When It Was Real

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

🩺 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!
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#WhenItWasReal #WWFDoctor #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingPodcast #WWEHistory #Kayfabe #WrestlingLegends #BackstageStories #WWF90s #WrestlingPodcast #NikitaAndBenny #RingDoctor #FrankRomascavage #WWERetrospective

When It Was Real - Episode 25 - Walter Part II

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

When It Was Real - Episode 24 - Walter

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.
PLUS: Nikita shares his own emotional connection with Kowalski in this very special tribute episode.
📍 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 #BostonBadGirlBrown #DangerousDaveStar #WWWF #OldSchoolWrestling #CauliflowerAlleyClub #ProWrestlingHistory #WrestlingLegends #PlayaEntertainment #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingTribute #WrestlingFamily #WrestlingTrainer #WrestlingHallOfFame

When It Was Real - Episode 23 - The Underdogs Of Saturday Morning

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 Arion, and Superstar Billy Graham, this time, it's all about the men who made them look larger than life. Tune in as Nikita and Benny shine a long-overdue light on the likes of Sylvano Sousa, The Golden Terror, Frankie Williams, and “The Continental Nobleman” Joe Turco. They may not have worn gold around their waists, but their contribution to the WWWF legacy is undeniable. With stories, insights, and vintage memories, Nikita and Benny will give these unsung warriors their rightful moment in the sun. Don’t miss this episode—it’s a love letter to the backbone of professional wrestling: the journeymen, the enhancement talents, the consummate professionals who made it real. #whenitwasreal #wwwf #wwf #goldeneraofwrestling

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

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 to miss.
Nikita Breznikov, who managed Nikolai in the ring and remained a close personal friend for decades, shares untold stories, emotional memories, and behind-the-scenes moments you won’t hear anywhere else.
And don’t be surprised if an old friend or two drops by for a surprise run-in to honor the big man!
📺 Catch it all this Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern, only on The Playa Entertainment Network.
👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode of When It Was Real. Wrestling history lives here.
Rest in power, Nikolai. 🕊️

When It Was Real - Episode 21 - The Unpredictable Johnny Rodz!

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!

When It Was Real - Episode 20 - Superstar Billy Graham

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 larger-than-life physique and electric promos to his massive influence on future generations of wrestlers, Nikita and Benny break down how Graham shattered the mold and redefined what it meant to be a world champion.
Hear firsthand stories, expert analysis, and a few surprises as they explore the rise, reign, and legacy of one of wrestling’s most influential icons.
Don’t miss When It Was Real—only on The Playa Entertainment Network. Like, subscribe, and join us every Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern!

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

 
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 lifetime, and they all fit like a glove (can a hat fit like a glove? 😊). I’m sure Tony has many great stories to share!
Take a ride in the Wrestling Wayback Machine to one of the greatest eras in the history of wrestling. Benny and Nikita, your Co-Pilots, promise you a safe trip and a guaranteed nostalgia overload!