Podcast about professional wrestling history from 1870 to 1920.
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Sep 28, 2026 · 47:16
In this episode, I discuss a 1893 match between Martin "Farmer" Burns and Jack King. I also catch up on the latest MMA and pro wrestling news.
Sep 21, 2026 · 51:54
In this episode, I discuss the development of professional wrestling in the United States from 1860s to 1940. I also review an early Portland wrestling card.
Sep 7, 2026 · 1:18:14
In this episode, Caleb and I discuss the second Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt match, a 1916 match between Ad Santel and Bob Managoff, Sr. as well as reviewing theWrestlemania I build…
Aug 31, 2026 · 49:32
In this episode, I discuss Evan "The Strangler" Lewis injuring Duncan C. Ross on purpose in an 1893 match. I also review a card from Chicago in April 1906.
Aug 24, 2026 · 41:48
In this episode, I discuss John "The Nebraska Tigerman" Pesek's tour of Australia in 1929. I also review AEW All In 2023 from Wembley Stadium.
Aug 10, 2026 · 52:33
In this encore episode, we discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko finally winning the world title in 1921. I also review a Fred Kohler Chicago card from 1936. I start the podcast with a show…
Aug 3, 2026 · 35:20
In this episode, I discuss American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Dan McLeod wrestling George Baptiste in St. Paul, Minnesota during 1899. I end the show with a review of Summer…
Jul 27, 2026 · 1:00:50
In this episode, I go over recent MMA events, discuss Dan McLeod's arrest for bilking a Montreal barber, recommend a new wrestling based fiction series, and review Bruiser Brody:…
Jul 20, 2026 · 48:16
In this episode, I discuss Ed "Strangler" Lewis defending his world title against Jim Londos in St. Louis during 1924.
Jul 13, 2026 · 37:02
In this episode, I discuss a part-time wrestler, full-time city constable Paul Kisselbach killed in the line of duty during September 1949. I also review the wrestling card from…
Jul 6, 2026 · 45:15
In this episode, I disccuss the 1905 match in St. Louis between George (Georg) Hackenschmidt and George Baptiste. I also make an announcement about the show including a co-host…
Jun 29, 2026 · 37:19
In this episode, I discuss a match between William Muldoon and Sorakichi Matsuda that the wrestlers intended to generate interest in a world title match.
Jun 22, 2026 · 39:03
In this episode, I discuss a 1918 World Title match between Earl Caddock and Wladek Zbyszko. I finish the episode with a review of Forbidden Door 2023.
Jun 15, 2026 · 48:31
In this episode, we discuss the fight for the estate of former professional wrestler, regular St. Louis wrestling referee, and St. Louis businessman George Baptiste.
Jun 8, 2026 · 35:25
In this episode, we discuss an 1886 match between Evan "The Strangler" Lewis and British wrestling champion Tom Cannon.
Jun 1, 2026 · 1:00:01
In this St. Louis-centric episode, I discuss Jim Londos wrestling Dan Kolov (Koloff) on one of the early John Contos-Tom Packs cards in 1923. I also discuss WWF trying to…
May 25, 2026 · 42:15
In this episode, I discuss the early matches of longtime St. Joseph, Missouri wrestling promoter Gust Karras. I also review two of Karras' cards.
May 18, 2026 · 44:41
In this episode, I discuss the May 28, 1910 in St. Louis, Missouri between Stanislaus Zbyszko and Charley Olson. I also review the Netflix documentary on Hulk Hogan.
May 11, 2026 · 40:30
In this episode, I discussed the lessons I learned writing Scufflers, Shooters, and Workers: Pioneer Wrestlers of the 19th Century, Vol. 1. I also discuss Sam Muchnick…
May 4, 2026 · 33:35
In this episode, I discuss a March 1901 match between Frank Gotch and Oscar Wasem in Burlington, Iowa. I also review a World Class Championship Wrestling show from May 1983.
Apr 27, 2026 · 38:41
In this episode, we discuss a horrible contest between Clarence Whistler and Duncan C. Ross in November 1881. I also review a WWF card from November 1986 in St. Louis that my…
Apr 20, 2026 · 46:29
In this episode, we discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko finally winning the world title in 1921. I also review a Fred Kohler Chicago card from 1936.
Apr 16, 2026 · 34:55
In this episode, I discuss two early supercards in 1911 and 1934. I also review Wrestlemania III, WWF's biggest show of the national expansion.
Apr 13, 2026 · 40:48
In this episode, I discuss the match between James E. Owens, who had a claim to the American Collar-and-Elbow Wrestling Championship, and his first cousin, the powerful John…
Apr 6, 2026 · 43:34
In this episode, I discuss short title reigns that made the champions look like fluke champions. I also review 2026 AAA Rey de Reyes Tournament card.
Mar 30, 2026 · 43:05
In this episode, I discuss 19th Century professional wrestlers Andre Christol and Thiebaud Bauer plus review All Out 2021, AEW's highest selling pay-per-view to date.
Mar 23, 2026 · 37:01
In this episode, I discuss Charlie Olson accidentally killing a wrestler in the ring during January 1911. I also review a WWA All-Star Wrestling Show from Indianapolis on May 4,…
Mar 16, 2026 · 36:30
In this episode, I discuss a contest between Oscar Wasem and Joe Caroll, who is better known as J.C. Marsh or Ollie Marsh, in 1907.
Mar 9, 2026 · 37:42
In this episode, I discuss Tom Sharkey, a professional boxer and part-time wrestler, wrestling "Sailor" Tom Piening, a professional wrestler in February 1904. I also review The…
Mar 2, 2026 · 33:35
In this episode, I discuss a mixed styles bout betweeen Henry Moses Dufur and Duncan C. Ross. I catch up on WWE Raw and review a Championship Wrestling from Florida show in 1982.
Feb 23, 2026 · 35:07
In this episode, we discuss the history of professional wrestling in the city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Feb 16, 2026 · 29:31
In this episode, I discuss the early career of Reggie Siki, the first nationally known African-American wrestler. I also review the documentary Memphis Heat.
Feb 9, 2026 · 38:30
In this episode, I discuss Billy Riley, founder of Wigan's Snake Pit, wrestling in the United States during 1922 and 1923. I look at Jack Claybourne's 1940 five month tour of…
Feb 2, 2026 · 39:41
In this episode, I look at two murders involving wrestlers or related to wrestling.
Jan 30, 2026 · 42:45
In this episode, I discuss Harry Hill, New York sporting man and collar-and-elbow professional wrestler, who played a large role in professional wrestling and prizefighting in…
Jan 19, 2026 · 39:05
In this episode, I discuss a mixed styles contest between Marin Plestina and Taro Miyake in 1920.
Jan 12, 2026 · 51:00
In this episode, I discuss Stanislaus Zbyszko "winning" his first world title in May 1921. I also review a Southeastern Championship card from 1984.
Jan 5, 2026 · 37:03
In this episode, I discuss a two-match series between Yusuf Ismail and Ernest Roeber from New York City in March-April, 1898.
Dec 29, 2025 · 37:47
In this episode, I discuss Frank Goch's brief foray into professional boxing. I also compare two Los Angeles cards in 1925. Finally, I discuss the 2026 podcast schedule.
Dec 22, 2025 · 52:52
In this episode, I discuss Ad Santel's tour of Japan in 1921.
Dec 15, 2025 · 37:39
In this episode, I discuss an odd arrangement for a catch-as-catch-can wrestling match in 1881. I review one of Sam Muchnick's cards after the formation of the National Wrestling…
Dec 8, 2025 · 51:40
In this episode, I talk about the conflating of two of the biggest double-crosses in professional wrestling. I also talk about a Jack Curley card from 1917.
Dec 1, 2025 · 31:35
In this episode, I discuss a collar-and-elbow match with Homer Lane in 1875. I also compare Tom Packs' and Sam Muchnick's St. Louis wrestling cards in April 1946.
Nov 24, 2025 · 50:51
In this episode, I discuss Larry Matysik starting an outlaw wrestling promotion in St. Louis during 1983.
Nov 17, 2025 · 51:14
In this episode, I discuss the career of 19th Century professional wrestler D.A. McMillan. I also discuss recent gambling schemes.
Nov 10, 2025 · 46:23
In this episode, I will discuss the incredible career of Aleksander "Alex" Aberg from 1914-1917 in the United States.
Nov 3, 2025 · 31:32
In this episode, I discuss the race to replace Frank Gotch in 1915, Ad Santel in Japan, AI in wrestling, and a personal update.
Oct 27, 2025 · 30:35
In this episode, I discuss one of the first regular Atlanta cards in February 1926. I end the podcast with bonus content about famed hooker Ad Santel.
Oct 20, 2025 · 36:54
In this episode, I discuss 19th Century pioneer wrestler Sorakichi Matsuda, the first Japanese professional wrestler in the United States.
Oct 13, 2025 · 1:12:07
In this episode, I discuss misconceptions that I had going into writing projects. I also discuss discoveries and things that shocked me.
Oct 6, 2025 · 52:37
In this episode, I discuss one of the greatest "hookers" of all time, Ad Santel. I also discuss how Clash of Champions 9 demonstrated all the warts of WCW in 1989.
Sep 29, 2025 · 31:06
In this episode, I discuss an out-of-control exhibition between Clarence Whistler and Andre Christol in 1882
Sep 22, 2025 · 43:02
In this episode, I discuss three cases that led to police arresting wrestlers.
Sep 15, 2025 · 1:26:11
In this episode, I discuss Jim Londos importance to the St. Louis promotion as well as St. Louis' importance to the development of Jim Londos.
Sep 1, 2025 · 32:17
In this episode, I review The Wrestler (1974) and discuss the 1891 wrestling match between former American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Joe Acton and future World Heavyweight…
Aug 25, 2025 · 48:11
In this episode, we discuss a potential double-cross in 1916.
Aug 18, 2025 · 44:24
In this episode, I discuss a possible circuit of working collar-and-elbow wrestlers in the 1860s and 1870s.
Aug 4, 2025 · 57:58
In this episode, I will be discussing the other Zbyszko, Wladek Zbyszko, and his early days in America between 1913 and 1915.
Jul 28, 2025 · 36:43
In this episode, I discuss the recent passing of Hulk Hogan. I also name who I think the most comparable historical wrestler is to Hogan.
Jul 21, 2025 · 45:13
In this episode, I discuss Yusuf Ismail versus Tom Jenkins. I also discuss the first St. Louis card I attended with my sister Vicky.
Jul 7, 2025 · 35:55
In this episode, I discuss the July 4, 1916 match between Earl Caddock and William Demetral in Anita, Iowa.
Jun 30, 2025 · 32:06
In this episode, I discuss the murder of a professional wrestler in the 1860s, who gamblers thought worked a match to bilk them out of gambling money.
Jun 23, 2025 · 37:12
In this episode, I discuss the limited damage exposes have done to the worked nature of professional wrestling.
Jun 16, 2025 · 41:07
In this episode, I discuss the first father-son professional wrestlers, Bob Managoff and Bobby Managoff, Jr.
Jun 2, 2025 · 50:50
In this episode, I discuss finding the deciding contest between Ed "Strangler" Lewis and Joe Stecher. I also discuss why the myth about Joe Stecher's 1925-1928 World Title reign…
May 26, 2025 · 35:37
In this episode, I discuss why promoters liked to schedule big cards for holidays.
May 19, 2025 · 32:50
In this episode, I discuss the professional wrestling career of NFL great Bronko Nagurski.
May 5, 2025 · 45:32
In this episode, I discuss the recent passing of my co-host and cousin Dan Zimmerman. I discuss a mixed styles bout between Ray Steele and Kingfish Levinsky in St. Louis during…
Apr 21, 2025 · 20:56
In this episode, I discuss a controversial referee's decision in the 1905 match between Fred Beell and Gus "Americus" Schoenlein.
Apr 7, 2025 · 57:46
In this episode, I review a closed door match between Tom Jenkins and Fred Beell. I also review The Iron Claw (2023).
Mar 31, 2025 · 28:54
In this episode, I will be talking about an Illinois select committee’s investigation into professional boxing and wrestling in Chicago, Illinois. In part two, we discuss the…
Mar 24, 2025 · 30:10
In this episode, I will be talking about an Illinois select committee’s investigation into professional boxing and wrestling in Chicago, Illinois. In part one, we discuss the…
Mar 17, 2025 · 40:41
In this episode, I will be talking a wrestler who need “liquid courage” to climb in the ring with Evan “The Strangler” Lewis.
Mar 10, 2025 · 36:31
In this episode, I discuss how the Divided Championship Era began to expose the worked nature of professional wrestling.
Mar 3, 2025 · 27:50
In this episode, I discuss William Muldoon wrestling a contest that wasn't much of a contest and demonstrating his system of physical training.
Feb 24, 2025 · 51:30
In this episode, Dan and I discuss two notable omissions from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Feb 17, 2025 · 32:12
In this episode, we discuss Bernarr MacFadden's professional wrestling career in St. Louis, Missouri.
Feb 10, 2025 · 49:57
In this episode, I discuss Ed "Strangler" Lewis defeating the Masked Marvel during the 1915 New York International Wrestling Tournament.
Jan 27, 2025 · 36:14
In this episode, we discuss former World Champion Wayne "Big" Munn and his lesser known brother, Glen Munn.
Jan 20, 2025 · 32:29
In this episode, we discuss one of the first nationally known African American wrestlers, Reginald Siki.
Jan 14, 2025 · 47:30
In this episode, I discuss the first of three matches in 1926 between World Champion Joe Stecher and John "The Nebraska Tigerman" Pesek. I also discuss the two big wrestling…
Dec 30, 2024 · 39:53
In this episode, I discuss the mixed styles match between Taro Miyake versus Ad Santel in October 1916.
Dec 2, 2024 · 32:08
In this episode, I discuss why the Divided Championship Era lasted for three years from 1925 to 1928. I also review the original Survivor Series 1987.
Nov 11, 2024 · 46:59
In this episode, I discuss the recently discovered film of the 1908 match between George Hackenschmidt and Joe Rogers.
Oct 31, 2024 · 1:06:44
In this episode, we discuss Martin "Farmer" Burns training James J. Jeffries for his bout with Jack Johnson on July 4, 1910.
Oct 14, 2024 · 38:21
In this episode, I discuss the beginnings of the regular St. Louis wrestling promotion in 1921. I also discuss the Mr. McMahon documentary on Netflix.
Sep 30, 2024 · 50:35
In this episode, Dan and I talk about a number of the news stories surrounding AEW and WWE.
Sep 23, 2024 · 43:03
In this episode, I discuss the professional wrestling and refereeing career of St. Louis' first professional wrestler, George Baptiste.
Sep 9, 2024 · 1:06:13
In this episode, we discuss 1925-1928, when both Ed "Strangler" Lewis and Joe Stecher claimed the World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship.
Aug 26, 2024 · 54:52
In this episode, we look at Taro Miyake's challenge matches in England and review one of the few double-crosses after the formation of the National Wrestling Alliance.
Aug 12, 2024 · 54:14
In this episode, we discuss the controversial 1887 match between Evan "Strangler" Lewis and English catch wrestler Tom Connors.
Jul 22, 2024 · 1:06:50
In this episode, I discuss the development of the St. Louis wrestling promotion under Tom Packs and Sam Muchnick.
Jul 8, 2024 · 33:48
In this episode, we discuss how Hubert and Charley Pesek affected the career of John "The Nebraska Tigerman" Pesek.
Jun 24, 2024 · 39:54
In this episode, I discuss the federal government prosecuting a gambling ring in 1910. The case exposed how wrestlers worked matches to bilk fans betting on the matches.
Jun 10, 2024 · 24:28
In this episode, I talk about the upcoming podcast schedule and website revisions to kenzimmermanjr.com.
May 27, 2024 · 1:22:07
In this episode, we discuss wrestlers and jiu jitsu fighters working matches in Brazil. We also review WWE's King and Queen of the Ring.
May 13, 2024 · 36:54
In this episode, I talk about the 1924 match between Jim Browning and Taro Miyake.
May 6, 2024 · 30:33
Technical difficulties led to this podcast being more of a compilation. We discuss an odd decision by the New York State Althletic Commission in 1921.
Apr 11, 2024 · 58:17
In this episode, I discuss the backstage video from AEW at Wembley, talk about pro wrestling before the modern promotion system, and review Wrestlemania XL Day 2.
Apr 8, 2024 · 51:28
In this episode, I discuss the possible reasons for the falling out between Tex Rickard and Jack Curley. I also review the first night of Wrestlemania XL.
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