Episodes of It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast.
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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In this episode, I discuss misconceptions that I had going into writing projects. I also discuss discoveries and things that shocked me. Main Content When you offer an opinion on professional wrestling today, you may be told you need to study and learn as a way of invalidating your opinion(s). It is not a valid criticism or point but I […]
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In this episode, I discuss one of the greatest “hookers” of all time, Ad Santel. I also discuss how Clash of Champions 9 demonstrated all the warts of WCW in 1989. Update I highly recommend Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon (affiliate link) by Brian R. Solomon. Gorilla was one of my favorite announcers and one half […]
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In this episode, I discuss an out-of-control exhibition between Clarence Whistler and Andre Christol in 1882. Going Into Business for Yourself in 1987 I start the episode with a review of the six-man tag match in 1987, when Akira Maeda legitimately kicked Riki Chosu in the eye on purpose. New Japan Pro Wrestling fired Maeda for the unprofessional behavior. Main […]
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In this episode, I discuss three cases that led to police arresting wrestlers. Update CORRECTION – I misspoke and said Lewis versus Stecher in 1919 was their last contest. It was the last contest of their original four match series of contests in the 1910s. They also wrestled a contest in February 1928 to settle the divided championship. Main Content […]
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In this episode, I discuss Jim Londos importance to the St. Louis promotion as well as St. Louis’ importance to the development of Jim Londos. Update I forgot how violent the Saint Louis streetcar strike of 1900 was until I started working on the second edition of Saint Louis’ Civil War. WWE switching premium live events to ESPN’s new service […]
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In this episode, I review The Wrestler (1974) and discuss the 1891 wrestling match between former American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Joe Acton and future World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Bob Fitzsimmons. Review The Wrestler (1974) was a much better film than Mad Bull (1977). Some of the biggest stars of the 1970s professional wrestling scene starred in the film. The film […]
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