Episode 109 – The Great Unknown
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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.
It Was Almost Real podcast art
Why I stopped watching NXT Halloween Havoc early in the show.
The boys will be on the Thanksgiving Week show. We’ll review the Survivor Series 1987 main event with Hogan’s team vs. Andre’s team.
Main Content
D.A. McMillan is almost unknown today although during the 1880s and 1890s, McMillan was a solid journeyman wrestler. It is not known when Duncan A. McMillan was born, died or even if Duncan McMillan was his real name.
D.A. McMillan was the co-conspirator with Martin “Farmer” Burns in a gambling scheme in Minnesota during the 1890s. The first recorded match for McMillan was a Portland, Oregon match with Donald Dinnie, a Scottish wrestler. The match took place on August 8, 1883. Newspapers reported that it was the first professional wrestling match in the state of Oregon.
Recommendation
The NWA Champion series on Shut Up and Wrestle with Brian R. Solomon
Review
Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1, 2025
Four match card more reminiscent of the 1920s than the 2020s. At least all the matches were important. 6 to 7 matches is probably the sweet spot.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre – Great match to start the show. Problem is it will be hard to follow. This match could stand up in any era even with all the high spots. Best match on the card.
Jade Cargill vs. Tiffany Stratton – WWE is obviously in love with Jade Cargill’s look and she is a better heel than a face. I question why you have her crush one of the most popular wrestlers on the card, who you spent almost a year getting over. Puzzling but still better than the last 10 years under Vince.
Dominic Mysterio vs. Penta vs. Rusev – I hate three way matches but this match was my favorite on the card. Dominic Mysterio has become one of the most entertaining wrestlers today. He has also gotten over with the fans, who cheer him outsmarting the babyfaces in every match now.
CM Punk vs. Jey Uso – It was a good technical match but I did not like it. Two of my favorite wrestlers and didn’t want to see either lose. Glad to see Punk with the world title but the booking has not done Jey any favors over the last few months.
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Sources: The Oregonian (Portland, OR) August 9, 1883, p.4