Gotch Faltes seu camí al títol

A l'abril 3, 1908, American Wrestling Campió Frank Gotch reunir World Wrestling Campió George Hackenschmidt pel títol mundial en Dexter Parc Pavilion a Chicago, Illinois. Hackenschmidt era invicte com a professional, però havia estat campió del món per aproximadament 7 any. Gotch was actually a year older but considered an up and comer. Gotch també va ser considerat el més gran lluitador produït a Amèrica fins a aquest moment.

George Hackenschmidt declararia més tard que estava malalt i ferit abans del combat i va lluitar contra les ordres del metge. Mentre ell estava definitivament ferit abans de la segona baralla en 1911, ningú va portar als seus lesions en el moment de la primera baralla. Hackenschmidt subratllat que no estava fent excuses i Gotch va ser el millor home.

Si Hackenschmidt volia posar excuses, ell podria simplement haver apuntat a les tàctiques de Gotch com la raó Hackenschmidt perdre el seu títol. Gotch utilitza sovint tàctiques durant el combat, que hauria d'haver donat lloc a la desqualificació de Gotch.

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.

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.

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.

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