Episode 125 – Boxer vs Wrestler

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In this episode, I discuss Tom Sharkey, a professional boxer and part-time wrestler, wrestling “Sailor” Tom Piening, a professional wrestler in February 1904. Update A family member reached out to me about the pronunciation of John “The Nebraska Tigerman” Pesek’s name. Influencer boxing Dash camera and body camera footage of Vince McMahon’s accident from July 24, 2025. I am going […]

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Episode 123 – Spot Show Town

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In this episode, we discuss the history of professional wrestling in the city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Update J. H. McLaughlin also wrestled part-time. McLaughlin served as a conductor for a number of railroads around Detroit, Michigan. Thoughts on AEW Main Content I recently looked at the history of professional wrestling in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Wrestlingdata.com, an amazing website, provided […]

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Episode 122 – Memphis Heat

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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. Update Heny Moses Dufur working matches. Notes from Verne: Inside and Outside the Ring by Brian Ferguson (affiliate link) During 1947-1948 NCAA wrestling season, Verne wrestled Ray Gunkel (Ohio State), Mike DiBiase (Nebraska), Joe Blanchard (Kansas […]

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Jack Claybourne Wrestles Billy Wolfe

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On Friday, January 22, 1932, Jack Claybourne, one of the first nationally known African American professional wrestlers, wrestled Billy Wolfe at the Athletic Hall in Moberly, Missouri. 36-year-old Billy Wolfe started wrestling professionally in 1922. Claybourne and Wolfe main evented the card. In the opening match, Wolfe’s second wife, Barbara Ware, wrestled Ruth Case of Kirksville, Missouri. Ware won the […]

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Police Arrest Transit Detective

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This post is an exerpt from the second edition of St. Louis’ Civil War: The Streetcar Strike of 1900 (Second Edition). Saint Louis Police arrested transit security officer Ora Havill for the third time in a week on Sunday, June 3, 1900. Havill shot multiple men in two previous incidents. Havill claimed self-defense on both occasions. Havill fired six to […]

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