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.
Six Million Dollar Man (1973) Retro TV Review Podcast
You wanted more retro TV and movie reviews, and we are going to give them to you! One of my all-time favorite shows. In 1973 the Six Million Dollar Man debuted and, like many of the TV shows from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s you know most of what you need to know from the show intro- Steve Austin, a man barely alive. We can rebuild him. Better than before. Better, faster, stronger. Based on the Cyborg novels, astronaut Steve Austin becomes a super powered government agent who ends up fighting space probes, androids, and Bigfoot. Enjoy!
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - January 2026 Q&A Show!
The return of the DragonKingKarl question and answer show! I have a huge mailbag full of questions today dealing with a variety of pro wrestling history questions including topics and on the evolution from VHS to DVD to streaming and the problems with streaming, poor wrestling spots, John Cena retirement and place in wrestling history, the Jarrett's, the WON Hall of Fame, greasy heels and more!
1000 Hours Podcast - The Death of Clarence Whistler and Lewis Becomes the Strangler
Today's show is packed with very important events in the history of the pioneer era of pro wrestling. The first event we will talk about may have even changed the course of history. When Clarence 'The Kansas Demon' Whistler died while on tour of Australia he was considered by many newspapers to be the real and true World champion of pro wrestling. His death is full myth and misinformation, and we will cut through the fog of time to get to the truth. Also on this show, Evan Lewis earns his nickname as The Strangler and in the same instance become the first real heel that wrestling had ever seen.
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 119. This is hour 89.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - This First Wrestling Observer of 1986
1986 is one of my favorite years in pro wrestling and that is why I am really excited about my latest booking coming out this March covering 1986 and 1987 in pro wrestling history. WWF launches two great TV shows: Superstars and Challenge. Jim Crockett Promotions and the NWA are red hot with Dusty Rhodes chasing NWA World champion Ric Flair and the rise (and tragic fall) of Magnum TA. The AWA is still hanging in there with new World Champion Stan Hansen. On this episode I take a look at the first newsletter of the year, the January 13, 1986, issue of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The extended Patreon version of the show is here.
The Herculoids (1967) Retro TV Review
The Herculoids were one of my favorite Saturday morning cartoons when I was a kid in the 1970s. While the original run was before my time, The Herculoids, from Hanna-Barbara, ran often in repeats. A flying dragon with laser eyes, a dinosaur that shoots rocks out of its horn, ghost blob things, and a giant rock ape! What's not to love!
Direct Link - https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dragonkingkarlclassicwrestling/Herculoids_1967.mp3
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