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When It Was Real

When It Was Real

By: bennyjscala
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About this listen

 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.Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved Combat Sports & Self-Defense Wrestling
Episodes
  • Another Bonus Episode - Classic Pro Wrestling With The WFIA - Hollywood Squares!

    Another Bonus Episode - Classic Pro Wrestling With The WFIA - Hollywood Squares!
    Jan 26 2026

    Here is another bonus episode to help cope with the snow and the cold! This is Episode 40 of our sister show, Classic Pro Wrestling With The WFIA. This is their 4th "Hollywood Squares" show, and the all=star panelists include former Big Time Wrestling announcer Terry Sullivan, wrestling historians George Schire and Wes Maidment, and indy wrestling legends "Boston Bad Girl" Brittany Brown and "Dangerous" Dave Star, both former students of the great Killer Kowalski. Why not take a break from the cold and listen to some good old school wrestling chat!
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • When It Was Real - BONUS EPISODE - The Three Amigos!

    When It Was Real - BONUS EPISODE - The Three Amigos!
    Jan 24 2026

    This episode was originally broadcast on September 17, 2025, but due to the impending inclement weather, here is one of our favorite episodes to distract you from the snow and the ice! Join Nikita and Benny as they welcome "The Three Amigos" - Johnny Rodz, Tony Garea, and Davey O'Hannon! These men graced the squared circle, as well as our TV sets, from the mid-60s well into the 1980's. The Amigos will share stories of their times in the ring, behind the curtain, and on the road...Enjoy and stay safe!
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    1 hr and 59 mins
  • When It Was Real - Episode 47 - Madison Square Garden - January 21, 1980

    When It Was Real - Episode 47 - Madison Square Garden - January 21, 1980
    Jan 22 2026

    🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 47 🔥

    Step into the Wrestling Wayback Machine as Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala relive one of the most legendary nights in WWF history! 📍 Madison Square Garden – January 21, 1980 🏆 WWF Champion Bob Backlund vs. Ken Patera

    Two more championship battles, six additional hard-hitting matches, and wall-to-wall old-school action—this card had everything that made wrestling real.

    📺 LIVE Wednesday, January 21st | 7:30 PM 📡 The Playa Entertainment Network 👍 Please Like & Subscribe!

    Strap in and travel back to a time when the lights were bright, the stakes were high, and the Garden ruled them all. 🎯 Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL.

    #WhenItWasReal #Episode47 #WWFHistory #MSG #BobBacklund #KenPatera #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #ProWrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingWaybackMachine
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    1 hr and 15 mins
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