Podcasts about dragonkingkarl

It's time for the latest installment in my Long Form History of Pro Wrestling podcast series and this episode is taken from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus looking at the pro wrestling world in May 1985. The WWF machine continues to grow following the success of WrestleMania 1. However, despite what you may think, the AWA remains strong and is even out drawing the WWF in spots. The final days of Southeastern is here before they transform into Continental and more from Japan and Mexico!

This edition of the 1000 Hours Podcast which is taken from my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus finds us in 1878, and things continue to take an entertaining turn. The collar and elbow wrestlers have a new champion, and he isn't exactly setting the world on fire. The Greco-Roman wrestlers are basically being run out of town, but their fortunes are about to change. Then along comes the bears... and horses. Well, you'll just have to listen. Pro wrestling was wild in the pioneer era. 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 93. This is hour 71.

Thank you for joining me for my podcast series all about the pre-1900 era of pro wrestling or the era before Frank Gotch. We are presently going through the pages of my book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling and have arrived in 1870 and the earliest version of 'sports entertainment' is developing. After having been brought over from France, French wrestlers are putting on a showy exhibition style of wrestling called Greco-Roman, but not the Greco-Roman you know today. This is hour 70 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 93.

I return to my long form history of pro wrestling series and look back at April 1985 from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus. The first WWF WrestleMania has ended. Hulk Hogan graces the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. The AWA remains strong, but Jim Crockett Promotions has nothing to answer the onslaught of the WWF. There are multiple events in Japan with both New Japan and All Japan. Things are changing and the WWF is leading the charge. Check out our Patreon for an extended cut of this show - Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - April 1985 - Fallout from WrestleMania 1 | Patreon

My 1000 Hours Podcast covers the pioneer era of pro wrestling and presently we are going through my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus. Col. James H. McLaughlin rules the American wrestling landscape. John McMahon and Homer Lane are trooping across the country and pro wrestling is gain popularity from coast to coast. The rise of Prof. Thiebaud Bauer and Prof. William Miller and their brand of entertainment style wrestling is also sweeping the country, but the newspapers are starting to get weary of their antics. 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 90.

Today my show returns to one of the most epic months in pro wrestling history, March 1985. WWF WrestleMania took place at the end of the month, however, during first weeks of the month Dr. D David Shultz gets fired (for real this time) from WWF, Hulk Hogan drops talk show host Richard Beltzer on his head and injures him, and Hulk Hogan and Mr. T get a fortuitus opportunity dropped in their laps with a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. Plus, news from Japan, the NWA, SECW, AWA, World Class, and much more. Much of the information for this show comes from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus.

1000 Hours Podcast takes a look back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling. With information pulled from my latest book, DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling. On this episode, hour 68 of our series, we continue our look at the post 1870 Detroit International Tournament era. New York is growing as a hub for pro wrestling and promoter and former champion Harry Hill is putting together pro wrestling's first syndicate, trust, or promotion featuring Homer Lane, and the John McMahon family. Also, the future biggest arena in sports takes its first form. 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 89.

Hour 67 of the 1000 Hours Podcast takes a look back at the very first 'undisputed' champion in pro wrestling. As I continue a study through my latest book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling, we have just studied the 1870 Detroit International tournament which set up the recognized rules of wrestling and crowned Col. James H. McLaughlin as champion. But McLaughlin wasn't yet the official American champion, that was Homer Lane, but McLaughlin verses Lane decides who pro wrestling's first undisputed champion would be. 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 89.

I begin my methodical look back at pro wrestling in 1985 with January 1985 from my book DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus book. Hulk Hogan is the WWF champion and had been for a year, he is also a huge star in Japan. Ric Flair is the NWA World champion and looking forward to a big year. Rick Martel is the AWA World champion and is feuding with Jimmy Garvin. Plus, The Road Warriors, Antonio Inoki, and much more! Join me for a detailed look back at January 1985!

Karl and Tonya invite you in for a discussion about pop culture and retro pop culture from When It Was Cool! On this podcast, Karl and Tonya discuss school life in the 1970s through the 1990s, how things have changed, and what we can't make sense of today. Then we take you with us as we go through another subscription snack box, this time we have snacks from Spain! From pro wrestling history, to toys, to movies, TV, and more, When It Was Cool is your place for retro pop culture fun! Recommendation for today - DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus Book: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Pro Wrestling. Order here!

I continue to take listeners through my latest book DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Pro Wrestling and we have reached the 1860s, the era right before the Detroit International Tournament, the event which would effectively kick off pro wrestling in America, sort of. Today, I get to revisit one of my favorite and most colorful of the pioneer era pro wrestlers: Uzile Prickett, who won the American championship then set off across the country wreaking havoc until he was murdered! This is hour 65 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 86.

As I continue to work through my latest book, DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era of Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling on this podcast, we arrive to the era right before the Detroit International Tournament which would set the rules largely for the coming first era of pro wrestling in America. Just before the Detroit tournament, the American championship was born around New York with names you might not yet know but are instrumental in the foundation of pro wrestling in the U.S.: Harry Hill, Uzile Prickett, Homer Lane, and others. This is hour 64 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 86.

I round out the year of 2024 by taking a look at the concerning fan bases of multiple pop culture fields including pro wrestling. Over the past few years, wrestling fan bases have seemingly been at war with each other. Fans of WWE hating fans of AEW and vice versa. Even the pro wrestling media has been feuding. Has it always been this way? I will examine that question and assure you that it is not just the wrestling community having trouble co-existing with different ideas. Please check out my latest book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus!

The pioneer era of pro wrestling is the era of the origin and development of pro wrestling in the United States which ends in 1900 or pre-Frank Gotch. On this, hour 61 of our series, we begin a walk-through of my new book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era of Wrestling Omnibus. We dive even deeper into the stories in the book discuss the pioneer era of pro wrestling in the deepest detail ever before attempted. 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 83.

My pioneer era podcast returns this week with a look back at 1886. 1886 was a year of change in professional wrestling. Clarence Whistler had been one of the top stars of the last few years but died while on tour of Australia in late 1885. Col. James H. McLaughlin had returned to wrestling after multiple retirements and a young and dangerous wrestler named Evan Lewis was earning his nickname of 'The Strangler' and poised to become a major star. 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 83. For more stories like these, check out my new book: DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Wrestling from Amazon. Order here - https://amzn.to/3Z3rlVN

It is the official book launch of my new 700-page monster research project on the pioneer era of United States pro wrestling. The DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer era of Pro Wrestling is now available as a print book and on Kindle! I am joined by my wife Tonya from the When It Was Cool website who sits down with me to discuss the pioneer era of pro wrestling, why it is so interesting, how it really influenced modern pro wrestling, plus much more. If you have ever wondered about pro wrestling in the U.S. before Frank Gotch then check out this week's podcast!

It is the official book launch of my new 700-page monster research project on the pioneer era of United States pro wrestling. The DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus: The Bible of the Pioneer era of Pro Wrestling is now available as a print book and on Kindle! I am joined by my wife Tonya from the When It Was Cool website who sits down with me to discuss the pioneer era of pro wrestling, why it is so interesting, how it really influenced modern pro wrestling, plus much more. If you have ever wondered about pro wrestling in the U.S. before Frank Gotch then check out this week's podcast!

This is my 1000 Hours Podcast series which focuses on the pioneer era of pro wrestling, or pre-1900 wrestling. My new book, DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Wrestling Omnibus is coming out this next week and, on this episode, hour 59 of 1000 Hours, I want to look at one of the oldest books to talk about the pioneer era. A book called From Milo to Londos. From Milo to Londos gave us a lot of information about the pioneer era, but it gave us some misinformation also. 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 82.

It's that time of year again, Dave Meltzer has sent out the 2024 ballots for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. This is my most popular show of the year (two parts with part 2 airing next week) and we have a lot to discuss this year. Will the multitude of tag teams introduced over the last few years get in? What about the Young Bucks? Who is in danger of dropping off the list? Several new names are now on the ballot. So, let's discuss the 2024 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot. Part 1. Support us on Patreon - When It Was Cool | creating a Website and Podcast Network | Patreon

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! Please support WhenItWasCool.com! Patreon.com/WIWCool/ Patreon.com/DirtyDawgMES/ Read Eric's feature article at When It Was Cool - here.

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.

Welcome to season 2, reboot, 2.0, whatever you want to call it. Pro wrestling historian Karl Stern has revamped his long running classic wrestling podcast. On this episode the next match in the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament (GKT) takes place: Antonio Inoki verses Steve Austin. The votes are in and we have a winner. Karl then takes a look back to the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY as the 1930's begin and we find out if Jim Londos was really such a big deal. All this plus much more classic pro wrestling history!

This is the 100th installment in the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling podcast series from author and wrestling historian Karl Stern. On this episode we look back at March 1984 following the death of David Von Erich the wrestling world is still in shock. Ric Flair and Harley Race pull off a secret NWA World title change on the other side of the world. Jumbo Tsuruta tours America as AWA World champion, and Hulk Hogan settles into his run as WWF champion. A very exciting time in the history of pro wrestling! Check out DragonKingKarl's 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus book now on sale - here!

Check out part two of the three-part Figure Four Online Best of 2023 series looking at your favorite moments from the last year of WOR, WOL, Bryan and Vinny, DragonKingKarl and others.

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.

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!

Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #82 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian is joined by Karl Stern, aka DragonKingKarl, prolific chronicler of pro wrestling and pop culture history. Brian and Karl take a deep dive into the very early history of pro wrestling–HM Dufur, William Muldoon, Frank … Continue reading Episode 82: Karl Stern → The post Episode 82: Karl Stern appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.

The 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 Pro Wrestlers of All Time.

Just 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 Iron Sheik, and much more!

One of the biggest matches so far in our series takes place this episode as Tom Jenkins faces Frank Gotch at MSG. Did you know Frank Gotch never won a match at Madison Square Garden? We will talk about that and more plus yet another giant Turk shows up squashing people. DragonKingKarl continues the popular history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden series.

DragonKingKarl continues his recent biographical series, today looking at Sean "X-Pac" Waltman. Karl saw Waltman's entire wrestling career, reading about his earliest days in PWA, watching him in Global, and then seeing him explode onto the scene in WWF. X-Pac excelled despite not being stamped out of the big man clone machine. He took a high flying style, mixed it was martial arts, and had a great career. Karl makes the argument he may be the best of a certain type of wrestler.

DragonKingKarl is here to discuss the career of Memphis pro wrestling legend "Superstar" Bill Dundee. Was he really from Scottland? Did he really join the circus and movie to Australia and become a pro wrestler? All of these questions and more are answered in this look at a man who did it all in pro wrestling - a champion wrestler, a creative and acclaimed booker, a manager, and one of the best talkers in the business. Let's take a look at Jerry Lawler's career rival- "Superstar" Bill Dundee!

Karl Stern is back with another classic pro wrestling magazine review. This episode he takes a look at a Weston family (Apter mag) magazine Inside Wrestling, which is among his favorites because of the extensive ratings and Roll Call of Champions. Plus, stories on Lex Luger, Dusty Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Randy Savage, and more, as well as, some great classic magazine ads. Grab your PWI t-shirt and join DragonKingKarl for a look back at classic pro wrestling history straight off the newsstand.

The master of the Eastern arts! A disfigured ninja! The green mist spitting martial arts master! The Great Kabuki was an interesting and successful gimmick wrestler developed from the mind of Gary Hart who became a cool special attraction heel in World Class Championship Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, and elsewhere in the 1980s. Join pro wrestling historian DragonKingKarl with a look back at this interesting character.

The Long Form History of Pro Wrestling by DragonKingKarl returns with a detailed break-down of March 1983. We have notes from the early Wrestling Observer Newsletter with Dave Meltzer plus tons of research by many wrestling historians via When It Was Cool's Ultimate History of Pro Wrestling Zone. Bob Armstrong is a heel in Alabama, Mr. Olympia is a star in two territories, Ric Flair literally circles the world in a day, plus Nick Bockwinkel, Bob Backlund, Dusty Rhodes, and much more!

The long form history of wrestling podcast series from DragonKingKarl continues as we take a detailed look back at February 1983 in pro wrestling. Ric Flair travels around the world- literally, defending the NWA World title. The Midnight Rider (Dusty Rhodes) wins, then has to give back the NWA World title in Florida. Several AWA results including Hulk Hogan. Memphis continues to be medicore, and news and notes from Japan.

This show was previously heard by our Patreons at WhenItWasCool.com. Periodically, we review some of the WORST rated matches and shows of all time to see if they are really as bad as portrayed. In celebration of TripleMania, DragonKingKarl takes a look back at a minus 5 star match from 2015 AAA TripleMania - Villanos vs Psycho Circus!

Today's review is awesome! Armstrong Alley YouTube channel has newly discovered footage from the spring of 1983 of Alabama's Southeastern Championship Wrestling. He found someone with a previously undiscovered tape out of Montgomery which features, among other things: More legendary heel Bob Armstrong, Buck Robley coming out of a box angle, The Midnight Express, Inc (Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose, Norvell Austin, Mongolian Stomper, etc), Ric Flair, Mr. Olympia, Frank Savage, Ken Lucas, Jimmy Golden, The Flame (Jody Hamilton), Tommy Rogers as U.S. Junior champion, and more! Let's take a look at it!

Added to our rotation of shows is a new one looking at the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Perhaps the most famous arena in the world, MSG has changed multiple times over the years, and we will talk about the different owners and locations as well. Today, we go back to the original Gilmour's Gardens (soon to be MSG) at the first wrestling star there - Andre Christol and the great tournament of 1875.

This is our annual show discussing who got elected to the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. This year seemed to have more controversy than usual. One long time historian and voter has vowed to "never vote again" while others have maintained that someone unqualified has now been elected. Let's cut through the chaos and discuss the WON HOF. We may hurt a few feelings along the way but with tribalism and hyperbolic speech running rampant that's to be expected, I guess. Plus, more discussion on Sgt. Slaughter, and who is being added next year that's a must-elect.

From the DragonKingKarl biography podcast series. It took two show to discuss Lex Luger because his career was so complex. From being "The Next Hulk Hogan" in Florida and the NWA to his days as a 4 Horsemen. Then his failed stint in WWE and return on the first WCW Monday Nitro to all of his post career trouble including the death of Miss Elizabeth. The story of Lex Luger is a wild ride of ups and downs.

So, what did Mr. Wrestling 2 (Johnny Walker) actually do? He was arrested but the newspapers give little indication of him through the court process. On today's third and final part of Pro Wrestling True Crime, we find out the ultimate disposition of John F. Walker's case, what he actually ended up being sentenced for and what that means. We also find out what happened to everyone else involved, including, what happened to them later in life. More about the Black Dhalia, and we reexamine the Jimmy Carter inauguration story in a new light.

We now dig deeper into the criminal rape case against Mr. Wrestling 2 (Johnny Walker) ... or so it seems. In the summer of 1953, a roving gang of juveniles are reeking terror on the beaches of Hawaii. Two gang assaults on teenage girls take place within the span of a few days with anywhere from 2 to 17 males involved. Two people are arrested in connection to each incident and the court process begins. Over the course of a few weeks more and more members are arrested, the last of which is gas station attendant John F. Walker, the future Mr. Wrestling 2.

Over the next three days I will be posting a 3 part series about the little known assault story involving Mr. Wrestling 2 (Johnny Walker). This series is not for kids as we will be discussing some very heavy criminal themes. Part 1 - Who is Two? This isn't a biography, but rather a look at who was John F. Walker? How did he become friends with a President all while being on an offender database in Hawaii? Then we begin the trek through the complex criminal case of Mr. Wrestling 2. This is, far and away, the most detailed examination of this story ever done.

This was previously available to our Patreons at When It Was Cool, it is a pro wrestling mailbag show where wrestling historian Karl Stern answers questions from our Patreon supporters and then you get a hilarious pro wrestling TV review covering the November 1, 1986 episode of WWF Challenge featuring Greg Valentine, Randy Savage, Brutus Beefcake, Lanny Poffo, and more!

On this episode, wrestling historian Karl Stern looks back at the annual Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine year end awards issue from 1981. Awards went to Ric Flair, Tommy Rich, The Freebirds, Bob Backlund, Andre the Giant, and more. The Apter magazines used to be such fun back in the day.

There are many people who consider this the funniest show review Karl Stern has ever done. I don't know, this was too easy, like shooting fish in a bucket. You had a very drunk Jake Roberts out of control, a King Kong Bundy who was not happy about it. A Jim Neidhart who was not happy about it. About a dozen wrestlers past their prime trying to do a match. This was a train wreck of a pro wrestling show and you will love it.

What were Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, and wrestling historian Karl Stern like 16 years ago? Well, I have dug up some great audio from my old DragonKing Press Audio Show. I sit down with a young fresh and hilarious Bryan Alvarez to discuss 2005 era topics like TNA, and WWE, as well as this day in wrestling history. Then I sit down with a forty-something Dave Meltzer, not yet the Twitter heel he would become, and you'll enjoy the energy of us talking pro wrestling history and listen to Dave squirm as he gets asked to tell us about himself! It's a fun show from a time when wrestling was fun and we hadn't yet got divided up into clicks which hated one another. There will be more of this so stick around.

Karl Stern reviews the mess of a wrestling pay per view that was WCW Halloween Havoc 1992 featuring a disaster of a main event: Spin the Wheel Make the Deal between Sting and Jake Roberts. Plus: Ron Simmons defends the World title against The Barbarian, Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes against The Steve Williams Brothers, Big Van Vader vs Nikita Koloff, and much more!

I know you've been waiting for this one. The infamous Chamber of Horrors and the execution of Abdullah the Butcher. Fun fact - Razor Ramon was in that match too. Oh, yes lots of fun on this show: Lex Luger, Ron Simmons, Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton as a tag team, VAN HAMMER nearly kills a man, Flyin Brian Pillman, Steve Austin, oh there is so much fun on this show. Support When It Was Cool on Patreon!

The DragonKingKarl retro Halloween Havoc reviews continue with a look back at WCW Halloween Havoc 1990 with Sting vs Sid Vicious for the NWA World title. Also on the show Stan Hansen battles Lex Luger, Doom faces Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, The Steiner Brothers vs Nasty Boys, and much more! A fun filled retro wrestling review!

One of DragonKingKarl's popular and often hilarious retro wrestling reviews takes us back to 1989 WCW Halloween Havoc featuring a cage match that literally catches on fire with Ric Flair, Great Muta, Terry Funk, Sting, plus The Road Warriors, The Skyscrapers, Lex Luger, Brian Pillman, and much more. Celebrating Halloween this month at When It Was Cool. Support us on Patreon to keep this content going!

Here is a retro review DragonKingKarl did for Patreons at When It Was Cool, a review of a sitcom that failed to launch starring pro wrestling stars Roddy Piper and Jesse Ventura as two wrestlers turned cops in a silly crime series. A poorly executed poor idea with two, otherwise, largely good pro wrestlers turned actors. For more like this visit WhenItWasCool.com and join our Patreon.

Our latest collection of DragonKingKarl's long form history of pro wrestling podcast series takes us through the 1950s into the prime years of the NWA, the era of Lou Thesz, Gorgeous George, the later days of Jim Londos, Bill Longson, and pro wrestling becoming a territory system. The rise of El Santo and more. Pro wrestling history in an easy to follow time line format.

A fun filled review of a very 1986 WWF Wrestling Challenge program hosted by Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan featuring YOUTUBE COMMENTS, The Dream Team showing personality for once, creepy Lanny Poffo, Billy Jack Haynes, Randy Savage, the Hart Foundation, Tito Santana, Pedro Morales, and much more! A really fun show.

Matt Borne was well known in the pro wrestling business to have legal issues. He was arrested multiple times for a variety of crimes. WWE even once sued him to stop him from promoting himself as Doink on indy shows due to his string of arrests. He had serious heat with Jim Duggan over an issue that happened in Mid-South where Duggan alleged Borne was beating a woman. And what is the truth behind the molestation allegation that led to his firing from Georgia Championship Wrestling which led directly to the formation of The Road Warriors?

The 6th Omnibus edition of the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling covers the World War 2 and post-WW2 era of pro wrestling discussing people like The French Angel, Sandor Szabo, Lou Thesz, Orville Brown, Frank Sexton, Bill Longson, El Santo, and the formation of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). A deep dive into pro wrestling history with wrestling historian DragonKingKarl.

In honor of the 75th birthday (May 19, 2021) of the legendary Andre the Giant, wrestling historian Karl Stern presents a reading of Dave Meltzer's biography of Andre the Giant from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Tons of background and information on one of the literal and figurative biggest names in pro wrestling history. Support WhenItWasCool.com on Patreon for over 1500 more shows just like this.

DragonKingKarl continues this re-edited long form history of pro wrestling series covering the years 1917 (the death of Frank Gotch) through the Ed "Stranger" Lewis era. Also discussing Earl Caddock, Joe Stecher, Danno O'Mahoney, Jim Londos, Wladek and Stanislaus Zbyszko, and many others. The World War 1 through the Great Depression era of pro wrestling history a so-called "lost era" in wrestling history.

Buck "Rock and Roll" Zumhofe was a staple of the 1970s-80s pro wrestling scene. While largely a mainstay in the AWA, he also worked World Class and WWF regularly. He was a multi-time AWA World Junior champion. He was also a convicted sex offender and everybody knew it including spending a stint in prison between runs in the AWA and WWF. Then he was arrested again but this time it was far worse. He'd done it again, only this time it was his daughter. And many people knew...

Karl Stern continues the long form history of pro wrestling podcast series and we up to March 1982. Bob Backlund remains champion of WWF feuding with both Jesse Ventura and Adrian Adonis. Ric Flair faces many different opponents including a memorable series with Butch Reed. Nick Bockwinkel reigns as champion over the AWA. Plus discussion of Jerry Lawler, Harley Race, David Von Erich, Japan, and much more.

DragonKingKarl is beginning to release stand-alone biography podcast specials again and we are going to pick back up with WWE and Wrestling Observer Hall of Famer Sting. Sting is topical again as he recently wrestled his first match in years with AEW. Karl saw his career literally from his very first match through his travels in Memphis, the UWF, NWA/WCW, TNA, until now. Join Karl for this discussion of one of the most iconic wrestlers of the 1980s-1990s - Steve Borden, AKA: Sting.

DragonKingKarl's long running Long Form History of Pro Wrestling at Wrestling Observer is now re-edited and being released for free on this podcast feed. This is the first installment which is take from the first 5 episodes of the Long Form History of Pro Wrestling covering from the ancient past until 1881 and discussing such wrestlers as Abraham Lincoln, William Muldoon, Col. James H. McLaughlin, John McMahon, Prof. Theobaud Baur and others. The history of pro wrestling begins here.

Wrestling historian DragonKingKarl takes you through Dave Meltzer and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's biographies and obituaries of Andre the Giant, Boris Malenko, Art Barr, and Eddie Gilbert. Andre the Giant was a mega star both nationally and internationally. Boris Malenko was the father of Dean Malenko and an interesting figure in wrestling. Art Barr was a controversial person on the verge of becoming one of the best in the business and the story of Eddie Gilbert is complex and interesting.

Professional wrestling has had it's share of tragedy, accident, and true crime over it's lengthy American history but, July as it seems, has historically been the worst month of all.  A major superstar comes to America and is the darling of the press and would spawn imitators for decades later. He also literally goes down with the ship. Car wrecks, freak boating accidents, and even murder.  July is a month that, as a pro wrestler, should bear extra caution. 

On the new, revamped, and improved Old Tyme Wrestling Hour, host Karl Stern discusses the Twitter feud between Dave Meltzer and Jim Cornette and faulty misconception many old timers have, the insane tribal mentality that accompanies it, and then Karl is joined by Bryan Alvarez for some discussion about the building the newsletter, website, podcasting network, and F4W/WrestlingObserver website, and more. Pro wrestling history and more with wrestling historian Karl Stern.

On this brand new Old Tyme Wrestling Hour Podcast, Karl talks about something he's been working on for a couple of months- the secret history of pro wrestling. How the history of pro wrestling isn't what a lot of people think it is and a lot of the bickering today between talking heads is coming from a place of wrong perspective. How kayfabe really evolved. The sport of Gotch isn't what you think. Then our special guest this week is one of the most positive people in wrestling - Dave "It's Still Real to Me" Wills. He talks about the trials and tribulations of being one of the first people to go viral in the crazy internet world.

Coming soon to iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcasting platforms is the flagship pro wrestling history podcast by DragonKingKarl - Karl Stern from Wrestling Observer, F4WOnline, and When It Was Cool. Subscribe to the new feed today by searching Apple Podcast or visiting WhenItWasCool.com

Coming soon to iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcasting platforms is the flagship pro wrestling history podcast by DragonKingKarl - Karl Stern from Wrestling Observer, F4WOnline, and When It Was Cool. Subscribe to the new feed today by searching Apple Podcast or visiting WhenItWasCool.com

I never thought much about oddities in Illinois until doing this series. Then, as we will all discover, Illinois actually prides itself on the strange and unusual! From giant rocketmen to giant rockmen and all sorts of weird stuff in between, join DragonKingKarl as he explores the land of Lincoln to find the strangest stuff there!

It's time once again for the biggest show Karl Stern does every year- a detailed look and discussion of the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot. Karl has been a HOF voter for many years this year's ballot is interesting due to several names being put back on and a few being dropped off. Among names discussed in this massive show are CM Punk, Edge, Sgt. Slaughter, Junkyard Dog, Kerry Von Erich, Bearcat Wright, Dr. Wagner Jr, Jim Crockett, Big Daddy, and many others. This years show is free in order to raise awareness of When It Was Cool so pass it around and let others hear it too, post it to social media, whatever. Thank you!

FlairFlop.com presents another MAMMOTH edition of Wrestling With the Dawg were KARL STERN of WhenItWasCool.com joins the Dirty Dawg Darsie to cover the EMPTY ARENA MATCH between JERRY LAWLER and TERRY FUNK!  DragonKingKarl and the Dawg break down Lance Russell's place in history, Jerry Lawler as a thinking-mans wrestler, Terry Funk as a 1981 version of a 2018 Chris Jericho, wrestlers in music, and so much more!

FlairFlop.com and the When It Was Cool Podcast Network presents the 98th edition of Wrestling With the Dawg podcast!  The Dirty Dawg Darsie breaks down the WCW World Heavyweight Championship match from WCW Starrcade 1998 between champion Bill Goldberg and challenger Kevin Nash!  The Dawg talks about wrestlers being bookers, who should have been the one to end Goldberg's streak, when the New World Order should have ended, and so much more!