1980s.[8]

In 1963, WWA World Heavyweight Champion Bearcat Wright faced Freddie Blassie in a bout that Wright was scripted to lose. Instead, Wright headbutted Blassie, dazing him, and then legitimately pinned him. Wright was subsequently stripped of the championship which was then awarded to Edouard Carpentier.[14]

Eaton died on January 10, 1966, with Aileen's son from a prior marriage Mike LeBell taking over on behalf of his mother, who by then was a major figure in boxing.[15][16][4] On August 18, 1968, LeBell rejoined the NWA, renaming the promotion NWA Hollywood Wrestling. The WWA World Heavyweight Championship was abandoned and the promotion began recognizing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship once more.[1]

In August 1971, the promotion set a national gate record for an event headed by a bout between Blassie and John Tolos that drew $142,158 (equivalent to $1,069,514 in 2023).[13][8]

In 1981, the promotion obtained a legacy of sorts by being the first recipient of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter award for Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic. This tactic involved the push of Tony Hernandez, who had previously wrestled in the Arizona territory as "Frankenstein", a crazed man who believed himself to be Frankenstein's monster and even wore a rubber mask depicting the creature. LeBell chose instead to push him as "The Monster", who was billed as legitimately being made in a laboratory, and use him as a top heel. After being defeated by André the Giant (who was reportedly unimpressed by the act and decided to stiff Hernandez), the Monster was unmasked - despite the mask being intended to be his real face - and turned into a child-friendly babyface. This entire arc was seen as insulting by hardcore fans.[17][18]

NWA Hollywood Wrestling continued to operate until December 1982.[2] Mike LeBell sold his interest in the territory to the World Wrestling Federation,[19] which in March 1983, began promoting shows in its former territory.[20][10][self-published source]

Championships

[edit]
Championship Created Abandoned Notes
NWA Americas Heavyweight Championship 1967 1982 The title was first established in 1967 as a secondary championship in Worldwide Wrestling Associates. From 1968 until the promotion closed in 1982, the top singles championship in NWA Hollywood Wrestling.
NWA Americas Six-Man Tag Team Championship 1969 1969 A short-lived six-man tag team championship contested in NWA Hollywood Wrestling in 1969.
NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Championship 1951 1982 Originally contested in NWA Los Angeles, this championship was abandoned in 1959. In 1968, it was resurrected in NWA Hollywood Wrestling.
NWA Americas Tag Team Championship 1964 1982 Originally known as the WWA World Tag Team Championship. It was created in 1964 and defended in WWA until 1968. At that point, WWA became a National Wrestling Alliance affiliate, and the title was renamed the NWA Americas Tag Team Championship.
NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Los Angeles/Japan version) 1973 1981 Primarily contested in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
NWA United National Championship 1970 1989 Primarily contested in All Japan Pro Wrestling.
NWA World Tag Team Championship (Los Angeles version) 1957 1982 The original World Tag Team Championship of the NAWA. It was created in 1957 and abandoned in 1958 upon the NAWA leaving the NWA. The championship was reactivated in 1979.
WWA International Television Tag Team Championship 1954 1964 Created in 1954 and abandoned in 1964. Renamed the WWA United States Tag Team Championship in 1963.
WWA World Heavyweight Championship 1957 1968 The title was established as an offshoot of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship when Edouard Carpentier became recognized as champion in Los Angeles, when the promotion was then known as the North American Wrestling Alliance. The championship was renamed with the promotion in 1961 and was abandoned in 1968 after WWA joined the NWA and was renamed NWA Hollywood Wrestling.

Alumni

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Tim Hornbaker (2007). National Wrestling Alliance: The Untold Story of the Monopoly That Strangled Professional Wrestling. ECW Press. pp. 330–334. ISBN 978-1-55490-274-3.
  2. ^ a b Josh Gross (9 June 2016). Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainment. BenBella Books. p. 82. ISBN 978-1-942952-20-6.
  3. ^ a b c John Grasso (14 November 2013). Historical Dictionary of Boxing. Scarecrow Press. p. 135. ISBN 978-0-8108-7867-9.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Keith Elliot Greenberg; Freddie Blassie (15 June 2010). The Legends of Wrestling: "Classy" Freddie Blassie: Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks. Simon and Schuster. pp. 74–76. ISBN 978-1-4516-0426-9.
  5. ^ "Worldwide Wrestling Associates". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  6. ^ "Hollywood Wrestling". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i Eddie Guerrero; Michael Krugman (2005). Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-0-7434-9353-6.
  8. ^ a b c d e Oliver, Greg. "Los Angeles promoter Mike Lebell dies". Canoe.com. Postmedia Network. Archived from the original on February 13, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
  9. ^ Steve Springer; Blake Chavez (1 April 2011). Hard Luck: The Triumph and Tragedy of "Irish" Jerry Quarry. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 46–47. ISBN 978-0-7627-6863-9.
  10. ^ a b Jim Wilson; Jim Wilson; Weldon T. Johnson (2 September 2003). Chokehold: Pro Wrestling's Real Mayhem Outside the Ring. Xlibris Corporation. p. 367. ISBN 978-1-4628-1172-4.
  11. ^ Scott Beekman (2006). Ringside: A History of Professional Wrestling in America. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 101. ISBN 978-0-275-98401-4.
  12. ^ a b c d Superstar Billy Graham (11 May 2010). WWE Legends - Superstar Billy Graham: Tangled Ropes. Simon and Schuster. pp. 103–104. ISBN 978-1-4391-2179-5.
  13. ^ a b Tim Hornbaker (1 March 2015). Capitol Revolution: The Rise of the McMahon Wrestling Empire. ECW Press. p. 228. ISBN 978-1-77090-689-1.
  14. ^ Steven Johnson; Greg Oliver; Mike Mooneyham; J. J. Dillon (11 January 2013). The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes and Icons. ECW Press. p. 333. ISBN 978-1-77090-269-5.
  15. ^ Ariel Teal Toombs; Colt Baird Toombs (4 October 2016). Rowdy: The Roddy Piper Story. Random House of Canada. p. 90. ISBN 978-0-345-81623-8.
  16. ^ Malissa Smith (5 June 2014). A History of Women's Boxing. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 113. ISBN 978-1-4422-2995-2.
  17. ^ Kyle Dunning (19 September 2016). "Don't Try These Promotional Tactics At Home! Vol. #1". eWrestlingNews. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  18. ^ Ryan Byers (26 October 2012). "The 8-Ball 10.26.12: Top 8 Weirdest Monster Gimmicks". 411Mania. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  19. ^ Riesman, Abraham Josephine (2023). "Get Over, Act I". Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America. Atria Books. pp. 60–61. ISBN 978-1-9821-6944-2.
  20. ^ Bob Backlund; Robert Harrax Miller; Roddy Piper (20 November 2013). The All-American Kid: Lessons and Stories on Life from Wrestling Legend Bob Backlund. Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated. p. 451. ISBN 978-1-61321-696-5.
  21. ^ a b Patric Laprade; Bertrand Hebert (14 March 2013). Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling. ECW Press. pp. 1, 974. ISBN 978-1-77090-296-1.
  22. ^ Ric Drasin. The Time of My Life. Creators Publishing. p. 94. ISBN 978-1-945630-42-2.
  23. ^ Dick Enberg; Jim Perry (January 2004). Dick Enberg, Oh My!. Sports Publishing LLC. p. 54. ISBN 978-1-58261-824-1.
  24. ^ Greg Oliver; Steven Johnson (16 November 2010). The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels. ECW Press. p. 373. ISBN 978-1-55490-284-2.
  25. ^ Larry Matysik (14 March 2013). 50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time: The Definitive Shoot. ECW Press. p. 198. ISBN 978-1-77090-305-0.
  26. ^ James Dixon; Arnold Furious; Lee Maughan (17 December 2015). The Complete WWE Guide Volume Six. Lulu.com. p. 162. ISBN 978-1-326-50746-6.
  27. ^ Woody Strode; Sam Young (8 September 1993). Goal Dust: The Warm and Candid Memoirs of a Pioneer Black Athlete and Actor. Madison Books. p. 119. ISBN 978-1-4617-3052-1.

See also

[edit]
[edit]
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