It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

Pro wrestling podcast dedicated to wrestling history between 1870 and 1928 although we do occassionally range into the 1930s.

Episode 102 - We're Supposed to be Working!

In this episode, I discuss an out-of-control exhibition between Clarence Whistler and Andre Christol in 1882

09-29
31:06

Episode 101 - That Pesky Kayfabe

In this episode, I discuss three cases that led to police arresting wrestlers.

09-22
43:02

Episode 100 - Jim Londos and St. Louis

In this episode, I discuss Jim Londos importance to the St. Louis promotion as well as St. Louis' importance to the development of Jim Londos.

09-15
01:26:11

Episode 99 - Verne Was a Mark for Verne

In this episode, I review The Wrestler (1974) and discuss the 1891 wrestling match between former American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Joe Acton and future World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Bob Fitzsimmons.

09-01
32:17

Episode 98 - Watch the Promoter

In this episode, we discuss a potential double-cross in 1916.

08-25
48:11

Episode 97 - Earliest Working Group?

In this episode, I discuss a possible circuit of working collar-and-elbow wrestlers in the 1860s and 1870s.

08-18
44:24

Episode 96 - Wladek, 1913 to 1915

In this episode, I will be discussing the other Zbyszko, Wladek Zbyszko, and his early days in America between 1913 and 1915.

08-04
57:58

Episode 95 - The Hulkster

In this episode, I discuss the recent passing of Hulk Hogan. I also name who I think the most comparable historical wrestler is to Hogan.

07-28
36:43

Episode 94 - Rubbing His Face In It

In this episode, I discuss Yusuf Ismail versus Tom Jenkins. I also discuss the first St. Louis card I attended with my sister Vicky.

07-21
45:13

Episode 93 - Winging It

In this episode, I discuss the July 4, 1916 match between Earl Caddock and William Demetral in Anita, Iowa.

07-07
35:55

Episode 92 - Shot for Working?

In this episode, I discuss the murder of a professional wrestler in the 1860s, who gamblers thought worked a match to bilk them out of gambling money.

06-30
32:06

Episode 91 - Exposes

In this episode, I discuss the limited damage exposes have done to the worked nature of professional wrestling.

06-23
37:12

Episode 90 - Managoff, Sr. & Jr.

In this episode, I discuss the first father-son professional wrestlers, Bob Managoff and Bobby Managoff, Jr.

06-16
41:07

Episode 89 - Strangler Wins

In this episode, I discuss finding the deciding contest between Ed "Strangler" Lewis and Joe Stecher. I also discuss why the myth about Joe Stecher's 1925-1928 World Title reign persist.

06-02
50:50

Episode 88 - Memorial Day

In this episode, I discuss why promoters liked to schedule big cards for holidays.

05-26
35:37

Episode 87 - Bronko Nagurski

In this episode, I discuss the professional wrestling career of NFL great Bronko Nagurski.

05-19
32:50

Episode 86 - R.I.P. Dan

In this episode, I discuss the recent passing of my co-host and cousin Dan Zimmerman. I discuss a mixed styles bout between Ray Steele and Kingfish Levinsky in St. Louis during November 1935.

05-05
45:32

Episode 85 - The Referee

In this episode, I discuss a controversial referee's decision in the 1905 match between Fred Beell and Gus "Americus" Schoenlein.

04-21
20:56

Episode 84 - Closed Door Match and The Iron Claw

In this episode, I review a closed door match between Tom Jenkins and Fred Beell. I also review The Iron Claw (2023).

04-07
57:46

Episode 83 - Unwanted Attention, Part 2

In this episode, I will be talking about an Illinois select committee’s investigation into professional boxing and wrestling in Chicago, Illinois. In part two, we discuss the revelations that made Sandow and Lewis look bad.

03-31
28:54

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