Jim Barnett (wrestling)
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James E. Barnett (June 9, 1924 – September 18, 2004), was a professional wrestling promoter.
Barnett was one of the promoters of Australia's World Championship Wrestling and the former owner of Georgia Championship Wrestling, which later was renamed World Championship Wrestling.
Jim Barnett shaped the future of professional wrestling in Australia when in 1964 traveled to Sydney with Johnny Doyle to inspect the Australian wrestling scene.
They returned under the banner of "World Championship Wrestling" presenting their first card on October 23, 1964, at the Sydney Stadium.
In later years, Barnett served as an adviser to the World Wrestling Federation (many credit him with masterminding the first three WrestleMania shows, which helped the organization establish their identity), Jim Crockett Promotions and World Championship Wrestling. (He was the man Ted Turner trusted the most in the business.)
Barnett was one of the few known homosexuals in wrestling, known for having a relationship with Rock Hudson.
