Episodes of It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast.
In this episode, I discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko “winning” his first world title in May 1921. I also review a Southeastern Championship card from 1984. Update John Cena may be responsible for that terrible finish in his last match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. AEW and White Castle promoting a combo. I finished The Wrestling Observer Complete Collection 1985 (affiliate link). […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss a two-match series between Yusuf Ismail and Ernest Roeber from New York City in March-April, 1898. Update John Moxley versus Josh Alexander on AEW New Year’s Smash was one of the best matches I saw in 2025. I am starting on the next wrestling book about 19th Century pioneer professional wrestlers. UFC is debuting on […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss Frank Goch’s brief foray into professional boxing. I also compare two Los Angeles cards in 1925. Finally, I discuss the 2026 podcast schedule. Recommendations 1985 Wrestling Observer Yearbook (affiliate link) A Deadly Affair by Carla Simpson (affiliate link) Review Kenneth Dix’s Card on Thursday, July 30, 1925 in Vernon, California Main Event: Joseph “Toots” Mondt […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss Ad Santel’s tour of Japan in 1921. Review WWE made a disasterous blunder at the John Cena retirement show on the December 13, 2025 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event. The show was heartwarming and built around Cena’s legacy. The fan response to the show was strong but the company snatched defeat from the jaws […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss an odd arrangement for a catch-as-catch-can wrestling match in 1881. I also recommend a compilation Chicago wrestling card from 1950-1951 and review one of Sam Muchnick’s cards after the formation of the National Wrestling Alliance. Update The Wrestling Observer 1985 book (affiliate link) on Amazon Main Content On March 31, 1881, Clarence Whistler wrestled Henry […]
» Read more
In this episode, I talk about the conflating of two of the biggest double-crosses in professional wrestling. I also talk about a Jack Curley card from 1917. Update Had enough of WWE’s new philosophy of profits over fan satisfaction. Current state of professional wrestling versus 1990s when 7.5 and 10 million people watched one or both Raw and Nitro during […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss a collar-and-elbow match with Homer Lane in 1875. I also compare Tom Packs’ and Sam Muchnick’s St. Louis wrestling cards in April 1946. Update I will finish the second edition of St. Louis’ Civil War in early December. After completing this highly violent episode of St. Louis history, it will be nice to get back […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss Larry Matysik starting an outlaw wrestling promotion in St. Louis during 1983. Update Pushed planned episode to next week and it may just be Trey and me. I did successfully test for my 5th-degree black belt. If I test for 6th-degree, Solomon will be 14 years old and could be my partner for some of […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss the career of 19th Century professional wrestler D.A. McMillan. I also discuss recent gambling schemes. Update Potential UFC gambling scandal and how it mirrors why professional wrestlers originally began working their matches in the 1800s. Why I stopped watching NXT Halloween Havoc early in the show. The boys will be on the Thanksgiving Week show. […]
» Read more
In this episode, I will discuss the incredible career of Aleksander “Alex” Aberg from 1914-1917 in the United States. Recommendations K.O. on Netflix starring Cyril Gane. Also made appearance in Le Cage, a previous recommendation. Thoughts on Cyril Gane Main Content Aleksander “Alex” Aberg was born in Kolga, modern day Estonia, on August 11, 1881. Estonia was part of the […]
» Read more