Shows
Pro Wrestling History NerdsFred Beell, Part 7It's a story of newfound fame out east, a private match with Tom Jenkins, the importance of a loudmouth manager, and a couple of riots. It's the story of Fred Beell, Part 7!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2024-08-261h 12
Pro Wrestling History NerdsFred Beell, Part 6Fred Beell fell into a career slump in 1903, only to break out on the nation stage in Baltimore at the close of 1904. Listen to that journey unfold, along with some wild side quests and wild stories of the midwest in the early 1900s.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2024-07-291h 43
Pro Wrestling History NerdsFred Beell, Part 5A match against a living legend, a look at the Gotch gang, a whole lotta strangling, a fake Turk, and a wild ad for vitality pills. It's the story of Fred Beell, part 5.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2024-07-031h 08
Pro Wrestling History NerdsFred Beell, Part 4Wins, losses, angry letters, and attempt to move west, and a box office bomb against a wrestling legend.
It's the story of Fred Beell, part 4!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2024-06-181h 07
Pro Wrestling History NerdsFred Beell, Part 3A tale of bait-and-switch booking, stacking the betting odds, a wrestler with upset stomach, and why you can't answer a public challenge from the dark woods of the frontier.
It's the story of Fred Beell, part 3!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2024-06-0454 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsFred Beell, Part 2Learn about the impact of disease in warfare, the horrors of pre-OSHA railroad work, an ill-fated attempt to swindle a "Jay In The Woods" town, trash talking in the sports pages, and more!
Join Nick and Heidi for the story of Fred Beell, part two!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2024-05-141h 03
Pro Wrestling History NerdsFred BeellToday Nick and Heidi discuss the railroad expansion into the post-Civil War Midwest, why fire is bad, old timey language that makes us giggle, and of course the early life and career of Fred Beell.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2024-04-2357 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsLenny MontanaToday we discuss a man of many stolen gimmicks. A man with multiple shots at the NWA title. A man who set fires, committed crimes, did prison time, and was the body guard of a Mafia boss, who went on to be a movie icon.
Nick and Heidi tell the story of Lenny Montana!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
-The Godfather Wars, by Mark Seal. From the March, 2009 Vanity Fair.
2024-04-091h 18
Pro Wrestling History NerdsRespect Women's WrestlingHow did an all-women's show impact the Colorado Wrestling Scene? How do women wrestlers navigate the world of regional pro wrestling? Why did Priscilla Kelly kick Heidi Howitzer in the face?
Listen up as we solve these mysteries and tell wild stories from Respect Women's Wrestling!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
2024-03-261h 29
Pro Wrestling History NerdsSam SheppardMurder, scandals, intervention by the supreme court, Nazi in-laws, a Texas Death match, and the hottest short run a tag team could ask for. Today Nick and Heidi discuss the life and career of Sam Sheppard!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2024-03-121h 20
Pro Wrestling History Nerds1990s' Martial Arts Instructional Videos.Join Nick and Nova Mente BJJ Instructor Troy Everett for a look back at the world of martial arts instructional VHS tapes. So wash your gi, buy a black belt online, and get ready to kick your friends in the head while learning karate in your basement!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
2024-02-271h 14
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 11The end of an era, the decline of the Howard Theater, the Bowsers enjoy the success of their Boston promotion, and of course a few arrests, rumors, and drama. It's the conclusion of our look at the life and times of Cora Livingston!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2024-02-122h 00
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 10Returning to Boston, a pretender to the title, an audience member gets slapped, and more.
Nick and Heidi continue the story of Cora Livingston!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2024-01-231h 15
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 9Nick and Heidi discuss the dawn of the 1920s, the impact of the Great War on women's wrestling, The origin of masked wrestling, the purpose of submission holds, and Cora's marital status in advertisements.
It's the story of Cora Livingston, Part 9!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2024-01-091h 14
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 8Circus wrestling, Freak show questions, Intergender challenges, Angry Women's groups, and an idiot who gambled a fortune on a wrestling match.
All this and more, as Nick and Heidi continue the story of Cora Livingston.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2023-12-261h 16
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 7Cora joins the circus! Are charity shows a scam? Why did Cora's matches lose their viciousness? Why was the Howard Theater's ad department so good? Listen up and learn, as Nick and Heidi continue the story of Cora Livingston.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2023-12-141h 06
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 6Changing the finish, a light house, getting thrown through a painting, women's suffrage, and ref bumps. Nick and Heidi continue the wild story of Cora Livingston.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2023-11-2158 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 5A big match against Laura Bennett! DQs galore! Why toe-holds got so popular! Why wouldn't Lottie Oliver wrestle men? Why did church groups protest wrestling? Listen to Nick and Heidi continue the story of Cora Livingston to find out!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2023-11-0856 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 4More strangling, more violence, near riots, a drunken woman on a rampage, and more!
Nick and Heidi continue the exciting and strange tale of Cora Livingston.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2023-10-2457 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 3More challenges, more strangling, a possible vacation for marriage and motherhood, and an outraged police officer who shut down a match.
All this and more, as Nick and Heidi talk about Cora Livingston!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2023-10-101h 21
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora Livingston, Part 2Strangling! Mysterious challenges from the balcony! A wrestler who saw a Ghost!
All this and more as Nick and guest host Heidi Howitzer continue the story of Cora Livingston.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2023-09-291h 05
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCora LivingstonFrom life as an orphan in a convent, to the cirus as a runaway, to the theater stage as a champion.
Today Nick and guest Heidi Howitzer talk about the early life of Cora Livingston.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and Canadian Newspapers.
2023-09-121h 01
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 11Let's look at the rematch between Hackenschmidt and Gotch, and how it affected the wrestling world. Tom Jenkins has his final run as a wrestler, but a longer run as a coach at west point. Two world wars, the loss of his greatest rival, and the end of the story of Tom Jenkins.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American, Canadian, and British Newspapers.
2023-08-291h 07
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 10Gotch wants to retire, Jenkins can't get days off work, Zbyszko learns not to shake hands after the bell, Jack Carkeek goes to Jail, the Fight of the Century drives racists to violence, checkers are in the sports pages, and Hackenschmidt might not be taking the biggest match of his life very seriously.
All this and more!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American, Canadian, and British Newspapers.
2023-08-151h 02
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 9From Holiday matches in Montreal, to living in the shadow of Gotch vs Hackenschmidt, and a showdown with another Terrible Turk. It's the story of Tom Jenkins, Part Nine!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American, Canadian, and British Newspapers.
2023-08-0158 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 8Tom Jenkins took the American championship with him to West Point, where he coached wrestling and boxing. The sporting world and his top challengers were outraged! What would it take to get Tom Jenkins back in the ring, and against whom? Listen up and find out!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and British Newspapers.
2023-07-181h 01
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 7The aftermath of Tom Jenkins vs Fred Beell, another visit to England, an Advertisement for "medicinal" whiskey, and a job offer from President Theodore Roosevelt
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American and British Newspapers.
2023-07-0454 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 6George Hackenschimdt comes to America, Frank Gotch talks trash to the press, Fred Beell calls out Tom Jenkins, and so much more!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2023-06-2057 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 5Tom Jenkins returns to the US with a loss to Hackenschmidt and without the pay to make it worth while. How will he return to the American spotlight, and will he be able to regain the title from Frank Gotch?
Listen up and find out!
Thanks to Lydia, Mark, and Kyle for reseach donations!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2023-06-131h 00
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 4How do you wrestle a boxer? How do you protect the title when facing a man who only wrestles for real? How can everything go wrong on a trip to England?
Listen up and find out in part four of our look at Tom Jenkins' career!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2023-05-2354 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 3Jenkins begins his title reign by... asking for a boxing match? What's with all the handicapped match? Did he nearly lose a leg? Who was the "Klondike Champion" he took on?
Listen and learn about this, and so much more.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2023-05-0946 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom Jenkins, Part 2From a snooze-fest with yet another Turkish giant, to a title shot against Dan McLeod in Cleveland; Nick rambles about the years 1900 & 1901 in the life of Tom Jenkins!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2023-04-2544 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsTom JenkinsFrom a horrifying childhood accident to the rigors and risks of pre-OSHA industrial work to the wrestling stage against an onslaught of Terrible Turks: it's the story of Tom Jenkins!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary sources: Sited articles from American Newspapers.
2023-04-111h 14
Pro Wrestling History NerdsBattlecade Extreme Fighting 1It was the first attempt at a sustainable alternative to the UFC in the United States. It was the home of breakout stars, the earliest high level competitive fights in the sport, and had a strong corporate backer to make it happen.
So what could possibly go wrong?
Join Nick and Chango as they discuss Battlecade Extreme Fighting!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary Sources:
-The New York Times
-https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/4/22/5367516/mma-origins-battlecade-extreme-fighting-igor-Zinoiev-ralph-gracie-maurice-smith-john-perretti
2023-03-281h 28
Pro Wrestling History NerdsClarence Whistler, Part 2Join Nick and Chango for a tale of bitterness, vengeance, snitching to the press, and... cannibalism?
Things get wild as our look at Clarence Whistler's life continues!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary Sources:
-Cited newspaper articles
-William Muldoon: The Solid Man Conquers Wrestling and Physical Culture, by Ken Zimmerman Jr
-Shooters: The Toughest Men in Profession Wrestling, by Jonathan Snowden
2023-03-141h 18
Pro Wrestling History NerdsClarence WhistlerIt's a story of raw strength, strong booze, weird lies, carnival tours, and the usual insanity you subscribed for!
Today Nick and Chango discuss "The Kansas Cyclone" Clarence Whistler!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary Sources:
-Cited newspaper articles
-William Muldoon: The Solid Man Conquers Wrestling and Physical Culture, by Ken Zimmerman Jr
-Shooters: The Toughest Men in Profession Wrestling, by Jonathan Snowden
2023-02-2859 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCharles ”Parson” Davies, Part 4In the final episode of our series on "Parson" Davies, Nick and Chango talk about violent after parties, accidental poisonings, the weird spiral of John L Sullivan after retirement, the title matches of Evan "The Strangler" Lewis, and why you should never pee off the back of a moving train.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary Sources:
-Chicago's Greatest Sportsman- Charles E "Parson" Davies, by Mark T Dunn
-Evan "The Strangler" Lewis: The Most Feared Wrestler of the 19th Century, by Ken Zimmerman Jr
-Cited newspapers
2023-02-141h 18
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCharles ”Parson” Davies, Part 3Listen up, nerds! John L Sullivan vs Jake Kilrain proved that boxing can indeed be pro wrestling. A young Dan McLeod challenges Evan Lewis. Jack Wannop gets worked over in Chicago... but Sarah Cox from Grapplingwithhistory.com has another opinion. Chango talks about breaking arms, and Nick talks about sitting in jail after a fight.
All this, and plenty more madness!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary Sources:
-Chicago's Greatest Sportsman- Charles E "Parson" Davies, by Mark T Dunn
-grapplingwithhistory.com
-Evan "The Strangler" Lewis: The...
2023-01-171h 25
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCharles ”Parson” Davies, Part 2Chango makes his triumphant return for a tale of violence, politics, bar brawls, a well armed stenographer, a blasting-cap suicide, big money matches, in ring brutality, and much more.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary Sources:
-Chicago's Greatest Sportsman- Charles E "Parson" Davies, by Mark T Dunn
-Evan "The Strangler" Lewis: The Most Feared Wrestler of the 19th Century, by Ken Zimmerman Jr
-Cited newspapers
2023-01-031h 24
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCharles ”Parson” DaviesIt's a tale of immigration, presidential assassination plots, Footraces, murder, labor riots, and even some pro wrestling.
Get ready for a wild one, as Nick talks about wrestling promoter Charles "Parson" Davies!
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
Primary Sources:
-Chicago's Greatest Sportsman- Charles E "Parson" Davies, by Mark T Dunn
-Evan "The Strangler" Lewis: The Most Feared Wrestler of the 19th Century, by Ken Zimmerman Jr
-Cited newspapers
2022-12-201h 07
Pro Wrestling History Nerds”The Terrible Turk” Yusuf IsmailThe "Turkish Invasion" of the Parisian wrestling world crossed the Atlantic to challenge the greatest American wrestlers of the day. How would the US greats like Roeber, Jenkins, and the original "Strangler" Lewis contend against the Ottoman Giant?
Find out when we explore the US tour of Yusuf Ismail, The Terrible Turk!
PRIMARY SOURCES-
-Cited newspaper articles
-Evan "The Strangler" Lewis: The Most Feared Wrestler of the 19th Century, by Ken ZImmerman Jr
--Shooters: The Toughest Men in Profession Wrestling, by Jonathan Snowden
2022-12-0641 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsWinner Is YouNick is rambling solo this week; spinning tales of WWF Superstars in the arcade, MUSCLE creatures, Japanese wrestling Manga, Slender King, Mat Mania, and how some poor bastard had to explain to Vince McMahon what a video game is.
Venmo research donations accepted at @nicholas-gossert
2022-11-2241 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsVale Tudo Japan 1994In 1994 wrestler turned promoter Satoru Sayama launched the Vale Tudo Japan. What were the pro wrestling roots? Why did it have a Brazilian Portuguese title? Why was Rickson Gracie booked? How did it create the Pro-Wrestling vs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rivalry in the early years of PRIDE FC?
Venmo research donations to @nicholas-gossert
2022-11-081h 14
Pro Wrestling History NerdsGrappling With History, with Guest Sarah CoxLast year I interviewed Victorian Wrestling Historian Sarah Cox, from grapplingwithhistory.com
The inverview was distorted from a bad internet connection, so it took quite a while to get it recovered and fixed.
I think you'll agree that it was worth the wait! Open your ears, turn on your brain, and learn all about Victorian Era wrestling and boxing, the life of Jack Wannop, the excitement of researching obscure figures in sports history, and the mystery of a giant women wrestler who disappeared from the record.
Check out Sarah Cox's work at grapplingwithhistory...
2022-10-2559 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsNow Is The Time Of MonstersThe title was unified, wrestling was hot, but the champion was seen as past his prime and a star of yesterday. What came next would shape the wrestling business for years to come.
Hear how it unfolds in our latest episode!
Venmo research donations to @nicholas-gossert
Sources:
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by Marcus Griffin
-Double-Crossing The Gold Dust Trio: Stanislaus Zbyszko's L...
2022-10-111h 00
Pro Wrestling History NerdsThe Title Unification Match of 1928After years of bitterness, brutality, schemes, double crosses, screw jobs, and financial politicking, it finally happened: Ed Lewis vs Joe Stecher in a title unification match. Listen to Nick and Chango discuss the intrigue, the build up, and the initial fall out of the biggest match of 1928!
-Research donations to @nicholas-gossert on venmo
Sources:
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by Marcus Griffin
-Double-Crossing The Gold D...
2022-09-271h 07
Pro Wrestling History NerdsJoe Stecher vs John Pesek in 1926 Did Ad Santel really beat the best of Japan in 1921? Did Ed Lewis really mentor Frank Gotch Jr? Did John Pesek really think it was a good idea to double cross Joe Stecher?
Learn the answers to these burning questions, and so much more when Nick and Chango discuss the year 1926 in pro wrestling!
-Research donations to @nicholas-gossert on venmo
Sources:
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bo...
2022-09-131h 08
Pro Wrestling History NerdsThe 1925 Double Cross!Holy crap, it's our 50th episode!
In 1925 Billy Sandow attempted the most ambitious move in the history of Wrestling championships, only to be betrayed by the least likely man on the roster. Why did it happen? Who was behind it? Find out when Nick and Chango tell a tale of trust, conspiracy, betrayal, revenge, and maybe even a little wrestling.
Research donations accepted at Venmo @nicholas-gossert
Sources:
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
2022-08-301h 19
Pro Wrestling History NerdsWayne Munn debuts & Los Angeles loves Wrestling!Why was Ed "Strangler" Lewis' title reign growing stale? How many people can he punch without going to jail? Could William Muldoon be hated even more than last year? Did Stanislaus Zbyszko hit rock bottom? Would wrestling catch on in LA? Find out when you listen to Nick and Chango discuss the year 1924 in American Pro-Wrestling!
Research donations accepted at Venmo @nicholas-gossert
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by Marcus Griffin
2022-08-161h 30
Pro Wrestling History NerdsPesek vs Lewis & the return of Joe StecherAn Olympic Silver Medalist gets lured into a trap, Lewis kills the reputation of his policeman, the return of Joe Stecher, and more madness as Nick & Chango talk about the year 1923 in wrestling!
Venmo research donations to @nicholas-gossert
-Primary Sources
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by Marcus Griffin
-Double-Crossing The Gold Dust Trio: Stanislaus Zbyszko's Last Hurrah, By Ken Zimmerman Jr.
-American Newspaper archives, various
2022-08-021h 07
Pro Wrestling History NerdsEd Lewis & Jack DempseyIn 1922 an effort was make to put Jack Dempsey in the ring with Ed "Strangler" Lewis. Was it a money making scheme or a legitimate attempt at mixed style competition? Listen to Nick and Chango sort it out as they explore the year 1922 in pro wrestling!
*CONTENT WARNING*
If discussions of sexual abuse is upsetting, skip 19:10-24:41.
-Primary Sources
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by M...
2022-07-191h 14
Pro Wrestling History NerdsLewis vs Zbyszko & Pesek vs PlestinaThe year 1921 was a wild one. Crowds rioted as Ed "Strangler" Lewis picked up wins, Stanislaus Zbyszko continued to dominate, and Billy Sandow makes a deal with "The Nebraska Tiger Man" John Pesek to keep outside talent in line.
It's a tale of violence, vendettas, riots, and even a little pro wrestling.
-Primary Sources
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by Marcus Griffin
-Double-Crossing The Gold D...
2022-07-051h 11
Pro Wrestling History NerdsStanislaus Zbyszko Returns!Zbyszko is coming, Hurray! Hurroo!
What happens when Stanislaus Zbyszko returns from War Torn Europe? How did the Infamous Black Socks scandal affect pro wrestling? Why can't Marin Plestina get a booking?
Listen to Nick and Chango discuss the year 1920 in pro wrestling!
-Primary Sources
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by Marcus Griffin
-Double-Crossing The Gold Dust Trio: Stanislaus Zbyszko's Last Hurrah, By Ken Z...
2022-06-2156 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsJack Curley Takes Over!The outbreak of The Great War puts the wrestling world into chaos, as Champion Earl Caddock enlists, and contenders Ed "Strangler Lewis", Joe Stecher, and Wladek Zbyszko are drafted! What happens when deals are made, alliances are formed, and Jack Curley takes over wrestling? Listen to our latest episode and find out!
-Primary Sources
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by Marcus Griffin
-American Newspaper archives, various
2022-06-071h 00
Pro Wrestling History NerdsEd ”Strangler” Lewis, Part 2Nick and Chango are back to talk about the intersection of Ed Lewis and Joe Stecher's careers, the power of talking shit, swindling money marks, and even a little wrestling!
It's part two of our look at the career of Ed "Strangler" Lewis.
Primary Sources-
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by Marcus Griffin
-Masked Marvel to the Rescue, by Ken Zimmerman Jr & Tamara Zimmerman
-Newspaper Archives, various
2022-05-241h 05
Pro Wrestling History NerdsEd ”Strangler”LewisHow did Bob Fredrick wrestle Ed Lewis? Why did the sinking of the Titanic lead to violence over a movie reel? Why did yet another riot nearly break out after a match?
Find out when Nick and Chango discuss the early life and career of Ed "Strangler" Lewis!
-Primary Sources
-Ed Lewis: Facts Within A Myth, by Steve Yohe
-Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce, by Marcus Griffin
-Showman, by William Brady.
-American Newspaper archives, various
2022-05-101h 15
Pro Wrestling History NerdsJohn Pesek, Part 2Today Nick and Chango talk about why Elbows aren't cool, but wearing overalls to the circus definitely is!
It's a tales of shoots, works, shooting on workers, working with shooters, and how the Spanish Flu saved John Pesek from the front line of The Great War.
Hit play, damnit!
Primary Sources:
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Selected articles from Library of Congress newspaper archives.
2022-04-261h 12
Pro Wrestling History NerdsJohn PesekChildhood trauma! Midwestern tragedy! Showbiz Razzle Dazzle! Corrupt referees! And maybe even a little wrestling!
Nick and Chango discuss the early life and career of "The Nebraska Tiger Man" John Pesek!
Primary Sources:
-The Nebraska Tigerman- The John Pesek Story", by Geoff Pesek
-Selected articles from Library of Congress newspaper archives.
2022-04-1257 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsJoe Stecher, Part 2Joe Stecher was the king of Catch Wrestling, with the title firmly around his waist. But what happens when the competition starts catching up, and the personal demons start dragging him down?
Listen to Nick and Chango discuss submission wrestling, the continued influence of Frank Gotch, Bipolar disorder, and humanity's incapacity to process history without turning it into storytelling.
Party!
Primary Sources:
-sited articles from newspaper archives.
--Wrestling Time Capsule: "Scissors King" Joe Stecher, Wrestling's Forgotten Champion", by Brian Solomon. https://www.themidcarders.com/latest/b6eyi4m...
2022-03-2932 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsJoe StecherHe was the hottest young star in the post Gotch vs Hackenschmidt era. He was the master of the scissor hold. He was a technical prodigy. So why couldn't he escape the shadow of Frank Gotch?
Join Nick and Chango for a discussion of farm life, long limbs, technical strategies, and pro wrestling madness. It's the story of Joe Stecher!
-Sources
-Noted Archive articles.
-Masked Marvel to the Rescue, by Ken Zimmerman jr and Tamara Zimmerman.
-Wrestling Time Capsule: "Scissors King" Joe Stecher, Wrestling's Forgotten Champion", by B...
2022-03-1552 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsStanislaus ZbyszkoHe was a brilliant scholar and a relentless competitor in wrestling. Today Nick and Chango talk about the life and career of Stanislaus Zbyszko!
Primary Sources:
-On The Rings of the World, Stanislaus Zbyszko
-Secrets of the Showman, Charles B. Cochran
- Stanislaus Zbyszko, by Stephen Von Slagle. https://historyofwrestling.com/stanislaus-zbyszko/
-Cagematch.net
-Newspaperarchive.com
-Library of Congress online archive
2022-03-011h 11
Pro Wrestling History NerdsThe 1915 International TournamentHow did one man's vision of a legitimate Greco Roman championship go very wrong...and how did it accidentally became absolutely amazing? Listen to Nick and Chango discuss the hubris, the action, and the weirdness of the 1915 International Tournament!
Primary Sources:
-New York Times, 05/20/1915, 05/26/1915, 05/27/1915, 05/29/1915, 05/30/1915, 06/03/1915, 06/08/1915, 06/11/1915 06/12/1915, 06/13/1915, 06/15/1915, 06/17/1915, 06/23/1915, 06/24/1915, 10/26/1915, 11/07/1915, 11/11/1915, 11/13/1915, 11/17/1915, 11/23/1915, 11/24/1915, 11/28/1915.
-New York Evening World: 10/26/1915, 11/02/1915, 11/12/1915, 11/13/1915, 11/16/1915, 11/27/1915, 12/01/1915, 11/03/1915, 11/30/1915, 12/14/1915, 12/24/1915, 12/28/1915, 12/30/1915.
-Cincinnati Commercial Tribune 06/20/1915
-New York Tribune: 11/10/1915, 12/04/1915, 12/17/1915, 12/19/1915.
-Masked Marvel to the Rescue, by Ken Zimmerman Jr & Tamara Zimmerman.
2022-02-1556 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsGeorg Lurich, Part 2From NYC to the Russian Civil War, Nick and Chango delve deep into the bizarre rumors and outright lies about the final fate of Lurich and Aberg.
Primary Sources:
-Cited newspaper articles
-The Phenomenon of An Athlete. Georg Lurich from a Historical Figure to The Hero of of Folk Tales, by Kalle Voolaid
https://lepo.it.da.ut.ee/~lehti/Oralhistory/3.2.Kalle.htm
2022-02-0155 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsGeorg LurichHe was an icon of the Estonian people, a legendary Greco Roman Wrestler, a con man and a liar, which is everything Nick and Chango love in a wrestler! It's the story of Georg Lurich!
Sources:
-Cagematch.net
-Gotch vs Hackenschmidt: The Matches That Made and Destroyed Legitimate American Professional Wrestling, by Ken Zimmerman jr and Tamara L Zimmerman.
- Cited articles from newspapers.
2022-01-1849 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsShawn Michaels vs The ArmyWe all know a guy who talks tough but can't back it up. But what happens when that person is the biggest star on wrestling television? Nick and Chango tell a tale of booze, drugs, running your mouth, and lying to the cops. It's the story of Shawn Michaels in Syracuse, NY!
Sources:
-Titan Sinking The Decline of the WWF In 1995, by James Dixon
-Syracuse Post Standard, 12/21/1995
- Syracuse Post Standard, 09/16/1996
-Syracuse Herald Journal, 10/08/1995
2022-01-0452 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsThe Trial of the British BulldogIn 1993 Davey Smith walked into a Calgary bar, not knowing his life was about to change forever. Experience the regrettable confrontation, the weird turns of events, and crazy court intrigues when Nick and Chango discuss THE TRIAL OF THE BRITISH BULLDOG!
Sources:
-Titan Shattered, by James Dixon
-Lethbridge Herald30 Jan 1996, Lethbridge, Alberta
-Brandon Sun01 Feb 1996, Brandon, Manitoba
-Lethbridge Herald02 Feb 1996, Lethbridge, Alberta
-Medicine Hat News08 Jan 1994, Medicine Hat, Alberta
-Winnipeg Free Press03 Jan 1994, Winnipeg, Manitoba
2021-12-2156 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsMartin ”Farmer” BurnsWe're celebrating one full year of PWHN with a look at the man who was the foundation American Wrestling was built upon: Martin "Farmer" Burns! Join Nick, Chango, and guest Jake Shannon as they explore the matches, the strategies, the legacy, and the.... hangings? Listen up to find out what the heck we're talking about!
-All sources from sited newspaper articles.
2021-12-071h 26
Pro Wrestling History NerdsBlack Butcher Johnson & Johnny KwangoBlack Butcher Johnson and Johnny Kwango blazed a trail for Black wrestlers in England, from the chaos of pre-WWII London to the heights of World of Sport Television. Nick, Chango, and guest Asis tell a tale you have to hear!
Sources
-https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/02/02/black-butcher-johnson-johnny-kwango-uk/
- https://www.wrestlingheritage.co.uk/johnny-kwango
2021-11-231h 00
Pro Wrestling History NerdsWrestling BearsThere's only one thing a man needs to do that is so stupid, so dangerous, that his name will live in legend forever for doing it: WRESTLING A GODDAMN BEAR! Nick and Chango look back on the men who lived the dream and wrestled bears!
SOURCES-
-October 25th, 1976 Sports Illustrated. Bear Wrestling Took Hold 200 Years Ago, But Lost with Lena's Revenge, by George Gipe
- Cited Articles from Newspaper Archives
2021-11-0943 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsSorakichi Matsuda, Part 2Today we cover Matsuda's feud with Evan "Strangler" Lewis, his travels across the west, his meeting with Farmer Burns, and the end of his dream of bringing wrestling to Japan.
Source Material.
-Japanese Professional Wrestling Pioneer: Sorakichi Matsuda, by Joseph R Svinth. https://ejmas.com/jalt/jaltart_Svinth1_1100.htm
-The Pioneers: Sorakichi Matsuda, by Jamie Greer
-The Pioneers of Professional Wrestling 1860-1899, by Tim Corvin
-William Muldoon: The Solid Man Conquers Wrestling and Physical Culture. by Ken Zimmerman jr
-Evan "The Strangler" Lewis: The Most Feared Wrestler...
2021-10-2651 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsSorakichi MatsudaHe was a stranger in a strange land. A sumo wrestler with dreams of bringing American Pro Wrestling back to Japan. What could possibly go wrong?
Join Nick and Chango as they explore the adventures of the first Japanese Pro Wrestler: Sorakichi Matsuda!
This episode has been re-uploaded with better sound quality.
Source Materials:
-Japanese Professional Wrestling Pioneer: Sorakichi Matsuda, by Joseph R Svinth. https://ejmas.com/jalt/jaltart_Svinth1_1100.htm
-The Pioneers: Sorakichi Matsuda, by Jamie Greer
-William Muldoon: The Solid Man Conquers Wrestling and Physical Culture. b...
2021-10-1251 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsUp And Down WrestlingIllegal fights! Bar Brawls! Death and disability! And... a pair of wooden clogs?
Join Nick and Chango as they explore Catch wrestling's evil bastard cousin, Up and Down Wrestling!
Primary Source: The Story of Catch: The Story of Lancashire Catch as Catch Can Wrestling: First Fifty Years 1820-1870, by Ruslan C Pashayev
Purring and Parring: The Mysterious History of Clog Fighting.
by Helen Carter. https://www.northernsoul.me.uk/clog-fighting-oldham/
Image used with permission of artist, Anna FC Smith
2021-09-281h 05
Pro Wrestling History NerdsBrawl For AllThere are bad ideas, there are terrible ideas, and then there's the Brawl For All. How did a behind the scenes grudge turn into a tv trainwreck that left careers, mystique, bodies, and the entire illusion of pro wrestling wrecked beyond repair. What went wrong? Could anything have gone right? Nick and Chango dive in head first to find out!
2021-09-141h 18
Pro Wrestling History NerdsUFC 1:The Fights!The plan was in place, the card stacked according to the promoter's plan. Things were about to get wild in ways that would change combat sports forever. Today, Nick and Chango talk about the VHS tape they never forgot: The First UFC!
Sources:
-"Promoter Issues Invitation". Black Belt Magazine November 1994.
-Shamrock: The World's Most Dangerous Man, by Jonathan Snowden
-Zane Frazier: Why I was Invited to Fight at UFC1. Interview with Dave Mandel from Sherdog.com
-Art Jimmeson, Where Is He Now? Interview with Jordan Breen f...
2021-08-311h 01
Pro Wrestling History NerdsUFC 1: The Carny Tradition Lives!How was the first UFC a carny trick with the intent of working the marks? Who were the people behind the scenes, planning a martial arts bonanza that accidentally birthed the hottest fighting sport in the world? How are the roots of pro wrestling and MMA pretty much identical? Listen to Nick and Chango tell the tale, and find out!
Sources:
-"Promoter Issues Invitation". Black Belt Magazine November 1994.
-Shamrock: The World's Most Dangerous Man, by Jonathan Snowden
-Zane Frazier: Why I was Invited to Fight at UFC1. Interview w...
2021-08-1754 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsBloodsport: When Martial Arts were Pro WrestlingIs it karate, or is it kayfabe? Are they fighters, or are they frauds? The 70s and 80s were filled with martial arts "masters" selling BS from Kung Fu movies to the public. But what happens when we look back upon those days with the magic of internet fact checking? Nick and Chango look back on when martial arts were pro wrestling!
Sources:
-Ninja: Hero or fake master? LA Times, 05/01/1989
-Frank William Dux: Cold Case Getting Warmer, published on militaryphony.com
-November, 1980 issue of Black Belt Magazine
2021-08-0359 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsHippodromes!Match fixing! Working the marks! Carny scams! Nick and Chango go through press clippings that exposed the wrestling business as a work, going back to the 1880s. What makes us gamble on fixed games? Why are athletic commissions important? Would Nick and Chango be old time carnies if they had a time machine?
Listen and find out!
-All articles sourced from the Library of Congress digital archive.
2021-07-2057 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsWayne MunnHe was a six foot six war hero and football star, who was poised to take pro wrestling into a new era of box office success. There was just one problem: he couldn't wrestle for real.
He's the most important wrestler that you've never heard of, it's Big Wayne Munn!
Printed Sources:
-Library of Congress digital newspaper archive
-Hooker, by Lou Thesz
-Shooters: The Toughest Men in Profession Wrestling, by Jonathan Snowden
-Sean Sweeny's biography of Wayne Munn at http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/wayne-munn/
2021-07-061h 06
Pro Wrestling History NerdsThiebaud BauerHe was a wrestler, he was a con artist, he was a tackler of bears, he was a drunken crime baron, and possibly...a murderer?
This is the "Are you kidding me? This can't be real!" story of a man who pushed the credulity of wrestling to the breaking point, until the press was forced to out wrestling as a predetermined scam. It's the story of Thiebaud Bauer!
Sources:
-Library of Congress digital newspaper archive
-Biography of Professor Thiebaud Bauer
Author: Jimmy Wheeler. Published on pro...
2021-06-221h 12
Pro Wrestling History NerdsAncient Olympic GamesBrutal combat to honor the gods, the search for sponsors and money, and being handsome and tough enough to put butts in seats! Ever try to cheat with a magic spell? Ever wonder if the amateur status of the modern Olympic games was intended as class warfare against the working class?
Well, strap in and put on your learning helmets, because Nick and Chango have some crazy stories for you!
Printed sources:
-Combat Sports in the Ancient World: Competition, Violence, and Culture. by Michael B Poliakoff
-Submission Fi...
2021-06-081h 00
Pro Wrestling History NerdsEarly Black ChampionsViro Small was born into Slavery in South Carolina, and ended up a marquee name in the NYC wrestling scene.
Frank Crozier was born in Jamaica, and went on to win the most prestigious wrestling tournament in England; and got in the ring with the greatest boxer of his lifetime.
What do these man have in common? They were the first two black wrestling champions!
Join Nick, Chango, and guest Bruce Wayans as they discuss their lives, careers, and crazy adventures!
Source Material-
-Black Sam’s statue- doc...
2021-05-251h 15
Pro Wrestling History NerdsFrank Gotch vs George HackenschmidtIt was the biggest match the sport had ever seen! It was a true clash of titans! It was also... the match that killed legitimate professional wrestling?
Join Nick and Chango as they take a hard look at the wrestling business, and the crazy tale of Frank Gotch vs George Hackenschmidt!
Primary sources-
The Life and Legacy of Frank Gotch: King of the Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestlers, by Mike Chapman
The Way To Live, by George Hackenschmidt
Complete Science of Wrestling, by George Hackenschmidt
Gotch vs Hackenschmidt: T...
2021-05-111h 01
Pro Wrestling History NerdsGeorge HackenschmidtHe could throw any man alive, he could lift a horse off the ground, he served in the Czar's personal guard, he drank a disturbing amount of milk, all while being the greatest Greco Roman wrestler of his day!
Join Nick and Chango as they explore the raw talent and insane drive that made George Hackenschmidt a legend!
Primary sources-
The Way To Live, by George Hackenschmidt
Complete Science of Wrestling, by George Hackenschmidt
Gotch vs Hackenschmidt: The Matches That Made And Destroyed Legitimate American Professional Wrestling, b...
2021-04-2741 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsFrank GotchWhat made Frank Gotch the greatest wrestler in American History? What happened when he went to the Klondike under a fake name? Nick and Chango discuss what kind of a person keeps fighting after having their faces punched in (hint, it's them).
Listen, Learn, and Party!
Sources:
-Frank Gotch Made a Fortune. Daily Leader, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday, March 19, 1902
-Legacyofwrestling.com article by Tim Hornbaker
-Biography of Frank Gotch, by Jimmy Wheeler.
-Gotch vs Hackenschmidt: The Matches that Made and Destroyed Legitimate American Professional Wrestling, by Ke...
2021-04-131h 09
Pro Wrestling History NerdsMildred Burke, Part 2Nick, Chango, and guest Heidi Howitzer continue their discussion about the life of Mildred Burke.
Part two covers her legal fights against Billy Wolfe and the NWA, her legitimate shoot wrestling match against June Byers, and Mildred leading the first all women wrestling tour in Japan!
Listen, Learn, and Party with the Pro Wrestling History Nerds!
Source Material:
-Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women's Wrestling
by Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy
-Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the making o...
2021-03-301h 21
Pro Wrestling History NerdsInterview: Royce IsaacsNick and former NWA tag team champion Royce Isaacs discuss Bloodsport, Amateur wrestling, and why they love old Japanese MMA fights.
2021-03-2249 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsMildred Burke, Part 1Nick and Chango are joined by guest Heidi Howitzer to discuss the life and career of Mildred Burke!
Source Material:
-Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women's Wrestling
by Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy
-Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the making of an American Legend
by Jeff Leen
2021-03-161h 24
Pro Wrestling History NerdsThe Birth of Lucha Libre! Part 2Who was the first maker of lucha masks? What are the origins of CMLL? What does Chango know about fight fixing in Mexico? Does Nick admit to robbing tourists? All this, and a lunatic who unleashed a bag of live bats into the crowd, on Pro Wrestling History Nerds Lucha Libre part 2!
Much of the information comes from Dan Madigan's fantastic book Mondo Lucha a Go Go.
2021-03-0252 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsInterview with Chris Bournea, Director of Lady WrestlerIt's a special interview episode with Chris Bournea, the director of Lady Wrestler: The Amazing Untold True Story of African American Women In the Ring.
2021-02-2537 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsThe Birth of Lucha Libre!What does the French army, a Habsburg Archduke, and a pair of Italian Strongmen have to do with the history of Lucha Libre?
Download, listen, and find out!
Much of the information comes from Dan Madigan's fantastic book Mondo Lucha a Go Go.
A Brief history of Mexican Wrestling, by Lauren Cocking, and published by The Culture Trip.
2021-02-1656 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsCarnival Wrestling!The circus comes to town! How did pro wrestling begin in traveling carnivals? What did Frank Gotch do in Alaska? What does the carnie tradition have to do with the birth of Brazilian Jiu jitsu? Who bit off Mister Wrestling's finger?
Listen and find out!
2021-02-021h 08
Pro Wrestling History NerdsMinisode! Jack Wannop, Not Wannock.A correction on a wrestler's name, and a short tale of picking fights you can't win, mid match arson, fun excuses for losing, and a man wrestling a donkey.
Enjoy!
*information was sent to us from a listener from London claiming it was from "Old newspapers", but was originally published on grapplingwithhistory.com and https://www.ladywell-live.org/2020/07/06/how-carpenter-boxer-and-champion-wrestler-jack-wannop-became-the-most-popular-man-in-new-cross/
2021-01-3004 min
Pro Wrestling History NerdsEvan "Strangler" Lewis, Part IIWe continue a tale of wrestling, violence, brutality, and...a sex scandal?
It's part two of our look at the life of Evan "Strangler" Lewis!
In addition to source info on Lewis from old newspaper articles, much info came from Ken Zimmerman Jr's biography.
2021-01-191h 11
Pro Wrestling History NerdsEvan "Strangler" Lewis, Part IThe terror of the late 1800s grappling world, Evan "Strangler" Lewis left a trail of broken limbs and broken dreams behind him, as he tore through opponent after opponent with his submission wrestling skills. From small town farm life to nearly causing a riot in Buffalo, join us as we go in depth on the Strangler's career!
In addition to source info on Lewis from old newspaper articles, much info came from Ken Zimmerman Jr's biography.
2021-01-0556 min
Pro Wrestling History Nerds"The Solid Man" William Muldoon, Part IIIn part two, we follow "The Solid Man" as he continues to defend his title, helps train a boxing legend, and builds his fitness empire!
2020-12-2238 min
Pro Wrestling History Nerds"The Solid Man" William MuldoonFrom the Civil War to broadway, from the NYPD to Madison Square Garden; join Nick and Chango as they explore the life and times of Greco Roman wrestling champion "The Solid Man" William Muldoon!
2020-12-081h 00
Pro Wrestling History NerdsPro Wrestling History Nerds teaserJoin Nick and Chango as they take deep dives into the rich, crazy history of professional wrestling!
2020-12-0600 min