10 Binge-Watch Worthy Wrestling Stories

A forgotten pioneer of the industry, Sputnik Monroe single-handedly desegregated pro wrestling in Memphis. During the 1950s and 1960s, the white Kansas boy with skunk hair challenged Jim Crow laws by mingling with black folks along Beale Street, drinking in their bars and clubs. By 1960, the police had enough of his rebellious ways, and he was arrested for "drinking in a negro cafe with negroes".

Sticking it to The Man, Monroe became the first white defendant to be represented by a black attorney. Although he was found guilty and fined, Monroe went right back to fraternizing with people of color. Although he portrayed a heel in the ring, his real-life notoriety made him a local hero among the black community. However, his fans could barely see him compete because black people were confined to the cramped balcony while white people spread out in the half empty floor seats.

Realizing the injustice and more importantly, money being left on the table, Monroe refused to perform unless black people were allowed to sit in any seat at the Ellis Auditorium. The promoter had no choice but to acquiesce to his biggest star.