It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

Episode 141 - Forbidden Door 2023

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.

Episode 140 - Money Talks

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.

Episode 139 - Irritating the Strangler

In this episode, we discuss an 1886 match between Evan "The Strangler" Lewis and British wrestling champion Tom Cannon.

Episode 138 - Memorial? I'm Not Dead Yet

In this St. Louis-centric episode, I discuss Jim Londos wrestling Dan Kolov (Koloff) on one of the early John Contos-Tom Packs cards in 1923. I also discuss WWF trying to capitalize on St. Louis history in 1986.

Episode 137 - Gust Karras

In this episode, I discuss the early matches of longtime St. Joseph, Missouri wrestling promoter Gust Karras. I also review two of Karras' cards.

Episode 136 - Zbyszko vs. Olson

In this episode, I discuss the May 28, 1910 in St. Louis, Missouri between Stanislaus Zbyszko and Charley Olson. I also review the Netflix documentary on Hulk Hogan.

Episode 135 - Scufflers, Shooters, and Workers

In this episode, I discussed the lessons I learned writing Scufflers, Shooters, and Workers: Pioneer Wrestlers of the 19th Century, Vol. 1. I also discuss Sam Muchnick establishing Ted DiBiase as a main event wrestler from 1978 to 1980.

Episode 134 - Gotch Working?

In this episode, I discuss a March 1901 match between Frank Gotch and Oscar Wasem in Burlington, Iowa. I also review a World Class Championship Wrestling show from May 1983.

Episode 133 - Gone But Not Forgotten

In this episode, we discuss a horrible contest between Clarence Whistler and Duncan C. Ross in November 1881. I also review a WWF card from November 1986 in St. Louis that my cousin Dan and I attended.

Episode 132 - Stan Zbyszko Wins

In this episode, we discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko finally winning the world title in 1921. I also review a Fred Kohler Chicago card from 1936.