National Wrestling Alliance to Resurrect Mid-America Championship

The classic NWA Mid-America championship will be updated, and the first champion since 1988 crowned, at the June 1 NWA Signature Live Event ‘Back to the Territories’ in Knoxville, TN.

NWA Crowns First Mid-America Champion in Nearly 40 Years on June 1, 2024, at ‘Back to the Territories’ in Knoxville

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 generations in territories across the 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 year 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.”

“Dirty” Dutch Mantell held the NWA Mid-America title a record 13 times.

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 a 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 Mantell — the most decorated grappler in the title’s history — were all Mid-America Champion.

The NWA kicks off summer by adding its first name to that list in decades. Though details are not yet clear, the only way to witness this legendary moment live is at NWA Back to the Territories in Knoxville.

A listing of future NWA Live Events is available here.