Posts and podcasts about professional wrestling in the 19th Century
In this episode, I discuss a two-match series between Yusuf Ismail and Ernest Roeber from New York City in March-April, 1898. Update John Moxley versus Josh Alexander on AEW New Year’s Smash was one of the best matches I saw in 2025. I am starting on the next wrestling book about 19th Century pioneer professional wrestlers. UFC is debuting on […]
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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 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 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 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 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 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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In this episode, I discuss a possible circuit of working collar-and-elbow wrestlers in the 1860s and 1870s. Intro Hulk Hogan has received a lot of glowing tributes upon his passing. We always tend to look a little more fondly and generously on someone after they have died. The only exception I take is to those calling Hogan a great wrestler. […]
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In this episode, I discuss Yusuf Ismail versus Tom Jenkins. I also discuss the first St. Louis card I attended with my sister Vicky. First Card I Attended with My Sister Vicky On Friday, June 12, 1981, my oldest sister Vicky took me to the first St. Louis wrestling card that we attended. The card was headlined by NWA World […]
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