The wikipedia story of CWA is absolutly wrong. The CWA as an organisation didnt exist before 87. Before it was only a title which Otto brought from South Africa in 1977. Ultimate Warrior, Chris Jericho, Shawn Koen and a few other on the list never wrestled for the CWA or Otto. The date when otto won the title from Wilkins is also wrong it was in 77 not 73. And the "New Catch" from Eurosport has nothing to do with the CWA.
The two big promotions in Germany after the war was the VDB (Verband Deutscher Berufsringer) and the IBV (Internationaler Berufsringer Verband)/IRV (Internationaler Ringer-Verband). The IRV existed until 1974 then he was replaced by the IBV. The main promotors was Edmund Schober, Paul Berger, Dir. Kuhnert, Heinrich Kaiser (VDB) and Gustl Kaiser, Otto Draber, Nico Selenkowitsch...(IBV/IRV). In Austria Georg Blemenschütz promoted Vienna from 1957 to 1981 under the banner of the VABÖ (Verein Aktiver Berufsringer Österreichs)/ÖRV (Österreichischer Ringerverband). The IBL (International Berufsringer Loge) who was the major force in austria before the war, had a good run in the 60s in Klagenfurt/Carinthia where Harry Hrazdil and Werner Berndeisel (both wrestled under the name Harry Bahrens and Baron Werner von Bernd) organized the shows. Linz was the hometown of 2nd generation Wrestler and 3 times olympic starter Eugen Wiesberger. He was from 1969 to 1986 the man in charge in austrians 3rd biggest city.
Otto Wanz started as a promotor 1972 in his hometown Graz together with Oldtime Wrestler Hans Dillinger. The scene in Graz was down after the last show 1970 (Rolf Harnie) was canceld after only a handful of paying customers showed up.
Otto wrestled 1977 in South Africa where he beats Jan Wilkens for the CWA World Heavyweight Title and loose it after a few days to Don Leo Johnathan. I think the reason for the loose was that Otto can bring Don 1978 to austria and beat him in his hometown for the world title. Its more beliveable for the fans when there hometown hero beats a Champion in front of a sold out venue as when he comes back from a foreign country with a belt knowbody knows when and why.
This was the first the name CWA was mentioned in austria. But it was only a title not a federation. The title itself was named (Canadian Wrestling Association) which didnt exist. Nico Selenkowitsch who was the main promotor in Germany after Gust Kaiser retired wanted Otto as a star and gave him a mega push. Otto was able to defend his title at Nicos Show but this was still a IBV Show. What makes this all more confuse was that in the same year when Otto winns his title in Graz (78) he won a tournament in Bremen and for the IRV World Championship (but no belt only a trophy). After Nico retiered Wanz took over his territory but only promoted in the big towns Bremen and Dortmund (and from time to time some smaller ones).
Hopefully a good step towards getting all the old school territories of Western Europe as well covered on WP and as recognised as British Wrestling is.
The wikipedia story of CWA is absolutly wrong. The CWA as an organisation didnt exist before 87. Before it was only a title which Otto brought from South Africa in 1977. Ultimate Warrior, Chris Jericho, Shawn Koen and a few other on the list never wrestled for the CWA or Otto. The date when otto won the title from Wilkins is also wrong it was in 77 not 73. And the "New Catch" from Eurosport has nothing to do with the CWA.
Hopefully a good step towards getting all the old school territories of Western Europe as well covered on WP and as recognised as British Wrestling is.