Podcast
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.
- Episodes
- 103
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 45 min
- On air since
- 2024
- Latest episode
- 2 days ago
Episodes
103 episodes, newest first
-
41 min
Episode 156 - McLeod Wins Title
Episode 162
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss Dan McLeod winning the American Heavyweight Wrestling Championship in 1897.
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43 min
Episode 155 - Muldoon v Bibby
Episode 161
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss a September 1883 Greco-Roman wrestling match between World Champion William Muldoon and former American Champion Edwin Bibby.
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53 min
Episode 154 - Hack's Little Brother
Episode 160
Show notes
In this episode, we discuss the career of Swedish wrestler John Berg, who wrestled in the United States as Charles Hackenschmidt. I also review an episode of Texas Championship Wrestling from Dallas in 1980.
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39 min
Episode 5 - Wild Claims (Encore)
Episode 157
Show notes
In this episode, I look at some of the wild claims that fans, wrestlers and wrestling historians sometimes make about professional wrestling matches.
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1 hr 2 min
Episode 153 - Santel Sets the Record Straight
Episode 156
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss Ad Santel's account of the second Gotch versus Hackenschmidt match to a San Francisco newspaper in 1916. I also discuss Triplemania 34.
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47 min
Episode 152 - Arson and Other Felonies
Episode 155
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss a 1893 match between Martin "Farmer" Burns and Jack King. I also catch up on the latest MMA and pro wrestling news.
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52 min
Episode 151 - Walk Through History
Episode 154
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss the development of professional wrestling in the United States from 1860s to 1940. I also review an early Portland wrestling card.
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1 hr 18 min
Episode 150 - Santel vs. Managoff, Sr.
Episode 153
Show notes
In this episode, Caleb and I discuss the second Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt match, a 1916 match between Ad Santel and Bob Managoff, Sr. as well as reviewing theWrestlemania I build up, main event, and aftermath.
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50 min
Episode 149 - Lewis Maims Ross
Episode 152
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss Evan "The Strangler" Lewis injuring Duncan C. Ross on purpose in an 1893 match. I also review a card from Chicago in April 1906.
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42 min
Episode 148 - Pesek in Australia
Episode 149
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss John "The Nebraska Tigerman" Pesek's tour of Australia in 1929. I also review AEW All In 2023 from Wembley Stadium.
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53 min
Episode 132 - Stan Zbyszko Wins (Encore)
Episode 148
Show notes
In this encore episode, we discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko finally winning the world title in 1921. I also review a Fred Kohler Chicago card from 1936. I start the podcast with a show announcement.
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35 min
Episode 147 - Summer Slam 1997
Episode 147
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Dan McLeod wrestling George Baptiste in St. Paul, Minnesota during 1899. I end the show with a review of Summer Slam 1997.
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1 hr 1 min
Episode 146 - The Last Rebel
Episode 146
Show notes
In this episode, I go over recent MMA events, discuss Dan McLeod's arrest for bilking a Montreal barber, recommend a new wrestling based fiction series, and review Bruiser Brody: Wrestling's Last Rebel documentary.
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48 min
Episode 145 - Lewis versus Londos
Episode 145
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss Ed "Strangler" Lewis defending his world title against Jim Londos in St. Louis during 1924.
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37 min
Episode 144 - Ring is Safer
Episode 144
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss a part-time wrestler, full-time city constable Paul Kisselbach killed in the line of duty during September 1949. I also review the wrestling card from the Omni in Atlanta on April 22, 1984.
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45 min
Episode 143 - Hack in St. Louis
Episode 143
Show notes
In this episode, I disccuss the 1905 match in St. Louis between George (Georg) Hackenschmidt and George Baptiste. I also make an announcement about the show including a co-host returning in late July or early August.
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37 min
Episode 142 - Muldoon vs. Matsuda
Episode 142
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss a match between William Muldoon and Sorakichi Matsuda that the wrestlers intended to generate interest in a world title match.
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39 min
Episode 141 - Forbidden Door 2023
Episode 141
Show notes
In this episode, I discuss a 1918 World Title match between Earl Caddock and Wladek Zbyszko. I finish the episode with a review of Forbidden Door 2023.
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49 min
Episode 140 - Money Talks
Episode 139
Show notes
In this episode, we discuss the fight for the estate of former professional wrestler, regular St. Louis wrestling referee, and St. Louis businessman George Baptiste.
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35 min
Episode 139 - Irritating the Strangler
Episode 140
Show notes
In this episode, we discuss an 1886 match between Evan "The Strangler" Lewis and British wrestling champion Tom Cannon.
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