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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 2025 All Rights Reserved Combat Sports & Self-Defense Wrestling
Episodes
  • When It Was Real - Episode 27 - Return Of The Tag Teams!

    When It Was Real - Episode 27 - Return Of The Tag Teams!
    Sep 4 2025

    📢 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

    🔥 “What’s Old Is New Again!” 🔥

    Join renowned WWWF historian Nikita Breznikov and pro wrestling podcaster/writer Benny "The Playa" Scala as they tag in for a second round of deep dives, shocking facts, and classic storytelling in the history of the WWWF Tag Team Championships! 👊

    From the golden era to forgotten feuds, Nikita and Benny leave no turnbuckle untouched in this fan-requested follow-up episode!

    💥 NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY @ 7PM ET

    📍Only on The Playa Entertainment Network!

    👍 Like, 💬 Comment, and 🔔 Subscribe to stay in the loop!

    #WhenItWasReal #WWWF #ProWrestlingHistory #TagTeamChampions #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingLegends #WrestlingThrowback #WednesdayNightWrestling #RetroWrestling
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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • When It Was Real - Episode 26 - Dr. Frank!

    When It Was Real - Episode 26 - Dr. Frank!
    Aug 28 2025

    🩺 WWF's RING DOCTOR TELLS ALL!

    💥 Backstage Injuries, Real Fights & Wrestling Legends!

    What REALLY happened behind the curtain in the golden age of pro wrestling? This week on When It Was Real, Nikita and Benny are joined by the legendary Dr. Frank Romascavage — long-time physician for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission and medical go-to for the WWF/WWE during its rowdiest years.

    From real injuries in the ring to chaotic backstage moments, Dr. Frank shares never-before-heard stories from decades of keeping some of the biggest names in wrestling on their feet and in the fight. This is mandatory listening for fans of old-school wrestling!

    🕖 New episode drops every Wednesday at 7 PM!

    🎙️ Subscribe, like, and hit the bell to never miss an episode!

    #WhenItWasReal #WWFDoctor #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingPodcast #WWEHistory #Kayfabe #WrestlingLegends #BackstageStories #WWF90s #WrestlingPodcast #NikitaAndBenny #RingDoctor #FrankRomascavage #WWERetrospective
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • When It Was Real - Episode 25 - Walter Part II

    When It Was Real - Episode 25 - Walter Part II
    Aug 21 2025

    Just Call Him Walter – Remembering Killer Kowalski – Part II This week on When It Was Real, hosts Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala once again discuss the life and times of legendary wrestler/trainer Walter "Killer" Kowalski. This week, Nikita and Benny and joined by former WWWF professional wrestler John Callahan and podcaster, author, and movie producer (The Wrestler, 350 Days) Evan Ginzburg.

    Last week’s guests, “Boston Bad Girl” Brittany Brown and “Dangerous” Dave Star shared some great stories about how Walter not only launched their wrestling careers, but helped mold their lives as well. John and Evan promise to do more of the same!

    Please don’t miss this episode to learn more about the real man behind the wrestling legend! 📍

    Catch new episodes every Wednesday at 7 PM ET only on The Playa Entertainment Network!

    👉 Like, Comment & Subscribe to keep the memories alive. Because in the '70s... wrestling wasn’t just entertainment. It was real.

    #WhenItWasReal #KillerKowalski #WalterKowalski #EvanGinzburg #JohnCallahan #WWWF #OldSchoolWrestling#ProWrestlingHistory #WrestlingLegends
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    1 hr and 55 mins
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