Hack Accuses Americans of Faking

george-hackenschmidt-prime

When “The Russian Lion” George Hackenschmidt toured America in 1905, he left the country unimpressed by the state of American wrestling.  The current World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, known as “Hack” to much of the wrestling public, toured several cities in an attempt to arrange a match with American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Tom Jenkins. Hackenschmidt won the world title in Greco-Roman

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Wabash Safe Burglary

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On a chilly night, January 9, 1915, Sgt. Michael Gibbons stepped off the westbound Delmar owl streetcar about 3:00 a.m. Sgt. Gibbons walked towards the Wabash Railroad’s Delmar Station, which was in complete darkness. Gibbons kneeled and wrapped his nightstick on the platform to signal any nearby beat officers to report to him. Patrolman Arthur J. Saxy heard the night

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Muldoon Survives Hard Tilt With Whistler

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The powerful William Muldoon was considered invincible as Greco-Roman World Wrestling Champion.  Only one man seriously challenged Muldoon during his dominant reign.  The 165-pound Clarence Whistler consistently gave Muldoon his toughest challenges.  Muldoon and Whistler met on Thursday, November 1, 1883 in San Francisco, California in one of their several matches. William Muldoon was almost a head taller and weighed

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Fred Beell Unimpressive in 1903

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Fred Beell developed a reputation in the early 20th Century as a powerful and dangerous wrestler. His reputation was not built by his 1903 campaign.  Beell suffered as many high-profile defeats as victories. Beell started well in April 1903, when he defeated St. Paul AAU Wrestling Champion James McAuley.  McAuley won the first fall in 22 minutes.  Beell won the

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“Little Demon” Unable to Beat Whistler

joe-acton

Joe Acton was one of England’s best wrestlers during the 19th Century.  151-pound Acton went through England’s middleweight ranks before plowing through the heavyweights.  After beating the best England had to offer including Tom Cannon, Acton decided to test his abilities in the United States. Joe Acton settled in Philadelphia at Arthur Chamber’s Champions Rest during the summer months of

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