DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Looking for pro wrestling history? WWE, WCW, NWA, AEW, NXT, NJPW, Impact, ROH, AWA, ECW, and much more. Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) is a pro wrestling historian who has produced the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show for over 10 years at Wrestling Observer. He is currently putting together the massive Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling Zone at When It Was Cool. This is the free version of some of the pro wrestling podcasts we produce at When It Was Cool. The vast majority of it is available early to Patreon supporters and there are over 1000 shows available for subscribers. Enjoy these free shows for a deep dive into pro wrestling history and we hope if you enjoy these shows you will become a Patreon supporter and gain access to many others.
This week on the 1000 Hours Podcast series which about the pioneer era of pro wrestling I discuss one of the most famous boxing matches in history. Pioneer era boxing was on the rise at the same time pioneer era pro wrestling was and the biggest name in pioneer era wrestling was William Muldoon. John L. Sullivan, the pioneer boxing legend, was having some problems, namely, he was a sodden drunkard who ate and partied too much. Not only did William Muldoon whip Sullivan into shape but Sullivan won the boxing World heavyweight title in the most famous (and illegal) boxing match of the 1800s.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put "1000" in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 144.
This is the second part of my series about the history of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World heavyweight title. On this episode I cover most of the Harley Race era including other champions like Terry Funk, Jack Brisco, Giant Baba, Dusty Rhodes and more. It was a huge era for the NWA where the world champion literally traveled the world and territory to territory defending the NWA heavyweight title.
There is nothing wrong with your television. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are now controlling the transmission. We control the horizontal and the vertical... You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the deepest inner mind to - - the outer limits.
Yeah, okay, that doesn't work too well for an audio show like a podcast, but you get the idea - it's time to talk science fiction! But before the guys can get back to the future, they've got a mix-tape challenge involving locations on a map to get to. Let's roll the tape!
Today's DragonKingKarl Show is only being distributed through the When It Was Cool Podcast Network. After speaking with Wrestling Observer/F4W boss Tony, I have decided, out of respect to he and Bryan, not to discuss their website problems over there. I finish up answering any questions you have about the situation over there on this show and that's probably the last I will say on the matter. There are plenty of fun and games to be had also as on this episode I talk about a 1980s newspaper article and off-brand newsletter that has an article that must be experienced to be believed. I have attached that newsletter to this post if you want to read it for yourself. Today's show is wacky, fun, and packed full of information. I hope you enjoy it.
I continue my look at the new William Muldoon biography by author Scott Beekman. On this episode we find William Muldoon traveling to San Francisco to continue touring with the play As You Like It with Madame Modjeska and Maurice Barrymore. Muldoon continues to wrestle as well and begins working in San Francisco and other places on the West Coast. However, as always, troubles both legal and otherwise follow him. Muldoon's schemes not only continue to cost him friendships but also his marriage and he ends up arrested as well. Oh yeah, and there is that time he sort of helped kill a dude on a boat... this episode is worth hearing, I promise.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put "1000" in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 144.
Today, I do something I have never done before. The Patreon extra section (about 30 minutes) is at the BEGINNING of the show discussing is the Wrestling Observer Website Failing or Dying? I've been talking with Bryan Alvarez, front page editors, and more this week.
Today on the DragonKingKarl show I begin a deep, deep dive into the true history of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World heavyweight title. The NWA World title actually began before most people realize it did. Although the National Wrestling Association World title had been around for years before the Alliance, there was an actual NWA World title associated with Orville Brown before the official version. Today, I look back at the forgotten origins of the NWA World title and its earliest years.
Oh, no - there goes Tokyo! Joseph and Mike take on the world of tokusatsu and daikaiju and how they both came to love the adventures of Godzilla, Ultraman, and other kaiju brethren. Mothra, Gamera, Rodan, and the Gargantuas are all up for discussion in this episode. But first it's time for the mix-tape challenge of planes, trains, and automobiles and Joseph answers the added challenge of being able to make a mix containing songs from one singular artist!
Today the time machine takes us back to August 1986 from the pages of my latest book DragonKingKarl's 1986-1987 Pro Wrestling Omnibus available from Amazon. In August 1986 Ric Flair won his fifth NWA World title from Dusty Rhodes. WWF was dominating the wrestling scene and doing massive TV tapings for its new shows Superstars and Challenge. The AWA was out of luck, and Stan Hansen defended the AWA World title he no longer held in Alabama!
I'm runnin' down the road tryin' to record my show got a Slayer mailbag on my mind. Returning to you yet again with all the production values you have come to expect from the legendary NoFriender, yet ANOTHER new episode of the Thrash Metal Show Podcast hits the internet and this time he is taking questions about Slayer. Let us all sit up and pay attention and sit under the learning tree about one of the most important bands in heavy metal history.
On this edition of the 1000 Hours Podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, I continue my look at the new William Muldoon book by author Scott Beekman who dives deep into the life and controversies of the Solid Man. In this episode we look back at how William Muldoon got into acting and how his first national tour feel apart and the first signs of trouble between William Muldoon and Clarence Whistler. I also compare the striking similarities between William Muldoon and Hulk Hogan who came along 100 years later. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Please check out my book on the pioneer era of pro wrestling available from Amazon titled DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus.
Today we dive into the September 15, 1986, issue of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This was one of the sources I used in my latest book DragonKingKarl's 1986-1987 Pro Wrestling Omnibus available from Amazon. In this issue, Dave breaks down the business metrics of The Big Event in Toronto, Canada with a main event of Hulk Hogan verses Paul Orndorff which drew around 70,000 people. Plus, Jim Crockett Promotions (NWA) takes over Central States wrestling, The Machines come to the WWF, and AWA crowd have fallen into the hundreds.
Get ready for Armageddon as the Mix-Tape Challenge goes nuclear! Yep, it's time for some post-apocalyptic themed playlists before things REALLY get going as "kayfabe" reigns supreme when Joseph and Mike go back to the 70s and 80s for an extra long discussion about professional wrestling. From a pint-sized businessman to a parking lot dash from destruction, the guys have some stories to tell and memories about the squared circle to share.
Today, we take the time machine back to September 2, 1986, and grab the Wrestling Observer Newsletter out of the mailbox to find out that Hulk Hogan verses Paul Orndorff in Toronto, Canada (AKA: The Big Event) is expected to break all sorts of box office records. Plus, it appears as though Central States Wrestling is about to fall to Jim Crockett Promotions, but Dave Meltzer thinks Bill Watts and the UWF still stand a chance to be the big number two promotions. AWA is drawing terrible crowds and more. Plus, on a special Patreon overrun edition: Is the Wrestling Observer website failing and dying?
It's time for some romance! This episode's 'Mix-Tape Challenge' has the guys pressing play on music highlighting the shiny new possibilities of love found. Then, things get bananas as Mike and Joseph go ape for the 'Planet of the Apes' franchise. Movies, books, and more are on the table as we learn that Ape Shall Not Kill Ape.
I we have now reached 100 hours of podcast time about the pioneer era of pro wrestling. After finishing my book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus and the timeline of the pioneer era of pro wrestling, we now move on to new research. Respected author and academic Scott Beekman recently released a book on the life of wrestling pioneer legend William Muldoon, and we begin reviewing that book. Early on, it is revealed that William Muldoon flat out made up his Civil War record and stole the valor of his deceased brother. Learn all about it on this episode of 1000 Hours by author and historian Karl Stern.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put "1000" in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 130.
Joseph and Mike hit record on their first new mix-tape challenge before shifting gears and talking about some of their favorite and most remembered toys - covering everything from GI Joe to the Easy Bake Oven! Mike's also been watching some Krofft Supershow and tries to jog Joseph's memory about Wonderbug, Dr. Shrinker, and the other live-action shorts that played on a regular basis.
We have now gone through the pages of my book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus and finished the timeline of the pioneer era of pro wrestling. So, today is a good time to pause and answer any listener questions this week and I have several of them discussing William Muldoon, Col. James H. McLaughlin, Evan 'Strangler' Lewis, John McMahon, Harry Hill, Prof. Theibaud Baur, and much more.
This is the extended Patreon Edition of the show.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put "1000" in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 130.
Episode 2001
Guess who just got back today
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven't changed, had much to say
But man, I still think them cats are crazy.
Mike and Joseph are BACK following a self-imposed hiatus that lasted a couple of years longer than expected. Join them for some reintroductions as they hit the ground running with an overview of what the UBW podcast experience is all about in a show that's perfect for new and returning listeners alike!
Today on the 1000 Hours Podcast I finish out the review of my book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus available from Amazon. Frank Gotch is now on the scene after losing to American champion Dan McLeod (working under a fake name) and then was 'discovered' by Farmer Burns. William Muldoon has left pro wrestling, and George Hackenschmidt is ready to rise in Europe. Even though we have finished going through my book the 1000 Hours learning does not end. Next episode I will have a question-and-answer show about the pioneer era and then we move onto new research including a recent book about William Muldoon!
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put "1000" in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 130.
I'm not even kidding. From the deep dark recesses of wherever NoFriender's lair is, years after his last show, a new edition of the Thrash Metal Show Podcast that discusses the 41st anniversary of this important moment in thrash metal music history. Now's a great time to dig into the past episodes of the Thrash Metal Show which lurk in our archive at When It Was Cool!
My 1000 Hours podcast sub-series is devoted to discussion about the pioneer era of pro wrestling (Pre-Frank Gotch). Currently, we are going through my latest book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era of Wrestling Omnibus and we have arrived at a fascinating story I had never heard before researching my book. A huge pro wrestling tournament was held in St. Louis, Missouri and was to feature the biggest names of the era. A rival promoter, however, syphoned off several of the stars for an East Coast tournament instead. But, back in St. Louis, one of the wrestlers, Tom Connors, was alleged to have been poisoned by another- Edwin Bibby. This and much more is discussed in this, hour 82 of 1000 Hour podcast.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 103.
Generally speaking, this is my most listened to show of the year, so thank you and strap in. Over the past several months this podcast has focused on many of the people who had not yet made the ballot. That gives me much more latitude on today's show to dive into the people and process of the Hall of Fame, examine the ballot, and on the second half of the show I throw a curveball to the process which makes for a very interesting segment. Also, I am preparing a suggestion for Dave Meltzer about how to handle the pioneer era of wrestling.
The extended Patreon edition with an over 20-minute discussion about morality in pro wrestling and if that should affect voting can be found here.
Today we hop in the time machine and set it for the fall of 1990. Pro Wrestling was slumping but not yet bottoming out. When the December 1990 issue of the WWF Magazine hit the stands, The Texas Tornado (Kerry Von Erich) graced the cover. Inside was tons of hype for the now four-man Survivor Series where Teams of Four Strive to Score or something like that. Anyway, the magazine seems hyper-fixated on getting over Samba Simba which makes for some pretty weird reading in 2025.
Today on my 1000 Hours podcast series looking back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling (the era before Frank Gotch) from my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus, I look at correspondence from two top pro wrestling historians which include new information on pro wrestling pioneers Duncan C. Ross and Homer Lane. Who were these pioneer champion pro wrestlers? All of this plus more on William Muldoon, Prof. Thiebaud Bauer, Joe Acton, and more!
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 102.
Today my classic wrestling podcast takes a detailed look back at September 1992 through the pages of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter. WCW was having an identity crisis. The pro wrestling world was crumbling down. The WWF (WWE) was plagued with multiple scandals and business was down around the globe. Bill Watts was running WCW and had taken it backward instead of forward. Bill Watts instituted weird, outdated rules and even tried to elevate the now irrelevant NWA back to some sort of stature. It was an effort in futility as Bill Watts would soon be removed due to inflammatory comments which would be brought to light by a baseball legend.
Tons of great questions and topics submitted by our Patreon supporters this month. A wide range of pro wrestling history questions including a few great ones on the pioneer era of pro wrestling plus other topics including: The Wrestler movie, Gulf Coast wrestling area, and much more! These questions and answer shows work best when we get lots of good questions and that is exactly what I have for you on this show!
On hour 80 of my 1000 Hours podcast series covering the pioneer era of pro wrestling, we continue in my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus further into the 1880s. For years now, Collar and Elbow had been the dominate style until the more flashy Greco-Roman style passed it in popularity. Now, there is a new rougher and more dangerous style on the field: Catch-as-Catch-Can!
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 100.
On this weeks show I continue my long form history of pro wrestling series taken from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus. I take a deep dive into October 1985 where Vince McMahon buries Uncle Elmer during his own (real!) wedding! Plus, both the NWA and AWA World champions are in Japan at the same time and wrestle, as well as, tag team with each other. Plus, the Mike Von Erich saga continues.
Join me today for a look back at one of the most significant and impactful years in pro wrestling history - 1996! WCW was exploding in popularity with the formation of the NWO, the heel turn of Hulk Hogan, and much more. WWF was trying to find the right combination to fight the rise of WCW and putting on some incredible matches. I have grabbed a copy of the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Almanac for guidance, so let's see what was so special about 1996.
1000 Hours is my series on the pioneer era of pro wrestling history and is taken from my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus available from Amazon. On this episode, hour 79, we take a look back at the very successful exhibition tour put on by World Greco-Roman champion William Muldoon along with his troupe of wrestlers including Clarence Whistler. Clarence, however, kept beating up poor Andre Christol and finally William Muldoon had to step in which led to a public brawl between the two.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 100
Welcome to my pro wrestling history podcast where, this week, I am going to look back at 1992 when Ron Simmons defeated Big Van Vader for the WCW World championship in an angle that also involved Sting. Plus, we dive into that same issue of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter for a breakdown of the latest scandal revelations concerning the WWF (WWE). A packed episode with tons of pro wrestling insider information about a very volatile time in pro wrestling history.
On this edition of the 1000 Hours Podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, author and historian Karl Stern takes a look back at 1881 in pro wrestling history including the evolution of William Muldoon from New York City Police officer to touring pro wrestling champion. Also, a physical description is given for an early championship belt, plus the death of former American champion James Owens at the age of 30.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 100.
I am back this week with a new podcast looking back at the 1990s. Recently, I took a look at the first pro wrestling newsletters of the 1990s to get a feeling for where the 1990s era begin, and it began in a very low place. Today, we look at the last newsletters of the 1990s, from 1999 to discover that the WWF / WWE is flying high and WCW is trying to regroup, yet again, from a failed reset. Steve Austin, Bill Goldberg, Vince Russo, Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, and many others are discussed through the pages of the insider newsletters of 1999.
The extended Patreon version is here.
Today is my birthday! And what better way to celebrate than with a packed mailbag and this month is probably our best yet with questions ranging from the pioneer era up to the 1990s! We have a few new great pioneer era finds via wrestling historian Jason Campbell to discuss, plus more 1990s talk, interesting twist on second generation wrestler question, the NWA, and much more!
There is an extended Patreon version of the show here -
The 1000 Hours podcast this week answers a sponsor's question: Why should we study the pioneer era of pro wrestling? What relevance does it have to the modern era? Well, I am glad you asked. The mythology of the pioneer era and men like William Muldoon, Evan Strangler Lewis, Farmer Burns and others is often misunderstood as the origin of mixed martial arts, Catch wrestling, and belongs to that world. While there are elements which do belong in that world, make no mistake, ninety percent of what happened back then influenced and began what we now recognize as worked American entertainment style pro wrestling. Please also check out my book on the pioneer era of wrestling: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus.
The expanded Patreon edition is available here.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 98
What did the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s look like in pro wrestling? What did it look like in real time through the lenses of the pro wrestling newsletters? There was a real business and fan shift going from 1989 into 1990, pro wrestling was getting smaller, scandal ridden, and less popular but how did the pro wrestling media cover it at the time? On today's show I take a look at the first issues of pro wrestling newsletters for January 1990.
The extended Patreon version of the show is here.
Join pro wrestling historian and author Karl Stern as he talks about the complicated history and legacy of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at his home in Florida. Hulk Hogan, who began his pro wrestling career in the late 1970s, became one of the most famous pro wrestlers in history and a major pop culture star as well. From his movies to his reality show, Hulk Hogan was one of the biggest media stars pro wrestling ever produced.
As I continue my look back at the 1990s, I make a stop in one of the strangest eras of pro wrestling history- 1992. The pro wrestling business has cratered. Ticket sales are terrible, PPV is struggling, TV rating are nothing impressive, and the business is scandal ridden. However, there were still plenty of great wrestlers. WCW, in particular, had many pieces to a great puzzle but no one to put it together. The NWA was still around for some reason. This week I look back at the WCW Great American Bash 1992 and how it represents just how bad... yet also, good, things were then!
This is hour 76 our podcast series looking back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling. We pick up in 1880. H.M. Dufur has recently defeated James Owens as American heavyweight champion and on this episode, we cover most of his first reign as champion. The collar and elbow scene was changing and William Muldoon is still rising in the Greco-Roman world but is seriously being held back by the New York City Police Department. Pro wrestling is really ramping up in this era and I am excited for us to learn about it. This episode is taken from my latest book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus available from Amazon here - https://amzn.to/44SMdSf
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 96.
I am back with the latest long form history of pro wrestling series from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus book taking a detailed look at August of 1985. On this show we discuss the continued growth of the WWF, Jim Crockett Promotions is coming on strong, the AWA continues to hang on, plus news from the young Continental wrestling, World Class, Japan, and much more!
There is an extended Patreon version of this show here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/134196339
#wrestling, #WWE, #AEW, #NJPW, #TNA, #NXT, #NWA, #ROH, #sport, #sports, #history, #movie, #movies, #WCW, #retro, #WIWC
You've got the questions, and I have the answers! We have several great topics and questions to discuss on this edition of the show including the Roddy Piper movies Hell Comes to Frogtown and Body Slam, masked wrestlers of the territorial era, Mr. Wrestling II and his legal mystery unearthed, Jake Roberts, Sting, Rick Rude, Sonny King, early 1990s WCW feuds, and much more!
The extended Patreon version with extra questions answered and discussed is here.
#wrestling, #WWE, #AEW, #NJPW, #TNA, #NXT, #NWA, #ROH, #sport, #sports, #history, #movie, #movies, #WCW, #retro, #WIWC, #truecrime, #crime
The 1000 Hours podcast series focus exclusively on the pioneer era of pro wrestling or the era before Frank Gotch. This episode of the show is sponsored by Andy C. with information taken from my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus available at Amazon. We finish up the 1870s on this episode as we see pro wrestling riding a wave of popularity. H.M. Dufur wins the American title from James Owens, plus William Muldoon is rising to the top in the Greco-Roman world, plus tons more from this action-packed era!
The extended Patreon version is here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/133516652
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 94.
Today I want to look back at the late 1990s in pro wrestling history. The 1990s were a wild time and the late 1990s saw the rise of the NWO, WCW passing WWE in popularity only to implode, and the hard-hitting Japanese scene making the late 1990s one of the most interesting times in pro wrestling. It was an era of The Rock, Steve Austin, Bill Goldberg, the NWO, ECW, and so much more.
The extended Patreon edition of the show is here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/133011104
My Long Form History of Wrestling Series continues with a detailed look back at July 1985. July 1985 was a big month in pro wrestling history featuring the first ever WWF King of the Ring Tournament and a red-hot NWA Great American Bash. The Rock and Roll Express begin their reign as NWA World tag team champions plus the WWF get a new Intercontinental champion in Tito Santana! The information in this episode comes from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus available at Amazon.
This is hour 74 of the 1000 Hours podcast series looking back at the pre-Frank Gotch era of pro wrestling in the United States. This podcast is taken from the pages of my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era of Pro Wrestling Omnibus available from Amazon. This episode is packed with big happenings. The late 1870s saw the peak of the first Greco-Roman era of wrestling while Collar and Elbow was struggling. John McMahon and Col. James H. McLaughlin, the two biggest names of the time, have their three-match series. William Muldoon is on the rise and the wild story of the fake Andre Christol!
The extended Patreon version is here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/132041763
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 93.
Today we are headed back to the early 1990s to discuss the state of pro wrestling at the time. While business was just about as bad as it could get, there were still plenty of great storylines and personalities at the time. The early 1990s saw Hulk Hogan gone from WWF and the rise of Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and others. WCW was a complete corporate mess but there was still great wrestling with Sting, Big Van Vader, Ron Simmons, Cactus Jack, and more! I also look at the PWI Top 500 during the early 1990s both the top and bottom of the rankings!
The extended Patreon version of the show is here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/131680918
It is time for one of my favorite shows to record, our monthly question and answer show where, you the listener ask any pro wrestling history related question or suggest a topic. On this show, I field questions about historical brass knux championships, history of world championships splitting off from the NWA World title, legacy wrestling characters, Jim Londos, the big blue steel cage, and more!
The extended Patreon edition with extra questions answered are on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/131156789
1000 Hour is my continuing podcast series about the pioneer era of pro wrestling. The pioneer era is the time before Frank Gotch, roughly 1850 to 1900. It was an era of wild showmen and tough real wrestlers. This episode continues our chronological journey through the pioneer era of wrestling via my book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus. This week we are in the 1870s and the wrestling bears are still causing trouble, every newspaper has a different idea who the American champion is, and the two biggest stars of the time: John McMahon and Col. James H. McLaughlin have the first two of their trio of matches... and then somebody drags out a sword.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 93.
My podcast today takes a detailed look back at June 1985 in pro wrestling history. The text is taken from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus. In June 1985 pro wrestling's first action figures become available, a set of AWA action figures by Remco toy company and WWF figures by LJN. In addition to that, Sgt. Slaughter sort of wins a title in the AWA, there is finally some life in Jim Crockett Promotions because of Magnum TA, and Japan is red hot!
This is the extended Patreon edition with breaking news about the son of a former WWF star and Hall of Famer arrested for multiple felony charges in Georgia, plus a look at the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (check attachments). - Here.
It is a regular gravy edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling podcast, and I dive deeper into the list of those on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot who have not yet been voted in. The very famous tag team of Black Gordman and Great Goliath have not yet been voted in, should they? Also, more 1930s Madison Square Garden history with a huge double cross incoming and a look at another mid-1990s Tokyo Dome show with a massive tag team match.
The extended Patreon edition is here.
Hour 72 of 1000 Hours podcast is here and today I discuss the invasion of bears into 1870s pro wrestling. Yes, you read that right... bears. Many may think that wrestling bears was a curiosity of the 1940s through the 1980s, yet the height of bear wrestling was actually in the 1800s. One, or possibly two, French circus troops toured America with wrestling bears. Two of those bears became famous, or infamous, for mauling and killing people. Not only did one bite off Lucien Marc's finger, but they also wrestled from coast to coast injuring several including Prof. Thiebaud Bauer. Join me for some really incredible stories from the origin and evolution of pro wrestling.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 Hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 93.
Our new question and answer podcasts take several questions from our listeners today that cover a huge chunk of pro wrestling history. The history of New Japan Pro Wrestling has been a complicated one and I try to unravel a little bit of it here today. I also field questions about the era when JBL was WWE champion and much more! Join me for a look back at the history of professional wrestling through the questions submitted by our listeners.
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It's time for the latest installment in my Long Form History of Pro Wrestling podcast series and this episode is taken from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus looking at the pro wrestling world in May 1985. The WWF machine continues to grow following the success of WrestleMania 1. However, despite what you may think, the AWA remains strong and is even out drawing the WWF in spots. The final days of Southeastern is here before they transform into Continental and more from Japan and Mexico!
This edition of the 1000 Hours Podcast which is taken from my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus finds us in 1878, and things continue to take an entertaining turn. The collar and elbow wrestlers have a new champion, and he isn't exactly setting the world on fire. The Greco-Roman wrestlers are basically being run out of town, but their fortunes are about to change. Then along comes the bears... and horses. Well, you'll just have to listen. Pro wrestling was wild in the pioneer era.
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Join me today for a look at another Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame nominee- The Mongolian Stomper! I grew up watching the Stomper on Southeastern Wrestling, but he worked a different sort of character in Stampede. I'll discuss if any of those belong in the Hall of Fame. Plus, we continue our look back at 1930s wrestling at Madison Square Garden, and more 1990s Tokyo Dome pro wrestling history!
This was a really fun question and answer show as I had numerous questions and topic suggestions submitted. I have several follow-ups on Ric Flair in the WWF, winning the Royal Rumble and his later return to WCW. Also, I discuss Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker, early 1990s WCW, as well as other questions.
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Thank you for joining me for my podcast series all about the pre-1900 era of pro wrestling or the era before Frank Gotch. We are presently going through the pages of my book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling and have arrived in 1870 and the earliest version of 'sports entertainment' is developing. After having been brought over from France, French wrestlers are putting on a showy exhibition style of wrestling called Greco-Roman, but not the Greco-Roman you know today. This is hour 70 of 1000 Hours.
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I return to my long form history of pro wrestling series and look back at April 1985 from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus. The first WWF WrestleMania has ended. Hulk Hogan graces the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. The AWA remains strong, but Jim Crockett Promotions has nothing to answer the onslaught of the WWF. There are multiple events in Japan with both New Japan and All Japan. Things are changing and the WWF is leading the charge.
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On today's podcast, I continue my look at acts which have not yet been voted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame with a focus on the tag team of The Hart Foundation. While Bret Hart is already in, the Hart Foundation as a tag team is not! Then we travel in time back to the mid-1930s for a look at what was happening at Madison Square Garden and the big name of Danno O'Mahoney enters the scene. Plus, and extensive look at a 1990s Tokyo Dome card during the midst of the mixed martial arts influence.
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After many years, the mailbag question and answer show returns to the DragonKingKarl Show! We have a great set of questions and topics for this show including Ric Flair jumping from WCW to WWE, Bill Mercer and other territorial era announcers, Bob Backlund, Eric Bischoff and the fate of WCW, inducting matches into the Hall of Fame, and much more!
My 1000 Hours Podcast covers the pioneer era of pro wrestling and presently we are going through my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus. Col. James H. McLaughlin rules the American wrestling landscape. John McMahon and Homer Lane are trooping across the country and pro wrestling is gain popularity from coast to coast. The rise of Prof. Thiebaud Bauer and Prof. William Miller and their brand of entertainment style wrestling is also sweeping the country, but the newspapers are starting to get weary of their antics.
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Today my show returns to one of the most epic months in pro wrestling history, March 1985. WWF WrestleMania took place at the end of the month, however, during first weeks of the month Dr. D David Shultz gets fired (for real this time) from WWF, Hulk Hogan drops talk show host Richard Beltzer on his head and injures him, and Hulk Hogan and Mr. T get a fortuitus opportunity dropped in their laps with a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. Plus, news from Japan, the NWA, SECW, AWA, World Class, and much more. Much of the information for this show comes from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus.
On this episode, I take a look at the Hall of Fame case for former WWF Champion and one of the craziest characters in pro wrestling history - The Iron Sheik. I look at the qualifications for the Iron Sheik and the Observer Hall of Fame plus my personal story of booking the Iron Sheik once. Then I look back to the mid-1930s to Madison Square Garden and the return of Jim Londos, and a mid-1990s look at the Tokyo Dome and the BVD Martial Arts tournament featuring Antonio Inoki and... Sting!
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1000 Hours Podcast takes a look back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling. With information pulled from my latest book, DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling. On this episode, hour 68 of our series, we continue our look at the post 1870 Detroit International Tournament era. New York is growing as a hub for pro wrestling and promoter and former champion Harry Hill is putting together pro wrestling's first syndicate, trust, or promotion featuring Homer Lane, and the John McMahon family. Also, the future biggest arena in sports takes its first form.
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On today's show, our Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame candidate discussion moves to 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong. Bob Armstrong (and family) was among my favorites growing up. Bob Armstrong was the hometown hero of my regional wrestling promotion Southeastern Championship Wrestling and later as The Bullet in Continental. Does he belong in the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame? Plus, discussion of 1934 Madison Square Garden where Jim Londos finally gets the title back from 'Pig Farmer' Jim Browning and more 1990s Tokyo Dome!
Hour 67 of the 1000 Hours Podcast takes a look back at the very first 'undisputed' champion in pro wrestling. As I continue a study through my latest book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling, we have just studied the 1870 Detroit International tournament which set up the recognized rules of wrestling and crowned Col. James H. McLaughlin as champion. But McLaughlin wasn't yet the official American champion, that was Homer Lane, but McLaughlin verses Lane decides who pro wrestling's first undisputed champion would be.
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On this week's show, I discuss the life and mysterious death of Jay Youngblood and whether he and Ricky Steamboat as a tag team should be in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. Also, the entire Mid-Atlantic area and the incredible tag team scene of that time. Then I take a look at a 1994 Tokyo Dome featuring Hulk Hogan and a Brutus Beefcake match that I simply must see!
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This week, I will again be going through a booklet of old DragonKing Newsletters I recently found again. I continue with a look back at the early days of the Midnight Express and look back at the era when it was a trio of Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose, and Norvel Austin. There are also multiple articles we will look back at cover the epidemic of young deaths in pro wrestling that occurred from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. Be sure to support When It Was Cool on Patreon for instant access to over 2,500 podcasts, books, and more!
1000 Hours podcast discusses the pioneer (pre-1900) era of professional wrestling which I wrote about in my latest book the DragonKingKarl Pioneer Era of Wrestling Omnibus. On today's podcast we cover the most monumental moment of the pioneer era of wrestling - the 1870 Detroit International Tournament. This tournament set many of the rules for pro wrestling and has long been the source of myth and misinformation. By listening to today's podcast, you will gain a detailed perspective of the origin and evolution of pro wrestling in the United States! This is hour 66.
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And now for something different... I have recently found a booklet in my possession I had forgotten about. After closing down the original DragonKing Press Newsletter, I briefly (for 10 issues) launched a volume two. I have now made the DragonKing Newsletter Vol. 2 available as a Kindle book and we will spend a few weeks going through it. Today, we talk about the early history of the Midnight Express, Joe Stecher, and the highly controversial book by Downtown Bruno (Bruno Lauer). Come and join me for some great pro wrestling history!
I begin my methodical look back at pro wrestling in 1985 with January 1985 from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus book. Hulk Hogan is the WWF champion and had been for a year, he is also a huge star in Japan. Ric Flair is the NWA World champion and looking forward to a big year. Rick Martel is the AWA World champion and is feuding with Jimmy Garvin. Plus, The Road Warriors, Antonio Inoki, and much more! Join me for a detailed look back at January 1985!
On this week's classic wrestling show I look at the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame case for Wild Bull Curry, a name in pro wrestling before I was a fan, let's look back at his career. Also on this show, we return to Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY following the Jack Pfefer scandal, then we go to the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo Japan for an early 1990s show putting both New Japan and WCW talent together on the same show.
On today's show the main topic of discussion is changes in pro wrestling and society over the past 30 years, how pro wrestling culture ebbed and flowed during that time, and just how great was early 1990s WCW? From a financial standpoint, terrible, but there was also a lot of fun to be found. Then I examine the case for Ole Anderson, as a singles wrestler, for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
I continue to take listeners through my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Pro Wrestling and we have reached the 1860s, the era right before the Detroit International Tournament, the event which would effectively kick off pro wrestling in America, sort of. Today, I get to revisit one of my favorite and most colorful of the pioneer era pro wrestlers: Uzile Prickett, who won the American championship then set off across the country wreaking havoc until he was murdered! This is hour 65 of 1000 Hours.
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Today I take a look at the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame case for the Von Erich brother trio of David, Kevin, and Kerry Von Erich. Amazingly, the only Von Erich in the Hall of Fame is Fritz, should this be the case? Also on this show, more from the Jack Pfefer scandal in New York wrestling, plus a really cool show from the Tokyo Dome in 1992. Lots of pro wrestling history in this episode!
As I continue to work through my latest book, DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era of Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling on this podcast, we arrive to the era right before the Detroit International Tournament which would set the rules largely for the coming first era of pro wrestling in America. Just before the Detroit tournament, the American championship was born around New York with names you might not yet know but are instrumental in the foundation of pro wrestling in the U.S.: Harry Hill, Uzile Prickett, Homer Lane, and others. This is hour 64 of 1000 hours.
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On this week's show, I take a look back into the 1930s for more history from Madison Square Garden in New York as the fallout from Jack Pfefer's exposing pro wrestling continues, a rare hybrid-shoot style show takes place at the Tokyo Dome in 1992, and then we discuss the case of Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson with J.J. Dillon in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
I round out the year of 2024 by taking a look at the concerning fan bases of multiple pop culture fields including pro wrestling. Over the past few years, wrestling fan bases have seemingly been at war with each other. Fans of WWE hating fans of AEW and vice versa. Even the pro wrestling media has been feuding. Has it always been this way? I will examine that question and assure you that it is not just the wrestling community having trouble co-existing with different ideas.
Please check out my latest book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus!
The 1000 Hours Podcast is all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling. Karl Stern, author of the DragonKingKarl Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus is the host. We continue to work our way through the book and are now up to just prior to the 1870 Detroit International Tournament. Pro wrestling starts to get more organized during this era. Harry Hill comes onto the scene, and he will play a major role in the development of pro wrestling. The early players are coming onto the board, so let's discuss them! This is hour 63 of 1000 Hours.
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Today, we take our time machine back 8 years for a show that might seem random but isn't. As I explain in the newly recorded intro, later this week we are introducing a new podcast on our network called Southeastern Championship Wrestling Action News by Aaron Gartlan who will be covering the existing Southeastern and Continental shows. So, to set the stage, here is my biography of one of SECW's biggest stars and my personal favorite, Mr. Olympia (Jerry Stubbs)
Today I continue with my 1000 Hours podcast series which covers pre-1900 pro wrestling. Now that my new book is out (available at Amazon here- https://amzn.to/3OLWrwf ) we are working our way through the it with additional commentary and thoughts. So, we return to before the American Civil War and find that American pro wrestling's roots actually begin there with a mysterious character called King of the Wrestlers Charles who is traveling from town to town including New York, Baltimore, New Orleans, and elsewhere promoting himself as a wrestler... but he seems to have an accomplice, and it's already looking questionable for the legitimacy of wrestling from the very start. This is hour 62 of 1000 Hours.
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The pioneer era of pro wrestling is the era of the origin and development of pro wrestling in the United States which ends in 1900 or pre-Frank Gotch. On this, hour 61 of our series, we begin a walk-through of my new book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era of Wrestling Omnibus. We dive even deeper into the stories in the book discuss the pioneer era of pro wrestling in the deepest detail ever before attempted.
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The 20th appearance of Batman took place in issue 43 of Detective Comics which was released in 1940. In this issue, Batman and Robin take on a corrupt mayor and police force in a mid-America town. Join us on our Patreon page for the continuing Batman in Order podcast series following all the chronological appearances of Batman in order. When It Was Cool | creating a Website and Podcast Network | Patreon
On my flagship pro wrestling show this week we look at the new 2024 class of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. Among the new members are Roman Reigns and the Young Bucks and we will discuss them, as well as the other inductees. Also, should any new pioneer era wrestlers be inducted next year? I have a couple of suggestions since I literally wrote the book on the pioneer era of pro wrestling which can be ordered on Amazon at https://amzn.to/40RakQR
My pioneer era podcast returns this week with a look back at 1886. 1886 was a year of change in professional wrestling. Clarence Whistler had been one of the top stars of the last few years but died while on tour of Australia in late 1885. Col. James H. McLaughlin had returned to wrestling after multiple retirements and a young and dangerous wrestler named Evan Lewis was earning his nickname of 'The Strangler' and poised to become a major star.
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For more stories like these, check out my new book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling from Amazon. Order here - https://amzn.to/3Z3rlVN
It is the official book launch of my new 700-page monster research project on the pioneer era of United States pro wrestling. The DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer era of Pro Wrestling is now available as a print book and on Kindle! I am joined by my wife Tonya from the When It Was Cool website who sits down with me to discuss the pioneer era of pro wrestling, why it is so interesting, how it really influenced modern pro wrestling, plus much more. If you have ever wondered about pro wrestling in the U.S. before Frank Gotch then check out this week's podcast!
This is my 1000 Hours Podcast series which focuses on the pioneer era of pro wrestling, or pre-1900 wrestling. My new book, DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Wrestling Omnibus is coming out this next week and, on this episode, hour 59 of 1000 Hours, I want to look at one of the oldest books to talk about the pioneer era. A book called From Milo to Londos. From Milo to Londos gave us a lot of information about the pioneer era, but it gave us some misinformation also.
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It's time to celebrate Halloween and pro wrestling is a great place to do that. Pro wrestling has long had its share of monsters and supernatural creatures. This week, I want to pull one out of the archives where I just talk about the monsters and menaces of wrestling for a while. If you've heard this show before, I hope you will listen to it again with a new appreciation of the great line that pro wrestling draws between sports and entertainment. From Frankenstein to Vampires and beyond!
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The 1000 Hours Podcast from Karl 'DragonKingKarl' Stern is all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling. The era before Frank Gotch. Frank Gotch did not just appear out of a void and create pro wrestling for the masses in the early 1900s. Frank Gotch built on over 50 years of a thriving and, at times, hugely popular pro wrestling business. Much of what we, as historians, had to learn from until recent times were published books like From Milo to Londos and Fall Guys. But these books were written 30 to 50 years after the fact. With the research tools we now have available, what is fact verses fiction from source material like From Milo to Londos?
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It's that time of year again, Dave Meltzer has sent out the 2024 ballots for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. This is my most popular show of the year (two parts with part 2 airing next week) and we have a lot to discuss this year. Will the multitude of tag teams introduced over the last few years get in? What about the Young Bucks? Who is in danger of dropping off the list? Several new names are now on the ballot. So, let's discuss the 2024 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot. Part 1.
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On hour 57 of 1000 Hours, the podcast series about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, historian and author Karl Stern has new information about the original Terrible Turk provided by an expert on the matter, Phil Lions. Phil has given us some great details not previously published about pro wrestling's first major special attraction. Then, we look more at William Muldoon and his archrival Clarence Whistler. Why did their partnership fall apart and what did their last meeting look like. That and much more on this episode of 1000 Hours.
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I have a tremendous show for you today on our 1000 Hours series which is all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling (pre-1900). For some time, we have been focusing on the era of Col. James H. McLaughlin, John McMahon and his family, and Andre Christol. Moving forward into the 1880s we get into the era of William Muldoon and his archrival (and sometimes business partner) Clarence Whistler. The two men had a very complicated relationship and toured the country wrestling each other. Then, for some reason, it got real, and the two split up. Muldoon sets up in San Francisco for a long time and becomes a major star there too. One this, hour 56 of 1000 Hours, let's dive deeper into William Muldoon.
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Don't let this be the last episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audo Show you hear! While 1000 Hours (The Pioneer Era of Wrestling Podcast) will remain free (due to sponsorships) the Tuesday DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show is moving exclusively to our Patreon Page and to Wrestling Observer. Don't miss out on classic pro wrestling history from wrestling's only court certified wrestling historian.
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I have a great show for you today with a variety of pro wrestling history topics. The finals of the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament (GKT) is here and you the listener have voted. Who wins between the finalists Antonio Inoki verses Mitsuharu Misawa? How did we end up with an all Japanese finals and more! Plus, more history from the 1930s at Madison Square Garden and the later days of Ed 'Strangler' Lewis time as champion in New York. Finally, wrestling lingo is in the news and I take a look at the history of insider wrestling terminology. It is older than most people think. So, hippodromers, join me for a great show packed with pro wrestling history!
On my show this week we need to talk shop for a bit. The wrestling landscape is changing, actually, it has changed drastically over the last five years especially. The wrestling fan has also changed considerably. When I first started providing shows for Wrestling Observer and Figure Four over 15 years ago the classic wrestling podcast listener was way different than the one today. The entire landscape both in and out of the ring has changed. So, what kind of fan are you and what are you looking for when it comes to pro wrestling history listening? Plus, we continue our look at wrestling history at Madison Square Garden and later days of Ed 'Strangler' Lewis.
As my research into the pioneer era of pro wrestling continues, I am now into the 1880s which is the era dominated by 'The Solid Man' William Muldoon. What is the reality of William Muldoon? Should he be held in higher esteem than the dominate wrestler of the 1870s, Col. James H. McLaughlin? What was Muldoon's deal? He started out as a policeman in New York but ran afoul of the Police Chief and Commissioners because he wrestled for money in Greco-Roman which had a terrible reputation at the time. So how did William Muldoon become the most popular star in the country and the most recognizable name of the pioneer era and... was he on the level? This is hour 55 of 1000 Hours.
This week on my podcast I mention the passing of one of my favorites, Sid Vicious, plus we look at more history from Madison Square Garden as Ed Strangler Lewis returns, the finals of the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament are set as Sting takes on Antonio Inoki, plus we dive into a 1984 pro wrestling magazine for a look at the Von Erichs, Ted DiBiase, and many more. Join me for a deep dive into pro wrestling history.
I am back with my continuing series The Long Form History of Pro Wrestling and on this episode, I cover August 1984. Hulk Hogan and the WWF continue to steam roll over everybody and essentially steal California from the AWA by buying their TV spot out from under them. But the other promotions aren't dead just yet. Georgia rises from the ashes to attempt a comeback, The Road Warriors become AWA World tag team champions, and more. 1984 was a turning point in the history of pro wrestling and we are deep in the heart of it with this show!
My 1000 Hours series is all about the pioneer era of wrestling which is pre-1900 or the era before Frank Gotch and on this episode, I have a wild, entertaining, and hilarious set of stories about Luicen Marc, the French Greco Roman champion. We have talked about him previously; a bear bit his finger off and he masqueraded around as fellow French champion Andre Christol. Well, what happened when the real Andre Christol found out about it? Hilarity ensued, that's what. This is a tale from the 1880s which you would swear is straight out of the 1980s. This one is worth your time to jump on if you've never listened before. Are you not entertained?
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I am back with a new DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling podcast today and I talk about the upcoming finals to the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament- The GKT including why it is so Japanese heavy, the quality difference between Japan and the U.S. in wrestling and is there really a coverage bias in the newsletters historically or is Japan just that good. Plus, more history from Madison Square Garden including a possible shooting match. Finally, I look at an off-brand pro wrestling magazine from 1987 and more!
I am back with what is essentially a part two of last week's 1000 Hour's podcast as I look more at the original first family of wrestling- John McMahon, James Owens, Peter Owens, and Ed Cox. Plus, the trilogy of Col. James H. McLaughlin verses John McMahon concludes. What was real and what wasn't between the two biggest stars of the 1870's? Lucian Marc meets the real Andre Christol, and he isn't happy... or so the story goes. More works, scams, fakes, and bears as we continue our look into the pioneer era of American pro wrestling. This is Hour 53 of 1000 Hours.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 70.
My long form history of pro wrestling series is a month-by-month break down of the history of pro wrestling. Currently, we are up to July 1984 (which I cover in my DragonKingKarl Stern's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus book) and one of the major events in the rise of WWF/WWE takes place - Black Saturday, when Championship Wrestling from Georgia went off the air replaced by WWF programming. It did not go well. Plus, Rick Martel as AWA champion, New Japan, Mid-South has a huge show, and much more!
I return with my podcast series on the pioneer era of pro wrestling (pre-1900) with a packed show today. Most of it is spent discussing the first, first family of wrestling. Wrestling families are part of its culture: The Von Erichs, The Armstrongs, The Welches, The Funks, The Briscos, The Windhams, etc. But the original first family of wrestling were the four members of John McMahon's family: John McMahon, James Owens, Peter Owens, and Ed Cox. There are multiple American (World) championships between them during the 1870s all were among the top tier of pro wrestlers in America. However, I couldn't help but name the episode after Lucien Marc's missing finger because that is one heck of a story.
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On the 386th edition of Wrestling With the Dawg Podcast at FlairFlop.com, Eric Allen and Joe Drilling of OnTheStick.com joins the Dirty Dawg Darsie to review the four-part Vice series entitled "Who Killed WCW?" The three cats discussed why WCW was popular back in the day, the Jerry Springer show, Hulk Hogan and his creative control, bad management skills of Eric Bischoff, how WCW dropped the ball on Goldberg, Vince Russo's writing style, and so much more!
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I have a packed show for you today discussing the final shows of Southeastern wrestling before it became Continental with Bob Armstrong, Lord Humongous, Ron Fuller, Boomer Lynch, and more. Some more from 1932 Madison Square Garden, a review of the great new book Six Pack and my thoughts on Tito Santana, and the last member of the final four of the GKT is decided by you the listener between Terry Funk and Mitsuharu Misawa!
I am back with my 1000 Hours series which focuses on the history, origin, and evolution of pro wrestling in America. A listener has asked about Germany, France, and Europe in the pioneer era of wrestling. France, in particular, was hugely important in pro wrestling's popularity in the United States with Prof. Thiebaud Bauer bringing his French style of Greco-Roman and turning it into a true entertainment spectacle. Wilhelm Vandervecken and Wilhelm Heygster of German and many other Europeans impacted the formation and popularity of wrestling in the U.S.
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I have a great show for you this week starting off with a fun entry into the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament - The GKT, where you the listener voted between Sting and Kurt Angle. Next up we go back to 1931 Madison Square Garden where Dick Shikat upset the order of things by shooting on people. The show rounds out with a look at December 1984 in Southeastern wrestling where a small crew are doing memorable things, Lord Humongous is in town, Arn Anderson is on his way out, Jerry Stubbs is Mr. Olympia again, and Pat and Randy Rose are the top tag team.
It is a PACKED edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling podcast today as I talk about the latest match in the GKT: Greatest Kayfabe Tournament where you, the listener, have voted on who would win in their primes between Antonio Inoki and Hiroshi Tanahashi. I then travel back to 1931 for more history from Madison Square Garden and Jim Londos, then the second half of the show is entirely focused on Southeastern Championship Wrestling in 1984 which was a changeable time for them. The Forgettable Man Vic Rain, Jimmy Golden, Bob Armstrong, Ron Fuller, Rick McGraw, Boris Zurkoff, and more!
I return with the 1000 Hours podcast series which focuses exclusively on the pioneer era of pro wrestling or the era before Frank Gotch. I am looking back today at 1875 and 1876 which was dominated by the American heavyweight champion Col. James H. McLaughlin, pro wrestling's first major star. McLaughlin won pro wrestling's first big championship tournament in 1870 in Detroit and had dominated until, out of nowhere, a relative unknown Michigan wrestler named Jacob H. Martin showed up and held McLaughlin to a draw- twice! And one of those lasted almost eight hours. Is there more to the story? I discuss it on this episode. This is hour 50 of 1000 hours.
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On this episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast I continue my Long Form History of Wrestling series with a look at June 1984. WWF has bought out the Georgia territory and it's first venture into national cable television didn't quite go as planned. There is both a new NWA and AWA World champion and now a new IWGP champion as well. Plus, Sgt. Slaughter and the Iron Sheik have their famous Boot Camp match. All that plus Arn Anderson and Jerry Stubbs, and much more!
On this week's show we have a ton of classic pro wrestling discussion on a variety of topics. The latest match in the GKT: Greatest Kayfabe Tournament and the voters are split on a match between Kenny Omega and Terry Funk- but we have a winner! More from 1931 New York wrestling and Madison Square Garden. Then the second half of the show takes a look at the first of three July 1984 issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter including the death of Vince McMahon, Sr, Andy Kaufman, and Ric Flair regaining the NWA World title from Kerry Von Erich in Japan.
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Hour 49 of the 1000 Hours podcast series is a packed one. The 1000 Hours series is my detailed, heavily researched look at the pioneer era of pro wrestling, or pro wrestling before the time of Frank Gotch. On today's episode I am asked about Davy Crockett, whose obituary following his death at the Alamo claimed he was a wrestler. What is the reality of that claim? Plus, we discuss the shooting of pioneer legend John McMahon whose working of matches caught up to him in San Francisco. Tons to talk about on this episode so let's get to it!
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 66
On this episode of my DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast I take a look at the results of the latest match in the final eight of the GKT: Greatest Kayfabe Tournament pitting Brock Lesnar against Mitsuharu Misawa. These two would have had an incredible match in their primes and I discuss it along with your voting results. The bulk of the show is spent discussing the 1980s-1990s pro wrestling and how the lapsed wrestling fan is a real thing and how the problem is only increasing including all the dynamics in why, there really is a new generation of pro wrestling fan.
On this episode I continue the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden podcast series with a detour to Yankee Stadium in 1931 where Jim Londos teams up with the William Randolph Hearst empire to hopefully draw one of the largest crowds in history up to that date. Well, they tried anyway. Then I transition to more talk about the glory era of pro wrestling in the southern United States with more discussion of Jerry Jarrett's Memphis wrestling empire, Ron Fuller's Continental Wrestling, and more.
Wrestling historian Karl Stern first covered the pioneer era wrestling special attraction Yousof Ismael- The Terrible Turk, on hour five of the 1000 Hours podcast series, but the Terrible Turk deserves a follow up as requested by one of our listeners. Now Karl tells you the latest information he has uncovered about the original Terrible Turk who came to America in 1898, beat the best in the country (including the American champion), then died on his way back to Europe... and how much of it was legitimate. This is hour 48 of 1000 hours, the podcast about the pioneers of pro wrestling.
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The early pioneer era has given us some very interesting people to learn about so far. Uzile Prickett, Col. McLaughlin, G.W. Flagg, and now let's meet Homer Lane. Homer Lane was one of the early American champions. A multi-time American champion as a matter of fact. He was also a straight up carny. Yes, even before 1870 pro wrestling had its workers as we have learned, and Homer Lane was one of them. He was also probably part of pro wrestling first (?) trust/syndicate/booking office along with John McMahon, Harry Hill, and others. This is hour 47 of 1000 hours.
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Wrestling historian Karl Stern returns with a detailed look at the month of May 1984 in pro wrestling history. It was one of the most significant months ever: Kerry Von Erich wins the NWA World title from Ric Flair in the largest show in Texas history, Ric Flair regains the title in Japan, Rick Martel becomes AWA World champion, Vince McMahon Sr dies, Andy Kaufman dies, and much more. If you are a fan of classic old school pro wrestling history then this is a great jumping on point.
DragonKingKarl Long Form History of Pro Wrestling - Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling Podcast — When It Was Cool - Pop Culture, Comics, Pro Wrestling, Toys, TV, Movies, and Podcasts
I have recently spent many hours digging through hundreds of pages of 1870 newspapers from Detroit, Chicago, Ontario, and beyond chronicling the real story of the biggest tournament in history of American pro wrestling in the pioneer era. The 1870 Detroit International tournament awarded an ornate championship belt to its winner Col. James H. McLaughlin, but McLaughlin did not become the American champion, at least not yet, but I give you that story too. Also, McLaughlin may have killed Barney Smith, but it probably did not happen here either. I also clear up a number of other myths and errors that history books have recorded about this milestone in pro wrestling history. This is hour 46 of 1000 hours.
Karl Stern returns to his roots on this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show by discussing 1980s Southeastern and Continental wrestling. What made it so great? What are some of the myths about it? What did Ron Fuller get wrong recently on his podcast? Plus, the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament continues with discussion of Kurt Angle and Rikidozan plus a look at the final eight! A ton of pro wrestling history with historian and author Karl Stern!
The latest in the 1000 Hours Podcast series looking back at the pioneer (pre-1900) era of pro wrestling takes a look at the pioneer era of wrestling in Australia. Believe it or not, there was pro wrestling in the 1800s in Australia and one of America's top stars died there. The incredible story of the death of Clarence Whistler has been often told but the details are a bit incorrect. On this episode we will look at what is really known about how and why Clarence Whistler died while wrestling in Australia plus his last match there and why he was there to begin with. This is hour 45.
The latest in the 1000 Hours Podcast series looking back at the pioneer (pre-1900) era of pro wrestling takes a look at the pioneer era of wrestling in Australia. Believe it or not, there was pro wrestling in the 1800s in Australia and one of America's top stars died there. The incredible story of the death of Clarence Whistler has been often told but the details are a bit incorrect. On this episode we will look at what is really known about how and why Clarence Whistler died while wrestling in Australia plus his last match there and why he was there to begin with. This is hour 45.
Karl is back with a look at the new WWE Network Bray Wyatt documentary which dives into his career, characters, and family which include classic era wrestlers Mike Rotundo, Blackjack Mulligan, and Barry and Kendal Windham. This was a very good documentary that fills in a lot of gaps about the death of Wyatt. Also, in the show we conclude the Bruno Sammartino biography from the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter by Dave Meltzer.
Pro wrestling historian and author Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) returns with the 1000 Hours podcast series which looks at pre-1900 pro wrestling. On this episode, a listener has requested a look at the facts verses mythology about United States Presidents who have legitimately wrestled. We have already previously cover Abraham Lincoln in episode one but here we look also at George Washington (whom we have newspaper accounts of wrestling), Andrew Jackson (who we have some stories about), plus at least two other Presidents who have possible wrestling credentials and one President who was privately tutored by a legitimate pro wrestler. We go from the squared circle to the Oval Office on this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show. This is hour 44 of the series.
In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 60.
On this episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, host Karl Stern continues his look at wrestling history at Madison Square Garden in New York in the year 1931, he also continues his look back at Dave Meltzer's epic biography on the life and times of Bruno Sammartino from the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, plus tons of news and notes. More pro wrestling history than you can shake a preverbal stick at!
On this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, historian Karl Stern takes a look at a great retro article from a 1972 wrestling magazine asking the question if Ed "Strangler" Lewis was the greatest wrestler of all time. Then we continue taking a look at Dave Meltzer's biography of Bruno Sammartino from the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter plus much more!
The pioneer era (pre-1900) of pro wrestling flourished in the Great Lakes area. While initially the northeast, especially New York and Vermont were the early hotspots, by 1970 Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and the entire Great Lakes region became very important in pro wrestling. The 1870 Detroit International tournament was a real ignition point for the popularity of pro wrestling nationwide and the Detroit Opera House became a shrine for the genesis of American pro wrestling. Join historian Karl Stern as he looks at the Great Lakes region in the pioneer era. This is hour 43.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 60.
Wrestling historian Karl Stern returns with another in-depth look at a month in pro wrestling history. Today he looks back at April 1984 and a lot was going on. The WWF was accelerating their national expansion by stealing the AWA's TV spot on the west coast, Jumbo Tsuruta is still the AWA World champion, and a new monster named Lord Humongous is challenging Jerry Lawler in Memphis, but the big news of the month happened in Waukesa, WI when Mr. Saito and Ken Patera fought multiple police officers and were arrested and ultimately sent to prison.
It's Easter Sunday and by serendipity, Eric, the sponsor of this episode of 1000 Hours, asks for the research topic to be wrestling in the Bible. Well, one of the most famous stories in the Bible both for Christians and Jews is the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel, or a man, or God himself (the story is complicated). Of course, by the time we get to the Christian era the Romans are in charge and wrestling is very much a big deal. Also, I finally have an excuse to talk about Milo of Croton and whoa boy... This is Hour 42 of 1000 Hours.
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On this episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show with Karl Stern we take a look at the next match in the GKT: Sting verses The Rock, we begin a massive biography on the life and times of Bruno Sammartino, and we start an article from an early 1970's wrestling magazine on Ed "Strangler" Lewis. A fun and history packed edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, check us out and let's talk some wrestling history.
The sponsor of today's 1000 Hours podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, has asked for research on wrestling in Russia before George Hackenschmidt. Interestingly, wrestling in Russia came relatively late in the pioneer era and George Hackenschmidt became its biggest star but there were others. Today we look at the early stars of Russian wrestling and how it originally developed as an import from Poland and France.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 59.
This week pro wrestling historian Karl Stern takes a look at more wrestling history from Madison Square Garden in New York with more on Jim Londos as the world champion, the remaining bracket for the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament (GKT) is discussed, a 1980's wrestling magazine article on The Road Warriors in Japan, and the life and death of Rex King from the Southern Rockers/Well Dunn tag team. All this and more wrestling history from DragonKingKarl.
Strongmen and pro wrestling go hand in hand. Who can forget the muscled up 1980s? Yet, the more things change, the more they stay the same. In the pioneer era of wrestling, your proto-strongmen and bodybuilders were also featured alongside and inside professional wrestling. On this episode of 1000 Hours, the podcast all about the pioneer era of wrestling, historian Karl Stern takes a look at such pioneering strongmen and their relation to pro wrestling such as Eugen Sandow, Louis Cyr, and George Hackenschmidt. This is hour 40 of 1000 Hours. This series explores it’s history and personalities. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 58.
Welcome to season 2, reboot, 2.0, whatever you want to call it. Pro wrestling historian Karl Stern has revamped his long running classic wrestling podcast. On this episode the next match in the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament (GKT) takes place: Antonio Inoki verses Steve Austin. The votes are in and we have a winner. Karl then takes a look back to the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY as the 1930's begin and we find out if Jim Londos was really such a big deal. All this plus much more classic pro wrestling history!
The 1000 Hours podcast series is hosted by wrestling historian Karl Stern and looks back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling. The more things change, the more they stay the same and on this episode we look back at just before the American Civil War see how wrestling, for a few year period, went from being a noble sport that men were look up to as participating in, and instead changed to a vice, a sport that drunkards, cheats, and gamblers participated in. We also look at how the media has been anti-wrestling from the very start. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 55.
I mean, Barney Smith was probably dead under the best of circumstances. He went to the finals of American pro wrestling's first ever major championship tournament in 1870 but, as we have been researching for a long time now, there seemed to be no clear evidence he died at the hands of Col. James H. McLaughlin in that 1870 tournament. Now, however, two well-known wrestling historians, Jason Campbell and Mark Hewitt, have independently found a source fourteen years after the tournament that alludes to Barney Smith's death and some details on it. Today on 1000 Hours we look at this new information. This is hour 38.
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On this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast we travel back to 2016 for Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter biography of Blackjack Mulligan. Mulligan was a big, tough, cowboy heel and babyface who also booked around the country. He was a top star in the AWA, Jim Crockett Promotions, WWF, Florida, and more. He was also quite the out of the ring character who had street fights with Andre the Giant, Ole Anderson, and Dick Murdoch, got sent to prison for a couple of years, and was the father of Barry Windham, father-in-law to Mike Rotundo and the grandfather of Bo Dallas and the late Bray Wyatt. Join DragonKingKarl as he looks at Blackjack Mulligan through the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
This episode of 1000 Hours is brought to you by Andrew who recently read an article about showmanship in wrestling in the 1800's in France. The French and the English seemed to have the biggest impact on pioneer era pro wrestling in America and, no question, they had a penchant for the dramatic as we have already discovered with Prof. Theobaud Bauer, King of Wrestling Charles, and others. Today's show is a fascinating look at the origins of some of the theatrical aspects of wrestling pre-1900 and pioneer era wrestling in France. This is hour 37. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 54.
This is the 100th installment in the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling podcast series from author and wrestling historian Karl Stern. On this episode we look back at March 1984 following the death of David Von Erich the wrestling world is still in shock. Ric Flair and Harley Race pull off a secret NWA World title change on the other side of the world. Jumbo Tsuruta tours America as AWA World champion, and Hulk Hogan settles into his run as WWF champion. A very exciting time in the history of pro wrestling! Check out DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus book now on sale - here!
It's hour 36 of 1000 Hours, the podcast all about the pioneers of pro wrestling. On this episode we do a lot of research on pioneer era wrestling including some new tidbits about Col. James H. McLaughlin which leads us back to our most enduring mystery- did Col. McLaughlin kill Barney Smith? If yes, then why is there not a shred of evidence to support it aside from Barney Smith disappearing from the record, and if not, then why does the story even exist? It's time to resolve the Barney Smith story once and for all.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 52.
On this edition of When It Was Cool Wrestling with host Karl Stern, we take a look back at a classic Apter magazine from 1984 - Inside Wrestling! This magazine would have been on newsstands in early summer 1984 with stories on Jimmy Valiant and Junkyard Dog, Larry Zbyszko, Magnum TA, Mr. Wrestling II, and lots of talk on The Road Warriors who were National tag team champions at the time and red hot. Also, ads on everything from getting fat to getting thin to witchcraft. A fun show.
On this episode of 1000 Hours, the podcast about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, historian and author Karl Stern returns to the pre-pioneer era just before the United States Civil War to uncover more about the first known self-promoted pro wrestling star Charles the King of Wrestling. The pre-pioneer era was a fascinating time period in American history and from it we now see the seeds of what would become American showman style pro wrestling. This is hour 35. This series explores it’s history and personalities. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 51.
Pro Wrestling historian Karl Stern continues his look at the history of professional wrestling in a rotating series of classic pro wrestling podcasts. Today's theme returns to the history of wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY, one of the most famous arenas in the world. We are up to 1928 in the series (which can be found here) and the New York State Athletic Commission is fed up with all this fakery and orders matches in New York to stop billing themselves as contests despite the fact that the President of the NYSAC is a former pro wrestler who worked a share of matches himself.
On this edition of the 1000 Hours Podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer (pre-1900) era of pro wrestling, historian Karl Stern digs even deeper to look at the era before the Civil War. Was there organized professional wrestling in the years leading up to the Civil War. The answer is yes! Some. The seed is certainly there. Now, the million-dollar question... was it too worked? The answer to that may actually be... yes and we may have discovered the FIRST promoted pro wrestler in America. Let's meet the King of Wrestling George.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 48.
Pro wrestling historian Karl 'DragonKingKarl' Stern returns to further discuss the pioneer era of pro wrestling in the 1000 Hours series which focuses on pro wrestling pre-1900 or before the era of Frank Gotch. On this episode, he looks back at two pioneers: G.W. Flagg and John McMahon who only met once, and it was during the Civil War, and their careers afterward. Plus tons of other research from that era. This is hour 33. This series explores it’s history and personalities. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 48.
On this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show we return to the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter to look at Dave Meltzer's biography on the legendary AWA World heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel. Bockwinkel was the glue that held the AWA together and was also part of two of the greatest tag teams in history with Ray Stevens and Pat Patterson. One of the best promos in wrestling history, Nick Bockwinkel, is an all time legend.
The pioneers of wrestling era discussion continues with hour 32 of the 1000 Hours podcast with host, pro wrestling historian Karl Stern. On this episode the eventual manager of Evan "Strangler" Lewis, Greek George, is promoting wrestling in Pensacola, FL where we meet the Champion of the South. Who was he and was this a work or a shoot? Tons of notes on pre-1900 pro wrestling and tons of research on the pioneers of wrestling.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 47.
Here's a fun review of an off-brand pro wrestling magazine from back in October 1986. Neither Apter nor Napolitano magazine, this is issue one of Double Action Wrestling which featured terrible blurry and outdated photos, stories on Hulk Hogan and The Funks, and a slew of highly questionable advertisements. Join pro wrestling historian Karl 'DragonKingKarl' Stern as he looks back at this classic pro wrestling magazine.
The 1000 Hours podcast series explores the pioneer era of professional wrestling, that is to say, pro wrestling before 1900 or the era of Frank Gotch. Gotch didn't appear out of a vacuum, a history of over fifty years of pro wrestling had already been sown in the United States and further back than that in Europe. Names like William Muldoon, Col. James H. McLaughlin, Jim McMahon, and H.M. Dufur were the original wrestling stars of America. In this episode, host Karl Stern takes a look at one of his favorites: Prof. Theobaud Bauer, a worker (ie: con man) of the highest order and this time the story involves bears. This is hour 31. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 47.\
This is the 99th installment of the long form history of pro wrestling series by pro wrestling historian Karl Stern. In this chronological look at the history of pro wrestling, Karl is up to February 1984 which is infamous due to the shocking and unforeseen death of David Von Erich just before he was scheduled to begin a tour for All Japan Pro Wrestling. Taken from his new book: DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus, this is one of the most detailed looks at February 1984 ever undertaken.
Karl and Tonya review the 2023 pro wrestling biopic The Iron Claw. This is a dramatized retelling of the tragic story of the Von Erich family which endured tragedy after tragedy including the young deaths of multiple brothers, a domineering father, and more. Karl and Tonya look at how the film did in communicating the horrific events of the Von Erich family and Karl takes a look at some of the real facts which the movie fictionalized. We both loved this movie so come and join us for an extensive look at The Iron Claw.
All good things must end and in this edition of the History of Wrestling at Madison Square Garden the second Madison Square Garden meets its fate and pro wrestling almost does as well. The battled between Jack Curley and Tex Rickard fizzles to an anti-climactic end but with Rickard still in control of MSG and now, building a new gigantic 20,000 seat third Garden, he is still the man to deal with. Enter: Jesse McMahon who shakes up boxing and his son Vince McMahon (the elder) who will shake up pro wrestling.
The pioneers of pro wrestling podcast returns and our sponsor for this episode, Andy, wishes to know more about the history of bear wrestling. Does it have pioneer era origins? As it turns out, bear wrestling was very much a thing in the pioneer era. We even find our old friends, the working shysters team up of Theobaud Bauer and Prof. William Miller involved in bear exploits. This is not an episode I thought I would be doing in the pioneer series but here we are and I'm impressed at just how prominent it was. This is hour 30.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 40.
On this hour of 1000 Hours Podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, I think it is important to step back for a moment and ask the very legitimate question... what does the pioneer era really have to do with pro wrestling? Wasn't it just untrained conmen with large mustaches traveling the country tricking people into a betting scam? What does it really have to do with modern entertainment style pro wrestling? Today, I take you on an unbroken journey from William Muldoon to Roman Reigns to show you that it is a more direct link than you may realize. This is hour 29. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 39.
DragonKingKarl Stern's latest look back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling takes a look at John McMahon, whom we have previously discussed. John McMahon, apparently, like his drink. According to newspapers at the time one of the first boxer verses wrestler matches may not have taken place as a betting even for spectators, but instead, in a barroom because McMahon had too much to drink. Then started running his mouth. Then, well, you know. Find out what happened next plus tons of other notes from the pioneer era of pro wrestling in this edition of 1000 Hours. This is hour 28.
This series explores it’s history and personalities. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 38.
Celebrating the release of my new book: DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus, I will take a look back at these two massively important years in pro wrestling history. Hulk Hogan wins the WWF title, the WWF national expansion begins in earnest including the takeover of the WTBS time slot, the death of David Von Erich, Starrcade 1984 & 1985, massive Thanksgiving Day shows, Pro Wrestling USA, the injury of Mike Von Erich, WWF WrestleMania I, Mr. T, the John Stossell slap, and much more. It's a massive two year period in pro wrestling. Let's discuss it!
If I told you that today's look back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling involved a bear eating a kid and a funeral invaded by corpse eating cats you might think me ridiculous. Well... welcome to the world of Richard K. Fox: Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Influencer. It was Richard K. Fox via his National Police Gazette publication that distributed championship belts, promoted matches, and popularized the famous wrestlers of the era. It's impossible to compare him to a modern conterpart. He was no Dave Meltzer. He was no Bill Apter. He was more if Vince McMahon and Vince Russo had a kid and you gave him a wrestling magazine to publish. You will learn a lot on today's show, some of which you will wish you hadn't. This is hour 27.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 35.
The conclusion of the near book length Dusty Rhodes biography following his death by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. On our rotation of classic pro wrestling themes, we are back around to the one we call From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter where we look back at some of Dave Meltzer's biographies and history pieces in historic Observers. This one is a three parter on the massive Dusty Rhodes obituary. It is basically a book on the life and times of one of the most influential and popular pro wrestlers of all time: Dusty Rhodes.
On this edition of 1000 Hours Podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, host Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) takes a look at a much overlooked book on the pioneer era (and beyond) titled: Ringside: A History of Professional Wrestling in America by Scott Beekman, a college educator who put tremendous research into the topic. Karl was a source cited in the book and discusses some of the interesting facts in the book while still seeking the truth about Col. McLaughlin and Barney Smith. This is hour 26.
On our rotation of classic pro wrestling themes we are back around to the one we call From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter where we look back at some of Dave Meltzer's biographies and history pieces in historic Observers. Today we continue a three parter on the massive Dusty Rhodes obituary. It is basically a book on the life and times of one of the most influential and popular pro wrestlers of all time: Dusty Rhodes.
1000 Hours is a podcast about the pioneer era of pro wrestling- pro wrestling before Frank Gotch, before 1900. This is a requested topic by Eric, the sponsor of this episode. He wants to know about the Polish influence on pro wrestling. In the 1970s especially, various Polish wrestlers were popular as an ethnic draw, but does it go back further than that? When speaking of the Polish influence on pro wrestling two names immediatly come to mind, the brother duo of Stanislaus and Wladek Zbyszko. This is hour 25. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 35.
1000 Hours is a podcast about the pioneers of pro wrestling, that is, pro wrestling before Frank Gotch and 1900. Today we further examine a mystery that has been plaguing us. Despite the story of Col. James H. McLaughlin killing Barney Smith in the 1870 Detroit International tournament having tremendous detail in it's telling over the years there seems to be not a shred of evidence uncovered so far that it actually happened. Wrestling historian Karl Stern tries digging deeper in the past to uncover anything about Barney Smith and the 1870 tournament. This is hour 24.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 34.
On our rotation of classic pro wrestling themes we are back around to the one we call From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter where we look back at some of Dave Meltzer's biographies and history pieces in historic Observers. Today we begin a three parter on the massive Dusty Rhodes obituary. It is basically a book on the life and times of one of the most influential and popular pro wrestlers of all time: Dusty Rhodes.
This show was sponsored by Andrew and he asked for research on pioneer era pro wrestling in the state of New York outside of New York City. So, host Karl Stern digs into newspapers in Buffalo, Rochester, and surrounding areas to find out that the pro wrestling scene outside of New York City in the late 1800s was well and good including a number of names we have became familiar with including Col. McLaughlin, H.M. Dufur, Theobaud Bauer, and more. This is hour 23.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 34.
Welcome to Karl Stern's annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot discussion for 2023. The Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot show is usually my most popular show of the year. This year it's a two-part show discussing, among others: Roman Reigns, Young Bucks, Rocca and Perez, Sgt. Slaughter, Big Daddy, Roy Welch, Bob Armstrong, Mongolian Stomper, the Von Erichs, British Bulldogs, Hart Foundation, and many more. Let's talk the 2023 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Part 2.
Welcome to Karl Stern's annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot discussion for 2023. The Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot show is usually my most popular show of the year. This year it's a two-part show- today and tomorrow- discussing, among others: Roman Reigns, Young Bucks, Rocca and Perez, Sgt. Slaughter, Big Daddy, Roy Welch, Bob Armstrong, Mongolian Stomper, the Von Erichs, British Bulldogs, Hart Foundation, and many more. Let's talk the 2023 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Part 1.
The origins of pro wrestling in Mexico is probably not what you think. You may think it was Salvador Lutteroth and EMLL/CMLL or some long forgotten masked star. What if I told you it was actually a Japanese Judoka and a barnstorming rag-tag group of American wrestlers? What if you found out that pioneer era wrestling in Mexico was in, not only with wrestling in America, but also Cuba and the infancy of Ju-Jitsu in Brazil as well? Because it's true. The origin of wrestling in Mexico is not what you might think. This is hour 22 of 1000 Hours.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 31.
As I wrap up the work on my upcoming DragonKingKarl Stern's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus book I wanted to review a magazine from that time frame. So, I struck outside the usual Apter mags and decided to review a George Napolitano offering: Main Event Wrestling from November 1984 featuring Hulk Hogan, Kerry Von Erich, Jimmy Snuka, and a ton of Puerto Rican news for some reason. Also a hilarious Kerry Von Erich verses Ric Flair photo and some of, hands down, the wackiest ads we have seen so far. Grab your witches amulet and questionable firearm and let's talk some wrestling!
Well, I mean he is dead for sure now. He lived 150 years ago but the question is did Col. James H. McLaughlin kill him? In the early 2000s when I first really dug into the pioneers of pro wrestling, I was led to believe that in a famous wrestling tournament in Detroit, MI in 1870, Col. McLaughlin wrestled Barney Smith in the finals and Smith died the day after. There were many specific details to the incident told to me by a historian. Problem is, over 20 years later and with access to all the major newspapers of the day there doesn't seem to be a shred of evidence to support it. What happened to Barney Smith? This is hour 21 of 1000 Hours.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 28.
1000 Hours is a podcast all about the pioneers of pro wrestling and on this episode I have found a new one. I had never previously heard of Uziel Prickett, but he was a pioneer era champion wrestler and he had a hard time getting along with others. You see, pro wrestling was in all honesty really a scam meant to fleece gamblers of their money, we all know this by now. Well, Uziel Prickett kept getting found out and nearly beat up for it. Then he had a terrible idea. He would pull this same con down south in Nashville and things didn't go very well for Uziel. This is hour 20 of 1000 Hours.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 28.
Today pro wrestling historian Karl Stern begins looking at the year 1984 in pro wrestling and January 1984 was a huge and historically important month as Hulk Hogan wins the WWF heavyweight title from the Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The AWA is beginning to get it's talent raided by WWF with, not only Hulk Hogan, but Gene Okerlund, David Schultz, and others coming over. On top of that, Hulk Hogan is still an important part of New Japan Pro Wrestling as well. What do the NWA and others do? Let's talk about it!
1000 Hours is the podcast all about the pioneers of pro wrestling. On this episode, host Karl Stern takes a look back at one of the earliest and most important championships of the pioneer era: The American Heavyweight championship. It was a time when it seemed like every wrestler billed themselves as "Champion of America" in some form or other. But what can we deduce about the actual championship of America that led eventually to Tom Jenkins, Frank Gotch, and becoming tied into the George Hackenschmidt World heavyweight title? Let's talk about it. This is hour 19 of 1000 hours.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 28.
One of the most interesting personalities in the 1800 pioneer era of pro wrestling was the arch-rival (and sometimes friend) of William Muldoon. I introduce you to Clarence Whistler. In the early 1880s he gave William Muldoon the fights of his life. He was rough, dirty, and vicious. Yet, somehow, he would occasionally work with Muldoon as a partner as pro wrestling in America took form in the post-Civil War period. Clarence Whistler would not see his 30th birthday and would be buried on the other side of the world. Some of the claims about Whistler are quite fanciful. Let's take a look at pioneer pro wrestling legend: Clarence Whistler. This is hour 18 of 1000 hours.
Join us as we take a look at the history of pro wrestling pre-1900 or prior to the Frank Gotch era of wrestling. How did modern entertainment style pro wrestling begin and evolve? This series explores it’s history and personalities. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 28.\
We continue our chronological exploration of the history of pro wrestling at MSG in New York City. We continue into the 1920s and have been discussing the saga of Tex Rickard and how he had taken over the pro wrestling scene. However, he runs into legal trouble and it threatens not only pro wrestling but boxing as well. Also, the Zbyszko brothers continue their run as top stars and the NYSAC continues to be a problem.
Professor Theobaud Bauer was one of the most successful pro wrestlers of the pioneer era. He traveled from coast to coast and was easily one of the most famous professional wrestlers of the 1800s. He was also, apparently, quite the despised human being, for when he died the Los Angeles newspapers virtually celebrated his death. Theobaud Bauer may be the most interesting wrestling pioneer we have looked at yet, perhaps for all the wrong reasons. This is hour 17.
Join us as we take a look at the history of pro wrestling pre-1900 or prior to the Frank Gotch era of wrestling. How did modern entertainment style pro wrestling begin and evolve? This series explores it’s history and personalities. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 27.
This episode was requested and sponsored by Eric Darsie of the Wrestling With the Dawg Podcast and he asked if there is any evidence for pioneer era (pre-1900) pro wrestling in Africa. Africa is hard enough to get modern era pro wrestling news out of so I didn't expect to find much, however, there does appear to have been pro wrestling in Africa during the era. I expected to find it in either Egypt or South Africa but what I found was an interesting history and style of wrestling throughout the continent that exists even to this day! This is hour 16.
Henry Moses Dufur was one of the greatest, most important, and most well-known pro wrestlers of the pioneer era. He started wrestling before he was a teenager and by the time he was in his thirties was pretty well established as one of the best ever. Then one day he got shot in the face. Yes, directly in the face while riding a train, minding his own business. This is that story, it is a dozy, and I had never heard it before finding it in an old newspaper. That's what we are here for. Welcome to 1000 Hours, the podcast about the pioneers of pro wrestling. This is hour 15. Join us as we take a look at the history of pro wrestling pre-1900 or prior to the Frank Gotch era of wrestling. How did modern entertainment style pro wrestling begin and evolve? This series explores it’s history and personalities. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 26.
This week from When It Was Cool Wrestling host Karl Stern visits the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter to look at the life and career of multiple time world champion and owner of the AWA Verne Gagne. Verne Gagne was a contemporary of Lou Thesz and a major rival. Verne Gagne was one of the biggest stars on television during T.V's earliest days. However, his reluctance to change with the times resulted in the catastrophic downfall one of the three largest pro wrestling companies of the era.
More pre-1900 pro wrestling stories on this edition of 1000 Hours including some more information about pioneer era wrestling in Alabama that I’ve found. The primary focus of this episode comes from the mouth of one of the pioneers of wrestling themselves. Late in life (in his 70’s), champion pioneer wrestler G.W. Flagg wrote a detailed letter to a newspaper about his wrestling match with another champion, John McMahon. It goes into detail about Civil War camp pro wrestling and gives us a first hand account of what we have been talking about during this series, confirming and clarifying a lot. Let’s hear straight from a pioneer of wrestling legend on this episode of 1000 Hours. This is hour 14.
Join us as we take a look at the history of pro wrestling pre-1900 or prior to the Frank Gotch era of wrestling. How did modern entertainment style pro wrestling begin and evolve? This series explores it’s history and personalities. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 25
Let's have some fun this week looking back at a retro pro wrestling magazine. These shows have proven very popular and this time we are looking at the WWF Magazine from September 1992 (31 years ago!) featuring Papa Shango on the cover. Papa Shango is making life miserable for the Ultimate Warrior and WWF magazine tells us all about it. Plus, more neon than you can shake a stick at with Randy Savage. A new shady character has shown up in the WWF and we find out what is known about Razor Ramon. Plus, Curt Hennig, Rick "The Model" Martel, and The Undertaker!
1000 Hours Podcast is all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling. Pre-1900 pro wrestling. In this episode, sponsor Eric D. wanted to know about the pioneer era of wrestling in the state of Minnesota. While Minnesota would become a hotbed of wrestling from the 1940s through the 1980s with Verne Gagne's AWA, Minnesota also had a rich history in the pioneer era as well including major events for two of the biggest stars of the time: "The Solid Man" William Muldoon and the original "Strangler" Evan Lewis. This is hour 13 of 1000 hours.
This was a request from this episodes sponsor, Jason. He asked what the pioneer era of wrestling (pre-1900) was like here in Alabama. Great question... because I have no idea. Pro Wrestling really didn't explode here until the 1940s but I knew there was some pro wrestling to here prior. So, let's dig into research. What I discovered was an established scene in the Birmingham area and the man whom it revolved around was M.J. Dwyer. Who is that? I discovered a lot about M.J. Dwyer and discuss it on this episode. (Spoiler alert: We run across Dwyer again in a few episodes!) This is hour 12.
On this edition of the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling series, host Karl Stern wraps up 1983 by looking at December. Ric Flair has newly regained the NWA World heavyweight title but the big news is the end of the long reign of Bob Backlund as WWF champion as the Iron Sheik famously defeats him at Madison Square Garden to set up January 1984's transition to Hulk Hogan. Plus, the New Japan and All Japan annual tag team tournaments wrap up and Hulk Hogan is part of that story too. SECW trends weaker, AWA trends stronger, and World Class is still on fire but a tragedy is looming not far ahead.
In this 14th installment of the History of Pro Wrestling at Madison Square Garden series we look at one of the toughest and scariest shooters ever in wrestling history who you seldom hear about but should: John Pesek. Plus, how a pioneer era wrestler shockingly and bafflingly help change the rules of pro wrestling in a way that had a serious negative impact on pro wrestling in the era. Plus, there's a new promoter in town as the war between Tex Rickard and Jack Curley ends in a whimper. Lots of history in this episode that will effect wrestling for years to come.
Matsada Sorakichi was the first Japanese star in America. He faced all the top names of his era including Evan "Strangler" Lewis, Duncan C. Ross, Edwin Bibby, Tom Cannon, and others. Though on the small side, he gave the top wrestlers of the day all they could handle and was highly respected by the best champions of the pioneer era. Yet, he died destitute in the streets of New York at age 32. What went wrong? What was the real story of the first Japanese pro wrestling star Matsada Sorakichi? This is hour 11 and is brought to you by new Patreon Pete.
Among the pioneer era of pro wrestling few names stand out bigger than Martin "Farmer" Burns and Evan "Strangler" Lewis (the original Strangler Lewis). On this episode of 1000 Hours Podcast we look back at one of the most famous matches of the pioneer era when Farmer Burns defeated Strangler Lewis for the American title in a match the press (and crowd) was certain was fake. Plus, we'll look at the life of Farmer Burns and also discuss the first pro wrestling collectable- Allan and Ginter's Cigarette cards. This is hour ten of 1000 Hours.
Jack Carkeek was a well known top level wrestler during the pioneer era who later got into the promoting end of things. As we have discussed often in our series so far, gambling was a big component of pro wrestling becoming worked and Jack Carkeek was very much a shyster. So much so, that he ended up being indicted with a major crime syndicate in one of the first federal cases of using the U.S. Mail for criminal purposes- fixing wrestling matches, and ends up serving time in prison for it. This is the story of Jack Carkeek, pro wrestling criminal, and this is hour nine of 1000 Hours.
To get a new hour of 1000 Hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either Patreon or CashApp in the next 72 hours. As soon as it is received I will produce a new show. Currently we are funded through hour 15.
A fantastic new book by John Ellul looking at the life and career of pro wrestling star Adrian Adonis. This book is tremendously well written and researched and is probably my favorite pro wrestling biography written in years. The life of Adrian Adonis (Keith Franke) was rough, confounding, and interesting. His gimmick in WWF / WWE was infuriating and embarrassing but the performer behind the gimmick was one of the best of his era. His tragic death in 1988 was overshadowed by a bigger and more scandalous murder a few days later but, finally, Adrian Adonis gets the proper attention paid to his life by John Ellul's great book.
Pro wrestling promoter Court Bauer claims his MLW Opera House Cup dates back to the "pioneer era" and was last held by Stu Hart in the 1940s. While that is a little outside our range of exploration for this show, one of our Patreons requested we investigate the pioneer era claims. What we found had less to do with MLW but a lot to do with the evolution of how entertainment got mixed with sport. An interesting investigation that lead to some very informative conclusions! This is hour eight.
Who was the pioneer wrestling legend John McMahon? Was he related to the later McMahons? How did he compare to contemporaries like William Muldoon and Col. James H. McLaughlin? On today's episode of 1000 Hours, host Karl Stern dives into the life and career of one of the top stars of the pioneer era of pro wrestling: John McMahon. This is Hour 7 or 1000 Hours. To get a new hour of 1000 Hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either Patreon or CashApp in the next 72 hours. As soon as it is received I will produce a new show. Currently we are funded through hour 13.
Hour six of the 1000 Hours Podcast features a look at one of the pioneer eras most famous wrestlers in Britian. William Richardson was a famous and celebrated wrestling champion at the turn of the 1800's, pre-dating most of the people we have talked about so far. We have numerous accounts of his exploits including, what may be the earliest references to championship belts being used in wrestling and why. Some of our earliest evidence of what pro wrestling became starts here with Richardson and the colorfully titled book he was featured in. This is hour 6. We already have a sponsor for hour 7-9 but in order to get an hour 10 of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either Patreon or CashApp in the next 72 hours. As soon as it is received I will produce hour 10.
Let's take a look back at a retro Apter mag- the April 1988 issue of Inside Wrestling Magazine. This issue features a look at the storyline run up to the Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant feud where Ted DiBiase tries to buy the WWF title from Andre. Also in this issue are features on Lex Luger verses Ric Flair, Sgt. Slaughter, Jimmy Jack Funk, some great VHS ads, Michael Hayes, King Kong Bundy, and the Von Erichs! A fun issue plus Roll Call of Champions!
1000 Hours Podcast - The Terrible Turk Yusuf İsmail What a great show I have for you today. On the 1000 hours podcast where we talk about the pioneers of pro wrestling I want to look at one of the biggest gimmicks ever to hit pro wrestling: Yusuf İsmail, the Terrible Turk. We will look his background before he came to America and his much lauded American tour which he died returning back to Europe from. Why did he inspire such a rabid response from the press and fans? Why did he inspire so many knock off gimmick for the next 100 years? Who was this Yusuf Ismail and why was he such a sensation? This is hour 5.
We already have a sponsor for hour 6-7 but in order to get an hour 8 of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either Patreon or CashApp in the next 72 hours. As soon as it is received I will produce hour 8.
On this installment of the longform history of wrestling series we are up to November 1983 which is hugely important because we have NWA Starrcade which sees Ric Flair regain the NWA World title from Harley Race in a steel cage. That show wasn't even the biggest drawing show that day as many areas had traditional Thanksgiving Shows and this year may have been the peak of that tradition. Plus, more on David Von Erich, Japan, and much more. A giant, historically important month in pro wrestling history.
There have been several wrestlers and promoters over the years who have gone rogue and spilled the beans on pro wrestling. We all know the famous story of Jack Pfeffer and the New York Daily Mirror in the 1930s, Eddie Mansfield on 20/20 in the 1980s, and others. However, in the 1880's former champion wrestler Duncan C. Ross gave an earful to the newspaper as well exposing the lives of several former major champion wrestlers including Col. James H. McLaughlin, William Muldoon, and straight up call one former wrestling star a fat bum. All this and much more on the podcast YOU the listener keep going as long as you like. 1000 Hours, the pioneers of pro wrestling. This is hour 4. We already have a sponsor for hour 5 next week but in order to get an hour 6 of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either Patreon or CashApp in the next 72 hours. As soon as it is received I will produce hour six.
A very interesting era greets us on this edition of the history of wrestling at MSG series. We are moving away from Earl Caddock into the Ed "Strangler" Lewis era and there are those out there who are not pleased with the wrestling trust. Marin Plestina is giving the trust trouble but runs up against John Pesek. Joe Stecher begins to show signs of future problems that would plague him for the rest of his life. Tex Rickard and Al Haft bump heads. A packed edition of the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden series.
Hour three of the 1000 Hours Podcast where wrestling historian Karl Stern takes a look at the pioneer era of pro wrestling. In this episode we travel back to 1885 where pro wrestling champion William Muldoon is put on trial for allegedly attacking a security guard at a theater in New York City. Plus, more on the career of William Muldoon and his place as one of the most prominent figures in early pro wrestling history.
In order to get an hour 3 of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either Patreon or CashApp in the next 72 hours. As soon as it is received I will produce hour three.
On this episode we take a look at Dave Meltzer’s obituary for wrestling journeyman Matt Borne who worked numerous territories including World Class, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Georgia, and WCW but was probably most famous as the original heel clown in WWF- Doink. The troubled life of Matt Borne is examined in great detail including his real life feud with Jim Duggan.
Show Transcript - Here
Hour two of the 1000 hours podcast takes a look at the first widely known and studied African-American wrestling star: Viro "Black Sam" Small. Viro Small was born into slavery in South Carolina. After being freed following the Civil War, he traveled north and became a wrestling champion and well known boxer. He survived being shot in the neck but what happened afterward has been lost to history. Plus, some discussion about one of the most important pioneer wrestling stars: William Muldoon.
In order to get an hour 3 of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either Patreon or CashApp in the next 72 hours. As soon as it is received I will produce hour three.
On this week's When It Was Cool exclusive When It Was Cool Wrestling Podcast, host Karl Stern remember the Iron Sheik including the time he tried to book him in a match that had never happened before (and never did happen!). Plus, I've been watching a lot of Tiger Mask recently. Was he over hyped? Did Dave Meltzer's love for him give him more credit than he was due? The answer might surprise you!
Abraham Lincoln was honest. So the story goes. And, he honestly was an actual wrestler. Abe Lincoln did, in fact, participate in organized frontier style wrestling during his youth including a famous match against Jack Armstrong. There is another famous match of Lincoln, a loss, which we'll look at in this episode. If you want another hour of pre-1900 pro wrestling talk, then become a Patreon supporter at WhenItWasCool.com or donate via PayPal or Cash App on the front page. This is hour one.
This week I have another classic news stand magazine review for you. Travel back in time with me to 1983 and let's grab a copy of Pro Wrestling Illustrated Magazine featuring a ridiculous Dusty Rhodes cover. Let's find out what Bill Apter, Stu Saks, Craig Peters, and all the real and imagined staff writers of the Weston Magazines are cooking up this month!
Today Karl and Tonya revisit the 1987 action sci-fi classic Predator starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, and almost Jean-Claude Van Dam (seriously). We have very different opinions of this movie. Karl thinks it's the best G.I. Joe movie he's ever seen and Tonya was not so impressed. A fun show discussing the first movie of the Predator franchise.
Our deep dive into pro wrestling history continues as we look back in depth at October 1983. Wayne Farris joins the Midnight Express, lots of notes on David Von Erich, the Midnight Express and Rock and Roll Express meet for the first time, Hulk Hogan takes on the NWA World champion, Ernie Roth dies, notes on Don Bass and Roger Smith, and the Last Battle of Atlanta. Be sure to pick up my new book: DragonKingKarl Stern's 1983 Pro Wrestling Omnibus at Amazon!
Today, host Karl Stern takes a look at the life and career of one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time, All-Japan Pro Wrestling legend Mitsuharu Misawa. Misawa blazed an unforgettable path in pro wrestling, accumulating some of the greatest matches ever seen. From his days as the second Tiger Mask to his time as the Ace of All-Japan Pro Wrestling and later NOAH to his untimely death in the ring, Mitsuharu Misawa was one of the greatest in-ring wrestlers of any generation.
I continue my series on the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden as we dive into the World War I era. Most of the top heavyweights are away at war and the championship picture becomes shaky. Ed "Strangler" Lewis, Joe Stecher, and Wladek Zybszko are still in the title picture. Following the war we get one of the biggest showdowns to date: Joe Stecher vs Earl Caddock which still exists on film.
A special this and that episode of WIWC Wrestling with Karl Stern today and I love these type shows were we can talk random wrestling stuff. A short 'From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter' this week on the death of late era territorial star Steve Doll, most well known as half of the Southern Rockers tag team and later Well Dunn in the WWF. Then we have some fun doing a deep dive into the life and career of Big Jon Harris AKA: Silo Sam. I'll try to tell you more about him than you ever knew! I had to do a lot of digging around for this one!
The WWF magazine, you've got to love it. It was honestly nothing more than an extortion scheme to get you to pay $2.50 (TWO FIFFY!) for their merchandise catalog which was awash with painters caps, teddy bears, and terrible t-shirts. This issue had articles on the previous year's Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, and a whole lot of full on bloated Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior. Also, my favorite tag team of all time the Legion of Doom! It's more testosterone than you can shake a very crooked stick at!
We dive now into September 1983 and the time is getting near for Hulk Hogan to jump to the WWF. First, however, NWA Starrcade looms where the NWA World title will go back from Harley Race to Ric Flair so Flair is doing the job tour to set up challengers. Flair will lose the Missouri title to David Von Erich, lose clean to Bob Armstrong, and lose to Pedro Morales in Puerto Rico. Sgt. Slaughter continues to rise in WWF as does the Masked Superstar. The era of change draws near.
A very famous era for pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden is the focus of today's show. The 19-teens would see the death of the unbeaten World heavyweight champion Frank Gotch and the split of the world championship into various factions. Among them is Joe Stecher who has his match with the famous Masked Marvel. Ed "Strangler" Lewis becomes more prominent in our story. Plus, John Olin, the Zbyszko's, and more discussed on today's show. Support us on Patreon!
This week I am taking a break from our regular rotation of classic wrestling podcasts to take a look back at one of the worst pro wrestling movies ever: Grunt (1985). This abomination of a film is not only bad by movie standards but is terrible by pro wrestling standards. The film features several pro wrestlers in roles as, well, wrestlers including Adrian Street, Dick Murdoch, Dick "The Destroyer" Beyer (unmasked no less), Chavo Guerrero (as a Georgia babyface), Danny Spivey, Steve DiSalvo, and others. Support us on Patreon at http://www.whenitwascool.com
This week on our rotation of classic pro wrestling shows host Karl Stern takes a look back at the December 1993 issue of the WWF magazine featuring Razor Ramon (Scott Hall), plus features on Ludvig Borga (Tony Halme), the Lex Express and much more! Also included is the WWF merchandise catalog with foam fingers and teddy bears in your favorite WWF wrestlers gear for some reason. Promotional consideration paid for by the following...
On this week’s rotation of classic pro wrestling themes we return to the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling Series and we are up to August 1983 where we discuss Ken Patera in Memphis, Harley Race continues his record breaking reign as NWA World champion, the annual NWA convention, the Midnight Express, and more!
Today Karl Stern takes a look at the career of Ron Simmons (AKA: Farooq). Ron Simmons was a very big deal as a college football player but his NFL stint was unremarkable. He was trained by Hiro Matsuda in Florida and debuted there before coming to WCW where he would eventually win the WCW World heavyweight title, form the great tag team of Doom with Butch Reed, and then finish out his career in WWE as Farooq. Let's take a look at Ron Simmons!
We continue our series looking at the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City. We are up to the 1910's now and Stanislaus and Wladek Zbyszko are having a run there. Both were world champion wrestlers in the early 1900's and have a later wrestling connection through Harley Race. Larry Zbyszko, though not related, took his name from them. Also, we talk about Mort Henderson, who made quite a sensation as the Masked Marvel and his match with Joe Stecher.
Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy was one of the best natural pro wrestlers ever. A big, strong, country boy from new Chattanooga, TN, Gordy began wrestling in his mid-teens on Chattanooga TV. By his early 20's he was part of one of the hottest acts in pro wrestling: The Fabulous Freebirds along with Michael Hayes (and later Buddy Roberts and others). Along with Hayes and Roberts, Terry Gordy was one of the hottest stars in wrestling in World Class Wrestling. Later, Gordy became a stand out star in Japan before things took a turn for the worse.
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1983 was one of the most important years in the history of professional wrestling. Upon the events of 1983 were built the WWF national expansion, the fall of the territories, the eventual birth of the major yearly event, Hulk-A-Mania, the fall of Jimmy Snuka, the success of Mid-South wrestling, the best year of Southeastern Wrestling, an era of flux for Memphis, the red hot Von Erich vs Freebirds war in World Class, the 1980s peak of but beginnings of the fall of the AWA, massive shows in Mexico, and the birth of the IWGP title in Japan. There's a lot to talk about. Check out my new book: DragonKingKarl Stern's 1983 Pro Wrestling Omnibus available at Amazon.
The life and times of Martin "Farmer" Burns. Farmer Burns one of the top wrestling stars in post-pioneer era America. Burns was a contemporary of the original Strangler Lewis and the man who is credited with discovering and training Frank Gotch. Farmer Burns also created and sold the highly influential Farmer Burns physical training course which is still the foundation of many later workout systems. DragonKingKarl presents: The life and times of Martin "Farmer" Burns, one of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time.
The life and career of legendary WWWF star Bruno Sammartino is discussed in this special from the Patreon archives of WhenItWasCool.com as part of our 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time series. Bruno Sammartino was famous for many sellouts at Madison Square Garden, he was huge in Toronto and elsewhere. One of the biggest pro wrestling stars ever.
From the Patreon archives of WhenItWasCool.com comes Karl Stern's biography podcast looking at the life and career of Andre the Giant. Andre was one of the biggest pro wrestling stars of all time both figuratively and literally. His incredible career culminated with the famous match with Hulk Hogan at WWF WrestleMania 3. But there was so much more to Andre the Giant than that. Part of our 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time list.
Check out DragonKingKarl Stern's new book the 1983 Pro Wrestling Omnibus available here - https://amzn.to/413GMgA
Just in time for the release of my new book: DragonKingKarl's 1983 Pro Wrestling Omnibus available at Amazon, let's review the Fall 1983 issue of the Apter magazine's quarterly special Wrestling Superstars magazine. This issue focused heavily on Georgia Championship Wrestling and GCW was going through some things in 1983. Yes, the Last Battle of Atlanta was happening, but there was discontent with the NWA that was brewing underneath. Features on Tommy Rich, Buzz Sawyer, Larry Zbyszko, the Iron Sheik, and much more!
From the Patreon archieves of When It Was Cool: From a previous time, Lou Thesz suffers from not being from the modern era of television wrestling. Lou Thesz time as the legendary NWA World heavyweight champion came largely before color television so modern mainstream wrestling rankings overlooked him in favor of the more TV famous, however pro wrestling historians certainly know who Lou Thesz is. Long considered the greatest NWA World heavyweight champion of all time, even before that, Lou Thesz was capturing pre-NWA World championships (many of which he would later unify with the NWA title) and beating the best in world with his traveling manager and mentor Ed “Strangler” Lewis, another name that you will see on this list. For multiple generations Lou Thesz was considered by serious pro wrestling fans as the greatest wrestler ever. Are they in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame: YES
Karl Stern's Long Form History of Pro Wrestling podcast series picks back up with a detailed look at every major event and news story from July 1983 including a shadow break-off NWA group threatening to form with Southwestern Wrestling, ICW, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Bill Watts, and more. The feud between new NWA World champion Harley Race and former champion Ric Flair heats up, plus Hulk Hogan wins the IWGP title tournament in Japan in that crazy "shoot but not really" with Antonio Inoki. A packed month!
One of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All-Time. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was one of the most popular pro wrestlers ever and a fan favorite from almost day-one of stepping into the ring as a student of Chris Adams in Texas, then to WCW where he was TV champion, US champion, and part of a critically acclaimed tag team with Brian Pillman. Steve Austin broke out of the pack with his cutting edge promos in ECW which lead to one of the biggest runs in history in WWF / WWE. From the Patreon archives of WhenItWasCool.com
Our retro movie review today takes a look back at Rocky III from 1982, one of the most important pop culture movies of the decade. This movie introduces the world to Mr. T as Clubber Lang against Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) with an appearance by a pre-WWE champion Hulk Hogan. This movie gave us Eye of the Tiger by Survivor, Mr. T, the elements of the Rock and Wrestling movement that would launch the pro wrestling boom of the 1980s, and much more. A great movie with a lot of impact. I predict... pain.
From the Patreon archive of WhenItWasCool.com this is a free release of our biography podcast special on the career of Ric Flair, one of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time. Nature Boy Ric Flair was a mega-star from the 1970s into the 1990s and many consider him the greatest professional wrestler of all time. Listen, as wrestling historian Karl Sterns tells about his career in this podcast from our Patreon archives.
One of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time as ranked by WhenItWasCool.com - Frank A. Gotch was the second widely recognized World heavyweight champion of professional wrestling and was never defeated for the title. He defeated the first world champion George Hackenschmidt twice and went on to dominate pro wrestling until early death in 1917. You've long hear of the legend or Frank Gotch, now learn the whole story from pro wrestling historian Karl Stern. Support WhenItWasCool.com on Patreon.
The Rock (Dewayne Johnson) is one of the most famous pro wrestlers of all time. The Rock is also on our list of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time and on this podcast, wrestling historian Karl Stern takes a look at the career of the second generation pro wrestling legend and now the most popular action movie star in the world. Support WhenItWasCool.com on Patreon.
One of our 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time List biography specials takes a look at the incredible life and career of former WWWF champion Bruno Sammartino. Bruno Sammartino was considered by many as the greatest pre-Hulk Hogan WWF champions and was a gigantic draw at Madison Square Garden, Toronto, and elsewhere. Truly, one of the giants of pro wrestling history. This is the story of Bruno Sammartino.
This episode's From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is less an obituary for Jim Wilson, who was a rather minor footnote in wrestling history, and more of an extensive history of Jim Barnett era pro wrestling. Jim Wilson, a college football standout in Georgia, became a pro wrestler and claimed to have been considered as a future NWA World champion. However, he claims his career was derailed by Jim Barnett with whom he would feud with and battle in court for the rest of his life. This story touches on tons of history from Australia to Georgia to WCW. This is an incredible history piece from Dave Meltzer of which, I also had some personal involvement.
Part of our biography podcast series on the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time List as published at WhenItWasCool.com takes a look at the life and career of Andre the Giant. Andre the Giant was a massive pro wrestler who also crossed over into popular culture. Though he only lived to be 46 years old, he packed multiple lifetimes into those years. We will discuss some of his biggest matches, myths, and movie and TV appearances. Let's look at one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time- Andre the Giant.
This Karl Stern biography podcast special takes a look back at the life and career of one of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time- Lou Thesz. From the 1940s through the 1970s, Lou Thesz was often times the top man in the National Wrestling Alliance. Early on, Lou Thesz unified many of the off-shoot world wrestling championships left over from the previous era and helped the NWA become the number one name in pro wrestling for decades.
Karl Stern takes a look back at the career of one of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time - Stone Cold Steve Austin. Steve Austin started as a student of Chris Adams in the late 1980s and by the late 1990s was the biggest pro wrestling star in the world. His feud with Vince McMahon was one of the best feuds in pro wrestling history.
This is a free look back at Karl Stern's biography podcast special on the career of Hulk Hogan for our 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time List. Hulk Hogan became the world's biggest wrestling star with huge stints in the AWA, New Japan, WWF, and WCW. Join Karl Stern as he takes a look back at one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling history.
Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) has dozens of pro wrestling biographies he has recorded over the years for Wrestling Observer's Classic Wrestling Podcast. With the release of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time list at WhenItWasCool.com we will be re-releasing those biographies for free on this feed along with any new ones. Today we look at number one on the list: Ric Flair.
Support WhenItWasCool.com on Patreon.
The list of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time is now posted at WhenItWasCool.com so the debates can begin and spoilers can roam free! On this episode I discuss the top several names on the list then dive deeper in to talk about the names that surprised me most, some overrated, some underrated, and why I think that is. Let's discuss the greatest pro wrestlers of all time- spread the word about WhenItWasCool.com!
This episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show continues our series of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City and features George Hackenschmidt defeating the American champion Tom Jenkins to become recognized as the first true pro wrestling world heavyweight champion and the surprising lack of coverage the match got. Plus, Frank Gotch loses again at the Garden and much more!
This is the final podcast before the list of the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time List is released on January 1, 2023 (the day before to our Patreon supporters). This episode addresses any questions listeners to our shows have about the list and the process. How did we deal with tag teams? Why is the list male only? Plus safeguards to insure this list encapsulates the most informed opinions about who are the greatest pro wrestlers of all time.
This is the first in an on-going series looking at the 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time List. The list will be dropping as an article on http://www.whenitwascool.com on January 1, 2023 (1 day earlier on Patreon). How is this listed expected to be the most legitimate ranking of pro wrestlers ever? What sources were used and how was the ranking system developed to make it as accurate as possible and why you should trust this list.
We return to the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week to take a look back at Dave Meltzer's very detailed career and life history of the man who trained Triple H (Paul Levesque) and held multiple major titles during his career - Walter 'Killer' Kowalski. A big drawing card all over the United States, Canada, and Japan, Killer Kowalski was one of the best known big men in pro wrestling history and a very interesting out of the ring character in a way different than many other pro wrestlers.
Whatever happened to Beau and Blake? They were, very famously, the first tag team to ever win the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie of the Year award. They were the most promising thing the AWA had to offer in its dying days (with the exception of, perhaps Del Wilkes) and Vince McMahon wanted them as the new era version of the Valiants... so what happened? This is the story of The Destruction Crew AKA: The Beverly Brothers, a DragonKingKarl Biography Podcast Special!
Episode 80 of the Long Form History of Wrestling podcast with Karl Stern is a news packed edition. Matt Borne is busted in Ohio for sexual assault of a minor and that isn't even close to the biggest news. Nancy Argentino is killed, allegedly by Jimmy Snuka in a hotel room the same night that Eddie Gilbert breaks his neck in a car crash. Plus all the regular goings on with Ric Flair, Mr. Olympia, Nick Bockwinkel, and more making the news. A packed month as 1983 ramps up.
Tiny Lister... Oh, what can we say about Tiny Lister? He was a character actor playing the heavy tough guy roles in many movies, then Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan came up with a movie of their own- No Holds Barred and cast Lister in the role of antagonist to Hulk Hogan's character. Then they crossed it over into the WWF. Then it gets weird.
On this pro wrestling biography by Karl Stern, we take a look at The Yeti! A seven foot tall mummy (apparently NOT a Yeti or YET-TAY as Tony Schiavonie would say). Ron Reis would have an absolute identity crisis in WCW. He would be a Big John Studd knock-off, an Abominable Snowman dressed as a mummy, an Abominable Snowman dressed as a ninja, and a grunge slacker. Yeah, this one is going to be fun.
DragonKingKarl continues his recent biographical series, today looking at Sean "X-Pac" Waltman. Karl saw Waltman's entire wrestling career, reading about his earliest days in PWA, watching him in Global, and then seeing him explode onto the scene in WWF. X-Pac excelled despite not being stamped out of the big man clone machine. He took a high flying style, mixed it was martial arts, and had a great career. Karl makes the argument he may be the best of a certain type of wrestler.
Join pro wrestling historian Karl Stern as he discusses the life and career of one of his favorite wrestlers Steve Dr. Death Williams! A legend in the Mid-South for Bill Watts and later one of the best Americans in Japan during the peak of the glory days of All-Japan Pro Wrestling. A legit wrestler who crossed over into a pro wrestling great and superstar in Japan.
Join pro wrestling historian Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) for this final look at the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot for 2022. In this episode we discuss the "other countries" candidates, the non-wrestler list, and discuss more about all the new tag teams on the ballot including the Robert Gibson paradox. Join us for more in-depth pro wrestling history discussion.
The character of the Mummy has made many appearances over the years in pro wrestling. From the famous Benji Ramierz to the more cartoonish Mummies in Smoky Mountain Wrestling, Memphis, and beyond. Join Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) as he celebrates Halloween by looking at this monster inspired character. Visit WhenItWasCool.com.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame discussion podcast is one of our most popular podcasts of the year. Wrestling historian and chronicler Karl Stern breaks down the ballot and discusses his thoughts on each candidate. This year, there are a few rule changes (discussed in part one) and the addition of several tag teams. This episode we continue looking at the historical and modern era candidates and discussing several of those tag teams including an absolute no-brainer.
Our most popular show of the year is back. The 2022 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame discussion. Host Karl Stern talks about this year's rule changes. Also discussed are the many new tag teams on this year's ballot. Plus, discussion about Sgt. Slaughter and many others. Part 1 of 3.
This week on the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show we talk about the Frankenstein Monster in pro wrestling! Yes, the creature has popped up a few times in pro wrestling, most famously in Los Angeles and in Memphis and today we tell you all about how the Frankenstein Monster came to be in wrestling and about the shoot fight he had with Andre the Giant. No kidding.
On this episode host Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) takes a look at the monster Big Van Vader. Leon White originally debuted in the AWA as a former NFL football star, but after going to Japan and being given the gimmick of the space monster Big Van Vader, his career opened up internationally in a big way, including a riot against Antonio Inoki, almost losing an eye against Stan Hansen, world titles in Mexico, Japan, Europe, and the United States. Big Van Vader was a giant star literally and figuratively.
Ultimo Dragon was one of my favorite pro wrestlers, so this show was a lot of fun to put together. Ultimo Dragon was a standout Japanese junior heavyweight wrestler who also had influence in Mexico and the United States as well. He was important to the WCW Cruiserweight division, and an innovator inside the ring. This is the story of the highflying Ultimo Dragon.
Ultimo Dragon was one of my favorite pro wrestlers, so this show was a lot of fun to put together. Ultimo Dragon was a standout Japanese junior heavyweight wrestler who also had influence in Mexico and the United States as well. He was important to the WCW Cruiserweight division, and an innovator inside the ring. This is the story of the highflying Ultimo Dragon.
Tiger Mask revolutionized pro wrestling. The style he developed in the 1980s, along with Dynamite Kid, is a style of wrestling that still has influence today. Join pro wrestling historian Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) as he looks back at revolutionary wrestler Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) and the various Tiger Mask characters which came afterward. Support WhenItWasCool.com on Patreon.
Tiger Mask revolutionized pro wrestling. The style he developed in the 1980s, along with Dynamite Kid, is a style of wrestling that still has influence today. Join pro wrestling historian Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) as he looks back at revolutionary wrestler Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) and the various Tiger Mask characters which came afterward. Support WhenItWasCool.com on Patreon.
He was the last great truly dangerous feeling wrestler. Scott Steiner was a loose cannon on the mic and in the ring in WCW. Following a stellar tag team career with his brother Rick Steiner, Scott forged a new path as the Superstar Billy Graham look-a-like with a foul mouth and jakked to the gills in WCW and later TNA. He was the last pro wrestler to legitimately feel dangerous in and out of the ring. Unhinged craziness at it's best and, apparently, math wiz.
He was the last great truly dangerous feeling wrestler. Scott Steiner was a loose cannon on the mic and in the ring in WCW. Following a stellar tag team career with his brother Rick Steiner, Scott forged a new path as the Superstar Billy Graham look-a-like with a foul mouth and jakked to the gills in WCW and later TNA. He was the last pro wrestler to legitimately feel dangerous in and out of the ring. Unhinged craziness at it's best and, apparently, math wiz.
This is an audio documentary about the wrestling career of "Hustler" Rip Rogers. Rogers worked all over the world in the 1970s-80s including most of the major U.S. territories, Japan, a memorable feud with Adrian Street and Austin Idol in Alabama, Stampede in Canada, and much more.
This is an audio documentary about the wrestling career of "Hustler" Rip Rogers. Rogers worked all over the world in the 1970s-80s including most of the major U.S. territories, Japan, a memorable feud with Adrian Street and Austin Idol in Alabama, Stampede in Canada, and much more.
We close out the 1800s at New York's Madison Square Garden by look at the only pro wrestling show held there in 1898 and then there appears to have been none in 1899 and resumes again in 1900. Ernest Rober has returned and we find out that he is the hand picked champion for William Muldoon. We also discover clues as to why the original Strangler, Evan Lewis, never wrestled at MSG. We then discuss one of the best early heavyweights, Tom Jenkins, with this look at pro wrestling history with DragonKingKarl (Karl Stern).
We close out the 1800s at New York's Madison Square Garden by look at the only pro wrestling show held there in 1898 and then there appears to have been none in 1899 and resumes again in 1900. Ernest Rober has returned and we find out that he is the hand picked champion for William Muldoon. We also discover clues as to why the original Strangler, Evan Lewis, never wrestled at MSG. We then discuss one of the best early heavyweights, Tom Jenkins, with this look at pro wrestling history with DragonKingKarl (Karl Stern).
This week on the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show, host Karl Stern from WhenItWasCool.com takes a look back at the Queensbury Athletic Club which set the foundation for pro wrestling in Toronto, Canada and eventually gave rise to pro wrestling at the Maple Leaf Gardens. In the 1930s the Queensbury Athletic Club launch what would become one of the most influential wrestling territories in the world and set the stage for one of pro wrestling's most famous venues.
This week on the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show, host Karl Stern from WhenItWasCool.com takes a look back at the Queensbury Athletic Club which set the foundation for pro wrestling in Toronto, Canada and eventually gave rise to pro wrestling at the Maple Leaf Gardens. In the 1930s the Queensbury Athletic Club launch what would become one of the most influential wrestling territories in the world and set the stage for one of pro wrestling's most famous venues.
Another new pro wrestling biography for you as I take a look at the lucha libre character Pentagon. Originally created by AAA in Mexico as the evil rival of Octagon, Pentagon went through a number of changes over the years including different people playing the role. His rivalry with Octagon also lasted many years. Now, here in the current era of pro wrestling a new Pentagon has emerged - Pentagon, Jr. and he and his brother have taken the wrestling world by storm including Impact wrestling, AEW, Lucha Underground, and many more. Let's explore the story of Pentagon!
Another new pro wrestling biography for you as I take a look at the lucha libre character Pentagon. Originally created by AAA in Mexico as the evil rival of Octagon, Pentagon went through a number of changes over the years including different people playing the role. His rivalry with Octagon also lasted many years. Now, here in the current era of pro wrestling a new Pentagon has emerged - Pentagon, Jr. and he and his brother have taken the wrestling world by storm including Impact wrestling, AEW, Lucha Underground, and many more. Let's explore the story of Pentagon!
I will be looking back at the territorial era monster One Man Gang who later had his gimmick changed to the regrettable Akeem. Starting out with the outlaw promotions then Poffo's ICW, he ended up getting huge pushes in Florida, World Class, Mid-South UWF, and ultimately WWF where he had a run against Hulk Hogan before settling into a tag team with Big Boss Man. Before he retired he also had a couple of runs in WCW and Japan. Let's talk about the One Man Gang.
I will be looking back at the territorial era monster One Man Gang who later had his gimmick changed to the regrettable Akeem. Starting out with the outlaw promotions then Poffo's ICW, he ended up getting huge pushes in Florida, World Class, Mid-South UWF, and ultimately WWF where he had a run against Hulk Hogan before settling into a tag team with Big Boss Man. Before he retired he also had a couple of runs in WCW and Japan. Let's talk about the One Man Gang.
I will be looking back at the territorial era monster One Man Gang who later had his gimmick changed to the regrettable Akeem. Starting out with the outlaw promotions then Poffo's ICW, he ended up getting huge pushes in Florida, World Class, Mid-South UWF, and ultimately WWF where he had a run against Hulk Hogan before settling into a tag team with Big Boss Man. Before he retired he also had a couple of runs in WCW and Japan. Let's talk about the One Man Gang.
I will be looking back at the territorial era monster One Man Gang who later had his gimmick changed to the regrettable Akeem. Starting out with the outlaw promotions then Poffo's ICW, he ended up getting huge pushes in Florida, World Class, Mid-South UWF, and ultimately WWF where he had a run against Hulk Hogan before settling into a tag team with Big Boss Man. Before he retired he also had a couple of runs in WCW and Japan. Let's talk about the One Man Gang.
Today I take a look back at a classic tag team of the territorial era - The Nightmares. The Nightmares (Ken Wayne and Danny Davis) were never a big nationally known team. They never worked WWF, worked only briefly for the NWA and, even then, under a different name, but fans of Memphis and Continental saw them a lot as they were a top tag team in those territories peaking in a great feud with Tommy and Johnny Rich and again with Jerry Stubbs and Dirty White Boy.
On this DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Biography podcast, host Karl Stern takes a look at the career of one of the most famous lucha libre stars in history- Mil Mascaras. Mil Mascaras was a huge star, not only in Mexico, but the United States and Japan as well. In addition to that, he was one of the major lucha libre action movie stars, featured in multiple lucha movies. Known to be very difficult about doing jobs and even selling, we take a look at the fact and the fiction behind legendary lucha star Mil Mascaras.
The pro wrestling career and life of Lex Luger is very complicated. He was a major star right out of the starting gate, pushed to the top of Championship Wrestling from Florida from his very first match. He was quickly seen as the next Hulk Hogan. He was a member of the 4 Horsemen, all within months of his debut. But he kept being booked to fail in the NWA and WCW before moving to the WBF and ultimately the WWF / WWE. Then he walked out on Nitro... whew... and there are still world title reigns and his trouble period with the law and the death of Miss Elizabeth to discuss. It's a whopper of a show.
The master of the Eastern arts! A disfigured ninja! The green mist spitting martial arts master! The Great Kabuki was an interesting and successful gimmick wrestler developed from the mind of Gary Hart who became a cool special attraction heel in World Class Championship Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, and elsewhere in the 1980s. Join pro wrestling historian DragonKingKarl with a look back at this interesting character.
Join Karl Stern as he talks about some of the best and worst of the enhancement pro wrestlers that made our favorites look like superstars. Some were better than others. Legends like Mike Jackson, Barry Horowitz, Randy Barber, Jake Millman, and others made our favorites look greats, others... well... they were there as cannon fodder. Let's take a look at the wrestlers who were there to lose!
Austin Idol was one of the most charismatic stars of the territorial era of pro wrestling. Austin Idol was a big star in Georgia, Memphis, Alabama, Florida, and even a brief stint early in his career in the WWF. Cut out of the same gimmick mold as Superstar Billy Graham, Jesse Ventura, and Hulk Hogan, Austin Idol is one of the most memorable interviews in wrestling history.
By Patreon request today we are talking about pro wrestling manager and the booker of the red hot era of World Class Championship Wrestling- Gary Hart. You've heard about Gary Hart's infamous book but we actually have a copy and we explore excerpts from it. It's everything you want to know from his early days as a wrestler, booking one of the hottest angles in wrestling history, managing The Spoiler, Kabuki, and others. What happened with the WWF and who did he have heat with. The plane crash he was in and much more! A packed biography special!
This is a great bit of wrestling audio. This was originally put out there by wrestling historian Beau James a few years ago. In 1974 veteran wrestler Mario Galento went on a Memphis sports radio show and absolutely blew up Kayfabe. The audio even includes a random housewife who figured out pro wrestling was "fake" herself when she called the Memphis Police department to stop "a killing" at the wrestling TV studios and they laughed at her. An amazing bit of audio.
Continuing our A-Z of pro wrestling history series we talk about the career of pro wrestler and promoter Ron Fuller. Not only was Ron Fuller a third generation wrestler, but also a promoter of multiple territories including running two at the same time. I grew up on Ron Fuller's southern Southeastern Championship Wrestling and later Continental wrestling which innovated television presentation in many ways and launched the careers of many famous pro wrestlers.
Continuing our A-Z of pro wrestling history series we talk about the career of pro wrestler and promoter Ron Fuller. Not only was Ron Fuller a third generation wrestler, but also a promoter of multiple territories including running two at the same time. I grew up on Ron Fuller's southern Southeastern Championship Wrestling and later Continental wrestling which innovated television presentation in many ways and launched the careers of many famous pro wrestlers.
Karl Stern brings you all the latest news and fall out from the Vince McMahon resignation from WWE including Paul Levesque being promoted to the "Vince McMahon position" in creative, all the latest from the Wall Street Journal and Wrestling Observer about what lead to this and where we go from here. Curated especially for the lapsed fan of pro wrestling. One of the most significant pro wrestling news stories ever.
As part of a new series I'm doing on my free wrestling feed coming up I needed a few new biographies and specials so in the coming weeks I'm going to have a few new wrestling biographies. We are starting with Earthquake- John Tenta. He wrestled at LSU, then went to join Sumo where he was a standout westerner but soon became disgruntled and switched to pro wrestling, first in Japan, then in the U.S. and became a star in WWF / WWE as an opponent for Hulk Hogan, as well as, a World tag team champion. He had multiple stints in Japan and in WCW as well. This is the story of Earthquake.
DragonKingKarl A-Z of pro wrestling history series continues by looking at The Franchise of ECW- Shane Douglas. Shane Douglas started out in the 1980s in the later days of the territories. Trained by Killer Kowalski alongside Mick Foley, Douglas broke out in Bill Watts’ UWF territory and later Continental before landing in WCW and part of the ill fated Dynamic Dudes tag team with Johnny Ace and a tag team title reign with Ricky Steamboat. But it wasn’t until throwing down the NWA World title and the counter-culture ECW rose to prominence that Shane Douglas found his true calling. This episode we discuss the career of Shane Douglas.
DragonKingKarl A-Z of pro wrestling history series continues by looking at lucha libre legend El Canek. El Canek, El principe Maya, is one of the most highly decorated and influential luchadores in history. While he might not get as much attention as the movie star luchadores like El Santo, Blue Demon, Mil Mascaras, and others, he was a giant star who defeated legends like Lou Thesz, and even Andre the Giant. Join host wrestling historian Karl Stern as he looks at the career of El Canek.
Continuing our DragonKingKarl A-Z of pro wrestling history series with Bam Bam Bigelow. Bam Bam Bigelow was one of my favorites. I always loved the big agile monsters. I saw Bam Bam Bigelow’s career from the very start, watching him in Memphis and following him through World Class (as Crusher Yurkov), and his multiple runs in the WWF / WWE, WCW, and Japan. Join me as I look back at the life and career of one of pro wrestling’s best big men- Bam Bam Bigelow!
We begin our DragonKingKarl A-Z of pro wrestling history series with The Assassin. Jody Hamilton started wrestling as a tag team with his brother The Missouri Mauler and even headlined Madison Square Garden, but it was his time as tag team partner with Tom Renesto as The Assassins that made him nationally famous. We also discuss his time in the Southeast as the masked Flame.
This show was previously heard by our Patreons at WhenItWasCool.com. Periodically, we review some of the WORST rated matches and shows of all time to see if they are really as bad as portrayed. In celebration of TripleMania, DragonKingKarl takes a look back at a minus 5 star match from 2015 AAA TripleMania - Villanos vs Psycho Circus!
In 1993 at the age of 33, pro wrestling star Kerry Von Erich took his own life on his father's ranch near Dallas, Texas. The Von Erich family was legendarily plagued with death. This biography was the peak of Dave Meltzer's legendary in-depth biography pieces. Going into great detail, not only about Kerry Von Erich, but the entire troubled family as well. From the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this is the death of Kerry Von Erich.
I have watched every available episode of 1979-1980 Memphis Wrestling so let's discuss. Jerry Lawler, Bill Dundee, Jimmy Valiant, The Blonde Bombers (Wayne Farris and Larry Latham), the Tupelo Concession Stand Brawl (the first one), plus the young rookie days of Ricky Morton, Eddie Gilbert, Robert Gibson, Danny Davis, and more. Tons of amazing angles and characters during this era of CWA Wrestling.
Another DragonKingKarl mega-show in our "Saga of" series takes a look back at a tag team many consider the greatest of all time - The Midnight Express. But if you think the Midnight Express is only Dennis Condrey and Bobby Eaton or Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane, or if you think Jim Cornette has always been part of the formula, think again. The Midnight Express was already a highly decorated, veteran unit before Jim Cornette ever came along. With founding members Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose, and Norvell Austin, the Midnight ran rampant as the top heels in 2 different territories long before Mid-South. Plus, learn about ALL the Midnight Express members including (yes) the Mongolian Stomper and Honky Tonk Man (and more!)
Today's review is awesome! Armstrong Alley YouTube channel has newly discovered footage from the spring of 1983 of Alabama's Southeastern Championship Wrestling. He found someone with a previously undiscovered tape out of Montgomery which features, among other things: More legendary heel Bob Armstrong, Buck Robley coming out of a box angle, The Midnight Express, Inc (Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose, Norvell Austin, Mongolian Stomper, etc), Ric Flair, Mr. Olympia, Frank Savage, Ken Lucas, Jimmy Golden, The Flame (Jody Hamilton), Tommy Rogers as U.S. Junior champion, and more! Let's take a look at it!
George Hackenschmidt, the Russian Lion, is a pioneer in two worlds. He is a pioneer legend of the strongman and powerlifting scene and a pioneer in pro wrestling as the first internationally recognized World heavyweight champion. His matches with Tom Jenkins and, later, Frank Gotch, set the stage for pro wrestling's enduring popularity in America. Join wrestling historian Karl Stern as he discusses the life and career of George Hackenschmidt.
Join pro wrestling historian Karl Stern as he looks back at one of the most stereotypical, yet longest running, pro wrestling gimmicks- The Hillbilly! The Scufflin' Hillbillies, Haystack Calhoun, Giant Haystacks, Hillbilly Jim, The Godwinns, and many more. Some famous and some forgotten. An interesting look at the history of this memorable pro wrestling gimmick.
Added to our rotation of shows is a new one looking at the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Perhaps the most famous arena in the world, MSG has changed multiple times over the years, and we will talk about the different owners and locations as well. Today, we go back to the original Gilmour's Gardens (soon to be MSG) at the first wrestling star there - Andre Christol and the great tournament of 1875.
This is our annual show discussing who got elected to the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. This year seemed to have more controversy than usual. One long time historian and voter has vowed to "never vote again" while others have maintained that someone unqualified has now been elected. Let's cut through the chaos and discuss the WON HOF. We may hurt a few feelings along the way but with tribalism and hyperbolic speech running rampant that's to be expected, I guess. Plus, more discussion on Sgt. Slaughter, and who is being added next year that's a must-elect.
From the DragonKingKarl biography podcast series. It took two show to discuss Lex Luger because his career was so complex. From being "The Next Hulk Hogan" in Florida and the NWA to his days as a 4 Horsemen. Then his failed stint in WWE and return on the first WCW Monday Nitro to all of his post career trouble including the death of Miss Elizabeth. The story of Lex Luger is a wild ride of ups and downs.
So, what did Mr. Wrestling 2 (Johnny Walker) actually do? He was arrested but the newspapers give little indication of him through the court process. On today's third and final part of Pro Wrestling True Crime, we find out the ultimate disposition of John F. Walker's case, what he actually ended up being sentenced for and what that means. We also find out what happened to everyone else involved, including, what happened to them later in life. More about the Black Dhalia, and we reexamine the Jimmy Carter inauguration story in a new light.
We now dig deeper into the criminal rape case against Mr. Wrestling 2 (Johnny Walker) ... or so it seems. In the summer of 1953, a roving gang of juveniles are reeking terror on the beaches of Hawaii. Two gang assaults on teenage girls take place within the span of a few days with anywhere from 2 to 17 males involved. Two people are arrested in connection to each incident and the court process begins. Over the course of a few weeks more and more members are arrested, the last of which is gas station attendant John F. Walker, the future Mr. Wrestling 2.
Over the next three days I will be posting a 3 part series about the little known assault story involving Mr. Wrestling 2 (Johnny Walker). This series is not for kids as we will be discussing some very heavy criminal themes. Part 1 - Who is Two? This isn't a biography, but rather a look at who was John F. Walker? How did he become friends with a President all while being on an offender database in Hawaii? Then we begin the trek through the complex criminal case of Mr. Wrestling 2. This is, far and away, the most detailed examination of this story ever done.
This was previously available to our Patreons at When It Was Cool, it is a pro wrestling mailbag show where wrestling historian Karl Stern answers questions from our Patreon supporters and then you get a hilarious pro wrestling TV review covering the November 1, 1986 episode of WWF Challenge featuring Greg Valentine, Randy Savage, Brutus Beefcake, Lanny Poffo, and more!
On this episode, wrestling historian Karl Stern looks back at the annual Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine year end awards issue from 1981. Awards went to Ric Flair, Tommy Rich, The Freebirds, Bob Backlund, Andre the Giant, and more. The Apter magazines used to be such fun back in the day.
There are many people who consider this the funniest show review Karl Stern has ever done. I don't know, this was too easy, like shooting fish in a bucket. You had a very drunk Jake Roberts out of control, a King Kong Bundy who was not happy about it. A Jim Neidhart who was not happy about it. About a dozen wrestlers past their prime trying to do a match. This was a train wreck of a pro wrestling show and you will love it.
What were Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, and wrestling historian Karl Stern like 16 years ago? Well, I have dug up some great audio from my old DragonKing Press Audio Show. I sit down with a young fresh and hilarious Bryan Alvarez to discuss 2005 era topics like TNA, and WWE, as well as this day in wrestling history. Then I sit down with a forty-something Dave Meltzer, not yet the Twitter heel he would become, and you'll enjoy the energy of us talking pro wrestling history and listen to Dave squirm as he gets asked to tell us about himself! It's a fun show from a time when wrestling was fun and we hadn't yet got divided up into clicks which hated one another. There will be more of this so stick around.
Karl Stern reviews the mess of a wrestling pay per view that was WCW Halloween Havoc 1992 featuring a disaster of a main event: Spin the Wheel Make the Deal between Sting and Jake Roberts. Plus: Ron Simmons defends the World title against The Barbarian, Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes against The Steve Williams Brothers, Big Van Vader vs Nikita Koloff, and much more!
I know you've been waiting for this one. The infamous Chamber of Horrors and the execution of Abdullah the Butcher. Fun fact - Razor Ramon was in that match too. Oh, yes lots of fun on this show: Lex Luger, Ron Simmons, Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton as a tag team, VAN HAMMER nearly kills a man, Flyin Brian Pillman, Steve Austin, oh there is so much fun on this show. Support When It Was Cool on Patreon!
The DragonKingKarl retro Halloween Havoc reviews continue with a look back at WCW Halloween Havoc 1990 with Sting vs Sid Vicious for the NWA World title. Also on the show Stan Hansen battles Lex Luger, Doom faces Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, The Steiner Brothers vs Nasty Boys, and much more! A fun filled retro wrestling review!
One of DragonKingKarl's popular and often hilarious retro wrestling reviews takes us back to 1989 WCW Halloween Havoc featuring a cage match that literally catches on fire with Ric Flair, Great Muta, Terry Funk, Sting, plus The Road Warriors, The Skyscrapers, Lex Luger, Brian Pillman, and much more. Celebrating Halloween this month at When It Was Cool. Support us on Patreon to keep this content going!
Here is a retro review DragonKingKarl did for Patreons at When It Was Cool, a review of a sitcom that failed to launch starring pro wrestling stars Roddy Piper and Jesse Ventura as two wrestlers turned cops in a silly crime series. A poorly executed poor idea with two, otherwise, largely good pro wrestlers turned actors. For more like this visit WhenItWasCool.com and join our Patreon.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballots should be coming any day now, so Karl discusses this years ballot in this massive 2 1/2 hour show. Who is new? Let's talk about CM Punk. Randy Orton hate. Sgt. Slaughter of course. Plus Big Daddy, a few who have no chance, a break down of the Hall of Fame statistics including peak performances, and the odd case of Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard & J.J. Dillon plus much more. One of the most popular shows of the year.
It was a dream match of the 1980s. The monster squashin' Incredible Hulk Hogan verses Abdullah the Butcher. While Abdullah the Butcher never ended up as a Hulk Hogan opponent in the WWF (WWE) the two did face off three times. Yes, Hulk Hogan and Abdullah the Butcher were in the ring together just three times during their long careers and all three times were during the course of one week in 1982 and this is that story.
Our latest collection of DragonKingKarl's long form history of pro wrestling podcast series takes us through the 1950s into the prime years of the NWA, the era of Lou Thesz, Gorgeous George, the later days of Jim Londos, Bill Longson, and pro wrestling becoming a territory system. The rise of El Santo and more. Pro wrestling history in an easy to follow time line format.
A fun filled review of a very 1986 WWF Wrestling Challenge program hosted by Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan featuring YOUTUBE COMMENTS, The Dream Team showing personality for once, creepy Lanny Poffo, Billy Jack Haynes, Randy Savage, the Hart Foundation, Tito Santana, Pedro Morales, and much more! A really fun show.
Matt Borne was well known in the pro wrestling business to have legal issues. He was arrested multiple times for a variety of crimes. WWE even once sued him to stop him from promoting himself as Doink on indy shows due to his string of arrests. He had serious heat with Jim Duggan over an issue that happened in Mid-South where Duggan alleged Borne was beating a woman. And what is the truth behind the molestation allegation that led to his firing from Georgia Championship Wrestling which led directly to the formation of The Road Warriors?
The 6th Omnibus edition of the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling covers the World War 2 and post-WW2 era of pro wrestling discussing people like The French Angel, Sandor Szabo, Lou Thesz, Orville Brown, Frank Sexton, Bill Longson, El Santo, and the formation of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). A deep dive into pro wrestling history with wrestling historian DragonKingKarl.
What is the Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling at When It Was Cool? The history of professional wrestling from it's earliest inception to the year 2000 is being indexed at WhenItWasCool.com. Learn about people like Col. James H. McLaughlin, William Muldoon, Farmer Burns, Frank Gotch, Tom Jenkins, George Hackenschmidt, Strangler Lewis (both of them), Lou Thesz, Gorgeous George, Buddy Rogers, Bruno Sammartino, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, The Rock, and more.
A new DragonKingKarl Ultimate History of pro wrestling special. The saga of Manny Fernandez. Manny is an old school wrestler who has told a lot of tales. He has the reputation of being, how can I put this, a perpetual liar. I am going to examine 3 of the most often repeated tales of Manny: He was a Navy SEAL in Vietnam, he played pro football, and he shot on Invader 3 in revenge for the killing of Bruiser Brody. You'll be surprised by both the fantasy and the truth!
With 2 Ultimate Warrior documentaries being released recently, I give to you my popular review of the 1998 WCW Halloween Havoc match between Ultimate Warrior vs Hollywood Hulk Hogan. Is it really as bad as claimed? Is it really one of the worst matches ever? If so, who was to blame? Plus, we have a Patreon supporter Q and A mailbag as well. Check us out at WhenItWasCool.com
In honor of the 75th birthday (May 19, 2021) of the legendary Andre the Giant, wrestling historian Karl Stern presents a reading of Dave Meltzer's biography of Andre the Giant from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Tons of background and information on one of the literal and figurative biggest names in pro wrestling history. Support WhenItWasCool.com on Patreon for over 1500 more shows just like this.
This collects episodes 21-25 of the DragonKingKarl Long Form History of Pro Wrestling series. Re-edited. This show covers the so called "lost era" of pro wrestling up to World War 2. Learn about Ed "Strangler" Lewis, Everette Marshall, Jim Londos, Bronco Nagurski, Dave Levin, numerous splits of the World heavyweight title and double crosses galore. The deepest dive into this era of pro wrestling history you've ever heard.
On this retro wrestling review, Karl Stern takes a look at a YouTube video of Jody "The Assassin" Hamilton's Deep South wrestling from 1987 (or, as the video says, Maybe 1988). Anyway, this show is packed with a few recognizable names like original Midnight Express member Randy Rose but several almost... but not quite favorites like the Almost Rock and Roll Express and Almost Jerry Lawler. A fun show you're sure to get a few laughs out of.
DragonKingKarl continues this re-edited long form history of pro wrestling series covering the years 1917 (the death of Frank Gotch) through the Ed "Stranger" Lewis era. Also discussing Earl Caddock, Joe Stecher, Danno O'Mahoney, Jim Londos, Wladek and Stanislaus Zbyszko, and many others. The World War 1 through the Great Depression era of pro wrestling history a so-called "lost era" in wrestling history.
The origin and evolution of pro wrestling action figures from wrestling historian DragonKingKarl (Karl Stern). Taking a look at AWA Remco, LJN WWF action figures, Hasbro, Jakks, Mattel, and more! This is your detailed history of pro wrestling action figures in the United States. Support WhenItWasCool.com on Patreon at When It Was Cool are creating a Website and Podcast Network | Patreon
Buck "Rock and Roll" Zumhofe was a staple of the 1970s-80s pro wrestling scene. While largely a mainstay in the AWA, he also worked World Class and WWF regularly. He was a multi-time AWA World Junior champion. He was also a convicted sex offender and everybody knew it including spending a stint in prison between runs in the AWA and WWF. Then he was arrested again but this time it was far worse. He'd done it again, only this time it was his daughter. And many people knew...
This is a collection of DragonKingKarl Stern's Long Form History of Pro Wrestling podcast series collecting episodes 11-15 which covers pro wrestling from 1900 until 1917. This is the Frank Gotch era. Covered are his battles with George Hackenschmidt, Farmer Burns, Tom Jenkins, and others. His many retirements, the leg injury that ended his career. His forgotten return match and his death.
Karl Stern continues the long form history of pro wrestling podcast series and we up to March 1982. Bob Backlund remains champion of WWF feuding with both Jesse Ventura and Adrian Adonis. Ric Flair faces many different opponents including a memorable series with Butch Reed. Nick Bockwinkel reigns as champion over the AWA. Plus discussion of Jerry Lawler, Harley Race, David Von Erich, Japan, and much more.
DragonKingKarl is beginning to release stand-alone biography podcast specials again and we are going to pick back up with WWE and Wrestling Observer Hall of Famer Sting. Sting is topical again as he recently wrestled his first match in years with AEW. Karl saw his career literally from his very first match through his travels in Memphis, the UWF, NWA/WCW, TNA, until now. Join Karl for this discussion of one of the most iconic wrestlers of the 1980s-1990s - Steve Borden, AKA: Sting.
This edition of the GKT features two of the best workers in modern history: Ricky Steamboat vs Kurt Angle. Between the two they have a library of some of the best matches of the last 40 years. What happens when the two of them collide? You the listener voted and we have a winner. Now let's talk about the careers of Ricky Steamboat and Kurt Angle.
We revolve back around to the Spotlight on Southern Wrestling series as we review a rather unremarkable episode of Georgia Championship Wrestling from 1984 taking place just weeks before the infamous Black Saturday WWF take-over. What was happening just before the stock owners turned on each other? We talk about The Road Warriors, Nikolai Volkoff, a show with nothing but bruisers with one exception, and an exceptional Jake Roberts promo.
This is the second collection of Long Form History of Wrestling podcasts, edited and updated. This covers the years 1882-1900 and such names as William Muldoon, Col. James H. McLaughlin, the original Strangler Lewis, Farmer Burns, Tom Jenkins, the early days of Frank Gotch, and much more. The pioneers of pro wrestling.
DragonKingKarl's long running Long Form History of Pro Wrestling at Wrestling Observer is now re-edited and being released for free on this podcast feed. This is the first installment which is take from the first 5 episodes of the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling covering from the ancient past until 1881 and discussing such wrestlers as Abraham Lincoln, William Muldoon, Col. James H. McLaughlin, John McMahon, Prof. Theobaud Baur and others. The history of pro wrestling begins here.
The most detailed look at 1983 pro wrestling in Ron Fuller's NWA Southeastern Championship Wrestling Alabama - Florida promotion you've ever heard. This is six of our Patreon special podcasts collected together talking about my favorite year of SECW. This year featured Bob Armstrong and his legendary heel run, Ron Fuller, Jimmy Golden, Mr. Olympia, Arn Anderson as Super Olympia, Ric Flair, and much more! Southern pro wrestling at it's best ever.
Wrestling historian DragonKingKarl takes you through Dave Meltzer and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's biographies and obituaries of Andre the Giant, Boris Malenko, Art Barr, and Eddie Gilbert. Andre the Giant was a mega star both nationally and internationally. Boris Malenko was the father of Dean Malenko and an interesting figure in wrestling. Art Barr was a controversial person on the verge of becoming one of the best in the business and the story of Eddie Gilbert is complex and interesting.
Mario Galento was a big pro wrestling star all over the southern United States including giant sell-outs in Mobile, Memphis, and elsewhere. He was also a very unpredictable and often contentious wrestler and getting into scraps and fights was no uncommon for him. In 1974 he got fed up with the Memphis promotional office and went on a local sports talk radio and spilled the kayfabe beans on pro wrestling. He took calls from listeners and aired the dirty laundry of many of the top pro wrestlers of the day.
Karl Stern presents five full length pro wrestling biographies of the pioneers of wrestling. G.W. Flagg, William Muldoon, Col. James H. McLaughlin, Frank Gotch, and George Hackenschmidt. These are five of the men who laid the foundation of pro wrestling as one of the most successful forms of entertainment for the next 100 plus years.
They are two of the smartest and most experienced people in pro wrestling. Both are brilliant wrestling historians. Dave Meltzer has published the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for over 3 decades and it is THE definitive insider trade publication in pro wrestling. Jim Cornette was a manager of the highest level, a promoter, and now a podcaster. Both men collectively know more about pro wrestling than any other two men alive. So why has their multi-decade friendship ended over pro wrestling opinion? In this Saga of... series, historian and podcaster Karl Stern examines both men and their opinions and methodology. Is Dave biased toward AEW? Kenny Omega? The Young Bucks? Is he too close to his subject matter? Why is Cornette so profane and outrageous and, in the end, which of them is right or are both wrong.
Our biggest Saga of wrestling special clocking in at over three hours covering in detail every aspect of the career of the wrestling character Lord Humongous. Humongous was played by multiple people during the 1980s, first Mike Stark, then Jeff Van Camp, then a dude out in Texas for minute, then Sid Vicious, then a few other people (even Scott Hall!) Based on the character by the same name from Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, the monster brute terrorized Memphis, SECW, Continental, Mid-South, and more!
Two of the most ridiculous 1990s pro wrestling Pay Per Views were brought to us by WCW in 1991 and 1992. Halloween Havoc in both those years featured some unforgettably strange stuff narrated by pro wrestling historian Karl Stern. Abdullah the Butcher gets baked in an electric chair, Mick Foley can't work a light switch, Jake Roberts get bit in the face by his own snake, and Sting and Vader must plow through this mess... and the debacle of the debut of Rick Rude.
It's time for historically our most popular show of the year. Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) has been a voter in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame for over a decade and every year discusses the ballot on his podcast. If you've ever wondered about the wording, criteria, and structure of the ballot then all is explained here. Plus discussion on candidates such as: Junkyard Dog, Rocky Johnson, Sgt. Slaughter, Kerry Von Erich, Bob Armstrong, the Hardys, Edge, C.M. Punk, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Big Daddy, Adrian Street, Jun Akiyama, Kenny Omega, and much more! Free show so pass it around and help us spread the word about WhenItWasCool.com
You may have heard rave reviews about the time Eddie Gilbert and Paul Heyman came to book the newly purchased Continental Wrestling Federation. David Woods bought the company from Ron Fuller and turned over the creative reigns to hot young creative minds Gilbert and Heyman. The newsletters gushed over the creative direction but... the reality was a little different. Today we discuss the reality behind the mesmerized newsletters and why the Road to Birmingham self destructed.
Nobody thought it would ever happen but it did. Ric Flair reaches an stalemate with WCW and signs with WWF while still NWA and WCW World heavyweight champion. He shows up on WWE (WWF) TV with the Big Gold belt and the lawsuits begin to fly. Historian Karl Stern discusses everything that lead up to the break with Ric Flair, his arrival, and the program with Hulk Hogan that didn't make it to WrestleMania and discusses the facts and often repeated fiction of the story of why we never got Hulk Hogan vs Ric Flair at WrestleMania.
The story of David Von Erich is a powerful story. He was young and destined for greatness. Perhaps he was even the heir apparent to the NWA World heavyweight championship. But then an ill fated trip to Japan for a tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling ended his story. We will examine in detail the last few months of the life of pro wrestling star David Von Erich and explore where he was, where he was headed, and how it all ended.
Did Hulk Hogan really win the AWA World heavyweight title from Nick Bockwinkel and was it erased from history? It's very complicated. There were actually two controversial AWA World title wins by Hulk Hogan and the stories are very confusing. With conflicts arising with New Japan Pro Wrestling, merchandising with Verne Gagne, and more. Plus, the myth of Hogan going directly to the WWF are all explored here in this saga of Hulk Hogan and the AWA World wrestling championship.
It began as a battle between Jerry Lawler and Tommy Rich. Rich had returned to Memphis pro wrestling and felt like he was slighted by Jerry The King Lawler. The two entered a violent feud. Soon, Austin Idol and Paul E. Dangerously (Paul Heyman) became involved and it lead to one of the most famous matches in Memphis wrestling history- a steel cage hair vs hair match. The ending of the match saw a near riot and this angle is as close to a perfectly told pro wrestling story as you will ever get.
In December 1982, Bullet Bob Armstrong turned against his friend Ron Fuller during a NWA World title match against Ric Flair setting off the feud that defined the Southeastern Championship Wrestling area. Bob Armstrong turned heel and battled the Tennessee Stud for months. Tragedy struck Bob Armstrong in the form of a weight lifting accident but Bob returned and begged forgiveness from Ron Fuller and offered to aid him in his fight against Arn Anderson and Jerry Stubbs. This is that story.