It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

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.

Episode 91 - Exposes

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

Episode 90 - Managoff, Sr. & Jr.

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

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.

Episode 88 - Memorial Day

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

Episode 87 - Bronko Nagurski

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

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.

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.

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).

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.