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When It Was Real

When It Was Real

Written 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-Defence
Episodes
  • When It Was Real - Episode 46 - Bruno vs. Superstar, The First Run, Count To 10

    When It Was Real - Episode 46 - Bruno vs. Superstar, The First Run, Count To 10
    Jan 15 2026

    BRUNO vs. SUPERSTAR 🔥 Before History Was Made… The War Began.

    Step into the Wrestling Wayback Machine as Nikita & Benny rewind to the first run of Superstar Billy Graham—including those legendary MSG clashes with Bruno Sammartino on Jan 12 & Feb 2, 1976.

    The world title would change hands a year later… but THIS was the preview that shook the Garden.

    🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL — Live 📅 Wednesday, January 14 ⏰ 7:30 PM 📡 The Playa Entertainment Network

    Because there was a time when it wasn’t sports entertainment… WHEN. IT. WAS. REAL.

    #WhenItWasReal #BrunoSammartino #SuperstarBillyGraham #WrestlingHistory #MSG #OldSchoolWrestling #TerritoryDays #ProWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingWaybackMachine
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • When It Was Real - Episode 45 - Live At The Greek!

    When It Was Real - Episode 45 - Live At The Greek!
    Jan 8 2026

    🔥 LIVE AT THE GREEK! 🔥 When It Was Real – Episode 45

    From riot-level heat on January 7, 1975, at the Hamburg Field House, 🏟️ as Spiros Arion turns heel (with the assistance if “Classy” Freddie Blassie)—and a frustrated Larry Zbyszko in January, 1980, blocked by mentor Bruno Sammartino, until a shocking betrayal that still echoes today…

    🎙️ Join Nikita Breznikov & Benny “The Playa” Scala as they fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine and take you back to those halcyon days WHEN IT WAS REAL.

    📅 LIVE Wednesday, January 7 | 7:30 PM 📡 The Playa Entertainment Network

    #WhenItWasReal #ANightAtTheGreek #ClassicWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #SpirosArion #FreddieBlassie #LarryZbyszko #BrunoSammartino #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #TerritoryEra #HeelHeat #WrestlingWaybackMachine
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • When It Was Real - Madison Square Garden - December 28, 1982

    When It Was Real - Madison Square Garden - December 28, 1982
    Jan 1 2026

    Ring in the New Year the old-school way! 🎆 Join Nikita & Benny for a special New Year’s Eve LIVE episode of When It Was Real, streaming Wednesday, December 31st at 7:30 PM on The Playa Entertainment Network — and don’t forget to like & subscribe!

    This week, the guys break down an epic Madison Square Garden card from December 28, 1982 featuring the reigning WWF Champion Bob Backlund vs. arch-nemesis Superstar Billy Graham in a heated Lumberjack Match! Plus, both the WWF Tag Team and Intercontinental Championships are on the line, and Jimmy Snuka vs. Ray Stevens collide in a bout worthy of headlining anywhere in the country.

    Make it a weekly tradition — every Wednesday at 7:30 PM — as Nikita and Benny relive the halcyon days… WHEN IT WAS REAL.

    #WhenItWasReal #NewYearsEve #WWFClassics #MadisonSquareGarden #ProWrestlingHistory #OldSchoolWrestling #LumberjackMatch #TagTeamTitles #IntercontinentalTitle #PlayaEntertainmentNetwork
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    1 hr and 28 mins
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