When It Was Real
When It Was Real
Podcast Description
Step into the squared circle of yesteryear with When It Was Real, the ultimate throwback podcast for fans of the golden era of professional wrestling. Each week, this deep-dive audio experience transports listeners to the gritty, unfiltered days of the 1970s World Wide Wrestling Federation, when larger-than-life characters and blood-and-guts rivalries captivated fans and made wrestling feel real.
Hosted by two of wrestling’s most passionate historians, When It Was Real is your ringside seat to the past:
🎙️ Nikita Breznikov – Noted WWWF historian, author, actor, and former wrestling manager whose encyclopedic knowledge and firsthand experience bring authenticity and color to every tale.
🎙️ Benny “The Playa” Scala – Acclaimed pro wrestling author and podcaster, whose wit and warmth shine through as he recalls the matches, promos, and personalities that shaped a generation.
Together, Nikita and Benny guide you through the smoky arenas, unforgettable promos, and dramatic moments that defined the WWWF in the 1970s—when kayfabe was king, the belts were hard-earned, and the crowd reactions were pure electricity.
Whether you remember watching Bruno Sammartino defend his title at the Garden, or you’re just discovering the legends of the past, When It Was Real delivers a heartfelt, intelligent, and often humorous look at the era that made pro wrestling a cultural phenomenon.
📻 Tune in every Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern Time for a nostalgic ride on the Wrestling Wayback Machine—because there was a time when it was real.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on key themes such as the history of wrestling, iconic personalities, and memorable rivalries from the 1970s. Episodes delve into topics like the impact of different wrestlers on the industry, including ones like 'Superstar' Billy Graham and their roles in shaping wrestling's character-driven narratives. Specific episodes explore iconic matches, legendary promos, and the significance of kayfabe, delivering a rich tapestry of wrestling lore.
Step into the squared circle of yesteryear with When It Was Real, the ultimate throwback podcast for fans of the golden era of professional wrestling. Each week, this deep-dive audio experience transports listeners to the gritty, unfiltered days of the 1970s World Wide Wrestling Federation, when larger-than-life characters and blood-and-guts rivalries captivated fans and made wrestling feel real.
Hosted by two of wrestling’s most passionate historians, When It Was Real is your ringside seat to the past:
🎙️ Nikita Breznikov – Noted WWWF historian, author, actor, and former wrestling manager whose encyclopedic knowledge and firsthand experience bring authenticity and color to every tale.
🎙️ Benny “The Playa” Scala – Acclaimed pro wrestling author and podcaster, whose wit and warmth shine through as he recalls the matches, promos, and personalities that shaped a generation.
Together, Nikita and Benny guide you through the smoky arenas, unforgettable promos, and dramatic moments that defined the WWWF in the 1970s—when kayfabe was king, the belts were hard-earned, and the crowd reactions were pure electricity.
Whether you remember watching Bruno Sammartino defend his title at the Garden, or you’re just discovering the legends of the past, When It Was Real delivers a heartfelt, intelligent, and often humorous look at the era that made pro wrestling a cultural phenomenon.
📻 Tune in every Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern Time for a nostalgic ride on the Wrestling Wayback Machine—because there was a time when it was real.
🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 76 🔥
🪑 “THE (CHAIR) SHOT HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD” 🪑
📅 LIVE Wednesday, August 12 at 7:30 PM
🎙️ VERY SPECIAL GUEST: LARRY ZBYSZKO!
It remains one of the most shocking, unforgettable moments in professional wrestling history.
Larry Zbyszko was the protégé.
Bruno Sammartino was the mentor…the teacher…the hero…and, to millions of wrestling fans, THE LIVING LEGEND.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
In 1980, teacher and student stepped into the ring for what was supposed to be a scientific wrestling match between two men who shared a deep history.
Instead, it became THE (CHAIR) SHOT HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD!
With Bruno Sammartino lying prone and bloodied in the ring, Larry Zbyszko stood over his fallen mentor, chair in hand.
In a matter of moments, one of wrestling’s most beloved young stars became one of its most hated villains.
🔥 AND THIS WEEK, LARRY ZBYSZKO JOINS US TO TELL THE STORY HIMSELF! 🔥
What was it like to work with Bruno Sammartino?
How did the idea for this legendary turn come together?
Did Larry know just how much hatred he was about to receive?
And what was it like walking into arenas filled with thousands of fans who legitimately wanted to see Bruno Sammartino destroy him?
Join Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala as they welcome WWE Hall of Famer Larry Zbyszko and travel back to one of the greatest wrestling angles ever created.
The name of our show is WHEN IT WAS REAL…
But on that unforgettable night, with Larry holding that chair and standing over a fallen Bruno Sammartino…
It could only be described as…
🪑 WHEN IT WAS SURREAL. 🪑
🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 76
🔥 THE (CHAIR) SHOT HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD
⭐ SPECIAL GUEST: LARRY ZBYSZKO
📅 LIVE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 – 7:30 PM
Climb aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine with Nikita and Benny as we revisit the stories…and the stories behind the stories…
WHEN IT WAS REAL!
#WhenItWasReal #LarryZbyszko #BrunoSammartino #TheLivingLegend #WWEHallOfFame #WWWF #WWE #OldSchoolWrestling #ClassicWrestling #ProWrestling #WrestlingHistory #WrestlingLegends #LarryZbyszkoVsBrunoSammartino #SteelChair #1980sWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingWaybackMachine #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #BooOnMe
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.