Greats to hold the NWA Mid-America title include “Handsome” Harley Race, Jerry “The King” Lawler and “Wildfire” Tommy Rich. The most decorated man in the belt’s history is “Dirty” Dutch Mantel, who wore the prestigious belt on 13 occasions.

The Legacy of the NWA Mid-America Title

The NWA Crowns Its First Mid-America Champ in Nearly 40 Years June 1 at ‘Back to the Territories,’ as first reported by NationalWrestlingAlliance.com.

For generations, one of the most sought after titles in the National Wrestling Alliance was the Mid-America championship.

Launched by legendary promoter Nick Gulas in the 1950s, a veritable who’s who of professional wrestling defended the title for decades in territories across the south central United States.

The belt’s lineage starts with “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers. Hall of Fame superstars including Harley Race, Randy Savage, “Fabulous” Jackie Fargo, Jeff Jarrett and more claimed the esteemed strap during its 30 years of existence.

“This is one of the most legendary belts in NWA history,” says Joe Galli of the decision to revive the championship after nearly 40 years.

“With the NWA’s growing territory partnerships, it seems only appropriate to have a title defended throughout those promotions with national ranking implications,” the company’s senior broadcaster continues, “And that will be the NWA Mid-America championship.”

A Who’s Who of pro wrestling legends have worn the NWA Mid-America championship throughout the years. Pictured are former champions “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, “Superstar” Bill Dundee, Steve Keirn and Stagger Lee, better known without his mask as Koko Ware.

A new champion will be crowned June 1, at Back to the Territories in Knoxville, TN. Bringing together talent from all official NWA territories and partner promotions, the event will introduce to the national stage a Mid-America champion for the first time since the title was deactivated in 1988.

The last NWA Mid-America champion was Jerry “The King” Lawler. The belt was eventually folded into the Championship (nee, Continental) Wrestling Association heavyweight title during a late-‘80s power struggle to dominate the Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky promotional territories. Prior to that, though, it served as one of the most prestigious titles throughout the Southern U.S.

Due to heavy emphasis on tag team competition in the region, it was held by many who went on to become some of the most iconic tandem wrestlers in history. Names such as nine-time champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, his future Midnight Express partner “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey, Jacques Rougeau, Robert Gibson of The Rock ’n Roll Express and Steve Keirn carried the gold prior to massive tag team success later in their careers.

Likewise, significant stars of the NWA territory system defended it with pride as well. “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel, Ron Bass, Koko Ware, Cocoa Samoa, Bill Dundee and notably “Dirty” Dutch Mantel — the most decorated grappler in the title’s history — were all Mid-America Champion.

ABOUT THE MID-AMERICA TITLE
For 30 years, the National Wrestling Alliance Mid-America title was hotly-contested throughout Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi and beyond. A mix of seasoned vets and rising stars of the territory system of old, some with Hall of Fame careers ahead and others more obscure, claimed the title and are pictured here.

By winning the belt in his 50s, Tojo Yamamoto became the oldest Mid-America champion. Only 20 when he beat “Superstar” Bill Dundee, “Wildfire” Tommy Rich is the youngest. Jerry Lawler’s 343 day third reign is the longest. Dutch Mantel, whose fourth reign of 13 was ended by “Macho Man” Randy Savage the same day it began, is the shortest.

THE REVIVAL OF THE MID-AMERICA TITLE

A new chapter in the National Wrestling Alliance’s storied Mid-America championship begins June 1 at Back to the Territories.

The NWA live event in Knoxville, TN, brings together talent from across all official NWA territories and partner promotions. Vying for the title will be representatives from Exodus Pro (NWA Mid-West), NWA Southeast-Joe Cazana Promotions, NWA-Chicago, Kross Fire Wrestling, Florida’s Fight the World and Missouri-based World League Wrestling.

Introduced by promoter Nick Gulas in 1957, “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers was the inaugural champion. He defended the title for the better part of a year throughout the Southeastern United States.

When Gulas sold to Jerry Jarrett, the belt was briefly phased out. Reintroduced as part of the Continental Wrestling Association in the early 1980s, the mid-card title was a popular launching pad for many future main event superstars.

Upon its return, NWA insiders predict the Mid-America title to be the promotion’s “workhorse” title. The belt is expected to be defended regularly throughout the growing NWA territory system.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to the more than 40-plus years since most of these photos were taken, quality for many is lower than preferred for inclusion in our publication. However, these are the only available photos of many past champions. We apologize in advance.