Used to be a hardcore wrestling fan.. watching wrestling since 1983-1984 - some of notable matches I remember from that era: Sgt. Slaughter beating Iron Sheik in a bloody bootcamp match. Another one: Jimmy Snuka doing a flying splash off top of cage onto Don Muraco.. a highlight that will be played for years and years afterwards.
I also watched the following organizations:
AWA (before it folded)
NWA (especially the Jim Crockett part.. which had events mainly in the Southeastern states)
Mid-South Wrestling and UWF (the original, not the second UWF) run by Bill Watts.. who is father of wrestler Erik Watts. One of my most favorite organizations ever.. they were hardcore before ECW existed. Was ahead of its time too. Too bad NWA bought UWF (getting Sting in the process) and erased the UWF name.
A Texas-based wrestling organization.. which name I can't remember, but it was ran by Fritz Von Erich.. shame about the Von Erich family curse.. one wrestler dying after the another for various reasons. I believe Kevin is the only one (or one of few) alive.. I saw recently on RAW or Smackdown I believe.. doing that Claw thing.
And of course, WCW, WWF (before WWE), WWE, and ECW. ECW.. I have tons of tapes of. I am sadden that ECW had to fold due to financial problems.. now I noticed it's back somewhat but it's not really the same to me.
I watched WWE at its height - around the time "Beyond The Mat" was released.. the feud between McMahon family and Steve Austin. Memorable days. Shane McMahon, an executive, was more hardcore than most of wrestlers, it was embarassing!
Then after that spark went away and the divide of RAW/Smackdown.. I slowly began to stop watching WWE altogether, in favor of UFC/Pride/MMA.
That's my story and I'm sticking by it