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Rasslin'
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rasslin' is a term that refers to a Southern style of professional wrestling. It was synonymous with the NWA-affiliated promotions that operated in the southern United States.
Rasslin' included TV tapings at smaller venues, as compared to the larger, more well-known arenas utilized by northern U.S. promotions such as the AWA and W(W)WF. There was often more of an emphasis on maintaining kayfabe, and stiff chain wrestling. TV matches were generally more competitive than the squash matches in the WWF. Gimmicks were also used, but not as widely, and the gimmicks were generally more directly related to wrestling. Storylines often tapped into Southern culture. Feuds were more clannish and sometimes would go on for several years. Blading and run-ins were also more common during rasslin' cards than on other wrestling shows.
The term "Rasslin'" is derived from wrestling; it's a phonetic spelling of how the word "wrestling" sounds when spoken with a heavy Southern accent. It is also commonly used in a derogatory manner by non-Southern wrestling fans to describe that style of wrestling.
When Ted Turner purchased Jim Crockett Promotions, he allegedly called Vince McMahon to tell him that he was now in the "rasslin'" business, McMahon differentiated his company's style by responding, "That's great, Ted. I'm in the sports-entertainment business."