Episode 102 – We’re Supposed to be Working!
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In this episode, I discuss an out-of-control exhibition between Clarence Whistler and Andre Christol in 1882.
Going Into Business for Yourself in 1987
I start the episode with a review of the six-man tag match in 1987, when Akira Maeda legitimately kicked Riki Chosu in the eye on purpose. New Japan Pro Wrestling fired Maeda for the unprofessional behavior.
Clarence Whistler wrestling William Muldoon (Public Domain)
Main Content
William Muldoon did not wrestle much during 1881 and 1882. Muldoon spent 1882 touring with a minstrel show where Muldoon performed exhibitions with other wrestlers. One of the touring wrestlers was old foe and often friend Clarence Whistler.
Whistler struggled with alcohol use disorder, which often led to his disputes with Muldoon. In early 1882, Whistler and Muldoon had one of their famous blow-ups.
Prior to performing in the minstrel show on March 6, 1882, Whistler drank too much prior to that nights exhibition. On this night, Whistler wrestled an exhibition with the French wrestler Andre Christol.
Christol claimed the World Championship before Theobaud Bauer establishing the title, when Christol arrived in America in 1875. Newspapers reported that Christol “hippodromed” or worked with his opponents. Christol then split the house and bets with his opponent.
Christol wrestled competently in the Greco-Roman wrestling style, but reporters doubted his claims of being a world champion in Europe. Christol dropped the title to his good friend Theobaud Bauer. Muldoon beat Bauer legitimately in 1880 for the world title.
In this exhibition, Muldoon served as referee for the friendly exhibition. Things took an ugly turn, when minutes into the performance, Christol did something that angered Clarence Whistler.
Whistler responded by banging Christol’s head into the carpet, palm struck Christol, and even bit Christol’s arm as Christol ineffectively tried to defend himself. Being a far superior wrestler, even when intoxicated, Whistler could do whatever he wanted to Christol.
Muldoon realized Whistler was beating Christol. Christol bled from his forearm due to a bite when Muldoon intervened. Muldoon called “foul” while Whistler continued to work over the Frenchman. When Muldoon told Whistler to let go of Christol, Whistler asked, “What the hell is it to you?”
Muldoon drug Whistler off Christol and called for another performer to help Christol off the stage. Whistler turned his rage towards Muldoon who quickly rose to the occasion.
Muldoon was wearing a heavy coat that was part of his theatrical costume. Whistler grabbed the lapels of the coat, but Muldoon threw Whistler to the ground. Muldoon put his knee to Whistler’s throat and started to remove his coat. Taking advantage of the distraction, Whistler slid out from underneath Muldoon and got back to his feet.
Whistler charged Muldoon who grabbed Whistler by his left arm and left leg. Muldoon used this grip to carry Whistler off stage. Muldoon easily moved Whistler, who was too inebriated to resist. Muldoon never had it this easy in his contests with Whistler.
After exiting the stage, Muldoon dropped Whistler in a heap on the stage. Whislter jumped to his feet and started freely punching Muldoon. Muldoon started punching Whistler as well.
Spectators heard a loud commotion backstage as other performer tried to separate Whistler and Muldoon. Whistler ended up with a cut head and swollen eye, while Muldoon had lumps on his forehead. The men proved to be as spirited boxers as they were wrestlers.
Muldoon let the crowd know Whistler would be unavailable for the remainder of the performance. True to historical form, the show then continued.
You would assume Muldoon fired Whistler but after heartfelt apology to both Muldoon and Christol, Muldoon allowed Whistler to stay with the show. Whistler died three years later in 1885 after contracting pneumonia while drinking heavily in Australia.
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Review
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