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1981 in professional wrestling describes the year's events in the world of professional wrestling.
These promotions held notable shows in 1981.
Promotion Name | Abbreviation | Notes |
---|---|---|
Big Time Wrestling | BTW | Renamed to World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) the following year. |
Joint Promotions | — | |
Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre | EMLL | |
Universal Wrestling Association | UWA |
Accomplishment | Winner | Date won | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Rookie of the Year Decision Tournament | Chigusa Nagayo |
Accomplishment | Winner | Date won | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Champion's Carnival | Giant Baba | April 23 |
Accomplishment | Winner | Date won | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
NWA United States Championship Tournament | Sgt. Slaughter | October 4 |
Accomplishment | Winner | Date won | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
G1 Climax | Antonio Inoki | June 4 | defeated Stan Hansen in the finals |
Main article: List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards |
Main article: List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards |
Accomplishment | Winner | Date won | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Lou Thesz Cup | No winner | The league was scheduled to go three rounds but never finished due to the closure of IWE |