When It Was Cool Wrestling (DragonKingKarl) Podcast
Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) is a pro wrestling historian, has produced the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show for over 15 years at WrestlingObserver.com. He is currently putting together the massive Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling Zone here at When It Was Cool. This is the free version of some of the pro wrestling content we produce here at When It Was Cool. The vast majority of it is available early for Patreon supporters and there are over 1900 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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - William Muldoon vs Donald Dinnie
The 1000 Hours podcast series focuses on the pioneer era of pro wrestling history. You do not have to listen to the shows in order, jump in at any point! Today, we are in 1883 and the biggest star of the pioneer era- William Muldoon is about to face one of the greatest all around athletes of the time and Scottish legend Donald Dinnie. The two men did not get along, and Muldoon feels like he has been double crossed by Donald Dinnie and it leads to a big show down in Portland, Oregon. That and much more on hour 83 of 1000 Hours! The information in this episode is taken from my latest book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus available at Amazon.
The extended Patreon edition of the show is 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 104.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - 1990 The Year in Review
On this edition of the DragonKingKarl Show, I grab the March 1991 issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated Magazine which covers the year 1990 in depth. Besides the annual year end awards, the magazine also covers the major events of 1990. 1990 was a hugely transitional year in pro wrestling history. Ric Flair was no longer king of the NWA with Sting now the reigning World champion. Hulk Hogan was out of the WWF title picture as Ultimate Warrior now had that championship. The AWA was still barely hanging on and a major angle in USWA was grabbing attention and a newcomer named Steve Austin was making waves in Texas.
The extended Patreon edition of the podcast is here.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - Long Form History of Pro Wrestling - November 1985 - Big Shows in Multiple Companies
I continue my history of pro wrestling series today looking at November 1985 which is taken from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus. The young death of 'Quick Draw' Rick McGraw stunned wrestling and started a false urban legend. Thanksgiving in 1985 was a huge deal in wrestling and there were major cards by the WWF, World Class, AWA, and the biggest one of all: NWA Starrcade. Also in this month, an off-hand remark in a promo gives birth to the most famous stable in pro wrestling. Join me as well look back at this historic month in pro wrestling history.
The extended Patreon version is here.
1000 Hours Podcast - The Poisoning of Tom Connors
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.
The extended Patreon edition is 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 103.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - 2025 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Ballot Discussion!
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.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - A Look Back at a 1990 WWF Magazine
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.
The extended Patreon Edition is here.
1000 Hours Podcast - New Homer Lane Information and More
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!
The extended Patreon edition is 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 102.
DragonKingKarl: 1992 WCW Had Lots of Problems
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.
The extended Patreon edition is here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/DragonKingKarl_1992_WCW_Has_Serious_Problems_Free.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - September Q&A Show!
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!
The Patreon extended edition is here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/DragonKingKarl_September_Q_and_A_Free.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - The Rise of Catch as Catch Can Wrestling
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!
The Patreon extended edition is 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 100.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/80_1000_Hours_Rise_of_Catch_as_Catch_Can_Free.mp3
Long Form History of Wrestling - October 1985 - A Wedding and World Champion verses World Champion
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.
The extended Patreon edition of the show is here.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - 1996 in Pro Wrestling History
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.
The extended Patreon edition is here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/DragonKingKarl_A_Look_Back_at_1996_Free.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Muldoon and Whistler Get into a Fist Fight
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
The Patreon extended edition of the show is here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/79_1000_Hours_Muldoon_vs_Whistler_Fist_Fight_Free.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - 1992 When Ron Simmons Became World Champ, Scandals and more!
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.
The extended Patreon cut is here.
1000 Hours Podcast - The William Muldoon Tour Begins
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.
The extended Patreon edition is 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 100.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/78_1000_Hours_Muldoon_Tour_Begins_Free.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - The Last Newsletters of the 1990s
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.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show - August Q and A Show! Tons of Topics and Questions!
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!
The expanded Patreon edition is located here.
1000 Hours Podcast - Why Study the Pioneer Era of Wrestling?
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 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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/77_1000_Hours_Why_Study_the_Pioneer_Era_Free.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - A Look at the Beginning of the 1990s Through the Newsletters
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 Patreon extended edition of the show is here.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show - 1992: The Best-ish of Times, The Worst-ish of Times
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!
The extended Patreon edition is here.
1000 Hours Podcast - H.M. Dufur's First Reign as Champion
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
The extended Patreon version is 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 96.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/76_1000_Hours_HM_Dufurs_First_Reign_as_Champion_Free.mp3
Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - August 1985 - WWF Grows, NWA Tries, AWA Hanging On
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!
The extended Patreon edition is here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/134196339
#wrestling, #WWE, #AEW, #NJPW, #TNA, #NXT, #NWA, #ROH, #sport, #sports, #history, #movie, #movies, #WCW, #retro, #WIWC
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show - July Question and Answer Show!
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
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/DragonKingKarl_Classic_Wrestling_Show_July_Q_and_A_Free.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - There is a New Champion
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.
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/75_1000_Hours_A_New_Champion_Free.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - The Late 1990s Were Wild
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/DragonKingKarl_Classic_Wrestling_Show_Late_1990s_Free.mp3
Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - July 1985 - King of the Ring, Great American Bash, More!
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.
The extended Patreon version of the show and a document related to this episode is on our Patreon page here.
1000 Hours Podcast - The Pioneer Era Erupts
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.
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/74_1000_Hours_Pioneer_Era_Explodes_Free.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show - The Early 1990s
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 Patreon extended version of the show is here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/DragonKingKarl_Classic_Wrestling_Show_The_1990s_Free.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - June Question and Answer Show!
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 - here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/DragonKingKarl_Classic_Wrestling_Show_QA_June_2025_Free.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - And Now They Have Swords
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.
The extended Patreon edition of the show is - 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 93.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/73_1000_Hours_Now_They_Have_Swords_Free.mp3
Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - June 1985 - Action Figures, AWA, Hulk Hogan, More!
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/105_Long_Form_History_of_Wrestling_VI_1985_Free.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Along Came the Bears
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.
This is the extended Patreon Edition - 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 93.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/72_1000_Hours_Along_Came_a_Bear_Free.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show - New Q & A Show Talking New Japan History, JBL, and Tons More!
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.
The Patreon extended edition - here.
Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - May 1985 - AWA Remains Strong, WWF Growing Stronger
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 is the Patreon extended edition - here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/104_Long_Form_History_of_Wrestling_1985_V.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - The Horse Lifting Incident
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.
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. This is hour 71.
The extended Patreon edition is here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/71_1000_Hours_The_Horse_Lifting_Incident.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - New Q&A talking Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, WCW, Ric Flair Return to WCW, and More!
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.
The extended Patreon edition which features multiple additional questions and topics is here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/DragonKingKarl_Classic_Wrestling_Show_QA_on_Flair_WCW_HOF.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - The Birth of Sports Entertainment is 1870
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.
Tehe extended Patreon edition is - 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 93.
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Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - April 1985 - Fallout from WrestleMania 1
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.
This is the extended Patreon edition - here.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show - Return of the Mail Bag!
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!
The special extended Patreon edition of the show with an additional discussion of the 1991 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500! Here!
1000 Hours Podcast - Drunker Than a Musicians Dog - Hour 69
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.
The extended Patreon Edition - here.
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Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - March 1985 - WWF WrestleMania I
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.
This is the extended Patreon Edition- here.
1000 Hours Podcast - Monster Classical and Geological Hippodrome - Hour 68
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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Special Patreon Extended Edition - https://www.patreon.com/posts/124993826
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1000 Hours Podcast - Col. James H. McLaughlin the Undisputed Champion
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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1000 Hours Podcast - The Most Monumental Moment of the Pioneer Era
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.
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 89.
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100 Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - 1985 Begins! (Free Episode!)
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!
1000 Hours Podcast - The Life and Crimes of Uzile Prickett
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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1000 Hours Podcast - The Players Are on the Field
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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1000 Hours Podcast - Wrestling Gets Organized
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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1000 Hours Podcast - America's First Wrestling Star Revisited - Hour 62
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - The Bible of the Pioneer Era
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.
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 83.
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1000 Hours Podcast - 1886: A Year of Change
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.
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 83.
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
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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - Pioneer Era Omnibus Book Launch!
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!
1000 Hours Podcast - More Milo to Londos
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.
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 82.
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1000 Hours Podcast - From Milo to Londos Fact verses Fiction
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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1000 Hours Podcast - The Real Terrible Turk and More Muldoon
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.
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 75.
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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show - Am I a Real Court Certified Expert, Tokyo Dome History, more
On today's DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show (now ONLY for Patreon supporters and those at Wrestling Observer) I discuss the question: Am I really a court certified expert on pro wrestling? Yes, I am, and I tell you how it came about, who was involved, and more. Plus, more 1933 Madison Square Garden History, and this episode we begin a look at the history of pro wrestling at the Tokyo Dome in Japan starting in 1989 and my love for Big Van Vader, Masahiro Chono, Buzz Sawyer, and the Russian wrestler invasion!
Only on Patreon! Click Here for Show.
1000 Hours Podcast - More Muldoon
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. On this, hour 56 of 1000 Hours, let's dive deeper into 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 74.
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1000 Hours Podcast - The Truth of William Muldoon... Mostly.
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.
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Long Form History of Wrestling - August 1984 - The Road Warriors and More
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!
1000 Hours Podcast - Will the Real Christol Please Stand Up?
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?
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 71.
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1000 Hours Podcast - The McMahon and Owens Family, More Lucien Marc
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.
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Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - July 1984 - Black Saturday and More
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 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!
1000 Hours Podcast - Why Does Lucien Marc Only Have Three Fingers?
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.
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 67.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Germany, France, and Europe Influence Wrestling
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. This is hour 51 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 67.
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1000 Hours Podcast - The Man Who Derailed McLaughlin
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.
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 67.
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Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - June 1984 - WWF Takes Over, Boot Camp Match, More
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!
1000 Hours Podcast - John McMahon Shot, Davy Crockett, and More
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
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1000 Hours Podcast - The Return of the Terrible Turk
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.
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/48_1000_Hours_Return_of_the_Terrible_Turk.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Who Was Homer Lane?
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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Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - May 1984: Kerry Von Erich Wins NWA Title, Vince Sr Dies, Georgia Falls
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.
1000 Hours Podcast - The Real Story of the 1870 Detroit Tournament
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Pioneer Era in Australia and Death of a Star
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Wrestling Presidents
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Great Lakes Wrestling in the Pioneer Era
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.
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Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - April 1984 (Patera and Saito Arrest)
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.
1000 Hours Podcast - Wrestling in the Biblical Era
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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1000 Hours Podcast - Pre-Hackenschmidt Russian Wrestling
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - The Strongmen of the Pioneer Era
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - The Evils of Wrestling
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. This is hour 39.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Barney Smith is Dead
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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1000 Hours Podcast - Pioneer Era Wrestling in France
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Bounty on Barney
I believe the Bounty on Barney has been collected. I now have a source within 14 years of the match. I'll discuss it on the February 25th show.
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - More on the King of the Wrestlers Charles
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 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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Pre-Pioneer Era in America
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - G.W. Flagg and John McMahon
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Greek George and the Champion of the South
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Of Bauer and Bears and More
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.
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The Iron Claw (2023) Movie Review Podcast
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/The_Iron_Claw_2023_Movie_Review.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Can You Bear Another Episode?
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - From Muldoon to Roman
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - A Boxer and a Wrestler Walk Into a Bar
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.
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What's So Special About 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling?
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!
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1000 Hours Podcast - The Ludicrous Tale of Richard K. Fox
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
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1000 Hours Podcast - Ringside Wrestling Book on Pioneers
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - The Polish Influence on Pro Wrestling
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 immediately 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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - More McLaughlin Killing Smith Mystery
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Pioneer Era Wrestling Outside New York City
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - Pioneer Era Wrestling in Mexico
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - The Mystery of Barney Smith. Maybe Dead. Maybe Not.
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/21_1000_Hours_The_Mystery_of_Barney_Smith.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Champion Wrestler Uziel Prickett Had a VERY Bad Idea
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.
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1000 Hours Podcast - The American Heavyweight Championship
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/19_1000_Hours_American_Heavyweight_Title.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Clarence "The Kansas Demon" Whistler
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/18_1000_Hours_Clarence_Kansas_Demon_Whistler.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Theobaud Bauer is Dead and There Was Much Rejoicing
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.
1000 Hours Podcast - Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling in Africa
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/16_1000_Hours_Pioneer_Era_Africa.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - That Time H.M. Dufur Got Shot in the Face
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/15_1000_Hours_That_Time_HM_Dufur_Got_Shot_in_the_Face.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - G.W. Flagg Writes a Letter
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
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/14_1000_Hours_GW_Flagg_Writes_a_Letter.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Pioneer Wrestling in Minnesota: Muldoon and Lewis
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.
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 24.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/13_1000_Hours_Pioneer_Minnesota_-_Muldoon_and_Lewis.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Pioneer Wrestling in Alabama: Who Was M.J. Dwyer?
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.
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 19.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/12_1000_Hours_Pioneer_Alabama_-_Who_Is_MJ_Dwyer.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Matsada Sorachichi
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.
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 19.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/11_1000_Hours_Matsada_Sorakichi.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Farmer Burns, Cigarette Cards, Evan Lewis
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/10_1000_Hours_Farmer_Burns_Cigarette_Cards_Evan_Lewis.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Jack Carkeek Goes to Prison
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/09_1000_Hours_Jack_Carkeek_Goes_to_Prison.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Opera House Cup
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/08_1000_Hours_Opera_House_Cup.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - John McMahon
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/07_1000_Hours_John_McMahon.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - William Richardson: Belted Champion
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/06_1000_Hours_William_Richardson_Belted_Champion.mp3
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/05_1000_Hours_The_Terrible_Turk.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - Duncan C. Ross Tells All
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/04_1000_Hours_Duncan_C_Ross_Tells_All.mp3
1000 Hours Podcast - The Trial of William Muldoon
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 four.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/03_1000_Hours_Trial_of_William_Muldoon_and_more.mp3
When It Was Cool Wrestling Podcast - 1000 Hours: Hour Two: Viro “Black Sam” Small, William Muldoon, and more
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/02_1000_Hours_Viro_Small_William_Muldoon.mp3
What’s So Special About 1983?
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.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/When_It_Was_Cool_Wrestling_Whats_So_Special_About_1983.mp3
The 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time List Podcast - The List
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!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/03_The_201_Greatest_Pro_Wrestlers_of_All_Time_The_List.mp3
The 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time List - Questions and Answers
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.
The 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time List - Intro, Sources, and Methods
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 list 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.
Saga of the Lord Humongous
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!
Direct Download - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/07_Saga_of_Lord_Humongous.mp3
Saga of the Death of David Von Erich
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.
Direct Download - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/04_Saga_of_the_Death_of_David_Von_Erich.mp3
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