Watch Tales from the Territories

Tales from the Territories is a docuseries that takes a deep dive into the untold stories behind the regional pro wrestling territories that thrived across North America from the 1930s through the 1980s. While Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation ultimately conquered the industry on a national scale in the mid-1980s, the regional territories each had their own unique histories, rosters of talent, and devoted fanbases in their respective geographic areas.

Tales from the Territories explores 10 different promotions from wrestling's territorial era, with each episode providing an intimate look at one territory's rise and fall through archival footage and interviews with the wrestlers, promoters, and fans who lived it. From the raucous Memphis scene to the technical wizardry of World Class Championship Wrestling in Texas to the family-friendly Maple Leaf Wrestling in Toronto, the series showcases the diversity of styles, characters, and business approaches that allowed each territory to thrive in its market.

Legendary figures interviewed include Ric Flair, Terry Funk, JJ Dillon, Jim Cornette, The Rock 'n Roll Express, Magnum T.A., and many others who got their start in the regional territories before hitting it big on the national stage. They provide first-hand accounts of the larger-than-life personalities, behind-the-scenes power struggles, and major angles that made many of these now-defunct promotions destination viewing for their loyal fans.

Tales from the Territories also examines how national expansion, a shift to pay-per-view, and the showmanship of the WWF eventually led to the demise of the territorial system. But the docuseries makes clear that the vibrant regional wrestling scene of yesteryear laid the groundwork for the sports entertainment juggernaut that wrestling has become today. Without the territories serving as proving grounds for talent and innovating new match concepts, moves, and gimmicks, the industry would not have evolved.

Through examining these influential regional promotions in detail, Tales from the Territories provides an affectionate look back at a beloved chapter in wrestling history. It showcases the passion and creativity that allowed independent operators to thrive from the 1930s to the 1980s, prior to consolidation under a few major corporate umbrellas. For long-time fans nostalgic for the territorial era, as well as newer fans seeking to learn more about wrestling's roots, Tales from the Territories offers an entertaining and enlightening watch.

Tales from the Territories is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on October 4, 2022.