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Listen: Why is Minnesota such a hotbed of professional wrestling?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how locals helped develop this unique sport.

By Eric Roper

September 8, 2023 at 4:08PM

Verne Gagne, left, competes against Kinji Shibuya during a wrestling match at the Minneapolis Auditorium in 1954. (File photo/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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Minnesota features prominently in the history of professional wrestling. Minneapolis was a prominent "hub" for the sport before promotions like the WWE made it a worldwide sensation.

Reporter Stephen Montemayor, who wrote a story on this topic, joined host Eric Roper on the Curious Minnesota podcast to discuss pro wrestling's background in the state.

Further reading:

Why is Minnesota such a hotbed of professional wrestling? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

about the writer

Eric Roper

Curious Minnesota Editor

Eric Roper oversees Curious Minnesota, the Minnesota Star Tribune's community reporting project fueled by great reader questions. He also hosts the Curious Minnesota podcast.