Rasslin'

Southern style of pro wrestling that was synonymous with the old NWA regional, and mid south promotions. Rasslin included TV tapings at smaller more carnival like venues, as compared to the more "boxing' feel of the AWA, and WWE (Former WWF). There was more of an empasis on maintaining kayfabe, and stiff chain wrestling. TV matches were often more competitive than the squash matches in the WWF. Gimmicks were also used but less extreme. Storylines tapped into southern culture. Feuds were more clannish and sometimes would go on for several years. You were also more likely to see blading and run-ins while watching a rasslin card. When Ted Turner purchased Jim Crockett promotions he called his competitor Vince McMahon to tell him that Turner was now in the "rasslin" business, McMahon differentiated his companies style by responding, "The WWF is sports entertainment, not rasslin". TNA is a current promotion that appeals more to the traditional rasslin audience.