Episode 38 – Zbyszko vs. Aberg

Podcast

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In this episode, we discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko’s last match of his first tour of America. We finish with his return to the United States in 1920.

Update

I discuss the progress of my new research project on the early career of Ed “Strangler” Lewis.

We discuss Tony Khan’s recent Twitter, or X, Wars with the fans. We also discuss Vince McMahon no longer being involved in creative for WWE.

it-was-almost-real-podcast-art

Podcast Art for the It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

Main Content

We discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko wrestling Alex Aberg before Zbyszko returns to Europe in 1914.

Zbyszko remained in Europe for all of World War I. Zbyszko wanted to return to the United States at the end of the war but was stuck in Europe for two more years.

Upon his return to the United States Zbyszko started working with Jack Curley’s and Billy Sandow’s promotion. Zbyszko won the World Championship from Ed “Strangler” Lewis in early 1921.

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Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Stanislaus Zbyszko meet in center ring for the customary handshake.

In early 1922, Zbyszko dropped the title back to Lewis in early 1922. The business practices of the Gold Dust Trio and “Strangler” Lewis’ refusal to wrestle Joe Stecher or Wladek Zbyszko led to the most famous event of Zbyszko’s career in 1925.

Review

We review Bruno Sammartino vs. Nikolai Volkoff from October 1976 at Madison Square Garden. The match can be viewed on Peacock in the Old School Series.

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