Stampede Wrestling was a Canadian professional wrestling promotion based in Calgary, Alberta, founded in 1948 by Stu Hart. It became famous for its hard-hitting, technical style and for launching the careers of many wrestling legends.
- Founded: 1948
- Founder: Stu Hart
- Headquarters: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Notable Venue: Stampede Corral
- TV Show: Stampede Wrestling aired across Canada and parts of the U.S.
Stampede Wrestling was known for its brutal, athletic style with a mix of technical grappling and brawling, often featuring intense feuds and blood-soaked rivalries. The promotion was also famous for its training facility, known as the Hart Dungeon, where many future stars were trained.
- Bret “The Hitman” Hart – One of the biggest stars to emerge from Stampede, later a WWE legend.
- Owen Hart – Bret’s younger brother, known for his high-flying and technical skills.
- Dynamite Kid – A pioneer of the fast-paced, technical style, influential in modern wrestling.
- Davey Boy Smith (The British Bulldog) – Known for his strength and tag team success.
- Brian Pillman – Became a WCW and WWE star after his Stampede run.
- Chris Benoit – Started his career in Stampede before gaining fame in WCW and WWE.
- WWF Buyout: In 1984, the WWF (now WWE) bought Stampede Wrestling, absorbing some of its talent.
- The promotion was briefly revived in the late 1980s and again in the 1990s, but it never returned to its former glory.
- It officially closed in 2008.
Stampede Wrestling is remembered for its influence on modern pro wrestling, helping develop some of the biggest stars and shaping the technical, hard-hitting style seen in later promotions.
