Episode 142 – Muldoon vs. Matsuda

sorakichi-matsuda-first-japanese -professional-wrestler-in-america

In this episode, I discuss a match between William Muldoon and Sorakichi Matsuda that the wrestlers intended to generate interest in a world title match between Muldoon and Matsuda. News and Update Don “The Lawmen” Slatton’s double-cross of Harley Race during May 1978 in Abileene, Texas. Newspapers calling Adolph Ernst, Hackenschmidt’s imported trainer and imported training parnter. One of the […]

» Read more

Episode 130 – I’ll Drop It to My Cousin

john-mcmahon-19th-century-collar-and-elbow-champion

In this episode, I discuss the match between James E. Owens, who had a claim to the American Collar-and-Elbow Wrestling Championship, and his first cousin, the powerful John McMahon. I also review the May 16, 1984 episode of Championship Wrestling from Florida. Update Megan Bayne almost kills herself on one of those stupid toupe suicidas during March 28, 2026 AEW […]

» Read more

Episode 123 – Spot Show Town

it-was-almost-real-podcast-art

In this episode, we discuss the history of professional wrestling in the city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Update J. H. McLaughlin also wrestled part-time. McLaughlin served as a conductor for a number of railroads around Detroit, Michigan. Thoughts on AEW Main Content I recently looked at the history of professional wrestling in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Wrestlingdata.com, an amazing website, provided […]

» Read more

Episode 116 – Fake! But It Isn’t

yusuf-ismail-billed-as-yousouf-the-terrible-turk-in-the-united-states

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 […]

» Read more

Episode 113 – Catch in a Jacket

clarence-whistler-greco-roman-wrestling-specialist-in-early-1880s

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 […]

» Read more

Episode 111 – Homer Works Us

it-was-almost-real-podcast-art

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 […]

» Read more

Episode 109 – The Great Unknown

it-was-almost-real-podcast-art

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. […]

» Read more
1 2 3 12