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PODCAST

When It Was Real

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

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All Episodes

70:03

When It Was Real - Episode 35 - David Batchelor

When It Was Real ·

2025/10/30

This week on When It Was Real, Nikita and Benny welcome movie actor & professional wrestler David Batchelor — a true powerhouse trained by the legendary Dr. Tom Prichard and a proud graduate of the Jacobs-Prichard Wrestling Academy (JPWA)! David has appeared in 23 feature films, including Future World and Going Under, and has lit up screens on America’s Got Talent, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and WWE 2K17. His career spans acting, stunts, and award-winning film productions, earning recognition from the

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70:14

When It Was Real - Episode 34 - After The Ring

When It Was Real ·

2025/10/23

This week, Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala welcome special guest Evan Ginzburg, Associate Producer of 350 Days, to explore the often untold story of what happens after the final bell.🏆 What’s life like for a wrestler once the spotlight fades? 🤕 How do they cope after the bumps, blood, sweat, and cheers are all memories? 🎭 From legends to journeymen, these stories deserve to be heard. Tune in for candid, heartfelt, and sometimes heartbreaking talk about life after the ring — only

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94:26

When It Was Real - Episode 33 - Heroes of Wrestling

When It Was Real ·

2025/10/16

🔥 "Heroes of Wrestling: The Infamous Night in Bay St. Louis" 🔥 Wrestling historians and insiders Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala are diving DEEP into one of the most controversial Pay Per Views in wrestling history: the 1999 "Heroes of Wrestling" event! 💥 What REALLY happened behind the scenes? 💥 What went wrong…and what went right? 💥 What was it like managing Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik that night? 💥 Why does this show STILL get talked about 25 years later? Legends

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93:43

When It Was Real - Episode 32 - Bruno! Part II

When It Was Real ·

2025/10/09

🔥 EPISODE 32 – “The Unmatched Legacy of Bruno Sammartino- The Conclusion!” 🔥 He was more than a champion — he was the Living Legend. This week on When It Was Real, wrestling historian Nikita Breznikov and journalist Benny "The Playa" Scala dive deep into the life, legacy, and larger-than-life presence of Bruno Sammartino — the most beloved wrestler of all time. From Madison Square Garden sellouts to the hearts of millions, Bruno’s story is one of grit, glory, and real respect. Last week, Nikita

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92:29

When It Was Real - Episode 31 - Bruno!

When It Was Real ·

2025/10/02

🔥 EPISODE 31 – “The Unmatched Legacy of Bruno Sammartino” 🔥He was more than a champion — he was the Living Legend. This week on When It Was Real, wrestling historian Nikita Breznikov and journalist Benny "The Playa" Scala dive deep into the life, legacy, and larger-than-life presence of Bruno Sammartino — the most beloved wrestler of all time. From Madison Square Garden sellouts to the hearts of millions, Bruno’s story is one of grit, glory, and real respect. 👊 Was there ever anyone like

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80:59

When It Was Real - Episode 30 - Pat Patterson

When It Was Real ·

2025/09/25

📺 LIVE — WEDNESDAY, SEPT 24 @ 7PM ET on The Playa Entertainment Network🔥 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to witness wrestling history UNFOLD! This week, Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala take a deep dive into the epic life and legacy of Pierre Clermont, better known to the wrestling world as Pat Patterson — one of the most influential minds in the business! Before revolutionizing the WWF in 1979, Patterson dominated the territories as a flamboyant, tough-as-nails heel — especially on the West

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118:52

When It Was Real - Episode 29 - The Three Amigos!

When It Was Real ·

2025/09/18

🔥 Episode 29 of "When It Was Real" is pulling NO punches! Join your hosts — WWWF historian, author, actor, and wrestling manager Nikita Breznikov and wrestling writer/podcaster Benny "The Playa" Scala — for a LIVE event that’s pure wrestling gold! In a rare and unforgettable gathering, the iconic "Three Amigos" ride again: 👑 WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz 🏆 5-Time World Tag Team Champion Tony Garea 📚 The man with a PhD in pro wrestling, "Irish" Davey O’Hannon From the gritty locker rooms of

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99:21

When It Was Real - Episode 28 - Return Of The Tag...

When It Was Real ·

2025/09/11

📢 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! 🔥 “What’s Old Is New Again- Part II!” 🔥 Join renowned WWWF historian Nikita Breznikov and pro wrestling podcaster/writer Benny "The Playa" Scala as they tag in for the conclusion of the 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 EPISODE PREMIERES WEDNESDAY

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100:49

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

When It Was Real ·

2025/09/04

📢 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

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01:42:35

When It Was Real - Episode 26 - Dr. Frank!

When It Was Real ·

2025/08/28

🩺 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

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01:55:25

When It Was Real - Episode 25 - Walter Part II

When It Was Real ·

2025/08/21

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

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01:12:52

When It Was Real - Episode 24 - Walter

When It Was Real ·

2025/08/14

This week on When It Was Real, hosts Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala sit down with two legends who knew Walter "Killer" Kowalski like no one else—Brittany "Boston Bad Girl" Brown and "Dangerous Dave" Star. Both were personally trained by the Hall of Famer, and they join us to pull back the curtain on the man behind the fearsome in-ring persona. Expect rare stories, heartfelt memories, and some surprising truths about a wrestling icon who left a lasting legacy in and out of the ring

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01:20:44

When It Was Real - Episode 23 - The Underdogs Of...

When It Was Real ·

2025/08/07

Get ready for a special episode of When It Was Real that flips the spotlight from the titans of the ring to the often-overlooked heroes of the squared circle. This Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern, noted WWWF historian, author, actor, and manager Nikita Breznikov, alongside veteran wrestling author and podcaster Benny "The Playa" Scala, return with a heartfelt tribute to the underdogs of the golden era. While past episodes have celebrated legendary figures like Chief Jay Strongbow, Ernie Ladd, Spiros

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01:45:26

When It Was Real - Episode 22 - A Tribute To Nikolai

When It Was Real ·

2025/07/31

Get ready for a very special episode of When It Was Real – the ultimate old school wrestling podcast – with WWWF historian, author, actor, and legendary manager Nikita Breznikov, alongside wrestling writer and podcast host Benny “The Playa” Scala!This week, we pay a heartfelt tribute to WWE Hall of Famer Nikolai Volkoff, just as we approach the 7th anniversary of his passing. From Cold War heat to beloved icon, Nikolai's incredible journey through the golden era of wrestling is one you won’t want

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01:14:15

When It Was Real - Episode 21 - The Unpredictable...

When It Was Real ·

2025/07/24

Join Nikita and Benny as they are joined by a surprise guest, The Unpredictable Johnny Rodz! The WWE Hall of Famer was kind enough to chat about his legendary career and some never heard before stories!

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01:19:04

When It Was Real - Episode 20 - Superstar Billy Graham

When It Was Real ·

2025/07/17

This Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern, step into the Wrestling Wayback Machine with noted WWWF historian, author, actor, and legendary manager Nikita Breznikov, alongside pro wrestling author and podcaster Benny "The Playa" Scala, for another unforgettable trip back to the golden age of professional wrestling.On this week’s episode of When It Was Real, the guys take an in-depth look at the charismatic, controversial, and trendsetting career of former WWWF Champion "Superstar" Billy Graham. From his

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01:08:02

When It Was Real - Episode 19 - Mr. Tony Vellano

When It Was Real ·

2025/07/10

Join noted author, historian, wrestling manager, and actor Nikita Breznikov as he teams up with pro wrestling author/podcaster Benny “The Playa” Scala for another episode of “When It Was Real."Every Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern Time, Nikita and Benny delve into the sacred history of professional wrestling. This week, the guys welcome Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame founder and former New York State Athletic Commission Commissioner, Mr. Tony Vellano. Mr. Vellano has worn many hats in his

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