Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Death of the Territories summary
Brief summary
Death of the Territories by Tim Hornbaker delves into the rise of Vince McMahon's WWE and the fall of traditional wrestling territories. It's a captivating account of a pivotal time in the history of pro wrestling.
Topics
Table of Contents
Death of the Territories
Summary of key ideas
The Rise of the Territories
In Death of the Territories by Tim Hornbaker, we are taken on a journey through the golden era of professional wrestling. The story begins in the 1950s when the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) was formed, and wrestling was divided into regional territories, each with its own promoter and champion. The territories, including the likes of the American Wrestling Association (AWA), World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), and Georgia Championship Wrestling, thrived, offering unique wrestling styles and storylines tailored to their local fan bases.
These territories were more than just businesses; they were institutions deeply rooted in their communities. Wrestlers were not just performers but also local heroes, and the territories' success relied on their ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. Despite the fierce competition between the territories, there was a sense of camaraderie, with wrestlers often moving between territories, creating a vibrant and dynamic wrestling landscape.
The Emergence of a National Power
The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the emergence of Vincent Kennedy McMahon, the third-generation promoter of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). McMahon, unlike his predecessors, had a vision to take wrestling national. He recognized the potential of cable television and set out to transform the WWF into a global entertainment powerhouse. His ambitious plans and willingness to break with the traditional territorial system set the stage for a seismic shift in the wrestling industry.
McMahon's strategy was audacious. He began by poaching top talents from the territories, offering them lucrative contracts and exposure on a national scale. This aggressive talent acquisition, combined with the WWF's innovative marketing and storyline-driven approach, propelled the promotion to the forefront of the industry. The territories, once the dominant force in professional wrestling, found themselves struggling to compete with McMahon's growing empire.
The Battle for Supremacy
The middle part of Death of the Territories details the intense battle for supremacy between the WWF and the remaining territories. McMahon's aggressive expansion and the introduction of WrestleMania, the first-ever wrestling pay-per-view event, further solidified the WWF's position as the industry leader. In response, the NWA and AWA, the two largest alliances within the territories, attempted to form a united front but ultimately failed to counter McMahon's relentless onslaught.
One by one, the territories fell, unable to withstand the financial strain of competing with the WWF. Promoters who had once been colleagues found themselves bitter rivals, engaged in legal battles and public disputes. Wrestlers, once free to move between territories, now found themselves bound by exclusive contracts, further consolidating McMahon's control over the industry.
The End of an Era
As the book nears its conclusion, we witness the inevitable decline of the territories. McMahon's WWF, now known as WWE, emerged as the undisputed global leader in professional wrestling. The once-thriving territories, unable to adapt to the changing landscape, either closed down or were absorbed by the WWE. Wrestling, once a localized form of entertainment, had transformed into a global, mass-market product.
In conclusion, Death of the Territories offers a comprehensive account of the demise of the territorial system in professional wrestling. It illuminates the rise of the WWE as a global entertainment powerhouse and the end of an era marked by regional diversity and independence. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of one man's vision and the inevitable march of progress, even in the world of professional wrestling.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Death of the Territories about?
Death of the Territories by Tim Hornbaker delves into the fascinating history of professional wrestling in the United States. It explores how the rise of Vince McMahon and his World Wrestling Federation (WWF) led to the demise of the regional wrestling territories that once dominated the industry. Filled with behind-the-scenes stories and interviews, the book offers a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in wrestling history.
Death of the Territories Review
Death of the Territories (2018) explores the transformation of professional wrestling in the 1980s, shedding light on its evolution from regional promotions to a global phenomenon. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- Unveils the dramatic shifts that revolutionized the wrestling industry, revealing the behind-the-scenes machinations and power struggles.
- Highlights the rise of Vince McMahon and the WWF (now WWE) as central figures in reshaping the wrestling landscape.
- Brings to life the colorful characters and intense rivalries that captivated audiences and forever changed the face of professional wrestling.
Who should read Death of the Territories?
Wrestling fans who want to understand the history of the industry
Individuals curious about the behind-the-scenes business of professional wrestling
Readers interested in the impact of media and technology on a traditional entertainment industry
Categories with Death of the Territories
Book summaries like Death of the Territories
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Death of the Territories FAQs
What is the main message of Death of the Territories?
The main message of Death of the Territories explores the downfall of regional wrestling promotions in the face of national powerhouses.
How long does it take to read Death of the Territories?
Reading Death of the Territories varies in time, but for a quick overview, Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.
Is Death of the Territories a good book? Is it worth reading?
Death of the Territories is a compelling read for wrestling enthusiasts, delving into the industry's evolution with insightful details.
Who is the author of Death of the Territories?
The author of Death of the Territories is Tim Hornbaker.
What to read after Death of the Territories?
If you're wondering what to read next after Death of the Territories, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh