Combat Sports Historian and Martial Artist
On April 13, 1936, Ed “Strangler” Lewis wrestled his final legitimate contest with Lee Wykoff
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/q2pnhj/Episode_58uqay.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, I will be talking about some
On October 20, 1916, Ad Santel, a noted “hooker” or skilled submission wrestler, met Taro
Who is the greatest legitimate professional wrestler to wrestle in the United States? How do
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/sis8sp3iwczcpy4v/Episode_77bs1hb.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss Bernarr MacFadden’s professional wrestling career in St. Louis, Missouri. Update I discuss a recent email and provide an update on the Divided Championship project. Main Content For years, I could not find any account of Bernarr MacFadden’s exploits as a professional wrestler in St. Louis. While research the beginnings
On Wednesday, April 27, 1910, reigning World Middleweight Boxing Champion Stanley Ketchel fought a six-round, non-title match with African American boxer Sam Langford. Langford is one of the greatest boxers of all-time. However, Langford found himself frozen out of world title fights by promoters and boxers adhering to the “color line.” Promoters and boxers used the “color line” to prevent
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/r5y6br9bc4e3dbqf/Episode_766doid.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, I discuss Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeating the Masked Marvel during the 1915 New York International Wrestling Tournament. Update After years of looking for Bernarr MacFadden’s wrestling matches in St. Louis, I stumbled across a reporter’s recollections of the best wrestling matches he covered during his twenty year career. MacFadden wrestled as
On Sunday, November 9, 1913, African American boxer Sam McVea, or McVey, battled Professor Stevenson, a Jujitsu practitioner, in a mixed styles bout in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. McVea and Stevenson fought ten, five-minute rounds, with three-minute intermission between rounds. McVea and Stevenson fought for $100 a side. In grappler vs. boxer matches, the grappler usually won, but McVea
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cz2xtr79w47uuznn/Episode_756r8g9.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss former World Champion Wayne “Big” Munn and his lesser known brother, Glen Munn. Update Damian Harmony and Ed Blaylock recently invited me on the Geek History of Time podcast. I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. I recommend their podcast to anyone interested in professional wrestling, history, popular culture, and interesting
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/t3idm7n7cbe5dsbr/Episode_748avea.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss one of the first nationally known African American wrestlers, Reginald Siki. Update My cousin Dan returns to the podcast. We discuss a shocking result in the NFL playoffs, Vince McMahon making a settlement with the SEC, and my thoughts on the AEW cards I have been watching on Max.
On Monday, June 25, 1934, current World Champion Jim Browning defended his world title against Jim Londos. Browning dropped the title to Londos in a match to end the promotional war which led to the double-crosses of the early 1930s. 20,000 fans crowded into Madison Square Garden to see the match leading to a $40,000 gate. Jack Curley enjoyed a
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/8icv7evwqh77tjc5/Episode_739bw5v.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, I discuss the first of three matches in 1926 between World Champion Joe Stecher and John “The Nebraska Tigerman” Pesek. I also discuss the two big wrestling companies debuting on Netflix and Max. Main Content I discuss the first of three matches in 1926 between World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Joe Stecher
On January 30, 1930, Gus Sonnenberg defended his AWA World Title, based in the Boston promotion of Paul Bowser, in Boston Arena against former world champion Joe Stecher. Two minutes of film survived from the hour-long match. Gus Sonnenberg traded on his celebrity as a professional football player to become a wrestling star. Sonnenberg helped the Providence Steam Roller win
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/yrvcvp86fj5ja5zg/Episode_72_agae9.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadUpdate I am giving away Wayfarer in a Foreign Land: Sorakichi Matsuda Wrestles in America between Monday, December 30, 2024 to Friday, January 3, 2025. Dan and I will release the next episode on Monday, January 13, 2025. Main Content I discuss the October 1916 mixed styles match between Taro Miyake and Ad Santel.