When It Was Cool Wrestling (DragonKingKarl)
206 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsLooking for pro wrestling history? WWE, WCW, NWA, AEW, NXT, NJPW, Impact, ROH, AWA, ECW, and much more. Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) is a pro wrestling historian who has produced the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show for over 10 years at Wrestling Observer. He is currently putting together the massive Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling Zone at When It Was Cool. This is the free version of some of the pro wrestling podcasts we produce at When It Was Cool. The vast majority of it is available early to Patreon supporters and there are over 1000 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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Episodes
The American Heavyweight title - 1000 Hours
October 08, 2023 10:23 - 1 hour - 39.9 MB1000 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 H...
Clarence "The Kansas Demon" Whistler is Apparently Superhuman
October 04, 2023 15:38 - 1 hour - 40.2 MBOne 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 ...
History of Wrestling at Madison Square Garden Podcast - Zbyszkos and Politics
October 03, 2023 09:34 - 46 minutes - 30.5 MBWe 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.
Theobaud Bauer is Dead and There Was Much Rejoicing - 1000 Hours
September 27, 2023 09:44 - 1 hour - 45.6 MBProfessor 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...
Pioneer Era Wrestling in Africa - 1000 Hours
September 24, 2023 14:43 - 1 hour - 40.2 MBThis 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...
That Time H.M. Dufur Got Shot in the Face - 1000 Hours
September 20, 2023 14:47 - 55 minutes - 36.3 MBHenry 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. Welc...
From the Pages of Wrestling Observer - Verne Gagne
September 19, 2023 19:23 - 45 minutes - 30 MBThis week from When It Was Cool Wrestling host Karl Stern visits the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter to look at the life and career of multiple time world champion and owner of the AWA Verne Gagne. Verne Gagne was a contemporary of Lou Thesz and a major rival. Verne Gagne was one of the biggest stars on television during T.V's earliest days. However, his reluctance to change with the times resulted in the catastrophic downfall one of the three largest pro wrestling companies of th...
G.W. Flagg Writes a Letter - 1000 Hours
September 13, 2023 09:59 - 53 minutes - 35.1 MBMore 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 fi...
WWF Magazine September 1992 Review
September 12, 2023 12:43 - 1 hour - 29.2 MBLet'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...
Pioneer Era Minnesota (Muldoon and Lewis) - 1000 Hours
September 10, 2023 09:37 - 53 minutes - 34.9 MB1000 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" E...
Pioneer Era Wrestling in Alabama: Who is MJ Dwyer? - 1000 Hours
September 06, 2023 14:22 - 57 minutes - 37.6 MBThis 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 ...
Long Form History of Wrestling - December 1983
September 05, 2023 09:34 - 46 minutes - 30.9 MBOn 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 trend...
History of Wrestling at MSG - John Pesek and Rule Changes
August 30, 2023 09:37 - 42 minutes - 27.9 MBIn 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. Lot...
Matsada Sorakichi - 1000 Hours
August 27, 2023 11:05 - 59 minutes - 39.2 MBMatsada 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?...
Farmer Burns, Cigarette Cards, Evan Strangler Lewis - 1000 Hours
August 21, 2023 10:03 - 57 minutes - 38.1 MBAmong 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 C...
Jack Carkeek Goes to Prison - 1000 Hours
August 13, 2023 09:38 - 58 minutes - 38.1 MBJack 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. T...
Adrian Adonis - Flowers for Adrian (2023) Book Review
August 08, 2023 09:44 - 49 minutes - 32.1 MBA 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 mo...
Opera House Cup - 1000 Hours
August 07, 2023 09:44 - 57 minutes - 37.8 MBPro 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.
John McMahon - 1000 Hours
August 01, 2023 15:39 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBWho 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 WhenItWa...
William Richardson - Belted Champion - 1000 Hours
July 26, 2023 14:53 - 1 hour - 39.7 MBHour 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...
Inside Wrestling (April 1988) Retro Wrestling Magazine Review
July 25, 2023 10:09 - 59 minutes - 38.8 MBLet'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!
Terrible Turk - 1000 Hours
July 19, 2023 12:22 - 53 minutes - 35.2 MB1000 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 s...
Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - November 1983 (Starrcade, Thanksgiving Wrestling Shows)
July 18, 2023 16:16 - 48 minutes - 31.9 MBOn 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 wrestlin...
Duncan C. Ross Tells All - 1000 Hours
July 13, 2023 00:36 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBThere 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 ...
History of Pro Wrestling at MSG - The Trust Busters
July 11, 2023 15:26 - 52 minutes - 34.8 MBA 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 wrestli...
The Trial of William Muldoon - 1000 Hours
July 05, 2023 10:42 - 1 hour - 40.1 MBHour 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...
Matt 'Doink' Borne - From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer
June 27, 2023 10:10 - 48 minutes - 31.9 MBOn 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
Viro Small, William Muldoon - 1000 Hours Podcast
June 26, 2023 10:33 - 59 minutes - 39.7 MBHour 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. ...
Iron Sheik and Tiger Mask
June 19, 2023 15:42 - 44 minutes - 29.1 MBOn this week's When It Was Cool exclusive When It Was Cool Wrestling Podcast, host Karl Stern remember the Iron Sheik including the time he tried to book him in a match that had never happened before (and never did happen!). Plus, I've been watching a lot of Tiger Mask recently. Was he over hyped? Did Dave Meltzer's love for him give him more credit than he was due? The answer might surprise you!
Abraham Lincoln verses Jack Armstrong
June 16, 2023 09:47 - 59 minutes - 45.1 MBAbraham 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.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated Magazine Review - December 1983
June 13, 2023 09:29 - 54 minutes - 35.9 MBThis 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!
Predator (1987)
June 08, 2023 09:40 - 24 minutes - 17.8 MBToday Karl and Tonya revisit the 1987 action sci-fi classic Predator starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, and almost Jean-Claude Van Dam (seriously). We have very different opinions of this movie. Karl thinks it's the best G.I. Joe movie he's ever seen and Tonya was not so impressed. A fun show discussing the first movie of the Predator franchise.
Long Form History of Wrestling - October 1983
June 06, 2023 15:10 - 37 minutes - 24.6 MBOur 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!
Mitshuaru Misawa Biography Special
May 29, 2023 11:54 - 39 minutes - 25.9 MBToday, 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.
History of Wrestling at MSG - Stecher verses Caddock
May 23, 2023 15:41 - 39 minutes - 26.4 MBI 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.
Steve Doll and Silo Sam
May 16, 2023 10:22 - 48 minutes - 30.8 MBA special this and that episode of WIWC Wrestling with Karl Stern today and I love these type shows were we can talk random wrestling stuff. A short 'From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter' this week on the death of late era territorial star Steve Doll, most well known as half of the Southern Rockers tag team and later Well Dunn in the WWF. Then we have some fun doing a deep dive into the life and career of Big Jon Harris AKA: Silo Sam. I'll try to tell you more about him than y...
WWF February 1991 Magazine Review
May 09, 2023 17:17 - 44 minutes - 27.4 MBThe 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 ...
Long Form History of Pro Wrestling Podcast - IX 1983 - Flair, Race, DVE
May 02, 2023 10:51 - 40 minutes - 26.4 MBWe dive now into September 1983 and the time is getting near for Hulk Hogan to jump to the WWF. First, however, NWA Starrcade looms where the NWA World title will go back from Harley Race to Ric Flair so Flair is doing the job tour to set up challengers. Flair will lose the Missouri title to David Von Erich, lose clean to Bob Armstrong, and lose to Pedro Morales in Puerto Rico. Sgt. Slaughter continues to rise in WWF as does the Masked Superstar. The era of change draws near.
History of Wrestling at Madison Square Garden - Stecher, Marvel, Lewis
April 25, 2023 14:21 - 32 minutes - 20.2 MBA very famous era for pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden is the focus of today's show. The 19-teens would see the death of the unbeaten World heavyweight champion Frank Gotch and the split of the world championship into various factions. Among them is Joe Stecher who has his match with the famous Masked Marvel. Ed "Strangler" Lewis becomes more prominent in our story. Plus, John Olin, the Zbyszko's, and more discussed on today's show. Support us on Patreon!
Grunt: The Wrestling Movie (1985) Retro Movie Review
April 11, 2023 17:15 - 29 minutes - 19.3 MBThis week I am taking a break from our regular rotation of classic wrestling podcasts to take a look back at one of the worst pro wrestling movies ever: Grunt (1985). This abomination of a film is not only bad by movie standards but is terrible by pro wrestling standards. The film features several pro wrestlers in roles as, well, wrestlers including Adrian Street, Dick Murdoch, Dick "The Destroyer" Beyer (unmasked no less), Chavo Guerrero (as a Georgia babyface), Danny Spivey, Steve DiSalvo,...
WWF Magazine Review - December 1993
March 28, 2023 14:54 - 47 minutes - 30.6 MBThis week on our rotation of classic pro wrestling shows host Karl Stern takes a look back at the December 1993 issue of the WWF magazine featuring Razor Ramon (Scott Hall), plus features on Ludvig Borga (Tony Halme), the Lex Express and much more! Also included is the WWF merchandise catalog with foam fingers and teddy bears in your favorite WWF wrestlers gear for some reason. Promotional consideration paid for by the following...
Long Form History of Wrestling - August 1983
March 21, 2023 09:59 - 33 minutes - 21.8 MBOn this week’s rotation of classic pro wrestling themes we return to the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling Series and we are up to August 1983 where we discuss Ken Patera in Memphis, Harley Race continues his record breaking reign as NWA World champion, the annual NWA convention, the Midnight Express, and more!
Ron Simmons Biography
March 15, 2023 11:47 - 48 minutes - 31.8 MBToday Karl Stern takes a look at the career of Ron Simmons (AKA: Farooq). Ron Simmons was a very big deal as a college football player but his NFL stint was unremarkable. He was trained by Hiro Matsuda in Florida and debuted there before coming to WCW where he would eventually win the WCW World heavyweight title, form the great tag team of Doom with Butch Reed, and then finish out his career in WWE as Farooq. Let's take a look at Ron Simmons!
History of Wrestling at MSG - The Zbyszko Brothers and Masked Marvel
March 14, 2023 14:53 - 42 minutes - 27.7 MBWe continue our series looking at the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City. We are up to the 1910's now and Stanislaus and Wladek Zbyszko are having a run there. Both were world champion wrestlers in the early 1900's and have a later wrestling connection through Harley Race. Larry Zbyszko, though not related, took his name from them. Also, we talk about Mort Henderson, who made quite a sensation as the Masked Marvel and his match with Joe Stecher.
Terry Gordy Biography Podcast Special
March 08, 2023 15:55 - 52 minutes - 33.9 MBTerry "Bam Bam" Gordy was one of the best natural pro wrestlers ever. A big, strong, country boy from new Chattanooga, TN, Gordy began wrestling in his mid-teens on Chattanooga TV. By his early 20's he was part of one of the hottest acts in pro wrestling: The Fabulous Freebirds along with Michael Hayes (and later Buddy Roberts and others). Along with Hayes and Roberts, Terry Gordy was one of the hottest stars in wrestling in World Class Wrestling. Later, Gordy became a stand out star in Japa...
What's so Special About 1983?
February 28, 2023 15:40 - 1 hour - 41 MB1983 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 Me...
Farmer Burns Biography Podcast Special
February 22, 2023 16:10 - 33 minutes - 21.7 MBThe life and times of Martin "Farmer" Burns. Farmer Burns one of the top wrestling stars in post-pioneer era America. Burns was a contemporary of the original Strangler Lewis and the man who is credited with discovering and training Frank Gotch. Farmer Burns also created and sold the highly influential Farmer Burns physical training course which is still the foundation of many later workout systems. DragonKingKarl presents: The life and times of Martin "Farmer" Burns, one of the 201 Greatest...
Bruno Sammartino Biography
February 18, 2023 16:33 - 47 minutes - 10.9 MBThe life and career of legendary WWWF star Bruno Sammartino is discussed in this special from the Patreon archives of WhenItWasCool.com as part of our 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time series. Bruno Sammartino was famous for many sellouts at Madison Square Garden, he was huge in Toronto and elsewhere. One of the biggest pro wrestling stars ever.
Andre the Giant Biography
February 16, 2023 23:04 - 1 hour - 13.8 MBFrom the Patreon archives of WhenItWasCool.com comes Karl Stern's biography podcast looking at the life and career of Andre the Giant. Andre was one of the biggest pro wrestling stars of all time both figuratively and literally. His incredible career culminated with the famous match with Hulk Hogan at WWF WrestleMania 3. But there was so much more to Andre the Giant than that. Part of our 201 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time list. Check out DragonKingKarl Stern's new book the 1983 Pro W...
Wrestling Superstars Magazine Fall 1983 Issue Review
February 14, 2023 17:04 - 44 minutes - 28.7 MBJust in time for the release of my new book: DragonKingKarl's 1983 Pro Wrestling Omnibus available at Amazon, let's review the Fall 1983 issue of the Apter magazine's quarterly special Wrestling Superstars magazine. This issue focused heavily on Georgia Championship Wrestling and GCW was going through some things in 1983. Yes, the Last Battle of Atlanta was happening, but there was discontent with the NWA that was brewing underneath. Features on Tommy Rich, Buzz Sawyer, Larry Zbyszko, the Ir...