Combat Sports Historian and Martial Artist
Posts about professional wrestling during the 1800s.
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/yvvhhixd68359ike/Episode_536ggjr.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, I discuss the backstage video from AEW at Wembley, talk about pro wrestling before the modern promotion system, and review Wrestlemania XL Day 2. Update We discuss AEW releasing the backstage footage of the scuffle between CM Punk and Jack Perry. Main Content I discuss how Tony Khan acts more like
On Tuesday, January 29, 1884, approximately two thousand fans crowded into the Detroit Opera House to watch the first of a two-match series between Colonel James H. McLaughlin and Henry Moses Dufur. The crowd had to delight the organizers and wrestlers. Matches drawing crowds in the thousands were rare during the 19th Century. Organizers claimed McLaughlin was defending the American
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wcgriz/Episode_469ayhx.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss William Muldoon vs. Clarence Whistler as we try to be more positive this week. Update We only spend a few minutes talking about the Vince McMahon scandal. I make a book recommendation, Ken Patera: Weight of the World (affiliate link), and share a few stories about my dad, Ernest
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6qx7wc/Episode_457r6gp.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss the Vince McMahon scandal, the dirty deeds of promoters in the past, and review the 2024 Royal Rumble. We end this long episode talking about wrestling on TV in St. Louis during the 1980s. Update We spend time discussing the WWE scandal involving Vince McMahon and John Laurenitius. Main
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/z9gqwp/Episode_426s6a2.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss how gambling schemes fed into professional wrestling’s unsavory reputation. Update I am two-thirds done with the book on Ed “Strangler” Lewis’ early career. The book should be out in late January or early February. This episode is sponsored by Redhawk Mercantile. Main Content We discuss a 19th Century gambling
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/rk2w6b/Episode_357yy4l.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadUpdate We discuss the next podcast about the YouTube documentary, 350 Days. We also discuss my new project on the early career of Ed “Strangler” Lewis. Main Content We discuss a five-hour match from 1878 dominated by Henry Moses Dufur. Karl Stern talked about Dufur in a recent episode of Shut Up and Wrestle.
Besides being the preferred venue for professional boxers and wrestlers to train when in St. Louis, the St. Louis Business Men’s Gymnasium hosted smaller boxing and wrestling events. In 1898, former American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Martin “Farmer” Burns wrestled Oscar Wasem in front of a small crowd at the Business Men’s Gymnasium. Burns was transitioning into training wrestlers full-time and
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xbbcg5/Episode_316wffy.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode, we discuss the wrestling schedule of Evan “Strangler” Lewis during 1886. Update Dan and I discuss where we were at on September 11, 2001. We also discuss the recent death of the “Exotic” Adrian Street. Main Content In this episode, we discuss the wrestling schedule of Evan “Strangler” Lewis in 1886.
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tvxtnd/Episode_3395jmx.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadYes, we are releasing an episode out of order. With three recent high profile deaths in pro wrestling, we wanted to release a bonus episode now to talk about them. We also inadvertantly insult a few people and have an interesting conversation about “cougars.” Over the past two weeks, we have lost “Exotic” Adrian
Sorakichi Matsuda travelled to the United States in late 1883 to begin his professional wrestling career. Matsuda intended to learn American professional wrestling and return to his homeland to start his own wrestling promotion. Matsuda’s manager made claims about his training in Japan, which could not be verified. Matsuda trained in sumo wrestling with the famous Isegahama stable but did