Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
From its formative years as the heartbeat of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) to its present-day role as a reliable destination for WWE, AEW, and beyond, St. Louis has long held a sacred place in the world of professional wrestling. This article traces the key milestones, unforgettable matches, and towering figures who made the city synonymous with sports entertainment. Whether through golden-era showdowns at the Chase Park Plaza or roaring modern-day sellouts, St. Louis’ wrestling narrative is one of influence, legacy, and loyal fandom.
In 1948, Sam Muchnick helped establish the National Wrestling Alliance, setting the stage for a golden era of regional wrestling. Muchnick’s St. Louis Wrestling Club, headquartered in Missouri, quickly became one of the crown jewels of the territory system. His commitment to credibility, athleticism, and strong matchmaking gave rise to a promotion that prioritized championship prestige and clean finishes.
Muchnick presided over the NWA from 1950 to 1960 and again from 1963 to 1975, fostering relationships with major stars and regional promoters alike. His booking attracted iconic names like Lou Thesz, Pat O’Connor, Dory Funk Jr., and Jack Brisco, with the NWA World Heavyweight Championship being the centerpiece of the territory. St. Louis’ prominence within the NWA was not about frequency of events—it was about the respect the city commanded across the industry.
“Wrestling at the Chase,” which aired from 1959 to 1983, was not merely a show—it was a St. Louis tradition. Broadcast on KPLR-TV, it was filmed at the prestigious Chase Park Plaza Hotel and became one of the most iconic wrestling programs in American history. Unlike gritty, dingy gymnasiums typical of the time, the Chase offered elegance and class—a chandeliered ballroom hosting matches viewed by both businessmen and blue-collar fans.
The show helped elevate talents like Gene Kiniski, Dick the Bruiser, and Harley Race, who became synonymous with the city. With over 1,100 episodes aired, “Wrestling at the Chase” helped St. Louis define wrestling excellence during the territory era.
Harley Race, born in Missouri and trained in the area, became a monumental figure not only nationally but in his home state. An 8-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Race carried himself with the gravitas of a legitimate tough guy. His battles with Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and Terry Funk made him a central figure in the evolution from old-school grappling to modern storytelling.
St. Louis served as a regular battleground during Race’s prime years. Whether defending titles or mentoring the next generation at his Missouri-based wrestling school, Race left an undeniable stamp on the region’s wrestling legacy.
With the territory system dissolving in the 1980s, WWE (then WWF) and WCW capitalized on markets with historical wrestling loyalty—St. Louis was top of that list. WWE held several major events in the city, including Survivor Series 1990 at the St. Louis Arena, featuring the debut of The Undertaker.
WCW frequently returned to venues like the Kiel Center and the Family Arena, often drawing enthusiastic fans who had grown up on the region’s rich wrestling tradition. Big matches like Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan or Sting’s high-stakes feuds helped cement the city's status as a wrestling destination.
As wrestling continues to draw massive crowds in Missouri, fans are also engaging with the action beyond the ring — from fantasy leagues to the growing use of Missouri betting apps, which bring the excitement of the matches directly to their fingertips. These platforms allow users to place legal wagers on match outcomes, stipulations, and pay-per-view events, adding a new layer of interactivity to the fan experience. It’s part of how St. Louis continues to evolve with the digital era while staying rooted in its rich wrestling tradition.
Born in Knoxville but raised in St. Louis, Randy Orton is deeply tied to Missouri wrestling heritage. The son of “Cowboy” Bob Orton and grandson of Bob Orton Sr., Randy debuted in WWE in 2002 and has since become a 14-time world champion. St. Louis has hosted numerous Orton milestones, from title defenses to his Royal Rumble win in 2017.
Few superstars have remained relevant across decades the way Orton has, and his association with St. Louis elevates the city’s standing in wrestling history. WWE frequently markets events in Missouri by featuring Orton’s legacy and hometown hero status.
AEW has quickly developed a strong relationship with the St. Louis market. The company hosted Full Gear 2021 at the Chaifetz Arena, headlined by Kenny Omega vs. “Hangman” Adam Page, a critically acclaimed title bout. The event sold out with over 10,000 in attendance and demonstrated AEW’s ability to thrive in cities rich with wrestling tradition.
By offering an alternative product with a strong emphasis on in-ring performance and long-term storytelling, AEW’s presence in Missouri adds yet another chapter to St. Louis’ enduring legacy in professional wrestling.
WWE Backlash 2025 brought yet another high point to St. Louis’ wrestling history. Held at the Enterprise Center, the premium live event featured marquee matches such as Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch defending her Women’s World Title against Bianca Belair. The event drew over 17,000 fans and was streamed globally on Peacock and the WWE Network.
The success of Backlash 2025 confirmed WWE’s continued trust in the St. Louis market and the unwavering passion of Missouri fans who have supported wrestling across generations.
Beyond major promotions, St. Louis thrives with independent wrestling companies like Glory Pro Wrestling and St. Louis Anarchy. These organizations carry forward the spirit of Sam Muchnick, emphasizing high-quality match cards and local talent development. Wrestlers such as Danhausen, Warhorse, and Ethan Page have appeared at Missouri venues, keeping the wrestling pipeline vibrant.
St. Louis’ independent scene nurtures future stars while honoring its roots, bridging the past and future of wrestling culture in the region.
While the Chase Park Plaza holds historical significance, other St. Louis venues have also contributed to wrestling’s regional growth. The Kiel Auditorium hosted classic NWA matches throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. The Enterprise Center (formerly the Kiel Center and Scottrade Center) has housed both WWE and WCW events, including Monday Night Raw, Nitro, and multiple pay-per-views.
The Family Arena and Chaifetz Arena continue this tradition, offering mid-sized and large venues for major shows. These landmarks serve as physical reminders of how deeply professional wrestling is woven into the fabric of St. Louis.
St. Louis is not simply a nostalgic stop on wrestling’s map—it is a living, breathing epicenter of the sport’s past, present, and future. Its contributions span from producing world champions to hosting sold-out spectacles. It birthed innovations in promotion style, highlighted legendary rivalries, and embraced the evolution of wrestling into the digital and streaming era.
For wrestlers, it remains a proving ground. For fans, it remains sacred. For the industry, it is a benchmark. St. Louis’ icon status is not handed down—it is earned, night after night, generation after generation.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
