Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) was a powerhouse in the NWA territorial system, based in Tampa’s legendary Sportatorium. CWF’s roster was packed with talent, including stars such as Jack and Jerry Brisco, Boris Malenko, Hiro Matsuda, Mike and Eddie Graham, Kevin Sullivan, the “Texas Outlaws” Dick Murdoch and Dusty Rhodes, and a host of others. The territory also benefited from the play-by-play commentary of Gordon Solie, a voice synonymous with Florida wrestling.
CWF The Beginning
Established in 1949 and operating under the CWF banner from 1961 to 1987, Championship Wrestling from Florida was a powerhouse in the NWA territorial system. Based in Tampa’s legendary Sportatorium, it cultivated icons like Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, the Brisco brothers, and Gordon Solie. Under Eddie Graham’s leadership, CWF left an enduring mark on pro wrestling history.
“Cowboy” Clarence Luttrall in 1941. [Photo: The Wilmington Morning Star]
The Territory & TV Legacy
CWF filmed weekly TV at the Tampa Sportatorium—a compact studio seating around 100—before expanding to arena broadcasts in the early ’80s. Gordon Solie took the reigns as lead announcer from 1960 through the territory’s final years. The promotion spun off shows such as Championship Wrestling Superstars, Global Wrestling, and North Florida Championship Wrestling.
“The Graham Brothers” Jerry and Eddie Graham.
Key Figures
Eddie & Mike Graham
“Cowboy” Clarence Luttrall founded the promotion in 1949 before Eddie Graham bought in and rebranded it in 1961. Eddie rose to become NWA President (1976–78) and orchestrated major cross-territory events, including Billy Graham vs. Harley Race at Miami’s Orange Bowl. Sadly, he took his own life in 1985, and CWF closed in 1987.
Mike Graham, trained in Florida, earned multiple TV and tag titles, and later worked backstage for WCW and WWE.
“Professor” Boris Malenko
The soundtrack of the youths of many wrestling fans: The smooth baritone voice of Gordon Solie.
Gordon Solie
Regarded as wrestling’s “poet laureate,” Solie began calling CWF TV in 1960, signing off with his signature line, “So long from the Sunshine State.” His crisp, authoritative voice became synonymous with Florida wrestling.
Championships & Highlights
NWA World Tag Team Championship (Florida, est. 1961) – inaugural champs: The Von Brauners; multiple reigns by wrestling stalwarts.
NWA Florida Tag Team Championship (est. 1968) – record 11 reigns by Mike Graham & Steve Keirn.
NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (1960–1984) – a hardcore-style title, with Boris Malenko holding the most reigns (8).
The End of CWF
By the early 1980s, Vince McMahon’s WWF was aggressively expanding nationally, while Jim Crockett Promotions was siphoning top talent like Dusty Rhodes and Barry Windham. Eddie Graham’s passing in 1985 weakened the promotion further, and CWF ultimately shut down in 1987.
Enduring Legacy
WWE acquired CWF’s tape library in 2006 and launched the developmental “Florida Championship Wrestling” in 2007, which evolved into NXT in 2012 before the original FCW arena closed in 2013.
Today, the lineage of CWF connects to modern wrestling via talent it nurtured, NWA fusion events, and WWE’s developmental path—cementing its place in wrestling lore.
