Rasslin'
Rasslin' is a term that refers to a
Southern style of
professional wrestling. It was synonymous with the
NWA-affiliated promotions that operated in the southern United States.
Rasslin' included
TV tapings at smaller venues, as compared to the larger, more well-known arenas utilized by northern U.S. promotions such as the
AWA and
W(W)WF (now WWE). There was often more of an emphasis on maintaining
kayfabe, and
stiff chain wrestling. TV matches were generally more competitive than the
squash matches in the WWF.
Gimmicks were also used, but not as widely, and the gimmicks were generally more directly related to wrestling. Storylines often tapped into Southern culture. Feuds were more clannish and sometimes would go on for several years.
Blading and
run-ins were also more common during rasslin' cards than on other wrestling shows.
The term "Rasslin'" is derived from wrestling; it's a phonetic spelling of how the word "wrestling" sounds when spoken with a heavy Southern
accent. It is also commonly used in a derogatory manner by non-Southern wrestling fans to describe that style of wrestling.
When
Ted Turner purchased
Jim Crockett Promotions, he called long-time competitor
Vince McMahon to tell him that he was now in the "rasslin'" business, McMahon allegedly differentiated his company's style by responding, "That's great, Ted. I'm in the
sports entertainment business."
