Muldoon Too Strong for French Wrestler

On June 4, 1883, the Greco-Roman World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion William Muldoon faced skilled French wrestler Jules Rigal in San Francisco, California.  When the wrestlers stripped to their trunks for the match, it was obvious Muldoon’s power would prove a formidable challenge to Rigal.

Muldoon stood around 6 feet tall and weighed between 193 and 210 pounds during his career.  Jules Regal was a few inches taller than five feet and relatively lean in comparison to the brawny Muldoon.  The size disparity would prove too much for Rigal.

The Sacramento Daily Record was one of many papers that carried an account of the match.  While Rigal was outmatched, it would take Muldoon a while to wear him down.

Muldoon and Rigal tied up for 8 minutes before either man was able to secure a hold.  Rigal secured a body hold from behind on Muldoon.  Rigal strained several times but was unable to lift “The Solid Man” Muldoon.

Muldoon reversed Rigal and sent him over his head but Rigal landed on his hands and knees.  Muldoon continued to attempt throws from body locks but each time Rigal was able to land on his feet or hands negating the fall.

Finally, Muldoon lifted Rigal over his head, ran several steps and slammed Rigal to the ground.  With Muldoon’s weight on top of him, Rigal surrendered to the fall a couple seconds before the 22 minute mark.

The men rested for 20 minutes before Muldoon and Rigal met for the second fall.  It would take Muldoon another ten minutes to finish the match.

The men continued like the last fall ended with Muldoon attempting to throw Rigal but Rigal blocking the falls.  Rigal had his best chance at a fall during this exchange.

Rigal secured a waist hold and rolled Muldoon towards his back several times but Muldoon’s great strength allowed him to push himself back to his hands and knees.

Muldoon secured the second fall with a neck hold.  Muldoon attempted to twist Regal towards his back.  When Muldoon felt Rigal resisting with all his strength, he reversed the rotation.

The force of Rigal’s resistance propelled him to his back for the second fall at 32 minutes and 36 seconds.  Muldoon was still the champion.  Rigal would continue wrestling as part of a traveling circus.

William Muldoon would wrestle for six more years before retiring to become America’s first celebrity trainer.  Unlike many other combat sports athletes, Muldoon would do quite well financially.

What do you think made Muldoon different from so many other combat athletes that came before and after him?  What can he teach us? You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post in the comment section below or on my Facebook page or Twitter profile.

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