Episode 54: The Pro Wrestling World of Ian Douglass

This week on my podcast I am exited to welcome a very accomplished and talented friend, the author of ten pro wrestling books, both biographies and historical-focused materials, the author, Ian Douglass. Douglass is originally from Southfield, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2001, earned a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in 2005, and completed an MBA at the Quantic School of Business and Technology in 2021. He also graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts (now the Michigan Media Arts Center) in Southfield in 2002. He began his professional career as a reporter for WEYI-TV in Flint, Michigan, in early 2006, then worked on the staff of Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon. Later he became a freelance writer and editor with a focus on fitness, health, nutrition, and professional wrestling. He served as the final fitness editor of MEL Magazine, has contributed to The Ringer, Men’s Health, InsideHook, and other outlets, and has done SEO, communications, and project-management work (including for Firepoint Energy). In 2020 he began contributing to Splice Today, and in 2021 he joined MEL Magazine’s writing staff. He is also a Webby Award–winning content creator as part of TNBAST’s 2025 sports-documentary team. Douglass has published or co-published approximately 11–13 titles: The Realest Guy in the Room: The Life and Times of Dan Severn (2016) — co-authored with UFC/PW legend Dan Severn Brute Power: The Autobiography of Bugsy McGraw (2019) — co-authored with Bugsy McGraw (co-published with Kenny Casanova’s WOHW) Life Is Short and So Am I: My Life Inside, Outside, and Under the Wrestling Ring (2019) — autobiography of Dylan “Hornswoggle” Postl; co-authored with Ross Owen Williams (ECW Press). The Incredible Brute (circa 2020) — wrestling-themed coloring book/comic tied to the Bugsy McGraw project (illustrated by MW Leitzel). Truth Bee Told: The Autobiography of B. Brian Blair (2021) — co-authored with B. Brian Blair. Bahamian Rhapsody: The Unofficial History of Pro Wrestling’s Unofficial Territory, 1960–2020 (2022) — solo historical work on Bahamian pro wrestling. Keirn Chronicles Volume One: The Fabulous Wrestling Life of Steve Keirn (2023) — co-authored with Steve Keirn (Darkstream/WOHW). Keirn Chronicles Volume Two: The Phenomenal Wrestling Resurgence of Steve Keirn (2024) — co-authored with Steve Keirn (Darkstream/WOHW). A Decided Novelty: The Essential Guide to Black Pro Wrestling History, 1880–1950 (2025) — solo deep historical guide. Gentleman Jack and Rough Rufus: The Rise of Black American Wrestling (February 2025) — solo biography/history of pioneers Jack Claybourne and Rufus Jones (Darkstream Press). Highland Games and Hippodromes: Scottish Identity and Influence at the Dawn of the American Pro Wrestling Industry (recent, circa 2025–2026) — solo work on Scottish contributions to early U.S. pro wrestling. In June 2024 he was inducted into the Pro Wrestling Authors Hall of Fame. In this visit together at The Ranch this week, we get into all his books, his background and what we might want to do in the future. I hope you enjoy my visit with a great guy, Ian Douglass as much as I did. Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: History Podcast(00:01:05) - Ranting on Dennis Condrey's Death(00:08:18) - mailbag show(00:13:22) - The Wrestling World of Ian Douglas(00:18:04) - Ian Douglas On The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History(00:21:16) - After a Shoulder Surgery, Resting Your Arm(00:23:17) - Steve Austin on His College Degrees(00:27:23) - Medill News Service: Pro Wrestling Coverage(00:35:09) - No, I Wasn't an Elite Swimmer in High School(00:38:33) - Bob Jones on Volunteering His Life(00:40:10) - Paul Feist on Writing a Biography(00:48:23) - Steve Kern on Speaking Out About His Faith(00:55:00) - Bugsy McGraw's The History of Pro Wrestling in The Bahamas(01:01:49) - Ian Douglas on The Bugsy McGraw Book(01:04:48) - Tom Clancy on Indie Books(01:09:47) - Ian Douglas on His Last Three Books(01:10:26) - Jon Feist on His Pro Wrestling Inspiration(01:14:54) - The Bahamas: Pro Wrestling History(01:22:03) - The Bahamas History List(01:28:50) - Black Wrestling's Jumping Headbutt(01:30:38) - Black Wrestling: A Must Read(01:35:01) - Writing about the Highland Games and Hippodromes(01:36:30) - Coming soon: The Life of Ian Douglas(01:38:00) - Duncan McMillan and Professional Wrestling(01:47:27) - Ian Douglas on His Retirement Plans(01:49:26) - Ian Douglas