When It Was Cool Wrestling (DragonKingKarl) (WhenItWasCool.com)

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.

A fantastic new book by John Ellul looking at the life and career of pro wrestling star Adrian Adonis. This book is tremendously well written and researched and is probably my favorite pro wrestling biography written in years. The life of Adrian Adonis (Keith Franke) was rough, confounding, and interesting. His gimmick in WWF / WWE was infuriating and embarrassing but the performer behind the gimmick was one of the best of his era. His tragic death in 1988 was overshadowed by a bigger and more scandalous murder a few days later but, finally, Adrian Adonis gets the proper attention paid to his life by John Ellul's great book.

On this episode I continue the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden podcast series with a detour to Yankee Stadium in 1931 where Jim Londos teams up with the William Randolph Hearst empire to hopefully draw one of the largest crowds in history up to that date. Well, they tried anyway. Then I transition to more talk about the glory era of pro wrestling in the southern United States with more discussion of Jerry Jarrett's Memphis wrestling empire, Ron Fuller's Continental Wrestling, and more.

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.

Jack Carkeek was a well known top level wrestler during the pioneer era who later got into the promoting end of things. As we have discussed often in our series so far, gambling was a big component of pro wrestling becoming worked and Jack Carkeek was very much a shyster. So much so, that he ended up being indicted with a major crime syndicate in one of the first federal cases of using the U.S. Mail for criminal purposes- fixing wrestling matches, and ends up serving time in prison for it. This is the story of Jack Carkeek, pro wrestling criminal, and this is hour nine of 1000 Hours.

To get a new hour of 1000 Hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either Patreon or CashApp in the next 72 hours. As soon as it is received I will produce a new show. Currently we are funded through hour 15.

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!

As I wrap up the work on my upcoming DragonKingKarl Stern's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus book I wanted to review a magazine from that time frame. So, I struck outside the usual Apter mags and decided to review a George Napolitano offering: Main Event Wrestling from November 1984 featuring Hulk Hogan, Kerry Von Erich, Jimmy Snuka, and a ton of Puerto Rican news for some reason. Also a hilarious Kerry Von Erich verses Ric Flair photo and some of, hands down, the wackiest ads we have seen so far. Grab your witches amulet and questionable firearm and let's talk some wrestling!

Our deep dive into pro wrestling history continues as we look back in depth at October 1983. Wayne Farris joins the Midnight Express, lots of notes on David Von Erich, the Midnight Express and Rock and Roll Express meet for the first time, Hulk Hogan takes on the NWA World champion, Ernie Roth dies, notes on Don Bass and Roger Smith, and the Last Battle of Atlanta. Be sure to pick up my new book: DragonKingKarl Stern's 1983 Pro Wrestling Omnibus at Amazon!

This is the 99th installment of the long form history of pro wrestling series by pro wrestling historian Karl Stern. In this chronological look at the history of pro wrestling, Karl is up to February 1984 which is infamous due to the shocking and unforeseen death of David Von Erich just before he was scheduled to begin a tour for All Japan Pro Wrestling. Taken from his new book: DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus, this is one of the most detailed looks at February 1984 ever undertaken.

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.

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.

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.

YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 55.

Hour 49 of the 1000 Hours podcast series is a packed one. The 1000 Hours series is my detailed, heavily researched look at the pioneer era of pro wrestling, or pro wrestling before the time of Frank Gotch. On today's episode I am asked about Davy Crockett, whose obituary following his death at the Alamo claimed he was a wrestler. What is the reality of that claim? Plus, we discuss the shooting of pioneer legend John McMahon whose working of matches caught up to him in San Francisco. Tons to talk about on this episode so let's get to it!

YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 66

On this episode we take a look at Dave Meltzer’s obituary for wrestling journeyman Matt Borne who worked numerous territories including World Class, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Georgia, and WCW but was probably most famous as the original heel clown in WWF- Doink. The troubled life of Matt Borne is examined in great detail including his real life feud with Jim Duggan.

Show Transcript - Here

The pioneer era (pre-1900) of pro wrestling flourished in the Great Lakes area. While initially the northeast, especially New York and Vermont were the early hotspots, by 1970 Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and the entire Great Lakes region became very important in pro wrestling. The 1870 Detroit International tournament was a real ignition point for the popularity of pro wrestling nationwide and the Detroit Opera House became a shrine for the genesis of American pro wrestling. Join historian Karl Stern as he looks at the Great Lakes region in the pioneer era. This is hour 43.

YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 60.

Abraham Lincoln was honest. So the story goes. And, he honestly was an actual wrestler. Abe Lincoln did, in fact, participate in organized frontier style wrestling during his youth including a famous match against Jack Armstrong. There is another famous match of Lincoln, a loss, which we'll look at in this episode. If you want another hour of pre-1900 pro wrestling talk, then become a Patreon supporter at WhenItWasCool.com or donate via PayPal or Cash App on the front page. This is hour one.

Here's a fun review of an off-brand pro wrestling magazine from back in October 1986. Neither Apter nor Napolitano magazine, this is issue one of Double Action Wrestling which featured terrible blurry and outdated photos, stories on Hulk Hogan and The Funks, and a slew of highly questionable advertisements. Join pro wrestling historian Karl 'DragonKingKarl' Stern as he looks back at this classic pro wrestling magazine.

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.

Professor Theobaud Bauer was one of the most successful pro wrestlers of the pioneer era. He traveled from coast to coast and was easily one of the most famous professional wrestlers of the 1800s. He was also, apparently, quite the despised human being, for when he died the Los Angeles newspapers virtually celebrated his death. Theobaud Bauer may be the most interesting wrestling pioneer we have looked at yet, perhaps for all the wrong reasons. This is hour 17.

Join us as we take a look at the history of pro wrestling pre-1900 or prior to the Frank Gotch era of wrestling. How did modern entertainment style pro wrestling begin and evolve? This series explores it’s history and personalities. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 27.

This episode was requested and sponsored by Eric Darsie of the Wrestling With the Dawg Podcast and he asked if there is any evidence for pioneer era (pre-1900) pro wrestling in Africa. Africa is hard enough to get modern era pro wrestling news out of so I didn't expect to find much, however, there does appear to have been pro wrestling in Africa during the era. I expected to find it in either Egypt or South Africa but what I found was an interesting history and style of wrestling throughout the continent that exists even to this day! This is hour 16.

Welcome to Karl Stern's annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot discussion for 2023. The Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot show is usually my most popular show of the year. This year it's a two-part show- today and tomorrow- discussing, among others: Roman Reigns, Young Bucks, Rocca and Perez, Sgt. Slaughter, Big Daddy, Roy Welch, Bob Armstrong, Mongolian Stomper, the Von Erichs, British Bulldogs, Hart Foundation, and many more. Let's talk the 2023 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Part 1.

I continue my series on the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden as we dive into the World War I era. Most of the top heavyweights are away at war and the championship picture becomes shaky. Ed "Strangler" Lewis, Joe Stecher, and Wladek Zybszko are still in the title picture. Following the war we get one of the biggest showdowns to date: Joe Stecher vs Earl Caddock which still exists on film.

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.

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.

This week on my podcast I mention the passing of one of my favorites, Sid Vicious, plus we look at more history from Madison Square Garden as Ed Strangler Lewis returns, the finals of the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament are set as Sting takes on Antonio Inoki, plus we dive into a 1984 pro wrestling magazine for a look at the Von Erichs, Ted DiBiase, and many more. Join me for a deep dive into pro wrestling history.

On this installment of the longform history of wrestling series we are up to November 1983 which is hugely important because we have NWA Starrcade which sees Ric Flair regain the NWA World title from Harley Race in a steel cage. That show wasn't even the biggest drawing show that day as many areas had traditional Thanksgiving Shows and this year may have been the peak of that tradition. Plus, more on David Von Erich, Japan, and much more. A giant, historically important month in pro wrestling history.

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.

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.

On this edition of 1000 Hours Podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, host Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) takes a look at a much overlooked book on the pioneer era (and beyond) titled: Ringside: A History of Professional Wrestling in America by Scott Beekman, a college educator who put tremendous research into the topic. Karl was a source cited in the book and discusses some of the interesting facts in the book while still seeking the truth about Col. McLaughlin and Barney Smith. This is hour 26.

1000 Hours is a podcast all about the pioneers of pro wrestling and on this episode I have found a new one. I had never previously heard of Uziel Prickett, but he was a pioneer era champion wrestler and he had a hard time getting along with others. You see, pro wrestling was in all honesty really a scam meant to fleece gamblers of their money, we all know this by now. Well, Uziel Prickett kept getting found out and nearly beat up for it. Then he had a terrible idea. He would pull this same con down south in Nashville and things didn't go very well for Uziel. This is hour 20 of 1000 Hours.

YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 28.

Today pro wrestling historian Karl Stern begins looking at the year 1984 in pro wrestling and January 1984 was a huge and historically important month as Hulk Hogan wins the WWF heavyweight title from the Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The AWA is beginning to get it's talent raided by WWF with, not only Hulk Hogan, but Gene Okerlund, David Schultz, and others coming over. On top of that, Hulk Hogan is still an important part of New Japan Pro Wrestling as well. What do the NWA and others do? Let's talk about it!

On this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, historian Karl Stern takes a look at a great retro article from a 1972 wrestling magazine asking the question if Ed "Strangler" Lewis was the greatest wrestler of all time. Then we continue taking a look at Dave Meltzer's biography of Bruno Sammartino from the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter plus much more!

Karl is back with a look at the new WWE Network Bray Wyatt documentary which dives into his career, characters, and family which include classic era wrestlers Mike Rotundo, Blackjack Mulligan, and Barry and Kendal Windham. This was a very good documentary that fills in a lot of gaps about the death of Wyatt. Also, in the show we conclude the Bruno Sammartino biography from the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter by Dave Meltzer.

On this episode of my DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast I take a look at the results of the latest match in the final eight of the GKT: Greatest Kayfabe Tournament pitting Brock Lesnar against Mitsuharu Misawa. These two would have had an incredible match in their primes and I discuss it along with your voting results. The bulk of the show is spent discussing the 1980s-1990s pro wrestling and how the lapsed wrestling fan is a real thing and how the problem is only increasing including all the dynamics in why, there really is a new generation of pro wrestling fan.

Let's have some fun this week looking back at a retro pro wrestling magazine. These shows have proven very popular and this time we are looking at the WWF Magazine from September 1992 (31 years ago!) featuring Papa Shango on the cover. Papa Shango is making life miserable for the Ultimate Warrior and WWF magazine tells us all about it. Plus, more neon than you can shake a stick at with Randy Savage. A new shady character has shown up in the WWF and we find out what is known about Razor Ramon. Plus, Curt Hennig, Rick "The Model" Martel, and The Undertaker!

On this episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show with Karl Stern we take a look at the next match in the GKT: Sting verses The Rock, we begin a massive biography on the life and times of Bruno Sammartino, and we start an article from an early 1970's wrestling magazine on Ed "Strangler" Lewis. A fun and history packed edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, check us out and let's talk some wrestling history.

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.

A very interesting era greets us on this edition of the history of wrestling at MSG series. We are moving away from Earl Caddock into the Ed "Strangler" Lewis era and there are those out there who are not pleased with the wrestling trust. Marin Plestina is giving the trust trouble but runs up against John Pesek. Joe Stecher begins to show signs of future problems that would plague him for the rest of his life. Tex Rickard and Al Haft bump heads. A packed edition of the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden series.

This week pro wrestling historian Karl Stern takes a look at more wrestling history from Madison Square Garden in New York with more on Jim Londos as the world champion, the remaining bracket for the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament (GKT) is discussed, a 1980's wrestling magazine article on The Road Warriors in Japan, and the life and death of Rex King from the Southern Rockers/Well Dunn tag team. All this and more wrestling history from DragonKingKarl.

I have a great show for you this week starting off with a fun entry into the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament - The GKT, where you the listener voted between Sting and Kurt Angle. Next up we go back to 1931 Madison Square Garden where Dick Shikat upset the order of things by shooting on people. The show rounds out with a look at December 1984 in Southeastern wrestling where a small crew are doing memorable things, Lord Humongous is in town, Arn Anderson is on his way out, Jerry Stubbs is Mr. Olympia again, and Pat and Randy Rose are the top tag team.

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.

On this episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, host Karl Stern continues his look at wrestling history at Madison Square Garden in New York in the year 1931, he also continues his look back at Dave Meltzer's epic biography on the life and times of Bruno Sammartino from the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, plus tons of news and notes. More pro wrestling history than you can shake a preverbal stick at!

I have a packed show for you today discussing the final shows of Southeastern wrestling before it became Continental with Bob Armstrong, Lord Humongous, Ron Fuller, Boomer Lynch, and more. Some more from 1932 Madison Square Garden, a review of the great new book Six Pack and my thoughts on Tito Santana, and the last member of the final four of the GKT is decided by you the listener between Terry Funk and Mitsuharu Misawa!

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.

The origins of pro wrestling in Mexico is probably not what you think. You may think it was Salvador Lutteroth and EMLL/CMLL or some long forgotten masked star. What if I told you it was actually a Japanese Judoka and a barnstorming rag-tag group of American wrestlers? What if you found out that pioneer era wrestling in Mexico was in, not only with wrestling in America, but also Cuba and the infancy of Ju-Jitsu in Brazil as well? Because it's true. The origin of wrestling in Mexico is not what you might think. This is hour 22 of 1000 Hours.

YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 31.

On this week's show we have a ton of classic pro wrestling discussion on a variety of topics. The latest match in the GKT: Greatest Kayfabe Tournament and the voters are split on a match between Kenny Omega and Terry Funk- but we have a winner! More from 1931 New York wrestling and Madison Square Garden. Then the second half of the show takes a look at the first of three July 1984 issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter including the death of Vince McMahon, Sr, Andy Kaufman, and Ric Flair regaining the NWA World title from Kerry Von Erich in Japan.

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I am back with a new DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling podcast today and I talk about the upcoming finals to the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament- The GKT including why it is so Japanese heavy, the quality difference between Japan and the U.S. in wrestling and is there really a coverage bias in the newsletters historically or is Japan just that good. Plus, more history from Madison Square Garden including a possible shooting match. Finally, I look at an off-brand pro wrestling magazine from 1987 and more!

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.

On this edition of When It Was Cool Wrestling with host Karl Stern, we take a look back at a classic Apter magazine from 1984 - Inside Wrestling! This magazine would have been on newsstands in early summer 1984 with stories on Jimmy Valiant and Junkyard Dog, Larry Zbyszko, Magnum TA, Mr. Wrestling II, and lots of talk on The Road Warriors who were National tag team champions at the time and red hot. Also, ads on everything from getting fat to getting thin to witchcraft. A fun show.

Wrestling historian Karl Stern returns with a detailed look at the month of May 1984 in pro wrestling history. It was one of the most significant months ever: Kerry Von Erich wins the NWA World title from Ric Flair in the largest show in Texas history, Ric Flair regains the title in Japan, Rick Martel becomes AWA World champion, Vince McMahon Sr dies, Andy Kaufman dies, and much more. If you are a fan of classic old school pro wrestling history then this is a great jumping on point.

DragonKingKarl Long Form History of Pro Wrestling - Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling Podcast — When It Was Cool - Pop Culture, Comics, Pro Wrestling, Toys, TV, Movies, and Podcasts

We continue our chronological exploration of the history of pro wrestling at MSG in New York City. We continue into the 1920s and have been discussing the saga of Tex Rickard and how he had taken over the pro wrestling scene. However, he runs into legal trouble and it threatens not only pro wrestling but boxing as well. Also, the Zbyszko brothers continue their run as top stars and the NYSAC continues to be a problem.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

On this edition of the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling series, host Karl Stern wraps up 1983 by looking at December. Ric Flair has newly regained the NWA World heavyweight title but the big news is the end of the long reign of Bob Backlund as WWF champion as the Iron Sheik famously defeats him at Madison Square Garden to set up January 1984's transition to Hulk Hogan. Plus, the New Japan and All Japan annual tag team tournaments wrap up and Hulk Hogan is part of that story too. SECW trends weaker, AWA trends stronger, and World Class is still on fire but a tragedy is looming not far ahead.

Pro Wrestling historian Karl Stern continues his look at the history of professional wrestling in a rotating series of classic pro wrestling podcasts. Today's theme returns to the history of wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY, one of the most famous arenas in the world. We are up to 1928 in the series (which can be found here) and the New York State Athletic Commission is fed up with all this fakery and orders matches in New York to stop billing themselves as contests despite the fact that the President of the NYSAC is a former pro wrestler who worked a share of matches himself.

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.

Karl Stern returns to his roots on this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show by discussing 1980s Southeastern and Continental wrestling. What made it so great? What are some of the myths about it? What did Ron Fuller get wrong recently on his podcast? Plus, the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament continues with discussion of Kurt Angle and Rikidozan plus a look at the final eight! A ton of pro wrestling history with historian and author Karl Stern!

The 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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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.

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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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All good things must end and in this edition of the History of Wrestling at Madison Square Garden the second Madison Square Garden meets its fate and pro wrestling almost does as well. The battled between Jack Curley and Tex Rickard fizzles to an anti-climactic end but with Rickard still in control of MSG and now, building a new gigantic 20,000 seat third Garden, he is still the man to deal with. Enter: Jesse McMahon who shakes up boxing and his son Vince McMahon (the elder) who will shake up pro wrestling.

Wrestling historian Karl Stern first covered the pioneer era wrestling special attraction Yousof Ismael- The Terrible Turk, on hour five of the 1000 Hours podcast series, but the Terrible Turk deserves a follow up as requested by one of our listeners. Now Karl tells you the latest information he has uncovered about the original Terrible Turk who came to America in 1898, beat the best in the country (including the American champion), then died on his way back to Europe... and how much of it was legitimate. This is hour 48 of 1000 hours, the podcast about the pioneers of pro wrestling.

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My long form history of pro wrestling series is a month-by-month break down of the history of pro wrestling. Currently, we are up to July 1984 (which I cover in my DragonKingKarl Stern's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus book) and one of the major events in the rise of WWF/WWE takes place - Black Saturday, when Championship Wrestling from Georgia went off the air replaced by WWF programming. It did not go well. Plus, Rick Martel as AWA champion, New Japan, Mid-South has a huge show, and much more!

I return with my podcast series on the pioneer era of pro wrestling (pre-1900) with a packed show today. Most of it is spent discussing the first, first family of wrestling. Wrestling families are part of its culture: The Von Erichs, The Armstrongs, The Welches, The Funks, The Briscos, The Windhams, etc. But the original first family of wrestling were the four members of John McMahon's family: John McMahon, James Owens, Peter Owens, and Ed Cox. There are multiple American (World) championships between them during the 1870s all were among the top tier of pro wrestlers in America. However, I couldn't help but name the episode after Lucien Marc's missing finger because that is one heck of a story.

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In this 14th installment of the History of Pro Wrestling at Madison Square Garden series we look at one of the toughest and scariest shooters ever in wrestling history who you seldom hear about but should: John Pesek.  Plus, how a pioneer era wrestler shockingly and bafflingly help change the rules of pro wrestling in a way that had a serious negative impact on pro wrestling in the era. Plus, there's a new promoter in town as the war between Tex Rickard and Jack Curley ends in a whimper. Lots of history in this episode that will effect wrestling for years to come. 

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.

On the 386th edition of Wrestling With the Dawg Podcast at FlairFlop.com, Eric Allen and Joe Drilling of OnTheStick.com joins the Dirty Dawg Darsie to review the four-part Vice series entitled "Who Killed WCW?"  The three cats discussed why WCW was popular back in the day, the Jerry Springer show, Hulk Hogan and his creative control, bad management skills of Eric Bischoff, how WCW dropped the ball on Goldberg, Vince Russo's writing style, and so much more!

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This week I have another classic news stand magazine review for you. Travel back in time with me to 1983 and let's grab a copy of Pro Wrestling Illustrated Magazine featuring a ridiculous Dusty Rhodes cover. Let's find out what Bill Apter, Stu Saks, Craig Peters, and all the real and imagined staff writers of the Weston Magazines are cooking up this month!

It is a PACKED edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling podcast today as I talk about the latest match in the GKT: Greatest Kayfabe Tournament where you, the listener, have voted on who would win in their primes between Antonio Inoki and Hiroshi Tanahashi. I then travel back to 1931 for more history from Madison Square Garden and Jim Londos, then the second half of the show is entirely focused on Southeastern Championship Wrestling in 1984 which was a changeable time for them. The Forgettable Man Vic Rain, Jimmy Golden, Bob Armstrong, Ron Fuller, Rick McGraw, Boris Zurkoff, and more!

The WWF magazine, you've got to love it. It was honestly nothing more than an extortion scheme to get you to pay $2.50 (TWO FIFFY!) for their merchandise catalog which was awash with painters caps, teddy bears, and terrible t-shirts. This issue had articles on the previous year's Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, and a whole lot of full on bloated Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior. Also, my favorite tag team of all time the Legion of Doom! It's more testosterone than you can shake a very crooked stick at!

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!

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.\\

Welcome to Karl Stern's annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot discussion for 2023. The Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot show is usually my most popular show of the year. This year it's a two-part show discussing, among others: Roman Reigns, Young Bucks, Rocca and Perez, Sgt. Slaughter, Big Daddy, Roy Welch, Bob Armstrong, Mongolian Stomper, the Von Erichs, British Bulldogs, Hart Foundation, and many more. Let's talk the 2023 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Part 2.

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.

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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.

My 1000 Hours series is all about the pioneer era of wrestling which is pre-1900 or the era before Frank Gotch and on this episode, I have a wild, entertaining, and hilarious set of stories about Luicen Marc, the French Greco Roman champion. We have talked about him previously; a bear bit his finger off and he masqueraded around as fellow French champion Andre Christol. Well, what happened when the real Andre Christol found out about it? Hilarity ensued, that's what. This is a tale from the 1880s which you would swear is straight out of the 1980s. This one is worth your time to jump on if you've never listened before. Are you not entertained?

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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.

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Let's take a look back at a retro Apter mag- the April 1988 issue of Inside Wrestling Magazine. This issue features a look at the storyline run up to the Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant feud where Ted DiBiase tries to buy the WWF title from Andre. Also in this issue are features on Lex Luger verses Ric Flair, Sgt. Slaughter, Jimmy Jack Funk, some great VHS ads, Michael Hayes, King Kong Bundy, and the Von Erichs! A fun issue plus Roll Call of Champions!

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.

I am back with what is essentially a part two of last week's 1000 Hour's podcast as I look more at the original first family of wrestling- John McMahon, James Owens, Peter Owens, and Ed Cox. Plus, the trilogy of Col. James H. McLaughlin verses John McMahon concludes. What was real and what wasn't between the two biggest stars of the 1870's? Lucian Marc meets the real Andre Christol, and he isn't happy... or so the story goes. More works, scams, fakes, and bears as we continue our look into the pioneer era of American pro wrestling. This is Hour 53 of 1000 Hours.

YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received, I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 70.

The latest in the 1000 Hours Podcast series looking back at the pioneer (pre-1900) era of pro wrestling takes a look at the pioneer era of wrestling in Australia. Believe it or not, there was pro wrestling in the 1800s in Australia and one of America's top stars died there. The incredible story of the death of Clarence Whistler has been often told but the details are a bit incorrect. On this episode we will look at what is really known about how and why Clarence Whistler died while wrestling in Australia plus his last match there and why he was there to begin with. This is hour 45.

The 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.

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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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Today, host Karl Stern takes a look at the life and career of one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time, All-Japan Pro Wrestling legend Mitsuharu Misawa. Misawa blazed an unforgettable path in pro wrestling, accumulating some of the greatest matches ever seen. From his days as the second Tiger Mask to his time as the Ace of All-Japan Pro Wrestling and later NOAH to his untimely death in the ring, Mitsuharu Misawa was one of the greatest in-ring wrestlers of any generation.