Monday, May 9, 2016

All-Star Wrestling with Ric Stewart (Kansas City)


Although technically not a "studio" shot, I love the old-school TV backdrops for the territory TV shows back in the 1970s and early 1980s. This backdrop was set up in Memorial Hall in Kansas City, KS for a TV taping of "All Star Wrestling" in the Central States area in the mid-1980s. The backdrop features an artist's rendition of a wrestling ring and the classic NWA logo with the title of the show "All Star Wrestling" across the top.

Seen here are former NWA champion Harley Race with Bruiser Brody and "All-Star Wrestling" co-host Ric Stewart. Brody fought NWA world champion Ric Flair on this particular show, and Race had gotten involved. (In fact, you will see some photos of the aftermath where Race handed Brody the NWA title belt in our ongoing "Great Pretenders" feature on the Ten Pounds of Gold website.)

Ric Stewart hosted "All Star Wrestling" in the Central States area with Kevin Wall, and they were one of the top broadcast teams of that era. Stewart later briefly worked for Jim Crockett Promotions after they acquired the Central States and St. Louis booking offices, and even appeared as a commentator for Starrcade '86.