| Name | World Wrestling Federation (WWF) |
| Type | Professional wrestling promotion |
| Focus | Traditional 'catch-as-catch-can' wrestling, real athletic competition |
| Scope | Successful regional business, not nationwide popularity or global expansion |
| Impact | Influential on the larger wrestling industry |
| Founded | 1925 |
| Current name | World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) |
| Headquarters | |
| Contrasted with | Theatrical 'sports entertainment' of modern counterparts |
| Notable wrestlers | Numerous wrestling legends |
The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1925, it is one of the oldest and most renowned wrestling organizations in the United States. While never achieving the nationwide or global popularity of other promotions, the WWF has maintained a strong regional presence and reputation for producing top-tier wrestling talent.
The promotion now known as the WWF was originally established in 1925 as the "Kansas City Athletic Club" by a group of local wrestling enthusiasts and promoters. It began running live events featuring "catch-as-catch-can" and Greco-Roman wrestling styles popular in the American Midwest at the time.
In 1937, the organization was purchased by the Funk family, who renamed it the "National Wrestling Alliance of Missouri" and began expanding it across the state. The Funks operated the promotion as a family business for decades, establishing it as a regional powerhouse known for its emphasis on realistic, athletic in-ring competition over theatrical gimmicks.
The company was rebranded as the "World Wrestling Federation" in 1963 to reflect its growing reputation and roster of talent from across the country. However, it remained centered in Kansas City and the surrounding Midwest states, never making a major push for nationwide expansion like larger organizations.
Over its nearly century-long history, the WWF has been home to many of professional wrestling's greatest stars, including the likes of Lou Thesz, Harley Race, Dory Funk Jr., Terry Funk, and Ric Flair. The Funk family's control over the promotion allowed for the development of a distinct "Kansas City style" that prioritized technical skill, toughness, and realism.
Major annual events in the WWF calendar include the "King of Cable" tournament, the "Heartland Heavyweight Championship" defense, and the "Thanksgiving Thunder" pay-per-view. The company has also produced several notable PPV events over the years, such as 1981's "Tornado Tag Team Extravaganza" and 1995's "Midwest Melee."
While never reaching the national prominence or mainstream popularity of organizations like the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) or the modern WWE, the WWF has maintained a respected place in the American wrestling landscape. It is known for its focus on traditional, athletic in-ring competition as opposed to the increasingly theatrical and story-driven "sports entertainment" model adopted by larger promotions.
The WWF has also served as a vital regional hub, developing new talent and providing an alternative to the homogenized products of national organizations. Many wrestlers have used the WWF as a springboard to success in other major promotions, carrying the company's distinctive technical style with them.
Today, the WWF continues to operate as a family-owned business out of Kansas City, still emphasizing classic wrestling styles and real athletic ability over theatrical spectacle. While it remains a niche product compared to the global juggernaut of WWE, the WWF maintains a loyal fan base and influence within the broader wrestling industry.
