Son of WWE Hall of Famer Bids to Revive Historic Mid-South Coliseum as Wrestling Hub
MEMPHIS, Tennessee — In a move that could resurrect one of professional wrestling’s most legendary venues, Gunnar Eudy, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Sid Eudy—better known to fans as Sycho Sid—has formally submitted an offer to purchase the Mid-South Coliseum. The historic arena, which once hosted iconic wrestling events, may soon become the permanent home of Eudy’s promotion, The Wrestling Order (TWO), if the bid is successful.
Eudy, who has been vocal about his ambitions to honor wrestling’s legacy while carving out his own path, announced the bid on social media earlier this week. In a post shared across platforms, he described the potential acquisition as a “dream in the making” and emphasized his commitment to restoring the Coliseum’s status as a cornerstone of the sport. “This isn’t just about buying a building—it’s about bringing wrestling back to its roots in Memphis,” Eudy wrote in a statement verified by his official Facebook page.
The Mid-South Coliseum, which opened its doors in October 1964, holds a storied place in wrestling history. For over two decades, it served as the epicenter of the United States Wrestling Association (USWA), hosting weekly events from 1970 to 1991 that drew thousands of fans. The venue similarly played host to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) shows between 1996 and 2000, further cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for wrestling enthusiasts. Despite its cultural significance, the Coliseum has remained largely dormant in recent years, its future uncertain until Eudy’s bid reignited hopes of a revival.
Who Is Gunnar Eudy?
Gunnar Eudy is no stranger to the wrestling world. As the son of Sid Eudy—one of the most recognizable figures in WWE history, known for his towering presence and two reigns as WWE Champion—Gunnar has spent years navigating the shadow of his father’s legacy while building his own identity in the industry. Sid Eudy, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016, is celebrated for his contributions to the sport during the 1990s, a golden era for professional wrestling.
Unlike his father, who competed at the highest levels of WWE and WCW, Gunnar has focused on promoting and producing wrestling events through The Wrestling Order, a promotion he founded to blend classic wrestling storytelling with modern athleticism. The promotion has gained a following for its emphasis on in-ring action and its commitment to preserving the traditions of the sport. Eudy’s bid for the Mid-South Coliseum aligns with his broader vision of creating a sustainable home for wrestling that honors its past while embracing the future.
“Gunnar has always been passionate about the history of wrestling, and this bid is a testament to that,” said a spokesperson for The Wrestling Order in a statement to World Today Journal. “The Mid-South Coliseum isn’t just a building—it’s a symbol of what wrestling can be when it’s done right. We’re excited about the possibility of bringing it back to life.”
The Mid-South Coliseum: A Wrestling Landmark
The Mid-South Coliseum, located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, is more than just a venue—it’s a piece of wrestling history. Opened in 1964, the Coliseum quickly became a hub for sports and entertainment in the region, but it was its association with professional wrestling that truly defined its legacy. From 1970 to 1991, the Coliseum was the home of the USWA, a promotion that played a pivotal role in the careers of legendary wrestlers like Jerry “The King” Lawler, Jeff Jarrett, and The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn and Stan Lane). The USWA’s weekly events at the Coliseum were a staple of Memphis wrestling, drawing sell-out crowds and fostering a passionate fanbase.
The venue’s significance extended beyond the USWA. In the late 1990s, WCW held several shows at the Coliseum, including pay-per-view events that featured stars like Goldberg, Sting, and Hollywood Hulk Hogan. The Coliseum’s intimate yet electric atmosphere made it a favorite among wrestlers and fans alike, offering a stark contrast to the larger, more impersonal arenas that dominated the wrestling landscape during that era.
Despite its rich history, the Mid-South Coliseum has faced an uncertain future in recent years. The venue, which once hosted concerts by Elvis Presley and other music icons, has been largely unused since the early 2000s. Efforts to revitalize the Coliseum have been sporadic, with proposals ranging from converting it into a sports complex to repurposing it for community events. However, none of these plans have gained significant traction—until now.
What’s Next for the Coliseum and The Wrestling Order?
Eudy’s bid to purchase the Mid-South Coliseum is still in its early stages, and the outcome remains uncertain. According to Memphis Daily News, the Coliseum is currently owned by the City of Memphis, which has been exploring options for the venue’s future. The city has not yet responded to Eudy’s offer, but sources close to the negotiations suggest that his proposal has generated significant interest among local officials and wrestling fans.
If the bid is successful, Eudy plans to transform the Coliseum into the permanent home of The Wrestling Order, with regular events, training facilities, and community outreach programs. The promotion has already outlined a vision for the venue that includes weekly wrestling shows, fan meet-and-greets, and even a wrestling museum dedicated to the history of the sport in Memphis. “This is about more than just putting on shows,” Eudy said in his social media announcement. “It’s about creating a space where wrestling fans can approach together, where new talent can be nurtured, and where the legacy of the Mid-South Coliseum can live on.”
The potential revival of the Coliseum has sparked excitement among wrestling fans, many of whom have fond memories of attending events at the venue during its heyday. Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Eudy’s bid, with many expressing hope that the Coliseum could once again become a vibrant part of Memphis’s cultural landscape. “This would be a game-changer for wrestling in Memphis,” said one fan in a comment on Eudy’s Facebook post. “The Mid-South Coliseum deserves to be more than just a memory.”
Gunnar Eudy just announced he's officially made an offer on the Mid-South Coliseum—to bring it back as the home of TWO, The Wrestling Order. pic.twitter.com/5QJQZJQJQZ
— Book Pro Wrestlers (@BookProWrestler) April 28, 2026
Challenges and Opportunities
While the prospect of reviving the Mid-South Coliseum is exciting, it is not without its challenges. The venue, which has been largely unused for over two decades, will require significant renovations to meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, and fan experience. Eudy has acknowledged these challenges but remains optimistic about the project’s potential. “We recognize it won’t be easy, but we’re committed to doing this the right way,” he said in a recent interview with Wrestling Inc.. “The Coliseum has so much history, and we want to honor that while making it a place that fans can enjoy for years to come.”
One of the key opportunities presented by Eudy’s bid is the chance to create a sustainable model for independent wrestling promotions. The Wrestling Order has already gained a reputation for its innovative approach to storytelling and its commitment to showcasing both established and up-and-coming talent. By securing a permanent home in Memphis, the promotion could attract a broader audience and provide a platform for wrestlers who might otherwise struggle to find opportunities in the larger, more corporate wrestling landscape.
the revival of the Coliseum could have a positive impact on the local economy. Memphis has long been a hub for wrestling fans, and the return of regular events to the Coliseum could draw visitors from across the region, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses. “This isn’t just about wrestling—it’s about bringing people together and giving them a reason to visit Memphis,” said a local business owner in an interview with The Commercial Appeal. “The Coliseum has the potential to be a real asset to the community.”
What Happens Next?
The next few weeks will be critical for Gunnar Eudy and his bid to purchase the Mid-South Coliseum. The City of Memphis is expected to review the offer and consider its options, which could include seeking additional proposals or entering into negotiations with Eudy. If the bid is approved, the process of renovating and reopening the Coliseum could take several months, with the first events potentially slated for late 2026 or early 2027.
For wrestling fans, the wait will be worth it. The Mid-South Coliseum represents a golden era of the sport, and its revival could mark the beginning of a new chapter for wrestling in Memphis. As Eudy put it in his announcement, “This is about more than just a building—it’s about keeping the spirit of wrestling alive.”
For now, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as the story unfolds. The next official update on the bid is expected within the next 30 days, with the City of Memphis set to release a statement on its decision. In the meantime, supporters of the project are encouraged to share their thoughts and memories of the Coliseum on social media using the hashtag #BringWrestlingBackToMemphis.
What do you think about Gunnar Eudy’s bid to purchase the Mid-South Coliseum? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal for the latest updates on this developing story.