How The Territory System Could Be Used Today

[@MangyStray]

Great video Dave. Nice to see some shots outside the "davecave"

[@zachbryanlover69]

Honestly I believe that if territories came back the would be even longer title reigns such as Bruno Sammartino and hulk hogan because every company would have there one big star that would keep the title and defend it at house shows and as history shows territories didnt have PPV’s So it could really depend on the company on how a title works and who holds which would usually be the company’s top babyface or heel would always hold the title for very long and as seen in the past I see that the territories will just fight over top stars and the bigger territories with more money will almost always get those top stars and eventually some territories will fall as they either don’t have enough money or can’t keep the talent and the fans lose interest on the smaller territories and just migrate to bigger territories

[@uggyoumugg7249]

I mean we have already been going back to longer title reigns. Walter in nxt UK, Jacob fatu in mlw, nick aldis in nwa, and currently roman reigns in wwe.

[@stigrabbid589]

It all depends on how this potential territory system would work, a good possibility based on the indie NWA-like idea would be for all territories to have their own championships and the top belts are the world titles, just like the old NWA, then if all of the promotions have their own tv/streaming deals/youtube channels they can crosspromote each other's shows and then have a top level promotion with the world titles, like having AEW as the biggest promotion of this scenario's new alliance. the world champions can work in the smaller territories and the smaller territories can send their wrestlers to the bigger ones as well, again, like the old NWA but slightly different because talent sharing is always available, and it would be easier for the promotions to see if a wrestler is available to work shows due to computers and the internet.

[@jontyross1285]

Some territories had ppvs but very little

[@KastleKrossface]

Another well thought out video, Dave! Phenomenal job! I think it would be a good thing to see regional territory where Indy promotions share talent, co-promote shows, and such. Get a TV deal with the local television. It could work out. Love the "on location" stuff.

[@Sweeptheleg83]

Yo my brother. Sexy Machismo Express in the house 🤘

[@KastleKrossface]

@@Sweeptheleg83 the future of the world seed! Flyin high and gettin down, daddy-o! I'm still waiting for the championship committee to recognize our greatness and give us OUR title shots Dave Knows Wrestling Univere Tag Team Titles! 😂

[@Sweeptheleg83]

@@KastleKrossface were gonna keep rocking and Rollin and having better matches then anyone else in this company. And we WILL be champions. Count on it 😎

[@KastleKrossface]

@@Sweeptheleg83 ... SOON. Dave won't be able to ignore the immense bulge of power waiting to explode all over the Tag Team Title Scene! Come to grips, Dave. This is the way. And it's Amazing.

[@KirbyVanPelt]

I love the scene changes on this video, from beign Infront of the MidLife Stadium, back on his studio, on a empty building, and his classic green screen scenery, and more. Very creative and amazing :)

[@speedbumpchump6388]

Thanks for the shout-out for the Horizon, from Chicago.

[@WickedCool23]

Great video Dave, I’m enjoying the scene changes, it’s creative, also you clean up well in a suit. I don’t know if pinning our hopes to the folks that own TicketBastard would be an improvement

[@GenericProtagonist118]

Honestly this does bring up some neat scenerios. First of all states and coasts would have their very own brand promotion to be proud of (basically like a state sports team but on a bigger scale), there would probably be a brand new drafting system where promotions would trade wrestlers between each other *or* have legitimate actual free agents who can appear on any promotion traveling the continent (think like what happened with the Road Warriors). It might also make WrestleMania feel a whole lot bigger, because it would be an event where every promotion will come together to set up some new and exciting matches.

[@regnersario9996]

I just discovered your channel. Excellent videos. I will be watching from now on. Take care and keep up the great work.

[@DaveKnowsWrestling]

Thanks so much for taking the time to say so. Welcome

[@TheEricthefruitbat]

I really enjoy your videos. This one is particularly appealing, since I vaguely remember the old days of the territories. I think wrestling was more fun back then; not just because everything was still kayfabe, but because you saw everything that was in your area (live or tv), and only heard or read about what was going on elsewhere. Then, if you were lucky, a wrestler you had only ever heard about would come to your area for a while, and it would refresh the wrestling business where you were. As a kid in Canada, I watched Maple Leaf Wrestling, Stampede Wrestling, and wrestling out of Halifax, but I would read about Jerry "The King" Lawler and the Von Erichs. I eventually got to see Lawler when he came to WWF/E. He was past his prime, but it was still exciting for me. I remember the first time I saw Hulk Hogan, as he was passing through a territory whose show I was able to watch, before he was the biggest thing in the business. I realize that the internet, KZbin, and streaming kind of kill the anticipation aspect that I talk about, but I still wish it could be the old way again.

[@patrickjohnson1649]

Dave Knows Wrestling: Sponsored by McDonalds.

[@DaveKnowsWrestling]

Ha! I wish

[@SheriffOutlaw]

Yes! Kudos to you good sir! I was always thinking about how this could work in the modern era of Pro Wrestling and how Triple H was trying to go this route with his run in NXT. Also what I was meaning last week in your livestream when I said I am back to action, is that I am Wrestling this weekend! Tomorrow evening Mistah Jay is back! Stay Awesome Dave, You Rock Always!

[@savagedarksider5934]

Great Video. It's true what they say:Everything comes around in full circle.

[@TheThegr8man]

I think we might be seeing another version of Territory system, but with streaming platform.

[@texascontinentalwrestling2605]

Working on this now with a few promotors.

[@llopnikgaharrison3136]

I was thinking you'd do more of a regional breakdown. As I grew up in AWA jurisdiction, after they folded, we'd get a live show every other year & house shows twice a year.

[@DaveKnowsWrestling]

I have covered other territories, which promotions getting their own episodes, including the AWA

[@kclink1579]

6:06 I thought a ticket master ad was coming. So use to that happening.

[@Filmation77]

Amazing Video a real thinkpiece. and it also made me think of short term promotional alliances such as Pro Wrestling USA or how World Class,the AWA and Memphis supposedly created Jerry Jarretts USWA. but WWE is(was) Pro Wrestling's equivalent of McDonalds with AEW being Burger KIng,New Japan being Hardees/Carl's Jr, Impact Wrestling being in-n-out and NWA being Tommy's Burger(iconic Los Angeles Burger Chains). i'm just surprised that state indies don't combine to make state territories and each state i think has at least TWO Indie promotions(but don't quote me on that) California has least 5 consistent indies just in Los Angeles.But as you know theres no real money in it. i just think you could combine money and limited resources, which could theorically create better shows and better payouts for indie talent and varied match-up's.

[@redram5150]

If you are familiar with SEPA wrestling spots, do you remember the Hamburg Field House? ALOT of WWF history. I saw The BushWhackers retirement match there

[@kaioh187]

In my opinion, I think the territory system would be great for everyone in professional wrestling today (I am a fan of professional wrestling for 40 years). The first thing it would do is see if a wrestler can handle the demanding schedule it takes to perfect the craft of being a professional wrestler. The schedule of wrestling 360 days or even 365 days a year would immediately remove the individuals trying to use professional wrestling as a stepping stone to other avenues of entertainment. Second, professional wrestlers would actually want to be known all over the country and could allow the wrestlers to change characters if one does not work in one area. Finally, not everyone could not be a professional wrestler like today. To quote the late great "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, "If you are 5'2 and weigh 300 lbs and have zero athletic ability get real!!!"

[@chadwickwhite6107]

It would be AWESOME!!!

[@joshuawaldorf9559]

Imagine if wrestling shows today like WWE, AEW and Impact Wrestling and ROH (when it was active) and others had a territory system today. Which state would they be settled in?

[@retrorambles517]

I'm not from the states so my geography isn't the greatest But I'd say impact takes Florida and surrounding southern states NWA takes the Carolinas AEW takes the north, Illinois area and surrounding states ROH takes the Maryland and surround states WWE mainly north eastern around New York

[@zoelotero]

WWE would be the same zone as traditionally, taking NY, Connecticut and the other states up north. AEW would be Florida and the surrounding states except for Georgia and the Carolinas (which would be the NWA's place), while Impact would operate in Canada and ROH in Pennsylvania taking ECW's old spot, also expanding through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. And I guess everywhere else would be no man's land and/or taken by smaller promotions (such as PWG in California). That being said, it would probably be quite different to the actual configuration, as wrestlers would probably work various companies (if not all of them) instead of being WWE or AEW exclusive, and the promoters themselves would be way more eager to cooperate with each other and overseas, often holding Forbidden Door-style supercards and maybe even having common titles similar to how the NWA title worked for the territories. That if the Fed doesn't do what they did 40 years ago and attempt to stab other territories to run Impact and/or Ring of Honor out of business (same with AEW against NWA). And then finally, wrestling would be way different than it is now, with more companies leaning to a sports-based approach (specially NWA, Impact and ROH) and only WWE going full-on sports entertainment (I guess AEW would be a mix of both styles while also taking inspiration from smaller and/or foreign companies like in real life). That would be good in making wrestling look more logical and realistic but bad in the sense that things like "Inookism" would probably come to american wrestling.

[@ghostamity5116]

Interesting alternate reality scenario. I would like to see something like this play out in like a simulation

[@Nitk16]

Aah old man Dave talking about the old days and his territory system. Dave live in the future my man.

[@DAHARRISHERE]

YEA THE FUTURE IS BASE CLEANING TOILETS

[@Nitk16]

@@DAHARRISHERE Harry haven't you heard I got a promotion now I'm washing dishes.

[@DAHARRISHERE]

@@Nitk16 THAT JOB IS TOO COMICATED FOR YOU BASE

[@Sweeptheleg83]

@@Nitk16 Hey Gimp, get back in the box, damnit!!! (Hits on the back with Tri whips)

[@realitytellslies]

If this was limited to the indies, I think it would definitely help bring in new fans to rejuvenate it, as we see the same styles and regions dominating, while even in some well populated states, their own local promotions falter to >100 fans spectating in person or online. The only reason they stay up is by other means or sheer passion, like my local promotion uses it's shows to showoff students from their wrestling school, but before that there were actual crowds showing up and even a few well known indie circuit guys who'd come in.

[@soulblade2099]

JP doesn't get a shout out anymore on the videos. 😞 I guess I'm too territorial

[@DaveKnowsWrestling]

I'm sure I got you recently like I always do... You know I always appreciate Jeremy P... I will def get you soon again. Thank you as always Bruddah

[@daedaethomas47]

Thanx Dave!

[@jesserichards5582]

Holy Cow! That would be a hell of alot more interesting than shit like football, baseball, hockey & etc. I would definitely watch it. I'm a big fan of the idea already lol

[@stingrey1571]

With the emergence of cable, if Vince wouldn’t have expanded, Jim crocket, bill watts, or another big time booker would have seized the opportunity.

[@regnersario9996]

By the way, could you do a video on Houston Wrestling. I am from Houston and a big fan.

[@A_real_Ha_So]

Used to enjoy fantasy booking the territories over on the Wrestling Classics board. System they use is booking the talent from 20 years previous to today's date so you could see the talent from 2002 on a roster that never happened.

[@calebpepper3834]

Great video and I have a second Idea It would involve using College venues and smaller arenas as for the pay per views. Imagine if you will pay per views held in College football Stadiums Michigan Stadium,Ohio Stadium, Beaver Stadium, Doak Campbell Stadium, Clemson Stadium, Tiger Stadium, Bryant Denny stadium,Kyle Field and Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

[@Sweeptheleg83]

"Whereever New Jersey hockey teams play"....The Prudential center Dave? PS: I miss some of those old arenas like the skydome in Toroto or the Omni in Atlanya or the Spectrum in Philly (Boston Garden as well). They had alot of personality and weren't like these corporate owned buildings of today.

[@DaveKnowsWrestling]

Oh please... like anybody watches hockey

[@Sweeptheleg83]

@@DaveKnowsWrestling 😡 I'm giving one Dave...One

[@CmdrUD87]

2:22 Oh hi, Tony Khan, didn't see you there

[@youngzeus87]

Great video. Sub'd

[@ReflectionOfPerfection]

I brought this up to Jim Cornette years ago. The problem is independent promotions these days can't afford a cup of coffee let alone reform the NWA to what it was 40 years ago

[@DaveKnowsWrestling]

I suggesting that a major company scoop up the indies, not that one indie fed spearhead a giant expansion. Sorry that was not clear

[@ReflectionOfPerfection]

@@DaveKnowsWrestling Tony Khan may be able to do that. RoH was based out of Baltimore originally and Impact was originally in Florida. You could have Florida & Baltimore based territories for sure

[@Backpackfiles]

I can confidently say that, while the sport probably won't ever go back to The Territories (of the NWA), most "big" promotions work effectively getting their signed competitors additional or "cool" off or development work in independent promotions, effectively creating a territory system of their own. Examples; Josh Alexander's current World title reign with Impact; NJPW's excursions for Young Lions; or even how AEW utilized indie talent for scouting and development via its Dark series.

[@johnstahlman9767]

the United Wrestling Network is kind of doing this right now

[@johnstahlman9767]

meaning the franchising thing, there's hollywood, arizona, memphis and georgia already under the championship wrestling from (insert place) brand

[@pez334]

First let me say that I haven’t watched wrestling regularly since 2019 except for some of the bigger ppv shows on WWE and the hall of fame shows reminding me on how old I am when I see them get inducted …What if McDonald’s were to buy up it’s competitors, no more Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC and so on , people would have no other choice/options , at least with the territory system if a wrestler didn’t make it /get over or had problems with the promoter then they could go to another territory and hone their craft/start over , now there’s basically WWE and if you don’t make it there or have some issue then you’re basically doing independent shows that don’t have the same audience and the pay is significantly less , maybe if there was a way for there to be a system where you had say WWE made its own territory system like WWE central states , mid south, western states etc where you would have the WWE champion travel to and take on that territory’s champion, yes it’s all WWE but I think it would be better than raw vs smack down, every once and awhile you could have territories invade the others and have the wrestlers switch up going to different territories just like I remember back in the day, again it’s just a thought

[@fattiger6957]

I often wonder what the wrestling world would be like if Vince never took over his father's business. Would the territories still be around? Would Jim Crockett been in Vince's place? Or would something completely different happen?

[@heavymetal116]

Jim Crockett Promotion changed to WCW. There's no question JCP being in Vince's place on the first place. You should have phrased it like this what if Ted Turner never bought JCP and turned it into WCW.

[@ericthomas917]

Wrestling would be dead. The territory system was already exposed by then.

[@fattiger6957]

@@heavymetal116 But if Vince was never around, I think there's a chance Turner never would have bought JCP.

[@lauracarothers2276]

The Regional Wrestling worked because it was local and you could see family on tv. The stars that you knew too When cable tv started to be available in cities then the 40 years of regional wrestling became obsolete. Now the pro wrestling fantasies and wonder could be fulfilled. All the top wrestlers could be seen competing in New York. Your local heroes could be seen On cable tv then Pay Per View. With all the cable tv channels the old "lets be on tv" became a thing of the past Sitting and watching a million channels became the norm.

[@pjdolont9012]

Who else thinks it's weird to see Dave outside?

[@stewartmeetball3417]

Hi dave

[@champnika2711]

to be honnest it would be better cuz everyone would have their supperstar and more shows around the country is better for wrestler the thing i would say is distribution

[@Online_Sports_Talk]

Or the explosion of Cable TV in the late 80s and early 90s. Guarantee another promotion like JCP would have been the main company. JCP because they had the NWA in their corner.

[@JeffWoods1973Music]

I disagree that the territories shouldn’t be around for one important reason: when the territories went away so did the breeding ground.

[@lucag.lisickza425]

bro closed caption pleaze

[@Mollikar]

Well back in those days you could do like the mob, buy property and extort. But that wont work today with the right business model with an international HQ. Most of WWE if still based in the East Coast many of the old territories especially out west dont really have a standard bearer so you could get by with Two stadiums I would put one in maybe Arizona/NM and the other I would put in Japan because in Japan the territory system is still running strong and you could put a media hub out there and connect it to the west coast. Then you want a different image WWE is PG13 cartoon looking crap, people would like something either a bit gritter or darker like the old ICW meets Beyond Thunderdome. Also own your own charter Jets.

[@J.D.1.]

The territory system was largely able to work because of regional TV. As soon as satellite kicked in, capitalism took course. It would always do so.

[@jerryjanik480]

This is what Tony Khan is doing with All Elites wrestling basically describing what what he has done it with all Elites wrestling with having the NWA appear on the show with having impact wrestlers show up on all the wrestling and now purchasing roh

[@DaveKnowsWrestling]

That's not the same at all

[@PoorStretch]

Didnt listen yet but something I've recently learned, I don't know how the territory system was ever legal to begin with. It's against anti-trust laws to agree to split sales territories amongst competitors. Which is essentially what they were doing. Edit - really the only way it should theoretically be legal is if each of the small territories are actually part of the same company. Which the NWA was an alliance not a company. Jim Crockett promotions was a different company than Mid-South, etc Edit 2 - Ok I listened and yeah a major company owning all the indies is not only best, in reality it should be the only way it's actually legal. Maybe wrestling has some exemption or something but to me it seems the old territorial system was actually collusion and should have been considered illegal Edit 3- I actually found a very good research paper someone did on the subject and there actually were anti -trust lawsuits made against the NWA and essentially the only reason they got off were there political relationships. Although I will say a territory system as you describe is not nearly the same thing as the original NWA. You aren't proposing a territory system that dissuades competition or is the only game in town like the old territory system was. But I just thought this was very interesting and something I never really thought of until recently, that the original territory system was basically illegal and only through political connections did it last as long as it did. In many ways McMahon was the good guy actually making these old promoters have to actually compete and entertain the fans

[@theazureknight9399]

No good guys or bad guys in this situation. Just because something is illegal it doesn't make it morally bad and vice versa. Sure, the things Vince did in fighting against the territories were all legal, but there was a lot of sabotage going on, legal sabotage, in his end. If Vince hadn't sabotaged Crockett's efforts to get into the ppv business for instance, it's very likely that JCP wouldn't have been sold to Turner, which means no Jim Herd, Bischoff and Russo tanking the company, which leads to the WWF probably not achieving overwhelming dominance in the industry, which would result in a healthier wrestling business overall for everyone involved not named McMahon. Wrestlers would have more leverage, competition would breed excellence and push everyone to do better. Taking all the sabotage into consideration, to me it doesn't sound like Vince was too keen on fairly competing with anyone. His 100% legal victory resulted in wrestling nowadays reaching record lows in viewership and making a living out of it has never been harder.

[@fyrewatermelons]

I imagine whichever feds have TV deals get to claim which territory they own. AEW would own both the southern and upper east coast from being a WCW successor and being the benefactor from TK's purchase of ROH. Florida is Sweden.

[@llopnikgaharrison3136]

Whenever WWE would get to us.

[@youngzeus87]

Vinny Jr united the 7 kingdoms

[@theuglydojo6461]

It could never happen.

[@renafan3333]

I will never get the hate WWE gets? Why because they have been around 50 years and they are #1? People celebrating when Vince retired and saying he should go to jail? Celebrating someone was forced out of the job they loved? People talking about morale being down and everyone hates being there? And they know this how?

[@christopherbaker9676]

Piss on ticket master

[@DaveKnowsWrestling]

As I said in the video, not saying it was good, just that it's plausible

[@N0strapapas]

Did you just dip a chicken nugget in ketchup? 🤮

[@DaveKnowsWrestling]

It was BBQ sauce not ketchup. I'm not 5

[@StageRight123]

@@DaveKnowsWrestling 😆

[@michaelmarino7391]

Bringing the territories back would be & wouldn't be feasible. It would give us fans a variety of wrestling to watch, but with cable and streaming it would oversaturate the product.