Combat Sports Historian and Martial Artist
Episodes of It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast.
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tv5pwz/Episode_49bc4u6.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this solo episode, I look at John “The Nebraska Tiger Man” Pesek settling two promotional wars in the 1920s. Update I take the rare step of complimenting Tony Khan twice in the same episode. Main Content In Lou Thesz’s autobiography Hooker (affiliate link), Thesz shares Ed “Strangler” Lewis depiction of John “The Nebraska
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ecq6xe/Episode_4871v8z.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss who is responsible for all the legends and stories around professional wrestling by looking at the Legend of Chief Two Feathers. Update We discuss some corrections to the episode on William Muldoon and Clarence Whistler. I also share my thoughts on WWE Elimination Chamber, since I was the only
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4gvdnq/Episode_477tfz4.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss the careers of Jim Londos and Primo Carnera leading into a review of the 1950 wrestling match. Update We start off with an update about our recording schedule. One of the team is on the injured reserve, so we will be recording on Skype for the next several episodes.
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wcgriz/Episode_469ayhx.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss William Muldoon vs. Clarence Whistler as we try to be more positive this week. Update We only spend a few minutes talking about the Vince McMahon scandal. I make a book recommendation, Ken Patera: Weight of the World (affiliate link), and share a few stories about my dad, Ernest
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6qx7wc/Episode_457r6gp.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss the Vince McMahon scandal, the dirty deeds of promoters in the past, and review the 2024 Royal Rumble. We end this long episode talking about wrestling on TV in St. Louis during the 1980s. Update We spend time discussing the WWE scandal involving Vince McMahon and John Laurenitius. Main
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/apvrw5/Episode_449wyfa.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadUpdate I have committed to finishing the St. Louis history book in the next few months. Since I also want to finish the story of Ed “Strangler” Lewis’ career, I am going to work on both projects at the same time. I should finish both projects by late summer or early fall 2024. I
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/n9e7e9/Episode_4382qwo.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadUpdate I have finished writing Origins of a Legend: The Making of Ed “Strangler” Lewis. After editing, it should be released in late January/early February 2024. We briefly discuss Vince Russo’s ideas for a women’s wrestling organization. We try to figure out the market for this material. We also suggest a therapist is probably
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/z9gqwp/Episode_426s6a2.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss how gambling schemes fed into professional wrestling’s unsavory reputation. Update I am two-thirds done with the book on Ed “Strangler” Lewis’ early career. The book should be out in late January or early February. This episode is sponsored by Redhawk Mercantile. Main Content We discuss a 19th Century gambling
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/25sh5a/Episode_418ooth.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss a new discover about Ed “Strangler” Lewis, why Mort Henderson was picked to be the Masked Marvel, and a look at Jerry Lawler vs. “Dirty” Dutch Mantel. Update After recapping Stanislaus Zybszko double-crossing the Gold Dust Trio, I reveal that Ed “Strangler” Lewis wrestled Stanislaus Zbyszko for the first
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/r3wpan/Episode40.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss a Christmas Night wrestling fiasco in 1911. Update We intend to release forty podcasts next year and twenty blog posts. Main Topic We discuss a match between Stanislaus Zbyszko and Giovanni Raicievich on Christmas Night 1911. The controversial match lacking much action led to an action packed riot in