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 109 - The Great Unknown

In this episode, I discuss the career of 19th Century professional wrestler D.A. McMillan. I also discuss recent gambling schemes.

11-17
51:14

Episode 108 - Not Quite the King

In this episode, I will discuss the incredible career  of Aleksander "Alex" Aberg from 1914-1917 in the United States.

11-10
46:23

Episode 107 - To Replace the King

In this episode, I discuss the race to replace Frank Gotch in 1915, Ad Santel in Japan, AI in wrestling, and a personal update.

11-03
31:32

Episode 106 - Hotlanta

In this episode, I discuss one of the first regular Atlanta cards in February 1926. I end the podcast with bonus content about famed hooker Ad Santel.

10-27
30:35

Episode 105 - Feats of Strength

In this episode, I discuss 19th Century pioneer wrestler Sorakichi Matsuda, the first Japanese professional wrestler in the United States.

10-20
36:54

Episode 104 - Studyin' and Learnin'

In this episode, I discuss misconceptions that I had going into writing projects. I also discuss discoveries and things that shocked me.

10-13
01:12:07

Episode 103 - Santel Slams

In this episode, I discuss one of the greatest "hookers" of all time, Ad Santel. I also discuss how Clash of Champions 9 demonstrated all the warts of WCW in 1989.

10-06
52:37

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

Recommend Channels