When It Was Real

When It Was Real - Episode 33 - Heroes of Wrestling

🔥 "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 like Jake "The Snake" Roberts, King Kong Bundy, The Bushwhackers, The Iron Sheik, and Nikolai Volkoff were all there — and so was Nikita himself.
🕵️‍♂️ It’s more than a controversial PPV — it’s a wrestling mystery, and we’re pulling back the curtain.
👀 Plus: Expect a surprise guest or two to drop by and tell their side of the story.
🛎️ LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and RING THE BELL so you never miss a trip back to a time…👉 WHEN IT WAS REAL.
📺 Watch it LIVE on The Playa Entertainment Network
📅 Wednesday, October 15 @ 7 PM ET
#WhenItWasReal #HeroesOfWrestling #JakeTheSnake #TheIronSheik #NikolaiVolkoff #KingKongBundy #Bushwhackers #WrestlingHistory #ProWrestlingPodcast #WrestlingLegends #WrestlingFails #BehindTheScenes #ShootInterview #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingStories #PlayaEntertainment

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

🔥 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 and Benny covered from Bruno’s early days in Italy, through his first title reign, his loss to Ivan Koloff and his win over Stan Stasiak at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 1973. This week, the conclusion of Bruno’s career to include his broken neck, his epic feud with Spiros Arion, and the final Showdown at Shea against his pupil turned Judas, Larry Zbyszko.
👊 Was there ever anyone like Bruno?
❤️ Why did fans love him like no other?
🤔 What made his era truly real?
📺 Watch LIVE on The Playa Entertainment Network!
🛎️ Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that bell so you never miss the moments… When It Was Real.
#BrunoSammartino #WhenItWasReal #WrestlingLegends #WWFHistory #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingHistory #NikitaBreznikov #BennyScala #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingRoyalty #ProWrestling #WrestlingGOAT #MadisonSquareGarden #OldSchoolWrestling

When It Was Real - Episode 31 - Bruno!

🔥 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 Bruno?
❤️ Why did fans love him like no other?
🤔 What made his era truly real?
📺 Watch LIVE on The Playa Entertainment Network!
🛎️ Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that bell so you never miss the moments… When It Was Real!
#BrunoSammartino #WhenItWasReal #WrestlingLegends #WWFHistory #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingHistory #NikitaBreznikov #BennyScala #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingRoyalty #ProWrestling #WrestlingGOAT #MadisonSquareGarden #OldSchoolWrestling

When It Was Real - Episode 30 - Pat Patterson

📺 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 Coast and in San Francisco’s legendary Cow Palace. Under the guidance of The Grand Wizard, he perfected his craft as a top-tier antagonist, engaging in bloody rivalries that left fans in awe for over two decades.
But it was in the WWF where Patterson etched his name in granite — from his unforgettable steel cage war with Bob Backlund, to becoming the first-ever Intercontinental Champion, and eventually moving behind the curtain to help shape the Attitude Era and beyond as Vince McMahon’s most trusted right-hand man.
Also: hear the real story of Patterson’s transition to color commentator, his often-overlooked comedic brilliance on-screen, and why his influence is still felt in every Royal Rumble to this day.
💥 Don’t miss this tribute to a true architect of professional wrestling greatness.
👇 DROP A COMMENT with your favorite Pat Patterson moment!
 #WhenItWasReal #PatPatterson #WWFLegends #ProWrestlingHistory #BennyScala #NikitaBreznikov #PlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingPodcast #WWFOldSchool #IntercontinentalChampion #RoyalRumble #TheGrandWizard #BobBacklund #WrestlingManager #WrestlingLegends #AttitudeEra #WrestlingFans

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

🔥 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 the WWWF to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, these legends shaped an era — and now they’re telling it like it really was.
🕖 WHEN: Wednesday, September 17th at 7 PM ET
📺 WHERE: Only on The Playa Entertainment Network
💥 This is the episode old-school fans have been waiting for!
#WhenItWasReal #TheThreeAmigos #JohnnyRodz #TonyGarea #DaveyOHannon #WWEHallOfFame #WWWF #ProWrestlingHistory #OldSchoolWrestling #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingLegends #LivePodcast #WrestlingStories #NikitaBreznikov #BennyScala #WrestlingPodcast

When It Was Real - Episode 28 - Return Of The Tag Teams! Part II

📢 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 @ 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

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

📢 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

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!
🎙️ 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

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