When It Was Cool Wrestling & Retro Pop Culture (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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Only our last five shows are available for free. By signing up for our Patreon Page (which is how we fund this website) you get instant access to around 3,000 podcasts on pro wrestling history and retro pop culture. Check it out here.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - March 3, 1986, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Today, I continue preparations for the debut of my latest book: DragonKingKarl's 1986-1987 Pro Wrestling Omnibus with a detailed look back at the March 3, 1986, issue of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This issue of the Observer discusses such stories as World Class Championship Wrestling pulling out of the NWA and crowning their own world champion. Plus, the hype for WWF WrestleMania II, Saturday Night's Main Event, Yoshiaki Yatsu trying to get into the Olympics, and Florida's Battle of the Belts card.
The extended Patreon version of the show is here.
Star Wars The Ultimate Timeline Review Part 1 - The Acolyte through Revenge of the Sith
I recently ran through every Disney+ Star Wars offering in timeline order starting with The Acolyte (currently the series farthest back in Star Wars history) through Revenge of the Sith, and yes, that means I watched every season and episode of The Clone Wars. As a huge Star Wars fan my whole life (I saw A New Hope in theaters when I was in second grade and was hooked), all the recent Star Wars stuff on Disney+ both helped the story take on richer meaning but also brought a ton of problems with it as well. Let’s talk about it.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show - Pro Wrestling in Pop Culture and Embarrassing Wrestling
This week I am working on finishing up my new book DragonKingKarl's 1986-1987 Pro Wrestling Omnibus so this week I am presenting a show that I don't believe many people heard before. These two shows were recorded for a special project and this week I am letting everyone hear them. The first half of the show discusses pro wrestling's place in pop culture, especially back in the 1980s, and the second half of the show talks about times that pro wrestling either did completely embarrassing angles or featured embarrassing characters.
1000 Hour Podcast - Strangler Lewis is a Heel
Today on my 1000 Hours podcast series we discuss the continued rise of Evan 'Strangler' Lewis and how crowds in the late 1800s turned on this man. The vicious tactics of the original Strangler Lewis bumps up against the code of conduct of the era's sporting culture. Plus, William Muldoon says he is retired but is he really? The wild 1880s continue on the 1000 Hours Podcast with Karl Stern.
YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 122.
The extended Patreon edition is here.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - February 2026 Question & Answer Show!
You have the questions and I (hopefully) have the answers. No matter what era of pro wrestling history, from the pioneer era to the 2000s nothing is off limits. Today's show takes a number of questions and topic suggestions including the recent retirements of John Cena and Hiroshi Tanahasi and opponents they had in common, Jim Londos place in wrestling history, theme music, Bubba Ray Dudley and a few retro pop culture questions as well.
The extended Patreon version of the show is here.
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