Wrestling historian and renowned manager Jim Cornette has unveiled compelling new evidence that could rewrite the early history of professional wrestling on television in the United States. On a recent episode of his podcast, The Jim Cornette Experience, Cornette and co-host Brian Last presented research indicating the first televised wrestling broadcasts occurred much earlier than previously believed — dating all the way back to 1931.
Early Wrestling on Television: A Surprising Revelation
Until now, the accepted timeline credited the late 1940s or early 1950s as the dawn of televised wrestling in America. However, digging through the archives and exploring rare documents, Cornette shared details from the Jack Pfefer files — part of a notorious wrestling promoter’s collection — that hint at experimental broadcasts happening nearly two decades prior.
Cornette explained how these newly discovered records include television station logs, tax returns, and fan-submitted research that collectively suggest wrestling matches were featured on local television networks in New York as early as 1931. These early broadcasts were likely experimental and limited in reach, but set important precedents for wrestling’s eventual rise as a television staple.
“It’s fascinating to realize that wrestling was part of early TV’s experimental phase, cementing its place not just as live entertainment, but as a broadcast medium almost from the medium’s inception,” Cornette remarked during the podcast episode.
What This Means for Wrestling History
This new timeline pushes back the accepted date dramatically, indicating that professional wrestling was involved in television’s testing phase alongside other programming types. It highlights how promoters viewed wrestling as a viable product to showcase even when the technology was still new and unproven.
Historians believe these early broadcasts likely contributed to wrestling’s later success nationally, as stations transitioned from experimental to commercial programming in the late 1930s and 1940s.
According to a WWE insider familiar with discussions about wrestling’s legacy, “This discovery adds an important chapter to wrestling’s rich history. WWE, as the industry leader, has always honored the pioneers of the sport, and this pushes back the timeline on those pioneers stepping in front of cameras. It’s a reminder of wrestling’s deep roots and its adaptability over decades.”
Insights from Jim Cornette’s Research
The research reviewed by Cornette and Last delved into various archival materials, including:
- Jack Pfefer’s wrestling promotion files: Documents revealing arrangements for matches and television station contacts.
- Newspaper clippings and station logs: Listings referencing wrestling on early television schedules.
- Tax documents and personal correspondence: Providing clues about the financial and operational aspects of experimental TV wrestling.
- Fan research contributions: Enthusiasts who uncovered and shared rare footage or documentation supporting the early broadcasts.
This trove of information sheds light on obscure wrestling venues like the Bronx Winter Garden and venues in Newark, New Jersey, that served as early testing grounds for televised wrestling. Notably, the research also ties into the complex territorial and promotional battling that defined wrestling in that era, including conflicts involving figures such as Willie Gilzenberg and Sam Muchnick.
Wrestling’s Relationship with Television Evolution
Television was still a fledgling medium in the early 1930s, with limited stations broadcasting experimental content mainly in large cities. Cornette’s findings emphasize wrestling promoters’ foresight in leveraging this new technology, understanding that TV offered access to broader audiences compared to live events alone.
Over time, televised wrestling would evolve from these modest origins to a cornerstone of sports entertainment worldwide. Promotions such as WWE owe much to the innovative early adopters who saw wrestling’s potential on TV.
A wrestling historian commenting on Cornette’s revelations noted, “This pushes the boundary not only on wrestling history but also on television history. It shows wrestling was considered television-friendly from day one.”
Impact on Modern Wrestling and WWE
To modern fans, it might be surprising that televised wrestling’s roots extend so far back, but this context enriches current understanding of the industry. It also speaks to WWE’s ongoing efforts to preserve and honor wrestling heritage.
Sources close to WWE confirm that the company is exploring ways to integrate this new historical knowledge into their archives and documentaries, possibly influencing future programming and commemorations.
Final Thoughts
Jim Cornette’s discovery profoundly alters the narrative around wrestling’s emergence on TV, revealing it was a pioneering broadcast feature nearly 95 years ago. These findings attest to wrestling’s enduring appeal and adaptability across media generations.
As Cornette concluded on his show, “If wrestling was part of television’s birth, then its legacy is that much deeper — this is more than entertainment, it’s history.”
For wrestling fans and historians alike, Cornette’s research offers a fascinating new chapter that not only celebrates wrestling’s past but also reaffirms its timeless place in American culture.
This article is based on the August 14, 2025, episode of The Jim Cornette Experience and additional insights from sources within the wrestling industry.