EPISODE · Jun 17, 2026 · 1H 41M
Episode 67: 1976 Territory Review: Dallas Territory
from Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show · host Tony Richards
It's Episode 67 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory Show as we continue pur 1976 Territory Review Series! I am joined by Greg Klein this week as we we roll into the heart of Texas in 1976 and dive deep into one of the hottest territories in the NWA: Big Time Wrestling out of Dallas. From the roads stretching between Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, and Austin, a stacked roster of talent was tearing it up night after night in arenas big and small.Homegrown hero and NWA American Champion Fritz Von Erich was the beating heart of the promotion. The legendary Iron Claw was working overtime as Fritz anchored fantastic programs, most notably his intense heel feud with The Mongolian Stomper, managed by the cunning J.J. Dillon. These battles had Texas fans on the edge of their seats week after week.The territory was so hot that even top stars were navigating carefully. The great Red Bastien was reportedly steering somewhat clear of the red-hot scene, while still making selective appearances like his time-limit draw with Rick Martel on the big card.The crown jewel of the year? The Super Bowl of Wrestling on June 5, 1976, at Texas Stadium in Irving. One of the biggest shows of the year drew a massive crowd (reported around 17,000) for a star-studded supercard. In the main event, NWA World Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk hooked up with Fritz Von Erich in a sizzling title match that spilled outside and ended in a double count-out, further fueling the ongoing Von Erich vs. Funk family feud that had Texas (and beyond) buzzing.We’ll break down the full card highlights, key angles, the business side of the territory, other top talent on the roads, and how this era set the stage for what would become World Class Championship Wrestling. From blood feuds and big gates to the territorial grind, it’s classic 1976 Texas wrestling at its absolute peak.Tune in for another deep dive through the Time Tunnel—where the territories come alive again! The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling. Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History(00:01:54) - Nikita Koloff and Magnum TA: The 40th Anniversary Book(00:03:16) - 1973 WWE Hall of Fame Weekend Review(00:10:24) - The History of Texas Wrestling With Jerry Briscoe and John Brad(00:12:08) - 1976(00:13:01) - Best Friend of Wrestling's New Book(00:13:55) - Dallas Wrestling: The Houston Territory(00:15:01) - The Super Bowl of Wrestling(00:16:05) - Back in the Saddle: Dallas, Texas, 1976(00:17:02) - Texas Wrestling Wars: The History of The War(00:23:26) - The Mongolian Stomper vs Terry Funk(00:29:37) - Fritz Von Erich(00:36:04) - Andre the Giant(00:39:06) - Terry Funk Coming Home to Texas(00:44:40) - Terry Funk vs Chavo Guerrero(00:48:17) - Andre the Giant vs Stan Hansen in the AWA Texas(00:51:04) - Gino Hernandez(00:56:10) - Terry Funk vs Fritz Von Erich(01:01:49) - Mongolian Stomper(01:04:49) - Andre vs Stomper(01:08:32) - Terry Funk vs Fritz Von Erich(01:15:27) - Fritz Von Erich and his sons(01:16:44) - Andre and Inoki at the Go Home Show(01:23:22) - Book Review: The Texas Wrestling Wars of the 1950s(01:25:26) - Tribute To Jerry Gray(01:30:50) - Greg Klein(01:31:48) - Grizzly Up Soap Co.(01:34:33) - Daily Pro Wrestling History Newsletter(01:37:16) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: The Podcast
What this episode covers
It's Episode 67 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory Show as we continue pur 1976 Territory Review Series! I am joined by Greg Klein this week as we we roll into the heart of Texas in 1976 and dive deep into one of the hottest territories in the NWA: Big Time Wrestling out of Dallas. From the roads stretching between Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, and Austin, a stacked roster of talent was tearing it up night after night in arenas big and small.Homegrown hero and NWA American Champion Fritz Von Erich was the beating heart of the promotion. The legendary Iron Claw was working overtime as Fritz anchored fantastic programs, most notably his intense heel feud with The Mongolian Stomper, managed by the cunning J.J. Dillon. These battles had Texas fans on the edge of their seats week after week.The territory was so hot that even top stars were navigating carefully. The great Red Bastien was reportedly steering somewhat clear of the red-hot scene, while still making selective appearances like his time-limit draw with Rick Martel on the big card.The crown jewel of the year? The Super Bowl of Wrestling on June 5, 1976, at Texas Stadium in Irving. One of the biggest shows of the year drew a massive crowd (reported around 17,000) for a star-studded supercard. In the main event, NWA World Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk hooked up with Fritz Von Erich in a sizzling title match that spilled outside and ended in a double count-out, further fueling the ongoing Von Erich vs. Funk family feud that had Texas (and beyond) buzzing.We’ll break down the full card highlights, key angles, the business side of the territory, other top talent on the roads, and how this era set the stage for what would become World Class Championship Wrestling. From blood feuds and big gates to the territorial grind, it’s classic 1976 Texas wrestling at its absolute peak.Tune in for another deep dive through the Time Tunnel—where the territories come alive again! The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling.
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Episode 67: 1976 Territory Review: Dallas Territory
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