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It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast
126 Episodes
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In this episode, I discuss a contest between Oscar Wasem and Joe Caroll, who is better known as J.C. Marsh or Ollie Marsh, in 1907.
In this episode, I discuss Tom Sharkey, a professional boxer and part-time wrestler, wrestling "Sailor" Tom Piening, a professional wrestler in February 1904. I also review The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Mark Kerr.
In this episode, I discuss a mixed styles bout betweeen Henry Moses Dufur and Duncan C. Ross. I catch up on WWE Raw and review a Championship Wrestling from Florida show in 1982.
In this episode, we discuss the history of professional wrestling in the city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
In this episode, I discuss the early career of Reggie Siki, the first nationally known African-American wrestler. I also review the documentary Memphis Heat.
In this episode, I discuss Billy Riley, founder of Wigan's Snake Pit, wrestling in the United States during 1922 and 1923. I look at Jack Claybourne's 1940 five month tour of Massachusetts. I also review WWE Unreal Season 2 on Netflix.
In this episode, I look at two murders involving wrestlers or related to wrestling.
In this episode, I discuss Harry Hill, New York sporting man and collar-and-elbow professional wrestler, who played a large role in professional wrestling and prizefighting in the 1860s and 1870s.
In this episode, I discuss a mixed styles contest between Marin Plestina and Taro Miyake in 1920.
In this episode, I discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko "winning" his first world title in May 1921. I also review a Southeastern Championship card from 1984.
In this episode, I discuss a two-match series between Yusuf Ismail and Ernest Roeber from New York City in March-April, 1898.
In this episode, I discuss Frank Goch's brief foray into professional boxing. I also compare two Los Angeles cards in 1925. Finally, I discuss the 2026 podcast schedule.
In this episode, I discuss Ad Santel's tour of Japan in 1921.
In this episode, I discuss an odd arrangement for a catch-as-catch-can wrestling match in 1881. I review one of Sam Muchnick's cards after the formation of the National Wrestling Alliance.
In this episode, I talk about the conflating of two of the biggest double-crosses in professional wrestling. I also talk about a Jack Curley card from 1917.
In this episode, I discuss a collar-and-elbow match with Homer Lane in 1875. I also compare Tom Packs' and Sam Muchnick's St. Louis wrestling cards in April 1946.
In this episode, I discuss Larry Matysik starting an outlaw wrestling promotion in St. Louis during 1983.
In this episode, I discuss the career of 19th Century professional wrestler D.A. McMillan. I also discuss recent gambling schemes.
In this episode, I will discuss the incredible career of Aleksander "Alex" Aberg from 1914-1917 in the United States.
In this episode, I discuss the race to replace Frank Gotch in 1915, Ad Santel in Japan, AI in wrestling, and a personal update.



