I have a tremendous show for you today on our 1000 Hours series which is all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling (pre-1900). For some time, we have been focusing on the era of Col. James H. McLaughlin, John McMahon and his family, and Andre Christol. Moving forward into the 1880s we get into the era of William Muldoon and his archrival (and sometimes business partner) Clarence Whistler. The two men had a very complicated relationship and toured the country wrestling each other. Then, for some reason, it got real, and the two split up. Muldoon sets up in San Francisco for a long time and becomes a major star there too. One this, hour 56 of 1000 Hours, let's dive deeper into William Muldoon.

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 74.

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I have a great show for you today with a variety of pro wrestling history topics. The finals of the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament (GKT) is here and you the listener have voted. Who wins between the finalists Antonio Inoki verses Mitsuharu Misawa? How did we end up with an all Japanese finals and more! Plus, more history from the 1930s at Madison Square Garden and the later days of Ed 'Strangler' Lewis time as champion in New York. Finally, wrestling lingo is in the news and I take a look at the history of insider wrestling terminology. It is older than most people think. So, hippodromers, join me for a great show packed with pro wrestling history!

On my show this week we need to talk shop for a bit. The wrestling landscape is changing, actually, it has changed drastically over the last five years especially. The wrestling fan has also changed considerably. When I first started providing shows for Wrestling Observer and Figure Four over 15 years ago the classic wrestling podcast listener was way different than the one today. The entire landscape both in and out of the ring has changed. So, what kind of fan are you and what are you looking for when it comes to pro wrestling history listening? Plus, we continue our look at wrestling history at Madison Square Garden and later days of Ed 'Strangler' Lewis.

As my research into the pioneer era of pro wrestling continues, I am now into the 1880s which is the era dominated by 'The Solid Man' William Muldoon. What is the reality of William Muldoon? Should he be held in higher esteem than the dominate wrestler of the 1870s, Col. James H. McLaughlin? What was Muldoon's deal? He started out as a policeman in New York but ran afoul of the Police Chief and Commissioners because he wrestled for money in Greco-Roman which had a terrible reputation at the time. So how did William Muldoon become the most popular star in the country and the most recognizable name of the pioneer era and... was he on the level? This is hour 55 of 1000 Hours.

This week on my podcast I mention the passing of one of my favorites, Sid Vicious, plus we look at more history from Madison Square Garden as Ed Strangler Lewis returns, the finals of the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament are set as Sting takes on Antonio Inoki, plus we dive into a 1984 pro wrestling magazine for a look at the Von Erichs, Ted DiBiase, and many more. Join me for a deep dive into pro wrestling history.

I am back with my continuing series The Long Form History of Pro Wrestling and on this episode, I cover August 1984. Hulk Hogan and the WWF continue to steam roll over everybody and essentially steal California from the AWA by buying their TV spot out from under them. But the other promotions aren't dead just yet. Georgia rises from the ashes to attempt a comeback, The Road Warriors become AWA World tag team champions, and more. 1984 was a turning point in the history of pro wrestling and we are deep in the heart of it with this show!

My 1000 Hours series is all about the pioneer era of wrestling which is pre-1900 or the era before Frank Gotch and on this episode, I have a wild, entertaining, and hilarious set of stories about Luicen Marc, the French Greco Roman champion. We have talked about him previously; a bear bit his finger off and he masqueraded around as fellow French champion Andre Christol. Well, what happened when the real Andre Christol found out about it? Hilarity ensued, that's what. This is a tale from the 1880s which you would swear is straight out of the 1980s. This one is worth your time to jump on if you've never listened before. Are you not entertained?

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 71.