Advertise on podcast: It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

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

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.

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.