"Then" vs. "Now"

Once upon a time wrestling was "territory" business in the U.S.
Each promoter controlled their own geography; they exchanged talent;
and used TV as the driver to get their big pay-offs, which was a live gate.

Today, the U.S. is dominated by World Wrestling Entertainment, with story lines to promote the big pay-offs, which are now pay-per-views and merchandising.

When Buddy Rogers and Pat O'Connor had their classic 1961 2 out of 3 fall title
match, you basically had to be there, and the promotion money was the live gate.
In 2009, if the match were held, it still would have had the huge crowd, but
also pay-per-view revenue that the combatants could never had imagined.

In 2009, wrestlers periodically defeat each other, and title belts switch
constantly. Buddy Rogers held his title close to two years, defending it all
over the country (although more in the Northeast as Vince McMahon Sr. controlled
his schedule); Bruno Sammartino had 8 and 3 year reigns respectively; etc.
It is unlikely that a multiple year reign will occur again, unless the make-up of pro wrestling changes once again.