The National Wrestling Conference (NWC, originally the National Wrestling Council[1][2]) was a professional wrestling promotion that was founded in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1994 by T.C. Martin. With a mix of former World Wrestling Federation stars and talent from the independent circuit:[3][4] the promotion showcased a variety of wrestling styles ranging from lucha libre to hardcore and midget wrestling. It also worked closely with Bill Anderson and Jesse Hernandez using many students from their School of Hard Knocks wrestling school.[5]
The company initially attracted attention for its hardcore brawls involving Cactus Jack, Terry Funk and Sabu. Martin is credited for giving these future ECW stars the creative freedom to push the limits of hardcore wrestling.[4][6] Along with introducing Sabu to Las Vegas audiences, the NWC was one of the first promotions in the U.S. to feature Rob Van Dam in a prominent position.[3][7] In addition to a weekly television series,[4] the promotion sold out both The Silver Nugget and Aladdin Hotel & Casino several times during its initial 1994–95 run. During this brief period, the NWC was considered an up-and-coming independent group by both Pro Wrestling Illustrated and the Wrestling Observer. It also pioneered the use of the internet to promote itself and interact with wrestling fans across the country using AOL Chat.
The NWC made pro wrestling headlines in 1995 when The Ultimate Warrior agreed to make an appearance for the company after nearly three years in self-imposed exile. Thousands of fans came to see The Warrior's first U.S. wrestling appearance since 1992 in one of the biggest independent shows of the year. When one of Martin's backers was forced to pull out a few months later, Martin and Warrior formed a partnership which included jointly promoting Warrior University. Warrior's abrupt departure weeks later, and his erratic behavior leading up to their debut event, is blamed for causing the NWC's first bankruptcy. Martin managed to revive the NWC the following year and eventually moved its headquarters to Sacramento, California. He attempted to distance the company from its hardcore roots during its last years and held shows at the Memorial Auditorium until its close in August 1998.
^Cite error: The named reference WO1994-OCT17 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Cite error: The named reference LVW was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ abVan Dam, Rob (November 1, 2018). "Rob Van Dam Visits TC to Reminisce". The T.C. Martin Show (Interview). Interviewed by T.C. Martin. Las Vegas, Nevada: Fox Sports Radio.
^ abcJohnson, Mike (April 14, 2020). "YOUTUBE CLASSIC: CACTUS JACK VS. SABU IN A DESERT DEATH MATCH". PWInsider.com.
^Cite error: The named reference Carnes was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Graswich, R.E. (November 11, 1998). "PROMOTER WRESTLES FOR WCW SCRAPS". The Sacramento Bee. Sacramento, California.
^James Walsh (September 4, 2019). "Episode 667: Rob Van Dam talks Impact Wrestling Return, Battle with Depression, His Moves Being Stolen". Wrestling Epicenter (Podcast). YouTube.com. Event occurs at 20:03. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
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