It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

Episode 122 - Memphis Heat

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.

Episode 121 - Riley in the U.S.

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.

Episode 120 - True Crime

In this episode, I look at two murders involving wrestlers or related to wrestling.

Episode 119 - Harry Hill

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.

Episode 118 - Jiu Jitsu vs. Wrestling

In this episode, I discuss a mixed styles contest between Marin Plestina and Taro Miyake in 1920.

Episode 117 - The Champ is Here

In this episode, I discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko "winning" his first world title in May 1921. I also review a Southeastern Championship card from 1984.

Episode 116 - Fake! But It's Not

In this episode, I discuss a two-match series between Yusuf Ismail and Ernest Roeber from New York City in March-April, 1898.

Episode 115 - Gotch the Boxer

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.

Episode 114 - Santel in Japan

In this episode, I discuss Ad Santel's tour of Japan in 1921.

Episode 113 - Catch in a Jacket

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.