Gotch Fouls Lia Vojo Titoli
Sur aprilo 3, 1908, Amerika Luktada Ĉampiono Frank Gotch renkontis Mondan Luktadan Ĉampionon Georgo Hackenschmidt por la Monda Titolo ĉe Dexter Parka Paviliono en Chicago, Ilinojso. Hackenschmidt estis undefeated kiel profesia sed estis Monda Ĉampiono por proksimume 7 Jaroj. Gotch estis efektive jaro pli malnova sed konsideris supre kaj proksima. Gotch estis ankaŭ konsiderita la plej grandan luktiston produktita en Ameriko ĝis tiu tempo.
Frank Gotch de la Publika Domajno
Georgo Hackenschmidt poste asertus ke li estis malsana kaj vundita antaŭ la vico kaj luktita kontraŭ la ordoj de doktoro. Dum li estis sendube vundita antaŭ la dua vico en 1911, Neniu alportis liajn vundojn supre ĉe la tempo de la unua vico. Hackenschmidt emfazis ke li ne estis faranta senkulpigojn kaj Gotch estis la pli bona viro.
Se Hackenschmidt ja deziris fari senkulpigojn, Li povus havi simple indikita al la taktiko de Gotch kiel la kialo Hackenschmidt perdis lian titolon. Gotch ofte uzis taktikon dum la vico, Kiu devus rezulti en la senrajtigo de Gotch.
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 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 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 is available at Amazon in paperback and on e-book.
