Episode 139 – Irritating The Strangler
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In this episode, we discuss an 1886 match between Evan “The Strangler” Lewis and British wrestling champion Tom Cannon.
News and Update
UFC is going to lose 30 million dollars on the White House UFC card. Jon Jones should take advantage of their need to recoup the loss by approaching them about a fee to let Jones fight Francis Ngannou for MVP Promotions.
In other UFC news, Sumadarji wins the Ballkicker McGee award this month for an inadvertant groin shot ending his fight, which led to the fight being called a no contest.
Alice Ardelean versus Polyana Viana at UFC Fight Night: Allen versus Costa.
I have started the new book on Ad Santel focused on his early years and matches with judo and jujitsu black belts.
Artist rendering of Evan “The Strangler” Lewis’ strangle hold (Public Domain)
Main Content
On August 26, 1886, Evan “Strangler” Lewis met the British Wrestling Champion Tom Cannon in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lewis and Cannon agreed to a three-out-of-five-falls-match wrestled under catch-as-catch-can wrestling rules.
Tom Cannon showed real determination in taking the first fall from Lewis. However, Cannon’s success may have spurred Lewis to pursue his pet hold as organizers did not ban the stranglehold for this match.
Lewis secured his pet hold during the second fall. A slow to comprehend referee caused a premature end to the match.
I wrote about Lewis’ career in Evan “Strangler” Lewis: The Most Feared Wrestler of the 19th Century.
Recommendations and Reviews
India After Ghandi The History of the World’s Largest Democracy by Ramachandra Guha (affiliate link)
A Taste for Murder (Britbox Original Series) (affiliate link)
May 30, 2026 episode of AAA Lucha Libre – Noches de Los Grandes on YouTube
Rey Phoenix versus Laredo Kid – Kid was AAA Cruiserweight Champion for over 500 days. Phoneix really needed a big win, so taking the title from Laredo Kid will help get Phoenix out of the shadow of Penta.
It Was Almost Real podcast art
El Hijo del Vikingo ver El Hijo del Dr. Wagner, Jr. – Excellent match. I still think El Hijo del Vikingo will be AAA Mega Champion again after another wrestler dethrones Dominik Mysterios. El Hijo del Dr. Wagner, Jr. is also entertaining. You can build AAA around these two stars. Mini-Vikingo interfering is getting a little old.
The War Raiders vs. Psycho Clown and Pagano – The friction between Psycho Clown and Pagano was getting old. Glad they broke up. Not a huge War Raiders fan. Hoping a new top tag team emerges.
Mask versus Mask between El Grande Americano and The Original El Grande Americano – The match which drew the crowd. Great package and entrances. The arena in Monterrey is packed for this match. El Grande Americana is OVER. With the fan reaction, this match had a big match feel missing from most professional matches today.
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