The Global Wrestling Federation (GWF) was a professional wrestling promotion based in Dallas, Texas, that operated from 1991 to 1994. It was founded by Joe Pedicino, a wrestling promoter and TV personality, along with his wife, Bonnie Blackstone, and Max Andrews.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
- Venue: The promotion primarily held its events at the Dallas Sportatorium, a historic wrestling venue.
- Broadcast: GWF had a national TV deal with ESPN, airing in the afternoon, which gave it more exposure than many smaller promotions at the time.
Notable Wrestlers:
Many future stars and established names passed through the GWF, including:
- The Patriot (Del Wilkes) – one of the promotion’s top babyfaces.
- Booker T & Stevie Ray – before forming Harlem Heat in WCW, they wrestled as The Ebony Experience in GWF.
- Sean Waltman – later known as X-Pac in WWE, wrestled in GWF as The Lightning Kid.
- Jerry Lynn – gained attention in GWF before moving on to ECW and WWE.
- Raven – known as Scott Anthony during his GWF stint.
Downfall:
Despite its strong TV presence, the GWF struggled with financial issues and competition from larger promotions like WCW and WWF. By 1994, the company ceased operations.
Legacy: Though short-lived, the GWF is remembered for showcasing future wrestling stars and providing an alternative during a transitional period in pro wrestling.