Gotch Fautes son chemin vers le titre

Sur Avril 3, 1908, Champion American Wrestling Frank Gotch a rencontré Champion World Wrestling George Hackenschmidt pour le titre mondial au Parc Dexter Pavilion à Chicago, Illinois. Hackenschmidt était invaincu en tant que professionnel, mais avait été champion du monde pendant environ 7 ans. Gotch was actually a year older but considered an up and comer. Gotch a également été considéré comme le plus grand lutteur produite en Amérique jusqu'à ce moment.

George Hackenschmidt prétendit plus tard qu'il était malade et blessé avant le combat et a lutté contre les ordres du médecin. Alors qu'il a été définitivement blessé avant la deuxième combat 1911, ne apportait ses blessures jusqu'à au moment du premier combat. 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.

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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