Ep 5. Stampede: The Hart of Pro Wrestling

Tales from the Territories is an exciting documentary series that explores the golden age of professional wrestling. Each episode is filled with stories and anecdotes that chronicle the careers of some of the most iconic wrestlers of the past.

In season 1 episode 5 titled "Stampede: The Hart of Pro Wrestling," the show takes a deep dive into the world of Stampede Wrestling. A regional wrestling promotion based in Calgary, Canada, Stampede became a hotbed for some of the biggest names in wrestling. The episode focuses on the legendary Hart family, who ran the promotion and contributed significantly to the sport's growth in Canada.

The episode begins with a brief history of Stampede Wrestling and how the Hart family got involved in it. The Hart family patriarch, Stu Hart, was a former wrestler who had trained many famous wrestlers, including his own sons, Bret and Owen Hart. Stu Hart eventually founded Stampede Wrestling in the 1940s, and the promotion became a family affair, with Stu's sons and daughters working in various capacities in the company.

The episode then delves into the wrestlers who worked for Stampede and their contributions to the wrestling world. The show interviews several prominent wrestlers from that era, such as Harley Race, Roddy Piper, and Chris Jericho, who all speak highly of their time working for Stampede. They talk about the grit and determination needed to make it in the promotion and how the Harts provided a supportive environment that helped them succeed.

The episode also explores the personal lives of the Hart family members. Stu Hart, in particular, is painted as a tough but loving father figure who did everything to support his children's wrestling career. We learn about how Bret and Owen Hart trained together and eventually became two of the most successful wrestlers in the world. We also see how the Hart siblings, both male and female, were intricately involved in the promotion, working as referees, managers, and even wrestlers.

One aspect of Stampede Wrestling that the episode highlights is the importance of storytelling in professional wrestling. The show explains how the Harts' love for wrestling was not just about the in-ring action but also about crafting compelling storylines that would engage the fans. We see how some of the classic rivalries in wrestling history, such as Bret Hart vs. Larry Cameron and Owen Hart vs. Brian Pillman, were born in Stampede Wrestling.

As the episode progresses, we see how Stampede Wrestling became a breeding ground for some of the biggest stars in wrestling. The show talks about how the Harts' connections with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) eventually led to several Stampede wrestlers, including Bret and Owen Hart, making their way to the WWF in the 1980s. This move helped to bolster the sport's popularity in Canada and led to a new era of wrestling that combined high-flying athleticism with intricate storytelling.

Overall, season 1 episode 5 of Tales from the Territories is a fascinating look at the legacy of Stampede Wrestling and the Hart family. The episode provides an in-depth exploration of the promotion's history, the wrestlers who worked there, and the storytelling that made it so unique. Anyone with an interest in professional wrestling will find this episode to be a must-watch.