Rob Faint
When discussing the most influential wrestling organizations of all time the WWE, NWA or NJPW immediately come to mind. One of the organizations that does not receive enough credit is the CWA, or the Catch Wrestling Association. Highly respected throughout Europe, Asia and Mexico, the CWA’s influence has lasted longer than its actual existence.
The Catch Wrestling Association was first known as the Internationaler Berufsringer Verband (IBV) and formed in Austria in 1973. It was originally a combination of mat wrestling and strongman competitions. The company was known for its talent sharing with New Japan Pro Wrestling and the America Wrestling Association. It featured many top stars such as Andre the Giant, Tatsumi Fujinami, Owen Hart, Scott Hall, Chris Jericho, Jushin Liger, Bull Power (Big Van Vader) and Road Warrior Hawk.
In the late 1980’s the IBV was purchased by Otto Wanz and renamed the CWA to match the name of the heavyweight title.
Matches were fought using European rules, including dividing matches into three-minute rounds and having the possibility of a victory by knockout. They also were one of the first to incorporate music into the presentation and use rings that were larger than other organizations and cover them with advertising.
The CWA World Heavyweight title was held in the same regard as the AWA and NJPW titles. Its best-known champion was its one-time owner as well. Otto Wanz, the 6ft 2in 375 giant was its first champion. His wars with Bull Power helped establish Power as an international superstar. He held the championship 4 times, one reign over 9 years. He also was rumored to have paid Verne Gagne to win the AWA title.
The CWA Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship was only active from 1991 to 2000.
Notable champions: Tony St Clair, Bull Power, and Tatsumi Fujinami.
The CWA World Tag Team Championship was active from 1988 to 1999.
Notable champions: Tony St. Clair and Mile Zrno, Chris Benoit and David Taylor and Brian Armstrong and Cannonball Grizzly.
The CWA British Commonwealth Championship was active from 1992 to 1999.
Notable champions: Tony St Clair, Fit Finlay and Jimmy Snuka.
The German Heavyweight Championship has a complicated history: There are several different titles claiming to be the true German title.
NWA Germany-active from 1937-1950
VoRo Agentur-1992
CWA version-1998-1999
There are also several independent promotions claiming a version of this title.
Notable champions: Hans Schmeling, Christian Eckstein
The CWA Submission Shootfighting Championship was active from 1997 to 1999.
Notable champions: Osamu Nishimura and Tony St. Clair.
The CWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship was active from 1993 to 2000.
Notable champions: Lance Storm, Michael Kovac, Hiroyoshi Yamamoto (Tenzan)
The CWA World Middleweight Championship was active from 1984 to 1999
Notable champions: Tony St. Clair, Fit Finlay, Franz Schumann, Paul Roma.
Alberto Antonio Garcia
Tony St. Clair must be good cos his name keeps popping up on list of title holders.
Shane2Times
Is that Jim Neidhart (pre-goatee) between Benoit and Owen?
david fullam
I so love going back and watching CWA matches on YouTube. A truly “best kept secret.” So many great names and so many great matches. Wanz had some absolutely stiff as hell bouts with Leon White and Andre the Giant. Like All Japan at it’s height, it had a real, big sport feel to it. Just classic.
James
Loved Catch Wrestling Association. This was the first promotion that got made me a wrestling fan since 1988. Followed them for three years, before having to move back to the States after living in Germany for five years.