WWF Expansion Begins

Vincent Kennedy McMahon (Vince McMahon Jr.) is known for his 1980s invasion of the territories throughout the United States and Canada. However, the first territory he took over was not by any promotional war or aggression against the local promoter.

Mike LeBell ran a successful territory in Los Angeles. In addition to Fred Blassie, John Tolos, The Destroyer, and the Mexican stars such as Mil Mascaras, Chavo Guerrero, Black Gordman, and El Goliath, his connections with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the New York-based Capitol Wrestling Corporation, headed by Vincent James McMahon (Vince McMahon Sr.), allowed him to provide a unique roster in the third largest market in the U.S.

In the late 1970s, several territories in the U.S. were going downhill. The NWA members in Detroit, San Francisco, and Amarillo all closed their shops between 1980 and 1981. LeBell’s Los Angeles was barely surviving.

On 1982-06-06, an announcement was made at the historic Warwick Hotel in New York City. The newly-formed Titan Sports, Inc., headed by Vince McMahon Jr., had purchased the World Wrestling Federation from Vincent James McMahon (Vince McMahon Sr.) and the partners. McMahon Jr. would complete the acquisition of his father’s company by June in the following year.

LeBell decided to have a meeting with McMahon Jr. at Chicago in 1982-10 which lead to a decision to allow Titan Sports to acquire the promotional rights to the Los Angeles territory.

1982-12-26 San Bernardino, CA – San Bernardino Arena (Last card promoted by LeBell)

  • California Women’s Title: Sonya Sanchez* beat Golden Fox
  • Billy Anderson beat Master Lee
  • Juan Hernandez beat Mr. X (DQ)
  • Jesse Hernandez beat El Satan
  • Hector Guerrero beat Oregon Lumberjack

WWF held its first card in the area on 1983-03-06 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. LeBell continued to be employed by WWF, serve as the figurehead promoter for the area, and book the local talent as late as 1984-03.

1983-03-06 Los Angeles, CA – Sports Arena (att: 4,200)

  • Jack Armstrong beat Jesse Hernandez
  • Blackjack Mulligan beat Jules Strongbow
  • The Great Yatsu beat Billy Anderson
  • Alexis Smirnoff beat Jerry Monti
  • Ray Stevens beat Tony Garea
  • Handicap Match: Andre the Giant beat Black Gordman & Mr. Fuji
  • Patt Patterson beat Billy Graham
  • Intercontinental Heavyweight Title: Don Muraco [c] beat Pedro Morales (COR)
  • 18-man Battle Royal: Andre the Giant won
  • WWF Heavyweight Title: Bob Backlund[c] beat Buddy Rose

WWF left NWA in 1983.

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