DragonKingKarl Stern's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus Book (PDF Editions)
(November 16, 2023) It's time! Early access to Karl Stern's brand-new book (being released in physical form and for Kindle next week (Nov 21, 2023) on Amazon). But you, yes YOU! our $10 and higher Patreon supporters, get your copy today! I have included both the full size .pdf and the Amazon Kindle proof text so you can read it in whatever format you like (they both say exactly the same thing, just formatted differently). This covers the events from Hulk Hogan winning the WWF title in January 1984 through the national expansion of the WWF, including Black Saturday, the death of David Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich winning (and losing) the NWA World heavyweight title from Ric Flair, Starrcade 1984 and 1985, WWF WrestleMania I, Mr. T in pro wrestling and the hype leading to WrestleMania, the Wendi Richter double cross, the death of Rick McGraw (and others), and tons of Japan and Mexico news and notes. A note for almost EVERY SINGLE DAY of 1984-1985 including all known shows with more than 5,000 people in attendance worldwide and events of historic importance! Spread the word and enjoy! And... THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Click Here to Read the Book!
Check out the Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling Zone at When It Was Cool. This is a comprehensive timeline of the history of professional wrestling curated by pro wrestling historian and author Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl). Using the research of dozens of pro wrestling’s most respected historians along with Karl Stern’s own deep dives into the newspapers, books, magazines, and newsletters of pro wrestling’s past, Karl Stern has put together the most comprehensive and easy to use chronological timeline of the history of pro wrestling. Jump into the timeline of pro wrestling history by clicking - here!
NWA Southeastern Championship Wrestling Results Project
Results for NWA Southeastern Championship Wrestling. This is an on-going project with TV shows and results continually being added. This focuses on the southern end of the promotion known among wrestlers as the "Pensacola" or "Alabama" territory. The promotion was owned by Ron Fuller (with shareholders Bob Armstrong, Robert Fuller, and Roy Lee Welch). View Results
The 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All-Time List and Ranking
This is an aggregate list of the 201 greatest professional wrestlers of all time as compiled by When It Was Cool and pro wrestling historian Karl Stern using over 30 independent sources, magazines, books, newsletters, and historian rankings. By averaging all these sources we can gather a universal consensus of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time! Click Here for the List.
The Long Form History of Pro Wrestling Podcast Series
This is an on-going podcast series by pro wrestling historian Karl Stern looking at pro wrestling in a timeline format. Using information collected in the Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling Zone, the long form history of pro wrestling podcast has been running for several years at Wrestling Observer, as well as, here at When It Was Cool. Click Here for the Shows.
When It Was Cool Wrestling Podcast
The When It Was Cool Wrestling Podcast is the free podcast feed for pro wrestling historian Karl Stern and contains historical pro wrestling research and information. Please subscribe on your favorite podcast app or stream or download the shows directly from our online directory. Click here for the Shows.
Film Review: The Death Tour (Slamdance Film Festival)
Professional wrestling documentary The Death Tour (Canada, 2024) — directed by Stephan Peterson and Sonya Ballantyne — chronicles one season in the titular tour, so named because of its grueling challenges across Canada’s far north as its members seek to bring entertainment and education to Indigenous communities. Read More.
The Iron Claw (2023) Movie Review Article
In November 2023 I released the latest book from When It Was Cool Publishing titled DragonKingKarl’s 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus which coincided fortuitously with the theatrical release of the Sean Durkin written and directed pro wrestling themed movie The Iron Claw, a biographical sports drama based (largely) on the life of one of the most famous families in pro wrestling, The Von Erichs, told from the perspective of the only surviving son, Kevin Von Erich (Kevin Adkisson). The Iron Claw stars Zac Efron (as Kevin Von Erich), Jeremy Allen White (as Kerry Von Erich), Harris Dickinson (as David Von Erich), Maura Tierney (as Doris “Dottie” Von Erich), Holt McCallany (as Fritz Von Erich), and Lily James (as Pam Adkisson, the wife of Kevin Von Erich). The timing lines up with my new book in that David Von Erich died in February 1984 at the young age of 25 years old. It would be far from the last tragedy the family would endure. The Iron Claw movie was released in the United States by A24 on December 22, 2023. Read More.
