It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

In this episode, I discuss a mixed styles contest between Marin Plestina and Taro Miyake in 1920.

In this episode, I discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko "winning" his first world title in May 1921. I also review a Southeastern Championship card from 1984.

In this episode, I discuss a two-match series between Yusuf Ismail and Ernest Roeber from New York City in March-April, 1898.

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.

In this episode, I discuss Ad Santel's tour of Japan in 1921.

In this episode, I discuss an odd arrangement for a catch-as-catch-can wrestling match in 1881. I review one of Sam Muchnick's cards after the formation of the National Wrestling Alliance.

In this episode, I talk about the conflating of two of the biggest double-crosses in professional wrestling. I also talk about a Jack Curley card from 1917.

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.

In this episode, I discuss Larry Matysik starting an outlaw wrestling promotion in St. Louis during 1983.

In this episode, I discuss the career of 19th Century professional wrestler D.A. McMillan. I also discuss recent gambling schemes.

In this episode, I will discuss the incredible career  of Aleksander "Alex" Aberg from 1914-1917 in the United States.

In this episode, I discuss the race to replace Frank Gotch in 1915, Ad Santel in Japan, AI in wrestling, and a personal update.

In this episode, I discuss one of the first regular Atlanta cards in February 1926. I end the podcast with bonus content about famed hooker Ad Santel.

In this episode, I discuss 19th Century pioneer wrestler Sorakichi Matsuda, the first Japanese professional wrestler in the United States.

In this episode, I discuss misconceptions that I had going into writing projects. I also discuss discoveries and things that shocked me.

In this episode, I discuss one of the greatest "hookers" of all time, Ad Santel. I also discuss how Clash of Champions 9 demonstrated all the warts of WCW in 1989.

In this episode, I discuss an out-of-control exhibition between Clarence Whistler and Andre Christol in 1882

In this episode, I discuss three cases that led to police arresting wrestlers.

In this episode, I discuss Jim Londos importance to the St. Louis promotion as well as St. Louis' importance to the development of Jim Londos.

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.

In this episode, we discuss a potential double-cross in 1916.

In this episode, I discuss a possible circuit of working collar-and-elbow wrestlers in the 1860s and 1870s.

In this episode, I will be discussing the other Zbyszko, Wladek Zbyszko, and his early days in America between 1913 and 1915.

In this episode, I discuss the recent passing of Hulk Hogan. I also name who I think the most comparable historical wrestler is to Hogan.

In this episode, I discuss Yusuf Ismail versus Tom Jenkins. I also discuss the first St. Louis card I attended with my sister Vicky.