What Was WWE Called in the 70s?

What Was WWE Called in the 70s?

In the vibrant world of professional wrestling, the 1970s was an era of tremendous growth and evolution. During this time, one organization stood tall and captured the attention of fans around the globe – World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF).

The Birth of WWWF

In 1963, Vincent J. McMahon founded what would later become WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). However, during its early years, the company operated under a different name – World Wide Wrestling Federation or WWWF.

The WWWF emerged from the ashes of Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC), which was established by Jess McMahon in 1952. When Jess passed away in 1954, his son Vincent K. McMahon took control of CWC and continued to build on his father’s legacy.

The Dominance of Bruno Sammartino

One of the defining features of WWWF in the 70s was its association with legendary wrestler Bruno Sammartino. Sammartino dominated the wrestling scene during this decade, holding the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship for a record-breaking total of over seven years across two title reigns.

Under Sammartino’s reign as champion, WWWF gained immense popularity and drew huge crowds to its events. Fans were captivated by his incredible strength and charismatic personality, making him an iconic figure in professional wrestling history.

A Shift in Name

In 1979, Vincent K. McMahon had a vision to take professional wrestling to a global level. To reflect this expansion and appeal to a broader audience beyond just New York where WWWF was primarily based, he rebranded the organization as World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

This change marked a turning point in the company’s history, opening doors for new opportunities and initiatives that would shape the future of professional wrestling.

Legacy of WWWF

Although WWE is now a global entertainment powerhouse, it is essential to acknowledge the significant contributions of WWWF in laying the foundation for its success. The organization’s emphasis on larger-than-life characters, intense storylines, and memorable rivalries set the stage for what professional wrestling would become in the years to come.

The 70s were a pivotal period for WWWF as it grew from a regional promotion to a nationally recognized brand. It was during this time that the seeds were sown for the spectacular growth and transformation we witnessed in later decades.

In Conclusion

The 70s were an exciting era for professional wrestling, with WWWF at the forefront of the industry. The organization’s transition from Capitol Wrestling Corporation to WWWF and eventually to WWF marked significant milestones in its evolution. The legacy of WWWF lives on through WWE, which continues to entertain millions of fans worldwide.