Posts and podcasts about professional wrestling in the 20th Century from 1900 to the 1940s.
In this episode, I discuss Charlie Olson accidentally killing a wrestler in the ring during January 1911. I also review a WWA All-Star Wrestling Show from Indianapolis on May 4, 1974. Update In the past week, Chuck Norris died at 86 and Dennis Condrey died at 74. I can’t remember the last time I saw someone flip the middle finger […]
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In this episode, I discuss a contest between Oscar Wasem and Joe Caroll, who is better known as J.C. Marsh or Ollie Marsh, in 1907. Update UFC 326 Holloway vs. Oliveira – Underwhelming card particularly for what would have been a pay-per-view. A lot of older fighters with 50/50 or worse records. Why UFC is so nervous about gambling schemes […]
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In this episode, I discuss Tom Sharkey, a professional boxer and part-time wrestler, wrestling “Sailor” Tom Piening, a professional wrestler in February 1904. Update A family member reached out to me about the pronunciation of John “The Nebraska Tigerman” Pesek’s name. Influencer boxing Dash camera and body camera footage of Vince McMahon’s accident from July 24, 2025. I am going […]
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In this episode, I discuss the early career of Reggie Siki, the first nationally known African-American wrestler. I also review the documentary Memphis Heat. Update Heny Moses Dufur working matches. Notes from Verne: Inside and Outside the Ring by Brian Ferguson (affiliate link) During 1947-1948 NCAA wrestling season, Verne wrestled Ray Gunkel (Ohio State), Mike DiBiase (Nebraska), Joe Blanchard (Kansas […]
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On Friday, January 22, 1932, Jack Claybourne, one of the first nationally known African American professional wrestlers, wrestled Billy Wolfe at the Athletic Hall in Moberly, Missouri. 36-year-old Billy Wolfe started wrestling professionally in 1922. Claybourne and Wolfe main evented the card. In the opening match, Wolfe’s second wife, Barbara Ware, wrestled Ruth Case of Kirksville, Missouri. Ware won the […]
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In this episode, I discuss Billy Riley, founder of Wigan’s Snake Pit, wrestling in the United States during 1922 and 1923. I look at Jack Claybourne’s 1940 five month tour of Massachusetts. I also review WWE Unreal Season 2 on Netflix. Update The first two UFC cards on Paramount Plus have been excellent. WWE Unreal was more compelling than the […]
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In this episode, I look at two murders involving wrestlers or related to wrestling. Update Bruiser Brody in October and November 1983. Larry’s last show on October 29, 1983. Brody wrestles for Central States for the first time on November 3, 1983. We look at the November 17, 1983 Kansas City card and first St. Louis card after Larry’s promotion […]
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In this episode, I discuss a mixed styles contest between Marin Plestina and Taro Miyake in 1920. Update Brock Lesnar and Minoru Suzuki are sharing a barber. WWE CM Punk vs. Bron Breaker on January 5th Raw With WWE, you can skip most of the matches because they all look the same. You rarely have someone stand out in the […]
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In this episode, I discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko “winning” his first world title in May 1921. I also review a Southeastern Championship card from 1984. Update John Cena may be responsible for that terrible finish in his last match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. AEW and White Castle promoting a combo. I finished The Wrestling Observer Complete Collection 1985 (affiliate link). […]
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In this episode, I discuss Frank Goch’s brief foray into professional boxing. I also compare two Los Angeles cards in 1925. Finally, I discuss the 2026 podcast schedule. Recommendations 1985 Wrestling Observer Yearbook (affiliate link) A Deadly Affair by Carla Simpson (affiliate link) Review Kenneth Dix’s Card on Thursday, July 30, 1925 in Vernon, California Main Event: Joseph “Toots” Mondt […]
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