It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast
kenzimmermanjr·Hosted by Ken Zimmerman Jr.·100 episodes
Podcast about professional wrestling history from 1870 to 1920.
Why listen
It Was Almost Real is for wrestling fans who want the roots of the business, not just another recap of last week's booking. Ken Zimmerman Jr. digs into professional wrestling from the 1870s through the early 1900s, then often connects that history to later territories, classic cards, documentaries, and modern wrestling culture. It is a straightforward solo history show that works especially well for listeners who like forgotten athletes, old newspaper-era mysteries, and the slow reveal of how kayfabe, promoters, titles, and worked matches developed.
Episodes
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.
In this episode, I discuss the early matches of longtime St. Joseph, Missouri wrestling promoter Gust Karras. I also review two of Karras' cards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this episode, we discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko finally winning the world title in 1921. I also review a Fred Kohler Chicago card from 1936.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this episode, we discuss the history of professional wrestling in the city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
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.
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.
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 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.
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