Best Karl Stern Podcasts (2024)

1
MSG History, Bruno Sammartino, and more! 45:26

4d ago45:26

45:26

On this episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, host Karl Stern continues his look at wrestling history at Madison Square Garden in New York in the year 1931, he also continues his look back at Dave Meltzer's epic biography on the life and times of Bruno Sammartino from the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, plus tons of news…

1
Strangler Lewis, Bruno Sammartino, and More 48:26

10d ago48:26

48:26

On this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, historian Karl Stern takes a look at a great retro article from a 1972 wrestling magazine asking the question if Ed "Strangler" Lewis was the greatest wrestler of all time. Then we continue taking a look at Dave Meltzer's biography of Bruno Sammartino from the pages of the Wrestling Obse…

1
Great Lakes Wrestling in the Pioneer Era - 1000 Hours 54:54

12d ago54:54

54:54

The pioneer era (pre-1900) of pro wrestling flourished in the Great Lakes area. While initially the northeast, especially New York and Vermont were the early hotspots, by 1970 Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and the entire Great Lakes region became very important in pro wrestling. The 1870 Detroit International tournament was a real ignition point for…

1
Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - April 1984 (Patera and Saito Arrest) 50:04

17d ago50:04

50:04

Wrestling historian Karl Stern returns with another in-depth look at a month in pro wrestling history. Today he looks back at April 1984 and a lot was going on. The WWF was accelerating their national expansion by stealing the AWA's TV spot on the west coast, Jumbo Tsuruta is still the AWA World champion, and a new monster named Lord Humongous is c…

1
Wrestling in the Biblical Era - 1000 Hours 53:47

19d ago53:47

53:47

It's Easter Sunday and by serendipity, Eric, the sponsor of this episode of 1000 Hours, asks for the research topic to be wrestling in the Bible. Well, one of the most famous stories in the Bible both for Christians and Jews is the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel, or a man, or God himself (the story is complicated). Of course, by the time w…

1
Sting, The Rock, Strangler Lewis, Bruno Sammartino 54:04

24d ago54:04

54:04

On this episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show with Karl Stern we take a look at the next match in the GKT: Sting verses The Rock, we begin a massive biography on the life and times of Bruno Sammartino, and we start an article from an early 1970's wrestling magazine on Ed "Strangler" Lewis. A fun and history packed edition of the Drag…

1
Pre-Hackenschmidt Russian Wrestling - 1000 Hours 59:36

26d ago59:36

59:36

The sponsor of today's 1000 Hours podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, has asked for research on wrestling in Russia before George Hackenschmidt. Interestingly, wrestling in Russia came relatively late in the pioneer era and George Hackenschmidt became its biggest star but there were others. Today we look at the early st…

1
GKT Bracket, Road Warriors, MSG History 57:07

1M ago57:07

57:07

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 …

1
The Strongmen of the Pioneer Era - 1000 Hours 1:07:59

1M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Strongmen and pro wrestling go hand in hand. Who can forget the muscled up 1980s? Yet, the more things change, the more they stay the same. In the pioneer era of wrestling, your proto-strongmen and bodybuilders were also featured alongside and inside professional wrestling. On this episode of 1000 Hours, the podcast all about the pioneer era of wre…

1
New and Improved DragonKingKarl 53:43

1M ago53:43

53:43

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 …

1
The Evils of Wrestling - 1000 Hours 1:04:43

1M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

The 1000 Hours podcast series is hosted by wrestling historian Karl Stern and looks back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling. The more things change, the more they stay the same and on this episode we look back at just before the American Civil War see how wrestling, for a few year period, went from being a noble sport that men were look up to as p…

1
Barney Smith is Dead - 1000 Hours 57:16

2M ago57:16

57:16

I mean, Barney Smith was probably dead under the best of circumstances. He went to the finals of American pro wrestling's first ever major championship tournament in 1870 but, as we have been researching for a long time now, there seemed to be no clear evidence he died at the hands of Col. James H. McLaughlin in that 1870 tournament. Now, however, …

1
From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter - Blackjack Mulligan 41:26

2M ago41:26

41:26

On this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast we travel back to 2016 for Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter biography of Blackjack Mulligan. Mulligan was a big, tough, cowboy heel and babyface who also booked around the country. He was a top star in the AWA, Jim Crockett Promotions, WWF, Florida, and more. He was also qu…

1
Pioneer Era Wrestling in France - 1000 Hours 50:50

2M ago50:50

50:50

This episode of 1000 Hours is brought to you by Andrew who recently read an article about showmanship in wrestling in the 1800's in France. The French and the English seemed to have the biggest impact on pioneer era pro wrestling in America and, no question, they had a penchant for the dramatic as we have already discovered with Prof. Theobaud Baue…

1
Long Form History of Wrestling Podcast - March 1984 (Race, Tsuruta, Flair) 53:00

2M ago53:00

53:00

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 wo…

1
Bounty on Barney - 1000 Hours 1:03:02

2M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

It's hour 36 of 1000 Hours, the podcast all about the pioneers of pro wrestling. On this episode we do a lot of research on pioneer era wrestling including some new tidbits about Col. James H. McLaughlin which leads us back to our most enduring mystery- did Col. McLaughlin kill Barney Smith? If yes, then why is there not a shred of evidence to supp…

1
Inside Wrestling Magazine Review Podcast - August 1984 47:30

2M ago47:30

47:30

On this edition of When It Was Cool Wrestling with host Karl Stern, we take a look back at a classic Apter magazine from 1984 - Inside Wrestling! This magazine would have been on newsstands in early summer 1984 with stories on Jimmy Valiant and Junkyard Dog, Larry Zbyszko, Magnum TA, Mr. Wrestling II, and lots of talk on The Road Warriors who were …

1
More on the King of the Wrestlers Charles - 1000 Hours 1:03:32

2M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

On this episode of 1000 Hours, the podcast about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, historian and author Karl Stern returns to the pre-pioneer era just before the United States Civil War to uncover more about the first known self-promoted pro wrestling star Charles the King of Wrestling. The pre-pioneer era was a fascinating time period in American …

1
History of Wrestling at MSG Series - You Know That's Fake Right? 47:36

3M ago47:36

47:36

Pro Wrestling historian Karl Stern continues his look at the history of professional wrestling in a rotating series of classic pro wrestling podcasts. Today's theme returns to the history of wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY, one of the most famous arenas in the world. We are up to 1928 in the series (which can be found here) …

1
Pre-Pioneer Era in America - 1000 Hours 57:59

3M ago57:59

57:59

On this edition of the 1000 Hours Podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer (pre-1900) era of pro wrestling, historian Karl Stern digs even deeper to look at the era before the Civil War. Was there organized professional wrestling in the years leading up to the Civil War. The answer is yes! Some. The seed is certainly there. Now, the million-dolla…

1
G.W. Flagg and John McMahon - 1000 Hours 56:43

3M ago56:43

56:43

Pro wrestling historian Karl 'DragonKingKarl' Stern returns to further discuss the pioneer era of pro wrestling in the 1000 Hours series which focuses on pro wrestling pre-1900 or before the era of Frank Gotch. On this episode, he looks back at two pioneers: G.W. Flagg and John McMahon who only met once, and it was during the Civil War, and their c…

1
From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer - Nick Bockwinkel 54:30

3M ago54:30

54:30

On this edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show we return to the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter to look at Dave Meltzer's biography on the legendary AWA World heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel. Bockwinkel was the glue that held the AWA together and was also part of two of the greatest tag teams in history with Ray Steven…

1
Greek George and the Champion of the South - 1000 Hours 57:47

3M ago57:47

57:47

The pioneers of wrestling era discussion continues with hour 32 of the 1000 Hours podcast with host, pro wrestling historian Karl Stern. On this episode the eventual manager of Evan "Strangler" Lewis, Greek George, is promoting wrestling in Pensacola, FL where we meet the Champion of the South. Who was he and was this a work or a shoot? Tons of not…

1
Double Action Wrestling Magazine Review - October 1986 57:24

3M ago57:24

57:24

Here's a fun review of an off-brand pro wrestling magazine from back in October 1986. Neither Apter nor Napolitano magazine, this is issue one of Double Action Wrestling which featured terrible blurry and outdated photos, stories on Hulk Hogan and The Funks, and a slew of highly questionable advertisements. Join pro wrestling historian Karl 'Dragon…

1
Of Bauer and Bears - 1000 Hours 54:16

3M ago54:16

54:16

The 1000 Hours podcast series explores the pioneer era of professional wrestling, that is to say, pro wrestling before 1900 or the era of Frank Gotch. Gotch didn't appear out of a vacuum, a history of over fifty years of pro wrestling had already been sown in the United States and further back than that in Europe. Names like William Muldoon, Col. J…

1
February 1984 (Death of David Von Erich) - Long Form History of Wrestling 54:38

4M ago54:38

54:38

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 Wres…

1
The Iron Claw (2023) Movie Review Podcast 1:01:03

4M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Karl and Tonya review the 2023 pro wrestling biopic The Iron Claw. This is a dramatized retelling of the tragic story of the Von Erich family which endured tragedy after tragedy including the young deaths of multiple brothers, a domineering father, and more. Karl and Tonya look at how the film did in communicating the horrific events of the Von Eri…

1
History of Wrestling at MSG: The Fall of the Second Madison Square Garden 50:05

4M ago50:05

50:05

All good things must end and in this edition of the History of Wrestling at Madison Square Garden the second Madison Square Garden meets its fate and pro wrestling almost does as well. The battled between Jack Curley and Tex Rickard fizzles to an anti-climactic end but with Rickard still in control of MSG and now, building a new gigantic 20,000 sea…

1
Can You Bear Another Episode - 1000 Hours 1:06:30

4M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

The pioneers of pro wrestling podcast returns and our sponsor for this episode, Andy, wishes to know more about the history of bear wrestling. Does it have pioneer era origins? As it turns out, bear wrestling was very much a thing in the pioneer era. We even find our old friends, the working shysters team up of Theobaud Bauer and Prof. William Mill…

1
1000 Hours Podcast - From Muldoon to Roman 1:03:37

4M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

On this hour of 1000 Hours Podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, I think it is important to step back for a moment and ask the very legitimate question... what does the pioneer era really have to do with pro wrestling? Wasn't it just untrained conmen with large mustaches traveling the country tricking people into a bettin…

1
Fall of the House of Usher 36:13

5M ago36:13

36:13

This Edgar Allen Poe themed dark drama debuted on Netflix in November starring, among other people, Mark Hamill... yes, Luke Skywalker as an evil attorney if you can believe it. Drawing from the Sackler family and the opioid crisis, this is the tale of the fall of a billionaire family who made their fortune off selling a deadly medication with no m…

1
A Boxer and a Wrestler Walk Into a Bar - 1000 Hours 57:19

5M ago57:19

57:19

DragonKingKarl Stern's latest look back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling takes a look at John McMahon, whom we have previously discussed. John McMahon, apparently, like his drink. According to newspapers at the time one of the first boxer verses wrestler matches may not have taken place as a betting even for spectators, but instead, in a barroom…

1
What's So Special About 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling? 51:11

5M ago51:11

51:11

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 & 19…

1
The Ludicrous Tale of Richard K. Fox - 1000 Hours 1:04:19

5M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

If I told you that today's look back at the pioneer era of pro wrestling involved a bear eating a kid and a funeral invaded by corpse eating cats you might think me ridiculous. Well... welcome to the world of Richard K. Fox: Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Influencer. It was Richard K. Fox via his National Police Gazette publication that distributed cham…

1
Dusty Rhodes - From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Part 3 46:04

5M ago46:04

46:04

The conclusion of the near book length Dusty Rhodes biography following his death by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. On our rotation of classic pro wrestling themes, we are back around to the one we call From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter where we look back at some of Dave Meltzer's biographies and history pieces…

1
Ringside Wrestling Book on Pioneers - 1000 Hours 46:04

5M ago46:04

46:04

On this edition of 1000 Hours Podcast, the podcast all about the pioneer era of pro wrestling, host Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl) takes a look at a much overlooked book on the pioneer era (and beyond) titled: Ringside: A History of Professional Wrestling in America by Scott Beekman, a college educator who put tremendous research into the topic. Karl …

1
Dusty Rhodes Part 2 - From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter 47:49

5M ago47:49

47:49

On our rotation of classic pro wrestling themes we are back around to the one we call From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter where we look back at some of Dave Meltzer's biographies and history pieces in historic Observers. Today we continue a three parter on the massive Dusty Rhodes obituary. It is basically a book on the life and tim…

1
The Polish Influence of Pro Wrestling - 1000 Hours 1:04:08

5M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

1000 Hours is a podcast about the pioneer era of pro wrestling- pro wrestling before Frank Gotch, before 1900. This is a requested topic by Eric, the sponsor of this episode. He wants to know about the Polish influence on pro wrestling. In the 1970s especially, various Polish wrestlers were popular as an ethnic draw, but does it go back further tha…

1
Knock at the Cabin (2020) Movie Review 28:26

5M ago28:26

28:26

Karl and Tonya from When It Was Cool takes a look back at the psychological thriller Knock at the Cabin starring former pro wrestling and MCU star Dave Batista. A mysterious foursome appear at a cabin where a family of three are staying with a strange and dark request- choose to kill a member of their family or the world will end. When they refuse,…

1
More McLaughlin Killing Smith Mystery - 1000 Hours 57:39

5M ago57:39

57:39

1000 Hours is a podcast about the pioneers of pro wrestling, that is, pro wrestling before Frank Gotch and 1900. Today we further examine a mystery that has been plaguing us. Despite the story of Col. James H. McLaughlin killing Barney Smith in the 1870 Detroit International tournament having tremendous detail in it's telling over the years there s…

1
Dusty Rhodes - From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Part 1 49:52

5M ago49:52

49:52

On our rotation of classic pro wrestling themes we are back around to the one we call From the Pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter where we look back at some of Dave Meltzer's biographies and history pieces in historic Observers. Today we begin a three parter on the massive Dusty Rhodes obituary. It is basically a book on the life and times …

1
Five Nights at Freddy's (2023) Review 47:04

6M ago47:04

47:04

Karl and Tonya from When It Was Cool return to discuss the new video game inspired horror movie Five Nights at Freddy's. While fans seem to love it and it has made a ton of money, critics have brutalized it. The truth, at least in our opinion, stands somewhere in-between! This also falls right into our pop culture wheelhouse as the animatronics in …

1
Pioneer Era Wrestling Outside New York City - 1000 Hours 57:07

6M ago57:07

57:07

This show was sponsored by Andrew and he asked for research on pioneer era pro wrestling in the state of New York outside of New York City. So, host Karl Stern digs into newspapers in Buffalo, Rochester, and surrounding areas to find out that the pro wrestling scene outside of New York City in the late 1800s was well and good including a number of …

1
Pet Semetary Bloodlines (2023) Movie Review 42:10

6M ago42:10

42:10

On this edition of When It Was Cool Dark Podcast, hosts Karl and Tonya discuss the latest prequel for the Stephen King Pet Semetary franchise: Bloodline. The seeds for this story were planted in the original 1989 movie/book where we learn about a young Judd, Timmy, his dog, and the origin of the pet cemetery. This movie has seen some harsh criticis…

1
Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Ballot Discussion 2023 - Part 2 1:22:27

6M ago1:22:27

1:22:27

Welcome to Karl Stern's annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot discussion for 2023. The Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot show is usually my most popular show of the year. This year it's a two-part show discussing, among others: Roman Reigns, Young Bucks, Rocca and Perez, Sgt. Slaughter, Big Daddy, Roy Welch, Bob Armstrong, M…

1
Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Ballot Discussion 2023 - Part 1 1:03:51

6M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Welcome to Karl Stern's annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot discussion for 2023. The Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot show is usually my most popular show of the year. This year it's a two-part show- today and tomorrow- discussing, among others: Roman Reigns, Young Bucks, Rocca and Perez, Sgt. Slaughter, Big Daddy, Roy We…

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