When It Was Real

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 78 🔥 🏟️ MADISON SQUARE GARDEN – AUGUST 29, 1977 🏟️ Fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine because this week, Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala are heading back to the legendary Madison Square Garden for an unforgettable night of old-school professional wrestling! 📅 LIVE Wednesday, August 26th ⏰ 7:30 PM ET 📺 The Playa Entertainment Network This week’s card features an EPIC DUAL MAIN EVENT! 🏆 WWWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP The reigning champion puts the richest prize in professional wrestling on the line against the immensely popular powerhouse known as “Polish Power” IVAN PUTSKI! 💀 TEXAS DEATH MATCH! 💀 The legendary BRUNO SAMMARTINO steps into one of wrestling’s most brutal matches against Olympic strongman KEN PATERA! No ordinary match could contain the hatred between these two incredible athletes — somebody has to survive! It’s another trip back to an era when Madison Square Garden was the Mecca of Professional Wrestling, the championships mattered, the rivalries felt personal, and the action inside the squared circle kept fans on the edge of their seats! Join Nikita & Benny every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM as they relive the matches, personalities, stories, and unforgettable moments from the halcyon days of professional wrestling! 🚂 Wrestling Wayback Machine... 🎯 Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL! 👍 LIKE • SUBSCRIBE • SHARE • JOIN US LIVE! #WhenItWasReal #Episode78 #MadisonSquareGarden #WWWF #OldSchoolWrestling #BrunoSammartino #IvanPutski #KenPatera #PolishPower #TexasDeathMatch #MSG #ProWrestlingHistory #ClassicWrestling #WrestlingWaybackMachine #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingPodcast #1977Wrestling #WhenWrestlingWasReal

It's a wet weekend (at least here in Florida!), so here's one of our most popular episodes to tide you over till the sun comes out...Nikita and Benny commandeer the Wrestling Wayback Machine back to the Mecca of Professional Wrestling, Madison Square Garden, on May 19, 1980...The main event featured WWF Champion Bob Backlund taking on one of his toughest opponents, former Olympian Ken Patera...Plus an undercard filled with legends and Hall of Famers!

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL — EPISODE 77 🔥 🏟️ MADISON SQUARE GARDEN — AUGUST 7, 1976 🏟️ 📅 LIVE Wednesday, August 19 at 7:30 PM ET 📺 The Playa Entertainment Network Step inside the Wrestling Wayback Machine as When It Was Real returns to Madison Square Garden for one of the most brutal and unforgettable nights of the 1970s! This week, Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala travel back 50 years to August 7, 1976, when the legendary Bruno Sammartino defended the WWWF Heavyweight Championship against the dangerous Stan “The Lariat” Hansen! ⛓️ AND THIS TIME…THEY’RE LOCKED INSIDE A STEEL CAGE! ⛓️ The rivalry between Sammartino and Hansen had become intensely personal, and inside the confines of a steel cage at the World’s Most Famous Arena, these two warriors looked to settle the score once and for all! But the main event is only part of the story! This classic Madison Square Garden card features an undercard loaded with wrestling legends, future Hall of Famers, colorful characters, and unforgettable names from the glory days of the WWWF. 🎙️ Nikita and Benny break down the matches, the personalities, the stories behind the card, and what professional wrestling was like during the incredible summer of 1976. So grab your ticket, find your seat at Madison Square Garden, and join us for another trip back to a time when the arenas were packed, the rivalries felt personal, and the action felt REAL! 🚂 ALL ABOARD THE WRESTLING WAYBACK MACHINE! Destination: Madison Square Garden — August 7, 1976. Destination…WHEN IT WAS REAL! 👍 PLEASE LIKE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PLAYA ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK! #WhenItWasReal #Episode77 #BrunoSammartino #StanHansen #TheLariat #SteelCageMatch #MadisonSquareGarden #WWWF #WrestlingHistory #OldSchoolWrestling #ClassicWrestling #ProWrestling #WrestlingLegends #Bruno #StanHansen #MSG #1976 #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingWaybackMachine #WhenWrestlingWasReal

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 76 🔥 🪑 “THE (CHAIR) SHOT HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD” 🪑 📅 LIVE Wednesday, August 12 at 7:30 PM 🎙️ VERY SPECIAL GUEST: LARRY ZBYSZKO! It remains one of the most shocking, unforgettable moments in professional wrestling history. Larry Zbyszko was the protégé. Bruno Sammartino was the mentor...the teacher...the hero...and, to millions of wrestling fans, THE LIVING LEGEND. Then came the moment that changed everything. In 1980, teacher and student stepped into the ring for what was supposed to be a scientific wrestling match between two men who shared a deep history. Instead, it became THE (CHAIR) SHOT HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD! With Bruno Sammartino lying prone and bloodied in the ring, Larry Zbyszko stood over his fallen mentor, chair in hand. In a matter of moments, one of wrestling’s most beloved young stars became one of its most hated villains. 🔥 AND THIS WEEK, LARRY ZBYSZKO JOINS US TO TELL THE STORY HIMSELF! 🔥 What was it like to work with Bruno Sammartino? How did the idea for this legendary turn come together? Did Larry know just how much hatred he was about to receive? And what was it like walking into arenas filled with thousands of fans who legitimately wanted to see Bruno Sammartino destroy him? Join Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala as they welcome WWE Hall of Famer Larry Zbyszko and travel back to one of the greatest wrestling angles ever created. The name of our show is WHEN IT WAS REAL... But on that unforgettable night, with Larry holding that chair and standing over a fallen Bruno Sammartino... It could only be described as... 🪑 WHEN IT WAS SURREAL. 🪑 🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 76 🔥 THE (CHAIR) SHOT HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD ⭐ SPECIAL GUEST: LARRY ZBYSZKO 📅 LIVE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 – 7:30 PM Climb aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine with Nikita and Benny as we revisit the stories...and the stories behind the stories... WHEN IT WAS REAL! #WhenItWasReal #LarryZbyszko #BrunoSammartino #TheLivingLegend #WWEHallOfFame #WWWF #WWE #OldSchoolWrestling #ClassicWrestling #ProWrestling #WrestlingHistory #WrestlingLegends #LarryZbyszkoVsBrunoSammartino #SteelChair #1980sWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingWaybackMachine #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #BooOnMe

Today marks the 46th anniversary of the epic Steel Cage Match at Shea Stadium between Larry Zbyszko and Bruno Sammartino. Larry will be our very special guest this Wednesday (August 12th), but to hold you until then, we give you the World Premiere of "Larry and Bruno", written by Benny "The Jet" Scala...Enjoy and have a great weekend!

The Wrestling Wayback Machine returns to the World's Most Famous Arena as Nikita and Benny take you back to Madison Square Garden on August 28, 1978, for another unforgettable night in professional wrestling history! This incredible card is packed from top to bottom with legendary names and future Hall of Famers, showcasing the World Wide Wrestling Federation at the height of its popularity. Every match delivered the larger-than-life personalities, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable action that made Madison Square Garden the true Mecca of Professional Wrestling. The evening reaches its thrilling conclusion when WWWF Champion Bob Backlund defends the richest prize in wrestling against one of the most feared competitors of his era—"The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff. Could the powerhouse challenger capture championship gold, or would the young champion continue his historic reign? Join Nikita and Benny as they break down every match, relive the biggest moments, share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, and reveal the stories behind the stories that made this event so memorable. Hop aboard The Wrestling Wayback Machine and experience professional wrestling the way it was meant to be experienced... WHEN IT WAS REAL! 📺 LIVE Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30 PM ET Only on The Playa Entertainment Network! 👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share! #WhenItWasReal #MadisonSquareGarden #BobBacklund #IvanKoloff #WWWF #WWFHistory #ClassicWrestling #ProWrestling #WrestlingHistory #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #OldSchoolWrestling #HallOfFamers #VintageWrestling #LivePodcast

WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 74 Madison Square Garden – August 1, 1977 The Wrestling Wayback Machine is headed back to the Mecca of Professional Wrestling as Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala relive another unforgettable night from Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1977! The main event is an absolute classic as the beloved Bruno Sammartino once again challenges the flamboyant and controversial World Wide Wrestling Federation Champion, Superstar Billy Graham, in one of the defining rivalries of the 1970s. Adding even more intrigue to this championship showdown is the presence of legendary Gorilla Monsoon, serving as the Special Guest Referee. With emotions running high and the Garden crowd firmly behind Bruno, this was another chapter in one of wrestling's greatest title feuds. But the excitement doesn't stop there! The undercard is stacked with an incredible collection of future Hall of Famers and wrestling legends. Fans will see stars such as Carlos Colón, Johnny Rodz, Larry Zbyszko, George "The Animal" Steele, Stan Stasiak, Professor Toru Tanaka, Mr. Fuji, Ivan Putski, and many more competing in six action-packed bouts that showcase why this era is still considered one of the greatest in professional wrestling history. As always, Nikita and Benny go far beyond the results. They'll take you behind the scenes with fascinating historical context, little-known stories, insider perspectives, and, of course... the stories behind the stories that made these legendary events so memorable. So climb aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine and travel back to a time when Madison Square Garden truly was the center of the wrestling universe. Join us LIVE Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 PM ET exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network! Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL! #WhenItWasReal #MadisonSquareGarden #BrunoSammartino #SuperstarBillyGraham #WWWF #GorillaMonsoon #LarryZbyszko #GeorgeSteele #IvanPutski #CarlosColon #MrFuji #ProfessorTanaka #StanStasiak #ClassicWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork

WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 73 Madison Square Garden – July 30, 1983 LIVE Wednesday, July 22 • 7:30 PM ET Only on The Playa Entertainment Network 🚨 Destination: Madison Square Garden – July 30, 1983! 🚨 This week, The Wrestling Wayback Machine heads back to the legendary Madison Square Garden, the undisputed Mecca of Professional Wrestling, for another unforgettable night in WWF history! Join Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala as they break down every match, every moment, and every memory from this spectacular card featuring one of the most beloved champions of all time. In the main event, reigning WWF Champion Bob Backlund once again puts the gold on the line against his unpredictable and relentless rival, George "The Animal" Steele, in another chapter of their classic rivalry. But that's just the beginning! This loaded Garden card features an incredible lineup of wrestling legends, including Andre the Giant, Ivan Koloff, Don Muraco, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka, Ivan Putski, Dusty Rhodes, Sergeant Slaughter, and many more Hall of Fame performers who helped define professional wrestling during one of its greatest eras. Whether you were lucky enough to witness it live or you're experiencing it for the very first time, this is your chance to relive one of the great nights in Madison Square Garden history. So buckle up, climb aboard The Wrestling Wayback Machine, and let Nikita and Benny take you on another unforgettable journey back to the days... WHEN IT WAS REAL! 📺 LIVE Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 PM ET 📍 Exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network #WhenItWasReal #WWF #MadisonSquareGarden #BobBacklund #GeorgeTheAnimalSteele #AndreTheGiant #JimmySnuka #DonMuraco #DustyRhodes #IvanKoloff #IvanPutski #SergeantSlaughter #ClassicWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #ProfessionalWrestling #WrestlingWaybackMachine

WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 72 🗓️ LIVE Wednesday, July 15 • 7:30 PM ET 📺 Exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network 🚨 The Wrestling Wayback Machine is fueled up and ready for another unforgettable trip through professional wrestling history! This week, Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala return to the Mecca of Professional Wrestling, Madison Square Garden, for the legendary card of July 30, 1979. The summer of '79 was scorching, and so was the action inside the World's Most Famous Arena! 🔥 Witness one of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's earliest Madison Square Garden appearances as the future icon begins making his presence felt on the biggest stage in wrestling. 🔥 Feel the intensity of an unforgettable Indian Strap Match as bitter enemies Chief Jay Strongbow and "The Hammer" Greg Valentine settle their score in one of the Garden's most brutal and emotional battles. 🏆 Then it's time for the main event as WWF Champion Bob Backlund and the legendary Pat Patterson collide in Match Two of their historic four-match tetralogy. Two of the greatest wrestlers of their generation pushed each other to the limit in a championship rivalry that deserves far more recognition than it receives today. As always, Nikita and Benny will relive every match, every storyline, every unforgettable moment, and all the history that made this one of the great Madison Square Garden cards of the era. So climb aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine and let us transport you to a time when the arenas were packed, the rivalries were personal, and WHEN IT WAS REAL! Destination: Madison Square Garden... July 30, 1979. Don't miss it—LIVE Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 PM ET only on The Playa Entertainment Network! #WhenItWasReal #Episode72 #MadisonSquareGarden #WWF #BobBacklund #PatPatterson #RoddyPiper #ChiefJayStrongbow #GregValentine #IndianStrapMatch #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ClassicWrestling #TerritorialWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #ProfessionalWrestling #WrestlingHistory #LivePodcast

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 71 🔥 LIVE Wednesday, July 8th at 7:30 PM ET only on The Playa Entertainment Network! 🌡️ JULY...HOT AS HELL! 🌡️ The temperature is rising, and so is the excitement as Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine for another unforgettable trip into professional wrestling's golden age! This week, the guys break down the epic July 16, 1977 card from the Baltimore Civic Center, featuring some of the biggest stars and hottest rivalries of the era. But wait...there's more! As a special bonus, Nikita and Benny will also revisit several classic Boston Garden battles featuring the one and only Bruno Sammartino, the Living Legend himself! From unforgettable championship clashes to legendary performances, this is a celebration of one of the greatest careers in wrestling history. If you love classic wrestling, unforgettable arenas, legendary champions, and stories from the days WHEN IT WAS REAL, you won't want to miss this episode! So climb aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine with Nikita and Benny... Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL! 👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share The Playa Entertainment Network! #WhenItWasReal #Episode71 #JulyHotAsHell #BrunoSammartino #BaltimoreCivicCenter #BostonGarden #ClassicWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #TerritoryWrestling #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #ProfessionalWrestling #WrestlingWaybackMachine

Every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM, climb aboard The Wrestling Wayback Machine with Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala as they transport you back to the golden age of professional wrestling... WHEN IT WAS REAL! From legendary championship battles and unforgettable rivalries to the larger-than-life personalities who built the business, Nikita and Benny relive the matches, moments, and memories that made wrestling truly special. Every week, the guys break down classic cards, celebrate the careers of wrestling's greatest legends, share behind-the-scenes stories, and occasionally welcome special guests for exclusive interviews you won't want to miss. If you miss the days when wrestling was about packed arenas, unforgettable promos, and timeless storytelling, this is the show for you! Join pro wrestling author, actor, manager, and podcaster Nikita Breznikov, alongside pro wrestling author, podcaster, and weekend DJ Benny "The Playa" Scala, every Wednesday at 7:30 PM, exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network. Please like, subscribe, and be part of the conversation as we take you back to a time... WHEN IT WAS REAL! #WhenItWasReal #TheWrestlingWaybackMachine #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlayaScala #ClassicWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #WWWF #WWF #NWA #TerritoryWrestling #WrestlingLegends #ProfessionalWrestling #WrestlingFans #PleaseLikeAndSubscribe

Happy Weekend to all! Here for your listening pleasure is one of our all-time favorite episodes...WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz, 5-Time WWF World Tag Team Champion Tony Garea, and the man with the PhD in Professional Wrestling, Davey O'Hannon...More affectionately known as The Three Amigos! If you like listening to some great stories from some true wrestling legends, look no further!

🚨 THE WRESTLING WAYBACK MACHINE IS HEADED BACK TO THE MECCA! 🚨 This Wednesday night at 7:30 PM, Episode 69 of When It Was Real takes a trip to one of the most legendary cards in professional wrestling history as Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala set the controls for Madison Square Garden on June 30, 1973! The World's Most Famous Arena was packed with some of the biggest stars and future Hall of Famers the wrestling business has ever produced. We're talking about a card loaded with legends including Blackjack Lanza, Professor Tanaka, Gorilla Monsoon, Captain Lou Albano, Pedro Morales, George "The Animal" Steele, Chief Jay Strongbow, and the massive Haystacks Calhoun! Before sports entertainment, before social media, before pyrotechnics and giant video screens, there was Madison Square Garden—the proving ground of champions and the home of professional wrestling's greatest heroes and villains. Nikita and Benny will break down every match, every character, and every unforgettable moment from this incredible night in wrestling history. And as if that wasn't enough, Wednesday also happens to be Benny "The Playa" Scala's birthday! So be sure to stop by the chat and remind him that anyone who remembers this card firsthand may have seen a dinosaur roam! 🎂😂 Join us LIVE every Wednesday night as we fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine and transport you back to a time when the arenas were packed, the heroes were larger than life, and professional wrestling was... WHEN IT WAS REAL! 📅 Wednesday, June 24th ⏰ 7:30 PM Eastern 📺 The Playa Entertainment Network 👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share! #WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #MadisonSquareGarden #MSG #PedroMorales #GorillaMonsoon #GeorgeSteele #ChiefJayStrongbow #BlackjackLanza #ProfessorTanaka #LouAlbano #HaystacksCalhoun #OldSchoolWrestling #ClassicWrestling #WWWF #WrestlingHistory #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork

Here's a little something to get you through the weekend! Our Christmas Eve episode entitled "The Night The Music Died." Nikita and Benny hop into the Wrestling Wayback Machine and visit Madison Square Garden on December 26, 1983. The fateful night when the nearly 6 year title reign of Bob Backlund was ended at the hands of The Iron Sheik. But this match and this night went far beyond the crowning of a new champion...this represented the end of the era we all know and love as old school wrestling...

🚨THE WRESTLING WAYBACK MACHINE IS HEADED BACK TO THE MECCA! 🚨 This Wednesday night at 7:30 PM, join Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala on The Playa Entertainment Network as When It Was Real travels back to the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden on June 27, 1977! The main event alone was enough to shake the foundations of the World's Most Famous Arena! Fresh off his stunning championship victory, the newly crowned WWWF World Heavyweight Champion, Superstar Billy Graham, puts the gold on the line in an explosive rematch against the man he dethroned, "The Living Legend" Bruno Sammartino. Pride, revenge, and the richest prize in professional wrestling were all at stake as these two titans collided once again in one of the most memorable rivalries of the era. But the excitement didn't stop there! This legendary Garden card was packed from top to bottom with wrestling icons, future Hall of Famers, and unforgettable action that helped define the golden age of professional wrestling. Nikita and Benny will take their customary deep dive into the stories, personalities, and moments that made this night so special. So buckle up, hop aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine, and prepare to return to a time when larger-than-life heroes and villains captivated audiences night after night... 📅 Wednesday, June 17th ⏰ 7:30 PM Eastern 📺 LIVE on The Playa Entertainment Network 👍 Please Like and Subscribe! Because every Wednesday night, there's only one destination... WHEN IT WAS REAL! #WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #MadisonSquareGarden #WWWF #SuperstarBillyGraham #BrunoSammartino #LivingLegend #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ProfessionalWrestling #TerritoryEra #WrestlingLegends #LikeAndSubscribe

🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 67 🎙️ 📅 LIVE Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 PM 📺 Exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network This week, your fearless pilots Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine and set the coordinates for June 27, 1981, landing at the legendary Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland for another unforgettable night of classic WWF action! The main event spotlight shines brightly on WWF Champion Bob Backlund as he defends his title against former Canadian football star turned wrestling powerhouse Angelo Mosca. Can the rugged champion withstand the challenge of the man known as "King Kong"? The night also marks the triumphant return of the legendary André the Giant following a broken ankle, as the Eighth Wonder of the World steps back into a WWF ring to the delight of the Capital Centre faithful. And if that's not enough, prepare for a classic clash of styles when international superstar Mil Máscaras squares off against the hard-nosed, drill-sergeant tough Sergeant Slaughter in a match that showcased everything fans loved about early-1980s wrestling. Join Nikita and Benny as they break down the card, revisit the stories, discuss the stars, and relive an era when professional wrestling was larger than life and every arena card felt special. Tune in LIVE every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM and chat old-school wrestling with fellow fans as we remember the glory days... WHEN IT WAS REAL! #WhenItWasReal #WWF1981 #CapitalCentre #BobBacklund #AngeloMosca #AndreTheGiant #MilMascaras #SergeantSlaughter #OldSchoolWrestling #ClassicWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #WrestlingWaybackMachine #TerritorialWrestling #GoldenAgeOfWrestling #ProWrestling

Greetings all! If you haven't gotten enough old school wrestling this weekend, take a listen to one of our favorite episodes...Nikita and Benny are graced by the presence of a true professional wrestling legend, The Unpredictable Johnny Rodz! Johnny recently celebrated his 85th birthday, and was inducted into the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame in May. The accolades keep coming for Johnny, and they are very well deserved! #johnnyrodz #theunpredictablejohnnyrodz #javaruuk #wwehalloffame

🚨 THIS WEEK on EPISODE 66 of WHEN IT WAS REAL! 🚨 The Wrestling Wayback Machine travels to the most famous arena in the world — MADISON SQUARE GARDEN — for a HISTORIC night in professional wrestling history on June 4, 1979! 🏆 The VERY FIRST Battle Royal ever held at the Garden! 💰 A $10,000 prize on the line! 🔥 Before the world knew him as The Iron Sheik, he was the feared HUSSEIN ARAB — and on this unforgettable night, he outlasted everyone to claim victory! But the night was far from over... His reward? 👉 $10,000 CASH 👉 AND a WWF World Heavyweight Championship match later that same evening against the reigning champion, BOB BACKLUND! Could Hussein Arab shock the wrestling world twice in one night? Could Backlund survive one of his fiercest rivals? Join Nikita and Benny as they relive every slam, every surprise, and every unforgettable moment from one of the most unique cards in Madison Square Garden history! 🎙️ LIVE Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:30 PM 📺 ONLY on The Playa Entertainment Network Hop aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine and journey back to a time and place... WHEN IT WAS REAL. #WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #WWF #MadisonSquareGarden #BobBacklund #IronSheik #HusseinArab #ClassicWrestling #TerritorialWrestling #VintageWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #BattleRoyal #WWFHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingPodcast #1979Wrestling #MSG #NikitaAndBenny

🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 65 | LIVE Wednesday, May 27 • 7:30 PM 🎙️ The Wrestling Wayback Machine powers up once again as Nikita and Benny travel back to May 28, 1983 and land at the legendary Capital Centre for a night packed with championship battles and an entire roster that reads like a Hall of Fame reunion. This week’s deep dive revisits a classic era of WWF action featuring Don Muraco defending the Intercontinental Championship against Rocky Johnson in a heated return encounter, while WWF World Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund puts the gold on the line against newly crowned tag team champion Afa in the featured main event. From unforgettable personalities… to classic storytelling… to the atmosphere that made wrestling feel larger than life… Nikita and Benny break it all down the way only WHEN IT WAS REAL can. 📺 LIVE Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 PM 📡 Exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network 👍 Please Like • Subscribe • Share Join us every Wednesday night as we go BACK TO A TIME… OF WHEN IT WAS REAL. #WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ClassicWrestling #WWF #BobBacklund #DonMuraco #RockyJohnson #Afa #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ProWrestling #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #LivePodcast #RetroWrestling #TerritoryDays #WrestlingFans

For your additional listening pleasure during this great holiday weekend, here is our first episode of 2026! Nikita and Benny cover two of the most shocking heel turns in the history of wrestling! Spiros Arion, The Golden Greek, did the unthinkable and turned on his friend and tag team partner, Chief Jay Strongbow. And 5 years later, Larry became Judas when he turned on his mentor, wrestling's Living Legend, Bruno Sammartino. Enjoy and have a fabulous (but safe) weekend!