On this episode we look at the era of Ed “Strangler” Lewis and some really interesting stuff that happened during the early 1920s, including a big shoot match between an Olympic silver medalist and a mystery opponent known only as The Unknown! It’s
We begin our look at the post-Frank Gotch era and a time dominated by Earl Caddock, Joe Stecher, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, and Wladek Zbyszko on today’s episode. Also, we look at the controversy surrounding the World Heavyweight title and two of the biggest
In this 15th part of our history of pro wrestling series, we take a look at 1916-17 and the final year of the life of all-time legend Frank Gotch. A few of the topics I touched upon: The aftermath of the Manhatten Opera House
On this episode, host Karl Stern takes a look back at the first three WrestleMania shows — WrestleMania I from Madison Square Garden in New York, WrestleMania II from three locations across the country, and WrestleMania III from Pontiac, Michigan and the controversy about the attendance number. Topics
Pictured: Mort “Masked Marvel” Henderson Good grief Charlie Brown has Karl Stern got a show for you today. If you thought goofy gimmicks and outlandish Memphis-style wrestling was a 1970s southern invention, then let me introduce you to the 1915 Manhattan Opera House International
Karl Stern’s longform history of pro wrestling series continues today, this time looking at the big rematch between Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt and the fallout from the biggest match in history up to that point. Who were the big stars following Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt
We continue the longform history of wrestling series today as we reach one of the biggest milestones in pro wrestling history — the first Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt match. We also follow up with what happened next. Topics covered on this episode: Mailbag
We enter 1905 and finally get a true World Heavyweight Champion of professional wrestling on today’s episode of Karl Stern’s longform look at the industry’s history — but not without significant shenanigans. Topics covered on this week’s episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling show: American
On the tenth part of the longform history of pro wrestling series, we cover 1900-1904 today and talk a lot about Frank Gotch, his scam tour of the Yukon, the rise of George Hackenschmidt, Tom Jenkins, and more. But before we begin, the first
Image: Karl Stern In this continuing audio series on the history of pro wrestling, the first half of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show examines the recently found “Last Battle of Atlanta” match between Tommy Rich and Buzz Sawyer inside an enclosed steel cage
Karl Stern begins an open-ended series about the history of professional wrestling, starting with the time before the pioneers of wrestling era even began. What exactly is pro wrestling and how did it come to be? Karl will be taking a deep look
The final day of the July Classic Wrestling Marathon is finally here. And for the last show, host Karl Stern takes a listener request deep cut looking at the lesser successful member of the Hart Foundation, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. Neidhart did have a wrestling career
Host Karl Stern again takes a look at another iconic enhancement wrestler from the 1980s in second-generation wrestling star Iron Mike Sharpe. If you were a fan of WWF Superstars or WWF Wrestling Challenge in the 1980s, you likely saw many matches with the
WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels had an incredible career — easily one of the top ten of all history in pro wrestling — but what about the other half of the Midnight Rockers? Early on, many thought Marty Jannetty might be the standout of the duo
On today’s July Classic Wrestling Marathon show, host Karl Stern takes a look at the greatest pro wrestling manager of all time, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. Heenan had a quick wit and was a tremendous bump taker. He knew his role better than anyone, and
On the latest edition of the July Classic Wrestling Marathon, Karl Stern takes a look at one of the greatest announcers of all time: legendary Memphis wrestling announcer Lance Russell. Russell was more than just a play-by-play announcer, and was every bit as important a character to
This show was a lot of fun for Karl Stern to research and put together. It all started from a research project Karl is doing on Sputnik Monroe. Knowing Norvell Austin only from his time as part of the Midnight Express and the
Yo Joe! You had to know that host Karl Stern was going to include Sgt. Slaughter in his list of favorite wrestlers for this year’s July Classic Wrestling Marathon. Karl is a massive G.I. Joe collector and pro wrestling fan, and Sgt. Slaughter was
Photo Credit: Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman On today’s July Classic Wrestling Marathon Show, host Karl Stern takes a look at another of his personal favorite wrestlers in “Dr. Death” Steve Williams. As far as tough guys go, Williams certainly had the reputation for being just
On this week’s episode of DragonKing Dark, host Karl Stern answers a listener email that leads to a discussion about the spark of imagination and how important it is to the quality of life. This discussion also leads to some interesting conversation about the
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