Explore every episode of the podcast It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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