Episodes of It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast.
In this episode, I discuss short title reigns that made the champions look like fluke champions. I also review 2026 AAA Rey de Reyes Tournament card. Update Future episodes on Joe Stecher and Anton “Tony” Stecher Andre Christol wrestled two legitimate contests with Edwin Bibby in late 1879. Still not sure if Thiebaud Bauer wrestled a legitimate contest. Main Content […]
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In this episode, I discuss 19th Century professional wrestlers Andre Christol and Thiebaud Bauer plus review All Out 2021, AEW’s highest selling pay-per-view to date. Update Happy birthday, baby girl! Collar-and-Elbow wrestling is the most popular wrestling style in the 1870s but it’s popularity begins to wain towards the end of the decade. Fans start to want to see more […]
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In this episode, I discuss Charlie Olson accidentally killing a wrestler in the ring during January 1911. I also review a WWA All-Star Wrestling Show from Indianapolis on May 4, 1974. Update In the past week, Chuck Norris died at 86 and Dennis Condrey died at 74. I can’t remember the last time I saw someone flip the middle finger […]
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In this episode, I discuss a contest between Oscar Wasem and Joe Caroll, who is better known as J.C. Marsh or Ollie Marsh, in 1907. Update UFC 326 Holloway vs. Oliveira – Underwhelming card particularly for what would have been a pay-per-view. A lot of older fighters with 50/50 or worse records. Why UFC is so nervous about gambling schemes […]
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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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In this episode, I discuss a mixed styles bout betweeen Henry Moses Dufur and Duncan C. Ross. I catch up on WWE Raw and review a Championship Wrestling from Florida show in 1982. Update Thoughs on WWE – CM Punk versus Finn Balor in Belfast was a great match with a big event feel. AJ Styles passes out to the […]
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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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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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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. Update The first two UFC cards on Paramount Plus have been excellent. WWE Unreal was more compelling than the […]
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In this episode, I look at two murders involving wrestlers or related to wrestling. Update Bruiser Brody in October and November 1983. Larry’s last show on October 29, 1983. Brody wrestles for Central States for the first time on November 3, 1983. We look at the November 17, 1983 Kansas City card and first St. Louis card after Larry’s promotion […]
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