Special Bonus Episode 61: Tribute to Ted Turner

From Territories to Towns, Personalities to Buildings – Every Era Comes Alive Again In this special bonus episode of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show, I am joined by two legendary wrestling media veterans: former WWE Magazine editor and historian Brian R. Solomon, and Bob Smith of the iconic London Publishing Group. Drawing on their deep media experience — along with the host’s own background in radio and television — the trio delivers a fascinating deep-dive into the profound influence of television pioneer Ted Turner on professional wrestling. From the birth of Georgia Championship Wrestling to early Superstation days that brought wrestling into millions of American homes to the creation of WCW and the cable-television revolution that forever changed the industry, this episode uncovers how one man’s bold vision turned pro wrestling into a national phenomenon. A must-listen for wrestling historians, media fans, and anyone who wants to understand the real story behind the rise of modern wrestling television. Chapters (00:00:02) - PODCAST: Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(00:00:34) - Ted Turner's Passing(00:04:13) - Bob Turner on Ted Turner(00:11:12) - Wrestling on UHF Stations(00:16:38) - Ted Turner's Obituary(00:22:13) - Georgia Championship Wrestling(00:27:38) - Jim Barnett on World Championship Wrestling(00:33:00) - Bob Barnett on Ted Turner and His Controlling Style(00:37:05) - What If Bill Watts and Ted Turner Would Have teamed up?(00:44:30) - Paul Heyman on Ted Turner's Wrestling(00:50:55) - Ted Turner and Ric Flair(00:55:38) - Vince McMahon on The Monday Night Wars With Ted Turner(01:01:03) - Steve Austin on Hulk Hogan's Declining Power(01:03:43) - Top 10 Greatest Heel Turns(01:09:28) - Final Thoughts on Ted Turner(01:11:15) - Favorite Moments of Wrestling on TBS(01:15:30) - Bob Downey on Ted Turner(01:21:23) - Grizzly Up Soap Company(01:22:54) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel