Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) stands as a pillar in American professional wrestling, with its roots deeply embedded in Louisville, Kentucky. Helmed by industry veterans Al Snow, Matt Jones, and Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg, OVW has carved its niche as both a promotion and a former developmental territory.
From its inception in 1993, OVW was aligned with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) until the turn of the millennium. In 2000, it ascended to prominence as the primary developmental territory for the World Wrestling Federation, now recognized as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). This fruitful partnership lasted until February 7, 2008, when OVW ventured into uncharted waters.
Despite its independence, OVW continued to thrive, showcasing its talent and captivating audiences. In a significant turn of events in November 2011, OVW forged a new path as the developmental territory for Impact Wrestling (formerly Total Nonstop Action Wrestling or TNA). Although this collaboration saw a brief hiatus in November 2013, it was resurrected on March 19, 2019, as the two promotions reignited their developmental alliance.
The heartbeat of OVW resonates from the Davis Arena in Louisville’s Buechel neighborhood, where its television programming, affectionately dubbed OVW TV, comes to life. Broadcasting locally on WBNA-21 and available for streaming via FITE TV and the promotion’s YouTube channel, OVW TV has transcended geographical boundaries. With syndication and distribution deals spanning over 100 million households in the U.S. and reaching over 700 million viewers globally as of 2020, OVW’s influence knows no bounds.
From humble beginnings to international acclaim, Ohio Valley Wrestling continues to shape the landscape of professional wrestling, captivating audiences with its unparalleled talent and electrifying performances. As it navigates the ever-evolving realm of sports entertainment, OVW remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering excellence, one match at a time.