Episodes of It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast.
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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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In this episode, I discuss the race to replace Frank Gotch in 1915, Ad Santel in Japan, AI in wrestling, and a personal update. Update Further information about Ad Santel’s trip to Japan in 1921. AI assisting in wrestling creative. Main Content On July 15, 1915, Joe Stecher wrestled Charlie Cutler for the American Heavyweight Wrestling Championship in Omaha, Nebraska. […]
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In this episode, I discuss one of the first regular Atlanta cards in February 1926. I end the podcast with bonus content about famed hooker Ad Santel. Update Gronk butchering Emeka Egbuka’s name and it reminding me of Dan. Whig Presidential History Main Content History of Atlanta promoting – Disappointing documentary Paul Jones bought the Georgia promotion in 1944. However, […]
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In this episode, I discuss 19th Century pioneer wrestler Sorakichi Matsuda, the first Japanese professional wrestler in the United States. News Television ratings for wrestling programming is down across the board. I doubt WWE on ESPN app or AEW on Max are doing great ratings. If they were, we would hear about it from the company and their broadcast partners. […]
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