Long before wrestling became a global industry, stars and promoters around the world were building styles, territories, and traditions that still influence the business today. Antonio Inoki — A transformative Japanese star and promoter who founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling and helped popularize wrestling against other combat sports. Giant Baba — One of Japan’s defining wrestling icons who founded All Japan Pro Wrestling and helped establish a distinctly Japanese main-event style. Jumbo Tsuruta — An Olympic wrestler who became one of Japan’s first true homegrown heavyweight superstars and influenced generations that followed. Johnny Doyle — An influential Los Angeles promoter who helped turn Southern California into one of wrestling’s hottest markets during the television boom. Al Haft — A wrestler turned promoter who controlled an important Columbus, Ohio territory and became an influential figure during the early NWA era. Don Eagle — A major Indigenous star whose technical ability...