Posted on by bdamage1
Brian Damage
In the early 1990’s, deep in the heart of Texas, stood a little wrestling promotion unlike many of that era. They competed in a venue called the “Global Dome” which looked eerily familiar to the famed Dallas Sportatorium.
A place where seasoned Texas legends faced off against up and coming stars. A promotion that acknowledged other companies existences. ( A true rarity for that time period ) It had a television deal with ESPN. Yet, only lasted a mere 3 years, but 3 years of innovation, tradition and impact. It was known as the GWF…The Global Wrestling Federation.
A place to relive the classic feuds between the Freebirds and the Von Erichs. More importantly, it was also a place to see the stars of tomorrow and there were quite a few. The Handsome Stranger (Buff Bagwell)…Moadib (Ahmed Johnson)….Scott Anthony (Raven)….Thumbtack Jack (Mick Foley)….John Hawk (John Bradshaw Layfield)…The Ebony Experience AKA Harlem Heat ( Booker T and Stevie Ray )….The Lightning Kid ( X-Pac )…The Soultaker ( The Godfather Charles Wright )…Axl & Ian Rotten….Jerry Lynn…Bruce Prichard ( Brother Love ) and announcer Scott Hudson.
The GWF featured light heavyweight wrestlers who used high flying maneuvers like the Lightning Kid and Jerry Lynn. This was during a time when most wrestlers were pushed as large, muscle bound giants.
The GWF also had one of the hottest bookers calling the shots in Eddie Gilbert who wasn’t afraid to take chances. That is why a perennial WWF jobber in Barry Horowitz got a chance to showcase his stellar wrestling acumen and become a 2 time GWF light heavyweight champion.
Like many wrestling organizations both past and present….money became an issue. Eddie Gilbert showed his erratic side by walking out of the company with the GWF title in tow….a few ownership changes and a lawsuit by the World Wrestling Federation over the name GWF and it was a recipe for disaster. Of course having matches like a “Bungee Cord Match” didn’t quite help either. The GWF finally closed its doors in 1994.
Since the demise of the GWF….many of the young stars had great careers elsewhere. Four went on to become World champions in JBL…Raven….Booker T and Mick Foley. The Global Dome AKA The Sportatorium closed its doors and was completely bulldozed.
david fullam
Proof that Eddie Gilbert was not a booking genius. Started off great with Bill Eaddie in charge though.