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Big Time Wrestling (Detroit)

From Alfawiki
Big Time Wrestling
Company typePrivate
IndustryProfessional wrestling
Founded1940s
FounderHarry Light
Defunct1980
FateCeased operations
Headquarters
Detroit, Michigan
,
United States
Area served
Detroit metropolitan area
Key people
Ed "The Sheik" Farhat, Francis Fleser, Jim Barnett, Johnny Doyle, Harry Light
ProductsProfessional wrestling events and television programs

Big Time Wrestling—also recognized as NWA Detroit—was a professional wrestling organization based in Detroit, Michigan.

History

The roots of professional wrestling in Detroit trace back to the 1920s, progressing through various promoters until Harry Light founded the Harry Light Wrestling Office following World War II, obtaining promotional rights at Arena Gardens. In 1948, Light played a key role in establishing the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), which introduced a regional territory framework featuring a shared World Heavyweight Champion to enhance market control and minimize rivalry. By the 1950s, Light, alongside partners Jack Britton and Bert Ruby, held a dominant position in Detroit’s wrestling scene, with Big Time Wrestling emerging as a prominent televised program on WXYZ-TV Channel 7.

In 1959, the promotion changed hands when Jim Barnett and Johnny Doyle created the Barnett-Doyle Corporation and purchased it from Light. Initially operating outside the NWA's structure as independent promoters, they eventually rejoined the alliance. Then in 1964, wrestler Ed "The Sheik" Farhat and his father-in-law Francis Fleser acquired the promotion for $50,000, managing it under their corporate entity World Wide Sports. Under their direction, Farhat became the leading figure of the promotion, capturing the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Detroit version) twelve times. Throughout the 1960s, Big Time Wrestling broadened its television exposure with several weekly shows and held frequent events at Detroit’s Cobo Arena, pioneering a format that blended local collegiate wrestling matches with scripted professional bouts.

During the early 1970s, competition emerged from All Star Championship Wrestling (ASCW), operated by Dick the Bruiser and Wilbur Snyder, which recruited talent from the Indianapolis-based World Wrestling Association. After ASCW's closure in 1974, Big Time Wrestling reclaimed its market leadership and further advanced hardcore wrestling styles. Nevertheless, financial difficulties stemming from the 1973–75 recession, irregular wrestler participation, and waning fan enthusiasm for predictable narratives undermined profitability. These factors led to a reduction in event scale and venue size before Big Time Wrestling ultimately ceased operations in 1980.

The promotion is remembered for its contributions to hardcore wrestling and its portrayal in the 1985 mockumentary I Like to Hurt People. Following its closure, Detroit’s professional wrestling scene remained limited until the World Wrestling Federation expanded during the industry boom of the 1980s.

Championships

Championship Created Abandoned Notes
NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Detroit version) 1953 1980 Created in 1953 when Verne Gagne was awarded this title within Chicago's Fred Kohler Enterprises, relocated to Detroit in 1959, and retired alongside the promotion's closure in 1980.
NWA World Tag Team Championship (Detroit version) 1965 1980 Introduced in 1965 when Chris Tolos and John Tolos were crowned champions; discontinued following the promotion's shutdown in 1980.

Alumni

External links

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