Episode 1: Gotch vs. Hack
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It Was Almost Real: The Pro Wrestling History Podcast, Episode 1 – Gotch vs. Hack
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In this episode, I’ll be talking about the facts and myths around the two matches between Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt. During May 2016 after researching the men’s careers for the previous two years, I released Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt: The Matches That Built and Destroyed Legitimate American Professional Wrestling. I took an in-depth look at both men’s careers leading into the matches and discovered things I heard about the matches in the past did not quite measure up to the facts.
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Introduction
I wanted to provide listeners with a brief introduction since you may not be familiar with me unless you have read some of my books such as Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt, Double-Crossing the Gold Dust Trio or Evan “The Strangler” Lewis. I have authored eighteen non-fiction books at the time of this recording. At the end of the show, I’ll tell you how I became a wrestling fan and why I named this podcast It Was Almost Real.
Main Content – I look at the fact and fiction around the two matches between Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt in 1908 and 1911. A lot of the misinformation is from The Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce (affiliate link) by Marcus Griffin.
The book is the first insider look at professional wrestling in the 1930s. It is an excellent resource but verify the information. The Buffalo promotional office fired Griffin, their PR man in the 1930s. He wrote the book in 1938 to take revenge on his former employers.
To end the show, I discuss how my oldest sister Vicky encouraged my professional wrestling fandom as a kid and why I named the podcast It Was Almost Real.
Since the show is new, I would appreciate a rating to help other listeners discover the show. I will release an episode next Monday discussing the biggest box office star of the 1930s and possibly all-time. We will also discuss the terms performer, shooter, hooker and hooks. Thanks for listening.
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