It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

Episode 144 - Ring is Safer

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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 card from the Omni in Atlanta on April 22, 1984.

Episode 143 - Hack in St. Louis

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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 co-host returning in late July or early August.

Episode 142 - Muldoon vs. Matsuda

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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 capitalize on St. Louis history in 1986.

Episode 137 - Gust Karras

Mon, 25 May 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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

Episode 136 - Zbyszko vs. Olson

Mon, 18 May 2026 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the May 28, 1910 in St. Louis, Missouri between Stanislaus Zbyszko and Charley Olson. I also review the Netflix documentary on Hulk Hogan.

Episode 135 - Scufflers, Shooters, and Workers

Mon, 11 May 2026 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discussed the lessons I learned writing Scufflers, Shooters, and Workers: Pioneer Wrestlers of the 19th Century, Vol. 1. I also discuss Sam Muchnick establishing Ted DiBiase as a main event wrestler from 1978 to 1980.

Episode 134 - Gotch Working?

Mon, 04 May 2026 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss a March 1901 match between Frank Gotch and Oscar Wasem in Burlington, Iowa. I also review a World Class Championship Wrestling show from May 1983.

Episode 133 - Gone But Not Forgotten

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, we discuss a horrible contest between Clarence Whistler and Duncan C. Ross in November 1881. I also review a WWF card from November 1986 in St. Louis that my cousin Dan and I attended.

Episode 132 - Stan Zbyszko Wins

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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

Episode 131 - Supercards (Bonus)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss two early supercards in 1911 and 1934. I also review Wrestlemania III, WWF's biggest show of the national expansion.

Episode 130 - I'll Drop It to My Cousin

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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 Championship Wrestling from Florida on May 16, 1984.

Episode 129 - Fluke Title Changes

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss short title reigns that made the champions look like fluke champions. I also review 2026 AAA Rey de Reyes Tournament card.

Episode 128 - 2 Fakers and All Out 2021

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss 19th Century professional wrestlers Andre Christol and Thiebaud Bauer plus review All Out 2021, AEW's highest selling pay-per-view to date.

Episode 127 - Tragic Accident

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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.

Episode 126 - Wasem vs. Carroll

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:32:00 -0300

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.

Episode 125 - Boxer vs. Wrestler

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss Tom Sharkey, a professional boxer and part-time wrestler, wrestling "Sailor" Tom Piening, a professional wrestler in February 1904. I also review The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Mark Kerr.

Episode 124 - Dufur and Ross

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, I discuss a mixed styles bout betweeen Henry Moses Dufur and Duncan C. Ross. I catch up on WWE Raw and review a Championship Wrestling from Florida show in 1982.

Episode 123 - Spot Show Town

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, we discuss the history of professional wrestling in the city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Episode 122 - Memphis Heat

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:32:00 -0400

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.

Episode 121 - Riley in the U.S.

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:32:00 -0400

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.

Episode 120 - True Crime

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, I look at two murders involving wrestlers or related to wrestling.

Episode 119 - Harry Hill

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:35:45 -0400

In this episode, I discuss Harry Hill, New York sporting man and collar-and-elbow professional wrestler, who played a large role in professional wrestling and prizefighting in the 1860s and 1870s.

Episode 118 - Jiu Jitsu vs. Wrestling

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:32:00 -0400

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

Episode 117 - The Champ is Here

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 02:32:00 -0400

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

Episode 116 - Fake! But It's Not

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 02:32:00 -0400

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

Episode 115 - Gotch the Boxer

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 02:32:00 -0400

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.

Episode 114 - Santel in Japan

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 02:32:00 -0400

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

Episode 113 - Catch in a Jacket

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 02:32:00 -0400

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.

Episode 112 - Shikat Not Stanislaus

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 02:32:00 -0400

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.

Episode 111 Homer Works Us

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 02:32:00 -0400

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.

Episode 110 - Larry Runs Outlaw

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 02:32:00 -0400

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

Episode 109 - The Great Unknown

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 02:32:00 -0400

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

Episode 108 - Not Quite the King

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 02:32:00 -0400

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

Episode 107 - To Replace the King

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 02:32:00 -0400

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

Episode 106 - Hotlanta

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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.

Episode 105 - Feats of Strength

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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

Episode 104 - Studyin' and Learnin'

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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

Episode 103 - Santel Slams

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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.

Episode 102 - We're Supposed to be Working!

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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

Episode 101 - That Pesky Kayfabe

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:42:35 -0300

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

Episode 100 - Jim Londos and St. Louis

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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.

Episode 99 - Verne Was a Mark for Verne

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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.

Episode 98 - Watch the Promoter

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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

Episode 97 - Earliest Working Group?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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

Episode 96 - Wladek, 1913 to 1915

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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

Episode 95 - The Hulkster

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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.

Episode 94 - Rubbing His Face In It

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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

Episode 93 - Winging It

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the July 4, 1916 match between Earl Caddock and William Demetral in Anita, Iowa.

Episode 92 - Shot for Working?

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 02:32:00 -0300

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.

Episode 91 - Exposes

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the limited damage exposes have done to the worked nature of professional wrestling.

Episode 90 - Managoff, Sr. & Jr.

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the first father-son professional wrestlers, Bob Managoff and Bobby Managoff, Jr.

Episode 89 - Strangler Wins

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss finding the deciding contest between Ed "Strangler" Lewis and Joe Stecher. I also discuss why the myth about Joe Stecher's 1925-1928 World Title reign persist.

Episode 88 - Memorial Day

Mon, 26 May 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss why promoters liked to schedule big cards for holidays.

Episode 87 - Bronko Nagurski

Mon, 19 May 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the professional wrestling career of NFL great Bronko Nagurski.

Episode 86 - R.I.P. Dan

Mon, 05 May 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the recent passing of my co-host and cousin Dan Zimmerman. I discuss a mixed styles bout between Ray Steele and Kingfish Levinsky in St. Louis during November 1935.

Episode 85 - The Referee

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss a controversial referee's decision in the 1905 match between Fred Beell and Gus "Americus" Schoenlein.

Episode 84 - Closed Door Match and The Iron Claw

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I review a closed door match between Tom Jenkins and Fred Beell. I also review The Iron Claw (2023).

Episode 83 - Unwanted Attention, Part 2

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I will be talking about an Illinois select committee’s investigation into professional boxing and wrestling in Chicago, Illinois. In part two, we discuss the revelations that made Sandow and Lewis look bad.

Episode 82 - Unwanted Attention, Part 1

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I will be talking about an Illinois select committee’s investigation into professional boxing and wrestling in Chicago, Illinois. In part one, we discuss the revelations that made Joe Stecher look bad.

Episode 81- Liquid Courage

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I will be talking a wrestler who need “liquid courage” to climb in the ring with Evan “The Strangler” Lewis.

Episode 80 - Exposing the Business

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss how the Divided Championship Era began to expose the worked nature of professional wrestling.

Episode 79 - Flying Muldoon Style

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, I discuss William Muldoon wrestling a contest that wasn't much of a contest and demonstrating his system of physical training.

Episode 78 - Hall of Fame

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 01:50:40 -0400

In this episode, Dan and I discuss two notable omissions from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.

Episode 77 - Don't Call Me Barney!

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 18:58:14 -0400

In this episode, we discuss Bernarr MacFadden's professional wrestling career in St. Louis, Missouri.

Episode 76 - Solving the Masked Marvel

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, I discuss Ed "Strangler" Lewis defeating the Masked Marvel during the 1915 New York International Wrestling Tournament.

Episode 75 - Fabulous Munn Brothers

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, we discuss former World Champion Wayne "Big" Munn and his lesser known brother, Glen Munn.

Episode 74 - Reginald Siki

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, we discuss one of the first nationally known African American wrestlers, Reginald Siki.

Episode 73 - An Epic Rivalry

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:10:38 -0400

In this episode, I discuss the first of three matches in 1926 between World Champion Joe Stecher and John "The Nebraska Tigerman" Pesek. I also discuss the two big wrestling companies debuting on Netflix and Max.

Episode 72 - Miyake vs. Santel

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, I discuss the mixed styles match between Taro Miyake versus Ad Santel in October 1916.

Episode 71 - Why So Long?

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, I discuss why the Divided Championship Era lasted for three years from 1925 to 1928. I also review the original Survivor Series 1987.

Episode 70 - Lost Film

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:54:56 -0400

In this episode, I discuss the recently discovered film of the 1908 match between George Hackenschmidt and Joe Rogers.

Episode 69 - Happy Halloween

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:24:55 -0300

In this episode, we discuss Martin "Farmer" Burns training James J. Jeffries for his bout with Jack Johnson on July 4, 1910.

Episode 68 - Start a Promotion

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 12:00:34 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the beginnings of the regular St. Louis wrestling promotion in 1921. I also discuss the Mr. McMahon documentary on Netflix.

Episode 67 - In the News

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, Dan and I talk about a number of the news stories surrounding AEW and WWE.

Episode 64 - St. Louis' First Pro Wrestler

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the professional wrestling and refereeing career of St. Louis' first professional wrestler, George Baptiste.

Episode 63 - Divided Championship

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, we discuss 1925-1928, when both Ed "Strangler" Lewis and Joe Stecher claimed the World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship.

Episode 62 - Taro Miyake/Rikidozan vs. Kimura

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 09:05:16 -0300

In this episode, we look at Taro Miyake's challenge matches in England and review one of the few double-crosses after the formation of the National Wrestling Alliance.

Episode 61 - Evan Lewis vs. Tom Conners

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, we discuss the controversial 1887 match between Evan "Strangler" Lewis and English catch wrestler Tom Connors.

Episode 60 - St. Louis Wrestling

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the development of the St. Louis wrestling promotion under Tom Packs and Sam Muchnick.

Episode 59 - The Peseks

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:19:57 -0300

In this episode, we discuss how Hubert and Charley Pesek affected the career of John "The Nebraska Tigerman" Pesek.

Episode 58 - 1910 Gambling Ring

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 03:00:07 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the federal government prosecuting a gambling ring in 1910. The case exposed how wrestlers worked matches to bilk fans betting on the matches.

Episode 57 - What's Happening?

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I talk about the upcoming podcast schedule and website revisions to kenzimmermanjr.com.

Episode 56 - Working Outside the US

Mon, 27 May 2024 02:23:04 -0300

In this episode, we discuss wrestlers and jiu jitsu fighters working matches in Brazil. We also review WWE's King and Queen of the Ring.

Episode 55 - Browning Squeezes Miyake

Mon, 13 May 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I talk about the 1924 match between Jim Browning and Taro Miyake.

Episode 54 - The Frankenstein Episode

Mon, 06 May 2024 02:32:00 -0300

Technical difficulties led to this podcast being more of a compilation. We discuss an odd decision by the New York State Althletic Commission in 1921.

Episode 53 - Backers vs. Promoters

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:26:03 -0300

In 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.

Episode 52 - Rickard vs. Curley

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, I discuss the possible reasons for the falling out between Tex Rickard and Jack Curley. I also review the first night of Wrestlemania XL.

Episode 51 - Marin Plestina

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, we discuss the threat that Marin Plestina posed to the wrestling trust between 1917 and 1921.

Episode 50 - Wrestling and World War I

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this episode, we discuss how World War I affected American professional wrestling. We also reveal who said, "Repetition is the key when dealing with goofs."

Episode 49 - Pesek vs. Plestina

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 02:32:00 -0300

In this solo episode, I look at John "The Nebraska Tiger Man" Pesek settling two promotional wars in the 1920s.

Episode 48 - Legendary Stories

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, we discuss the origins of professional wrestling stories and legends around events through history.

Episode 47 - Londos vs. Carnera

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, we discuss the careers of Jim Londos and Primo Carnera leading into a review of their 1950 wrestling match.

Episode 46 - Muldoon vs. Whistler

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, we discuss William Muldoon vs. Clarence Whistler as we try to be more positive this week.

Episode 45 - It's a Dirty Business

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 02:32:00 -0400

In 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.

Episode 44 - Young Ed Lewis

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, I discuss the first five years of Ed "Strangler" Lewis' career.

Episode 43 - Mixed Bout

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 02:32:00 -0400

In this episode, we discuss the boxer vs. wrestler bout between "Battling" Levinsky vs. Ray Steele.