Jerry Jarrett Parents: Meet Christine “Teeny” Jarrett
John Campbell
Updated on January 05, 2026
Jerry Jarrett Parents: Meet Christine “Teeny” Jarrett – Jerry Jarrett is a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling.
Born on September 4, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee, Jarrett is widely regarded as one of the most influential promoters in the history of the industry.
He is best known for co-founding the Memphis-based wrestling promotion Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) in the 1970s and for his role in launching the careers of some of the biggest stars in the business.
Jarrett got his start in the wrestling business as a ring announcer for Nick Gulas’ NWA Mid-America promotion in the 1960s. He quickly worked his way up the ranks, becoming a promoter and booker for the company by the end of the decade. In 1977, Jarrett and wrestler Jerry Lawler, whom he had brought to the territory, formed their own promotion, the CWA.
The CWA quickly became a major player in the wrestling world, drawing huge crowds to its shows in the Memphis area. Jarrett was known for his innovative booking and promotional strategies, such as the “loser leaves town” match and the use of music and video in his shows. He also had a keen eye for talent, and was responsible for launching the careers of such wrestlers as Lawler, Randy Savage, and Jeff Jarrett (his son).
Jarrett’s greatest success came in the 1980s, when the CWA formed a working relationship with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). This allowed Jarrett to bring in WWF stars like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant for his shows, which drew even larger crowds. Jarrett’s booking and promotion of the feud between Lawler and comedian Andy Kaufman is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and successful storylines in wrestling history.
In addition to his work with the CWA, Jarrett was also involved in other wrestling promotions over the years. He served as a booker and promoter for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the 1980s, and later co-founded Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling with his son Jeff in 2002. He also briefly worked as a consultant for WWE in the late 1990s.
Throughout his career, Jarrett has been recognized for his contributions to the wrestling industry. He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996, and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. He has also been praised by his peers for his professionalism, integrity, and creativity.
In addition to his work in wrestling, Jarrett has also been involved in various other business ventures over the years. He co-founded the Nashville-based promotion Music City Wrestling in the 1990s, and later became involved in real estate development. He has also been active in local politics, serving as a member of the Tennessee State Senate from 1992 to 1996.
Despite his many accomplishments, Jarrett has also faced his share of controversy and adversity over the years. He was briefly suspended from the NWA in 1983 after a dispute with Jim Crockett Promotions, and was later involved in a legal battle with the WWF over the rights to the “Jerry Lawler” name. He has also faced criticism from some in the wrestling industry for his handling of certain situations, such as his decision to cancel a show in Memphis in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
Overall, Jerry Jarrett’s impact on the world of professional wrestling is undeniable. His innovative booking and promotional strategies, keen eye for talent, and commitment to professionalism and integrity have made him a true legend in the industry. His influence can still be felt today, as many of the stars he helped to launch continue to be major players in the wrestling world.
Jerry Jarrett Parents: Meet Christine “Teeny” Jarrett
Jarrett is the son of Christine “Teeny” Jarrett, however, when he was only three years old, his parents got divorced. To make ends meet and support her children, Christine started working as a ticket vendor at the Nashville Hippodrome for Nick Gulas and Roy Welch, who were the promoters of NWA Mid-America at the time.
As time went on, Christine’s hard work and dedication paid off, and Gulas and Welch gave her more responsibilities. By the early 1970s, she was even promoting shows on their behalf in Indiana and Kentucky. During this time, Jarrett’s interest in the wrestling business was piqued, and at the young age of seven, he started selling programs for Gulas and Welch.
It is clear that Jarrett’s mother played a significant role in shaping his career in the wrestling industry. Her hard work and determination to provide for her family inspired him, and it was through her connection to Gulas and Welch that he was able to get his foot in the door. As Jarrett grew older, he continued to build on the foundation his mother had helped create, ultimately becoming a successful wrestler, promoter, and promoter himself.