When It Was Cool Wrestling (DragonKingKarl)
For all shows visit our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/wiwcool Pro wrestling history. WWE, WCW, NWA, AEW, NXT, NJPW, TNA, Impact, ROH, AWA, ECW, and the pioneer era of pro wrestling. Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) is a pro wrestling historian who has produced the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show for over 15 years at Wrestling Observer. This is the free version of some of the pro wrestling podcasts we produce at When It Was Cool. There is much more available to Patreon supporters and there are over 2500 shows available for subscribers. Enjoy these free shows for a deep dive into pro wrestling history and we hope if you enjoy these shows you will become a Patreon supporter and gain access to many others. Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, Frank Gotch, William Muldoon, Lou Thesz, Bruno Sammartino, Strangler Lewis, Farmer Burns, Bob Armstrong, Ron Fuller, Jerry Lawler, The Rock, Chris Jericho, Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes, and hundreds more are discussed.
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More Muldoon - 1000 Hours
09/15/2024
More Muldoon - 1000 Hours
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 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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Don't Lose This Show!
09/14/2024
Don't Lose This Show!
Don't let this be the last episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audo Show you hear! While 1000 Hours (The Pioneer Era of Wrestling Podcast) will remain free (due to sponsorships) the Tuesday DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show is moving exclusively to our and to Wrestling Observer. Don't miss out on classic pro wrestling history from wrestling's only court certified wrestling historian. Join today!
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GKT Finals, MSG History, Wrestle Speak
09/10/2024
GKT Finals, MSG History, Wrestle Speak
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!
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What Kind of Fan Are You? MSG History, More.
09/03/2024
What Kind of Fan Are You? MSG History, More.
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.
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The Truth of William Muldoon... Mostly. - 1000 Hours
09/01/2024
The Truth of William Muldoon... Mostly. - 1000 Hours
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.
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Wrestling 1984 Magazine, MSG History, GKT Finals Set
08/27/2024
Wrestling 1984 Magazine, MSG History, GKT Finals Set
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.
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August 1984 - The Road Warriors and More
08/20/2024
August 1984 - The Road Warriors and More
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!
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Will the Real Christol Please Stand Up?
08/18/2024
Will the Real Christol Please Stand Up?
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 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.
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MSG History, GKT Talk, Barry Windham's Mustache, More
08/13/2024
MSG History, GKT Talk, Barry Windham's Mustache, More
I am back with a new DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling podcast today and I talk about the upcoming finals to the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament- The GKT including why it is so Japanese heavy, the quality difference between Japan and the U.S. in wrestling and is there really a coverage bias in the newsletters historically or is Japan just that good. Plus, more history from Madison Square Garden including a possible shooting match. Finally, I look at an off-brand pro wrestling magazine from 1987 and more!
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The McMahon and Owens Family, More Lucien Marc - 1000 Hours
08/06/2024
The McMahon and Owens Family, More Lucien Marc - 1000 Hours
I am back with what is essentially a part two of last week's 1000 Hour's podcast as I look more at the original first family of wrestling- John McMahon, James Owens, Peter Owens, and Ed Cox. Plus, the trilogy of Col. James H. McLaughlin verses John McMahon concludes. What was real and what wasn't between the two biggest stars of the 1870's? Lucian Marc meets the real Andre Christol, and he isn't happy... or so the story goes. More works, scams, fakes, and bears as we continue our look into the pioneer era of American pro wrestling. This is Hour 53 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 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 70.
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94 Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - July 1984 - Black Saturday and More
07/30/2024
94 Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - July 1984 - Black Saturday and More
My long form history of pro wrestling series is a month-by-month break down of the history of pro wrestling. Currently, we are up to July 1984 (which I cover in my ) and one of the major events in the rise of WWF/WWE takes place - Black Saturday, when Championship Wrestling from Georgia went off the air replaced by WWF programming. It did not go well. Plus, Rick Martel as AWA champion, New Japan, Mid-South has a huge show, and much more!
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Why Does Lucien Marc Only Have Three Fingers? - 1000 Hours
07/28/2024
Why Does Lucien Marc Only Have Three Fingers? - 1000 Hours
I return with my podcast series on the pioneer era of pro wrestling (pre-1900) with a packed show today. Most of it is spent discussing the first, first family of wrestling. Wrestling families are part of its culture: The Von Erichs, The Armstrongs, The Welches, The Funks, The Briscos, The Windhams, etc. But the original first family of wrestling were the four members of John McMahon's family: John McMahon, James Owens, Peter Owens, and Ed Cox. There are multiple American (World) championships between them during the 1870s all were among the top tier of pro wrestlers in America. However, I couldn't help but name the episode after Lucien Marc's missing finger because that is one heck of a story. 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 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 67.
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Who Killed WCW? - A Wrestling With the Dawg Special with Intro by DragonKingKarl
07/23/2024
Who Killed WCW? - A Wrestling With the Dawg Special with Intro by DragonKingKarl
On the 386th edition of Wrestling With the Dawg Podcast at , Eric Allen and Joe Drilling of 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 ! Read Eric's feature article at When It Was Cool - .
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Misawa vs Funk, Six Pack Book, and More
07/16/2024
Misawa vs Funk, Six Pack Book, and More
I have a packed show for you today discussing the final shows of Southeastern wrestling before it became Continental with Bob Armstrong, Lord Humongous, Ron Fuller, Boomer Lynch, and more. Some more from 1932 Madison Square Garden, a review of the great new book Six Pack and my thoughts on Tito Santana, and the last member of the final four of the GKT is decided by you the listener between Terry Funk and Mitsuharu Misawa!
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Germany, France, and Europe Influence Wrestling
07/14/2024
Germany, France, and Europe Influence Wrestling
I am back with my 1000 Hours series which focuses on the history, origin, and evolution of pro wrestling in America. A listener has asked about Germany, France, and Europe in the pioneer era of wrestling. France, in particular, was hugely important in pro wrestling's popularity in the United States with Prof. Thiebaud Bauer bringing his French style of Greco-Roman and turning it into a true entertainment spectacle. Wilhelm Vandervecken and Wilhelm Heygster of German and many other Europeans impacted the formation and popularity of wrestling in the U.S. 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 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 67.
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Sting vs Kurt Angle, MSG, End of 1984 SECW
07/09/2024
Sting vs Kurt Angle, MSG, End of 1984 SECW
I have a great show for you this week starting off with a fun entry into the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament - The GKT, where you the listener voted between Sting and Kurt Angle. Next up we go back to 1931 Madison Square Garden where Dick Shikat upset the order of things by shooting on people. The show rounds out with a look at December 1984 in Southeastern wrestling where a small crew are doing memorable things, Lord Humongous is in town, Arn Anderson is on his way out, Jerry Stubbs is Mr. Olympia again, and Pat and Randy Rose are the top tag team.
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Inoki vs Tanahashi, Southeastern 1984, and more!
07/02/2024
Inoki vs Tanahashi, Southeastern 1984, and more!
It is a PACKED edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling podcast today as I talk about the latest match in the GKT: Greatest Kayfabe Tournament where you, the listener, have voted on who would win in their primes between Antonio Inoki and Hiroshi Tanahashi. I then travel back to 1931 for more history from Madison Square Garden and Jim Londos, then the second half of the show is entirely focused on Southeastern Championship Wrestling in 1984 which was a changeable time for them. The Forgettable Man Vic Rain, Jimmy Golden, Bob Armstrong, Ron Fuller, Rick McGraw, Boris Zurkoff, and more!
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The Man Who Derailed McLaughlin - 1000 Hours
06/30/2024
The Man Who Derailed McLaughlin - 1000 Hours
I return with the 1000 Hours podcast series which focuses exclusively on the pioneer era of pro wrestling or the era before Frank Gotch. I am looking back today at 1875 and 1876 which was dominated by the American heavyweight champion Col. James H. McLaughlin, pro wrestling's first major star. McLaughlin won pro wrestling's first big championship tournament in 1870 in Detroit and had dominated until, out of nowhere, a relative unknown Michigan wrestler named Jacob H. Martin showed up and held McLaughlin to a draw- twice! And one of those lasted almost eight hours. Is there more to the story? I discuss it on this episode. This is hour 50 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 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 67.
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Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - June 1984 - WWF Takes Over, Boot Camp Match, More
06/25/2024
Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - June 1984 - WWF Takes Over, Boot Camp Match, More
On this episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast I continue my Long Form History of Wrestling series with a look at June 1984. WWF has bought out the Georgia territory and it's first venture into national cable television didn't quite go as planned. There is both a new NWA and AWA World champion and now a new IWGP champion as well. Plus, Sgt. Slaughter and the Iron Sheik have their famous Boot Camp match. All that plus Arn Anderson and Jerry Stubbs, and much more!
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Omega vs Funk, MSG, July 1984 Observer
06/18/2024
Omega vs Funk, MSG, July 1984 Observer
On this week's show we have a ton of classic pro wrestling discussion on a variety of topics. The latest match in the GKT: Greatest Kayfabe Tournament and the voters are split on a match between Kenny Omega and Terry Funk- but we have a winner! More from 1931 New York wrestling and Madison Square Garden. Then the second half of the show takes a look at the first of three July 1984 issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter including the death of Vince McMahon, Sr, Andy Kaufman, and Ric Flair regaining the NWA World title from Kerry Von Erich in Japan. Check out our Patreon -
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John McMahon Shot, Davy Crockett, and More - 1000 Hours
06/16/2024
John McMahon Shot, Davy Crockett, and More - 1000 Hours
Hour 49 of the 1000 Hours podcast series is a packed one. The 1000 Hours series is my detailed, heavily researched look at the pioneer era of pro wrestling, or pro wrestling before the time of Frank Gotch. On today's episode I am asked about Davy Crockett, whose obituary following his death at the Alamo claimed he was a wrestler. What is the reality of that claim? Plus, we discuss the shooting of pioneer legend John McMahon whose working of matches caught up to him in San Francisco. Tons to talk about on this episode so let's get to it! 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 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 66
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Misawa, Lesnar, the Classic Fan Problem
06/11/2024
Misawa, Lesnar, the Classic Fan Problem
On this episode of my DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast I take a look at the results of the latest match in the final eight of the GKT: Greatest Kayfabe Tournament pitting Brock Lesnar against Mitsuharu Misawa. These two would have had an incredible match in their primes and I discuss it along with your voting results. The bulk of the show is spent discussing the 1980s-1990s pro wrestling and how the lapsed wrestling fan is a real thing and how the problem is only increasing including all the dynamics in why, there really is a new generation of pro wrestling fan.
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1931 Londos at Yankee Stadium, 1980s Southern Wrestling, more
06/05/2024
1931 Londos at Yankee Stadium, 1980s Southern Wrestling, more
On this episode I continue the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden podcast series with a detour to Yankee Stadium in 1931 where Jim Londos teams up with the William Randolph Hearst empire to hopefully draw one of the largest crowds in history up to that date. Well, they tried anyway. Then I transition to more talk about the glory era of pro wrestling in the southern United States with more discussion of Jerry Jarrett's Memphis wrestling empire, Ron Fuller's Continental Wrestling, and more.
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Return of the Terrible Turk - 1000 Hours
06/02/2024
Return of the Terrible Turk - 1000 Hours
Wrestling historian Karl Stern first covered the pioneer era wrestling special attraction Yousof Ismael- The Terrible Turk, on hour five of the 1000 Hours podcast series, but the Terrible Turk deserves a follow up as requested by one of our listeners. Now Karl tells you the latest information he has uncovered about the original Terrible Turk who came to America in 1898, beat the best in the country (including the American champion), then died on his way back to Europe... and how much of it was legitimate. This is hour 48 of 1000 hours, the podcast about the pioneers of pro wrestling. 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 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 66.
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Who Was Homer Lane?
05/28/2024
Who Was Homer Lane?
The early pioneer era has given us some very interesting people to learn about so far. Uzile Prickett, Col. McLaughlin, G.W. Flagg, and now let's meet Homer Lane. Homer Lane was one of the early American champions. A multi-time American champion as a matter of fact. He was also a straight up carny. Yes, even before 1870 pro wrestling had its workers as we have learned, and Homer Lane was one of them. He was also probably part of pro wrestling first (?) trust/syndicate/booking office along with John McMahon, Harry Hill, and others. This is hour 47 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 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 65.
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Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - May 1984: Kerry Von Erich Wins NWA Title, Vince Sr Dies, Georgia Falls
05/21/2024
Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - May 1984: Kerry Von Erich Wins NWA Title, Vince Sr Dies, Georgia Falls
Wrestling historian Karl Stern returns with a detailed look at the month of May 1984 in pro wrestling history. It was one of the most significant months ever: Kerry Von Erich wins the NWA World title from Ric Flair in the largest show in Texas history, Ric Flair regains the title in Japan, Rick Martel becomes AWA World champion, Vince McMahon Sr dies, Andy Kaufman dies, and much more. If you are a fan of classic old school pro wrestling history then this is a great jumping on point.
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The Real Story of the 1870 Detroit Tournament - 1000 Hours
05/21/2024
The Real Story of the 1870 Detroit Tournament - 1000 Hours
I have recently spent many hours digging through hundreds of pages of 1870 newspapers from Detroit, Chicago, Ontario, and beyond chronicling the real story of the biggest tournament in history of American pro wrestling in the pioneer era. The 1870 Detroit International tournament awarded an ornate championship belt to its winner Col. James H. McLaughlin, but McLaughlin did not become the American champion, at least not yet, but I give you that story too. Also, McLaughlin may have killed Barney Smith, but it probably did not happen here either. I also clear up a number of other myths and errors that history books have recorded about this milestone in pro wrestling history. This is hour 46 of 1000 hours.
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GKT Continues and Return to the 1980s
05/14/2024
GKT Continues and Return to the 1980s
Karl Stern returns to his roots on this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show by discussing 1980s Southeastern and Continental wrestling. What made it so great? What are some of the myths about it? What did Ron Fuller get wrong recently on his podcast? Plus, the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament continues with discussion of Kurt Angle and Rikidozan plus a look at the final eight! A ton of pro wrestling history with historian and author Karl Stern!
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Pioneer Era in Australia and Death of a Star - 1000 Hours
05/07/2024
Pioneer Era in Australia and Death of a Star - 1000 Hours
The latest in the 1000 Hours Podcast series looking back at the pioneer (pre-1900) era of pro wrestling takes a look at the pioneer era of wrestling in Australia. Believe it or not, there was pro wrestling in the 1800s in Australia and one of America's top stars died there. The incredible story of the death of Clarence Whistler has been often told but the details are a bit incorrect. On this episode we will look at what is really known about how and why Clarence Whistler died while wrestling in Australia plus his last match there and why he was there to begin with. This is hour 45.
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Bray Wyatt Documentary, Bruno Sammartino, more
05/05/2024
Bray Wyatt Documentary, Bruno Sammartino, more
Karl is back with a look at the new WWE Network Bray Wyatt documentary which dives into his career, characters, and family which include classic era wrestlers Mike Rotundo, Blackjack Mulligan, and Barry and Kendal Windham. This was a very good documentary that fills in a lot of gaps about the death of Wyatt. Also, in the show we conclude the Bruno Sammartino biography from the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter by Dave Meltzer.
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