Throughout the entirety of the 1990s, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) was owned by Ted Turner, specifically through his media conglomerate, Turner Broadcasting System.
The Founding of WCW and Turner's Ownership
WCW was officially established by Ted Turner in 1988. This came about when Turner Broadcasting System, via a subsidiary known as Universal Wrestling Corporation, acquired the assets of Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP). Jim Crockett Promotions was a prominent territory within the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and its acquisition laid the foundation for what would become one of professional wrestling's biggest companies.
Turner's ownership provided WCW with significant financial backing and unparalleled access to national television networks like TBS and TNT, which were also part of his media empire. This direct link to widespread television exposure was a critical factor in WCW's growth and its ability to compete fiercely with rival promotions throughout the 1990s.
WCW Under Turner Broadcasting System in the 1990s
The 1990s were a transformative decade for WCW under Ted Turner's stewardship. His vision and willingness to invest heavily allowed the company to:
- Recruit Top Talent: WCW famously attracted numerous high-profile wrestlers from competitors, often offering lucrative contracts.
- Innovate Programming: The creation of WCW Monday Nitro in 1995, airing directly opposite the WWF's Monday Night Raw, ignited the "Monday Night Wars," a period of intense competition that revolutionized professional wrestling.
- Expand Globally: With Turner's backing, WCW was able to broaden its reach beyond North America, holding events and securing broadcasting deals in various international markets.
Despite its ultimate sale in 2001, WCW remained a subsidiary of Turner Broadcasting System (and later, Time Warner after the 1996 merger) throughout the entire 1990s, defining an era of professional wrestling with its innovative storylines, star power, and competitive spirit.
Key Ownership Information (1990s)
| Owner | Parent Company | Period of Ownership | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ted Turner | Turner Broadcasting System | 1988 – 2001 | Financial backing, TV network access (TBS, TNT) |
| Time Warner (post-merger) | Turner Broadcasting System | 1996 – 2001 | Continued ownership and resources after the merger. |
For more details on World Championship Wrestling's history, you can refer to reputable encyclopedic sources on professional wrestling.
