This time on Regional Rasslin’ we return to more St. Louis Wrestling History, Guest Phil Adams joins Ray Russell on the journey through the latter months of 1953 and all of 1954. Television continues to shape the territory as stars like Buddy Rogers, Johnny Valentine, Bill Longson, Ray Eckert, and Don Leo Jonathan battle for position beneath reigning NWA Champion Lou Thesz. We examine Thesz’s major title defenses, the continued importance of the Kiel Auditorium, and the sharp decline in attendance at St. Louis’ regular arena events. During the long 1954 off-season, television becomes the primary vehicle for developing dependable names like Cyclone Anaya, Ronnie Etchison, Ralph Garibaldi, and Joe Millich. We’ll also track Guy Brunetti’s surprising late-year surge and the territory’s reliance on draws, no contests, and frequently repeated matchups to keep its featured wrestlers protected. Plus, we venture outside St. Louis to explore Leon Balkin’s fascinating history in Evansville and the city’s growing connection to Sam Muchnick’s booking office.
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