Aberg Beats Other Zbyszko for Title

On October 25, 1915, Aleksander “Alex” Aberg won the World Greco-Roman Heavyweight Wrestling Championship from Wladek Zbyszko, the brother of Aberg’s former foe.  In 1914, Stanislaus Zbyszko defeated Aberg for the World Greco-Roman Heavyweight Wrestling Championship.  Stanislaus Zbyszko returned to Europe.

It is doubtful Wladek Zbyszko could make a claim to his brother’s championship.  Promoter Sam Rachmann probably created this “world title” to bring legitimacy to Aberg’s attempt to replace Frank Gotch.  Gotch retired from pro wrestling in 1913.

The 31-year-old, 225 pound Aberg took on the 22-year-old, 230 pound Wladek Zbyszko at Madison Square Garden in New York City on the night of October 25, 1915.  Aberg and Zbyszko wrestled to a 3 hour, 45 minute draw in June 1915 during the first phase of the International Wrestling Tournament.  Both men retired due to exhaustion.

Aberg managed to defeat Zbyszko much quicker this time.  Referee George Bothner oversaw the match conducted in 10 minute periods.

The men wrestled the first six periods without an advantage.  Aberg pursued Zbyszko aggressively but could not secure a hold.  After 60 minutes of wrestling, it looked like the match would last a long time again.

However, Zbyszko grabbed Aberg in a body hold in the seventh period.  Zbyszko swung Aberg around three times before attempting to slam Aberg to the mat.  Zbyszko’s attempt to win the match cost him a victory.

Zbyszko landed slightly underneath Aberg, who grabbed Zbyszko’s left wrist.  Aberg executed a side roll on Zbyszko into a chancery and body hold.  Zbyszko strained to prevent the reversal but Aberg pinned the youngster’s shoulders for the fall and victory.

Bothner raised Aberg’s hand in victory.  Aberg remained the favorite to win the International Wrestling Tournament also.  Wladek Zbyszko also would attempt to win this catch-as-catch can tournament.  Standing in their way was a young Wisconsin named Robert Friedrich.  Wrestling fans would come to know Friedrich as Ed “Strangler” Lewis.

On this night, Aberg took the first of what he hoped would be two world wrestling championships.  Aberg was enjoying a strong 1915 campaign.

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