Episode 130 – I’ll Drop It to My Cousin

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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 […]

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Episode 116 – Fake! But It Isn’t

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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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Episode 111 – Homer Works Us

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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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McFadden’s Two Match Series

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Publishing giant Bernarr MacFadden was plain old Barney McFadden, when McFadden wrestled professionally in St. Louis during the late 1880s and early 1890s. McFadden specialized in Greco-Roman wrestling but did occasionally wrestle other styles. In November and December 1891, McFadden wrestled both styles in professional matches. On Saturday, October 31, 1891, McFadden wrestled Chicago wrestler Henry E. Pearson in a […]

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Episode 109 – The Great Unknown

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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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Episode 102 – We’re Supposed to be Working!

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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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Episode 97 – Earliest Working Group?

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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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Episode 96 – Wladek, 1913 to 1915

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In this episode, I will be discussing the other Zbyszko, Wladek Zbyszko, and his early days in America between 1913 and 1915. Update Divided Championship is now available on Amazon in e-book, audiobook, paperback, and hardcover. Website update Roman Reigns is back in WWE and looks to be reunited with his cousin Jey against Bron Breaker and Bronson Reed. Comparing […]

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Episode 92 – Shot for Working?

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In this episode, I discuss the murder of a professional wrestler in the 1860s, who gamblers thought worked a match to bilk them out of gambling money. Update I knew J.H. McLaughlin wrestled professionally in the late 1860s. I finally found a match between McLaughlin and Homer Lane. Homer Lane won the match. Divided Championship is now available on Amazon […]

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Episode 79 – Flying Muldoon Style

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In this episode, I discuss William Muldoon wrestling a contest that was not much of a contest. Between falls, Muldoon demonstrated his system of physical training. WWE put on their first disappointing card of the Paul Levesque era with Elimination Chamber 2025. The last ride of the Over the Hill Gang ruined an underwhelming card. In the history segment, I […]

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