Gotch Fouls His Way to Title

On April 3, 1908, American Wrestling Champion Frank Gotch met World Wrestling Champion George Hackenschmidt for the World Title at Dexter Park Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.  Hackenschmidt was undefeated as a professional but had been World Champion for approximately 7 years.  Gotch was actually a year older but considered an up and comer.  Gotch was also considered the greatest wrestler produced in America up to that time.

frank-gotch

Frank Gotch from the Public Domain

George Hackenschmidt would later claim that he was ill and injured before the bout and wrestled against doctor’s orders.  While he was definitely injured prior to the second bout in 1911, no one brought his injuries up at the time of the first bout.  Hackenschmidt stressed that he was not making excuses and Gotch was the better man.

If Hackenschmidt did want to make excuses, he could have simply pointed to Gotch’s tactics as the reason Hackenschmidt lost his title.  Gotch frequently used tactics during the bout, which should have resulted in Gotch’s disqualification.

george-hackenschmidt-suit

George Hackenschmidt from the Public Domain

Gotch was always known for rough and questionable tactics.  In one match, he tackled Stanislaus Zbyszko off the hand shake for a quick fall.  In other matches, Gotch would foul the opponent to gain an advantage.

Gotch entered the ring weighing 196 pound to Hackenschmidt’s 208.  As always, Gotch’s trainer, Martin “Farmer” Burns, accompanied his protege to the ring.   Hackenschmidt attempted to lock up with Gotch but Gotch kept wiggling free.  In one exchange, Gotch thumbed Hack in his eye causing swelling and difficulty seeing.

As the match progressed, Hackenschmidt would finally secure a grip on Gotch only to be struck repeatedly in the face by Gotch’s palm.  At one point, Gotch clearly struck Hack in the face with several closed fist punches.

george-hackenschmidt-posing

George Hackenschmidt When He Was World Wrestling Champion from the Public Domain

Gotch should have been disqualified for punching but referee Ed Smith did not seem to have any intention of interfering.  Hackenschmidt continued complaining to Smith, who told him “Wrestle on!”  The match continued this way until almost the two hour mark.  Gotch then became offensive and tried to grab an armlock.  Hack threw him off easily but was huffing and puffing.

A few more punches from Gotch put Hack face down on the canvas.  Gotch was famous for his toehold and began to work for it as Hack pleaded with the referee.  Hack was bleeding from his nose, lips and both eyes were almost swollen shut.  He looked like he was in a mixed martial arts fight not a wrestling match.

gotch-fouling-hack

Gotch Fouling Hackenschmidt from the April 4, 1908 edition of New York Evening World

Referee Smith interpreted Hackenschmidt’s appeals as giving up and stopped the match.  Smith awarded Gotch the match.  Hackenschmidt made no protest about the decision.  After seven years, Hackenschmidt was no longer champion.

Gotch would reign for six years before retiring.  Why he was allowed to foul so much in his title win is still a mystery today.  Why do you think he was allowed to foul? You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page and Twitter profile.

You can read more about this legendary feud in Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt: The Matches That Made and Destroyed Legitimate American Professional Wrestling available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback and e-book.

gotch-vs-hackenschmidt

Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt is available at Amazon in paperback and on e-book.

Pin It

Share