Charting The Territories

Charting The Territories is a deep dive into the sprawling, fragmented world of professional wrestling before national expansion reshaped the industry. Hosts Al Getz and Jon Boucher reunite each month to explore a specific region and time period, from Memphis to Minneapolis, from World Class to the AWA. Their approach is distinct, blending rich historical narrative with a unique statistical bent that examines attendance figures, championship lineages, and the business metrics that powered these local fiefdoms. You’ll hear detailed breakdowns of key events, the promoters and bookers who shaped the action, and how the in-ring product evolved in different corners of the continent. This podcast is for fans who want to move beyond the well-trodden stories and understand the how and why of wrestling’s territorial era, appreciating the local flavors and economic realities that created the stars and stories we remember today. The analysis is thorough yet accessible, offering a fresh perspective on a foundational period. Listening to an episode of this podcast feels like sitting down with two deeply knowledgeable historians who are as passionate about the context and data as they are about the body slams and interview segments, making the past feel vividly present.