It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

Episode 154 - Hack's Little Brother

In this episode, we discuss the career of Swedish wrestler John Berg, who wrestled in the United States as Charles Hackenschmidt. I also review an episode of Texas Champi

Episode 5 - Wild Claims (Encore)

In this episode, I look at some of the wild claims that fans, wrestlers and wrestling historians sometimes make about professional wrestling matches.

Episode 153 - Santel Sets the Record Straight

In this episode, I discuss Ad Santel's account of the second Gotch versus Hackenschmidt match to a San Francisco newspaper in 1916. I also discuss Triplemania 34.

Episode 152 - Arson and Other Felonies

In this episode, I discuss a 1893 match between Martin "Farmer" Burns and Jack King. I also catch up on the latest MMA and pro wrestling news.

Episode 151 - Walk Through History

In this episode, I discuss the development of professional wrestling in the United States from 1860s to 1940. I also review an early Portland wrestling card.

Episode 150 - Santel vs. Managoff, Sr.

In this episode, Caleb and I discuss the second Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt match, a 1916 match between Ad Santel and Bob Managoff, Sr. as well as reviewing theWrestlemania I

Episode 149 - Lewis Maims Ross

In this episode, I discuss Evan "The Strangler" Lewis injuring Duncan C. Ross on purpose in an 1893 match. I also review a card from Chicago in April 1906.

Episode 148 - Pesek in Australia

In this episode, I discuss John "The Nebraska Tigerman" Pesek's tour of Australia in 1929. I also review AEW All In 2023 from Wembley Stadium.

Episode 132 - Stan Zbyszko Wins (Encore)

In this encore episode, we discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko finally winning the world title in 1921. I also review a Fred Kohler Chicago card from 1936. I start the podcast wit

Episode 147 - Summer Slam 1997

In this episode, I discuss American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Dan McLeod wrestling George Baptiste in St. Paul, Minnesota during 1899. I end the show with a review o

Episode 146 - The Last Rebel

In this episode, I go over recent MMA events, discuss Dan McLeod's arrest for bilking a Montreal barber, recommend a new wrestling based fiction series, and review Bruise

Episode 145 - Lewis versus Londos

In this episode, I discuss Ed "Strangler" Lewis defending his world title against Jim Londos in St. Louis during 1924.

Episode 144 - Ring is Safer

In this episode, I discuss a part-time wrestler, full-time city constable Paul Kisselbach killed in the line of duty during September 1949. I also review the wrestling ca

Episode 143 - Hack in St. Louis

In this episode, I disccuss the 1905 match in St. Louis between George (Georg) Hackenschmidt and George Baptiste. I also make an announcement about the show including a c

Episode 142 - Muldoon vs. Matsuda

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.

Episode 141 - Forbidden Door 2023

In this episode, I discuss a 1918 World Title match between Earl Caddock and Wladek Zbyszko. I finish the episode with a review of Forbidden Door 2023.

Episode 140 - Money Talks

In this episode, we discuss the fight for the estate of former professional wrestler, regular St. Louis wrestling referee, and St. Louis businessman George Baptiste.

Episode 139 - Irritating the Strangler

In this episode, we discuss an 1886 match between Evan "The Strangler" Lewis and British wrestling champion Tom Cannon.

Episode 138 - Memorial? I'm Not Dead Yet

In this St. Louis-centric episode, I discuss Jim Londos wrestling Dan Kolov (Koloff) on one of the early John Contos-Tom Packs cards in 1923. I also discuss WWF trying to

Episode 137 - Gust Karras

In this episode, I discuss the early matches of longtime St. Joseph, Missouri wrestling promoter Gust Karras. I also review two of Karras' cards.