Podcast

It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

Sports, Wrestling

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

  1. Episode 156 - McLeod Wins Title

    Episode 162

    Show notes

    In this episode, I discuss Dan McLeod winning the American Heavyweight Wrestling Championship in 1897.

    41 min
  2. 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.

    43 min
  3. 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.

    53 min
  4. 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.

    39 min
  5. 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.

    1 hr 2 min
  6. 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.

    47 min
  7. 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.

    52 min
  8. 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.

    1 hr 18 min
  9. 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.

    50 min
  10. 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.

    42 min
  11. 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.

    53 min
  12. 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.

    35 min
  13. 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.

    1 hr 1 min
  14. 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.

    48 min
  15. 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.

    37 min
  16. 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.

    45 min
  17. 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.

    37 min
  18. 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.

    39 min
  19. 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.

    49 min
  20. 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.

    35 min