ECWA Changes Ownership

[cero2k]

Source: pwinsiderxtra.com

ECWA - The East Coast Wrestling Association, the longest running promotion in the United States, starting in 1967, has been sold. Jim Kettner started ECWA in the mid 60s when the territory system was still very much in place, and the promotion has managed to weather many storms over the years and has changed with the times.

The organization has had some of the most famous names in the wrestling world pass thru its doors, including Bryan Danielson, Tessa Blanchard, Low-Ki, Austin Aries, Jeff Hardy, Christian, Christopher Daniels, and so many more!

ECWA's biggest claim to fame, perhaps, is the ECWA Super 8 tournament, with previous competitors and winners including Adam Cole, Tommaso Ciampa, Rich Swann, Bobby Fish, Xavier Woods, Jerry Lynn, Davey Richards, Paul London, Petey Williams, AJ Styles, Ricky Reyes, Jamie Noble and so many more. The Super 8 has been a hotbed for up and coming wrestlers. If you want to see the future of pro wrestling, the future is OUR Tradition here at the ECWA.

Jim Kettner would sell ECWA in 2009 to Mike Tartaglia who would run the promotion as "The Boss" sometimes putting himself first, instead of the talent. This is something that new owner Joe Zanolle plans to correct.

Zanolle, a staff member for ECWA since 1999 has a great rapport with current and past talent and is hoping to bring back some familiar fan favorites who may have had a falling out with former management. As discussed with Brady Hicks on the In The Room podcast last night, Joe is looking to bring back "positivity" back to ECWA and make it the most fun experience possible for both fans and wrestlers alike.

If you've never seen an ECWA, or you may have skipped the last few years we encourage you to check out our next event on January 18th in New Castle, DE to enjoy pro wrestling the way it used to be, with the newest and most exciting talent out there today.

For more information visit www.ECWAprowrestling.com

[Big Red Machine]

I didn't realize ECWA went back that far. I thought they popped up in the late 80s.

[Bob-O]

This is quite the write up!

Jim Kettner started ECWA in the mid 60s when the territory system was still very much in place

The historian in me is super intrigued by this, they had to be working outlaw for most of that as the East Coast was pretty much locked down. It might explain why "the most famous names to walk through their doors" are indy guys from the past two decades...

I lol'd that they took the time to throw previous ownership under the bus.

[Big Red Machine]

This is quite the write up!

Jim Kettner started ECWA in the mid 60s when the territory system was still very much in place

The historian in me is super intrigued by this, they had to be working outlaw for most of that as the East Coast was pretty much locked down. It might explain why "the most famous names to walk through their doors" are indy guys from the past two decades...

I lol'd that they took the time to throw previous ownership under the bus.

Vince also let the Savoldi's run ICW in his territory, so I think he saw some value in them, but Vince Sr. letting this go on is definitely shocking. Maybe Delaware was just beneath their notice when compared to NYC, Philly, Boston, Pittsburgh, DC, Baltimore, Atlantic City, etc.?

They also did have a pretty cozy relationship with WWE in the late-90's/early 2000s and were allowed to use guys under WWE developmental contracts (Dragon, Kendrick, Haas Brothers). F*cking Michael Cole even did a run-in for them to screw Kevin Kelly in the greatest blindfold match of all time.