Episodes of It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast.
In this episode, we discuss the wrestling schedule of Evan “Strangler” Lewis during 1886. Update Dan and I discuss where we were at on September 11, 2001. We also discuss the recent death of the “Exotic” Adrian Street. Main Content In this episode, we discuss the wrestling schedule of Evan “Strangler” Lewis in 1886. In the next episode on September […]
» Read more
In this episode, we discuss the Dick Shikat double-cross of Danno O’Mahony in March 1936. We are also joined in the studio by my youngest grandson Connor, who is hanging out with his dad, Caleb, who returned to the podcast this week. Update I will be starting the new research project in the beginning of September 2023. Right now, I […]
» Read more
Yes, we are releasing an episode out of order. With three recent high profile deaths in pro wrestling, we wanted to release a bonus episode now to talk about them. We also inadvertently insult a few people and have an interesting conversation about “cougars.” Over the past two weeks, we have lost “Exotic” Adrian Street, Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt. […]
» Read more
In this episode, we discuss Jim Londos’ early career in St. Louis, Missouri. We also review Jim Londos vs. Dick Shikat from 1930. Update I am taking a month off after finishing Wayfarer in a Foreign Land: Sorakichi Matsuda Wrestles in America. I will work on blog posts and my last St. Louis history book before starting my new project. […]
» Read more
In this episode, my cousin Dan and I review the April 28, 1986 edition of WWF’s Prime Time Wrestling. Update Starting with the first episode in August, I should be joined in the studio by my son Caleb and my cousin Dan. We will return to the normal format of an update, main content based on pro wrestling history research, […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss what I learned completing my book on the first Japanese pro wrestler Sorakichi Matsuda, who wrestled in America from 1884 to 1891. Update I gave an update on my upcoming schedule. Wayfarer in a Foreign Land should be available at the end of July or August 2023 depending on how long the editing process […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss the 1917 and 1920 World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship matches between Joe Stecher and Earl Caddock. Update A special thank you to listener Shannon Bertrand, who let me know that I loaded the wrong episode for Episode 25. I have corrected the episode and it should be available on all platforms. If you have ESPN+, I […]
» Read more
In this episode, we discuss an 1884 mixed styles match between J.H. McLaughlin and Duncan C. Ross. Update Shut Up and Wrestle Interview with Mike Chapman – Why I normally don’t read other historians of the time frame that I study. Based on the interview, I am going to research two matches I viewed as works, the 1917 and 1920 […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss the career of unknown World Champion Jim Browning. Update I recently made thirteen of my non-fiction books available to bookstores and libraries in paperback. I hope you will see them in your local bookstore or library soon. Main Content While reading about the double-crosses of the early 1930s, I discovered Jim Browning. After double-crossing Jim […]
» Read more
In this episode, I discuss professional wrestling matches conducted under Sumo Rules in the 1880s. Update While I hate UFC merging with WWE, you do have to salute Vince McMahon selling his company for more than it’s worth. Vince also managed to stay in charge of the company. Vince McMahon won the promotional wars of the 1980s and 1990s because […]
» Read more