Episode 134 – Gotch Working?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this episode, I discuss a March 1901 match between Frank Gotch and Oscar Wasem in Burlington, Iowa. I also review a World Class Championship Wrestling show from May 1983.

Update

Brock Lesnar reportedly surprised everyone by retiring after his match with Oba Femi at Wrestlemania 42.

Darby Allin wins the AEW World Championship on the April 15, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite.

Leo Rush imitating Golem from Lord of the Rings is one of the stupidest gimmicks I have ever seen. Rush is doing it very well. It’s just a horrible gimmick. If Tony Khan dislikes WWE of the last 20 years so badly, why he is he copying their creative.

Main Content

On Wednesday, March 27, 1901, Frank Gotch, the Iowa Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, wrestled Oscar Wasem, who claimed the St. Louis championship. Wasem moved from St. Louis in 1900, so any claims to be champion were at least dubious.

The men wrestled a two-out-of-three-falls match in front of 500 fans. The men wrestled for a $250 purse and seventy-five perscent of the gate receipts. Odds favored Gotch in this match.

Gotch weighed 198 pounds to Wasem’s 168 pounds. Wasem won the first fall in thirty-one minutes, thirty-seconds. Gotch won the second fall “on a fluke” in four minutes, thirty-five seconds. Newspaper coverage did not explain how Gotch won on a fluke.

Wasem won the third fall and match in twenty-six minutes, forty-five seconds. Newspaper coverage did not say how either wrestler won any of the falls.

Wasem immediately challenged Martin “Farmer” Burns. Burns accepted the challenge for a match in Burlington, Iowa in two weeks time.

Was it a work or a shoot?

Review

World Class Championship Wrestling show from May 14, 1983. Bill Mercer is the announcer. Rare show without any of the Von Erich brothers.

“Gorgeous” Jim Garvin vs. Mike Bond – Enhancement match meant to get Jim Garvin over. Garvin came to Dallas from Florida in early 1983. Sunshine accompanies Garvin. Garvin challenges David Von Erich. Garvin wins match easily with a body block.

Interview with Chris Adams – Adams will become one of the biggest stars in WCCW.

Chris Adams vs. Paul “Butcher” Vachon – Marc Lowrance did not introduce him as Butcher Vachon, just Paul Vachon. I did not remember Paul Vachon being in WCCW in 1983. Adams won with a jumping roundhouse kick not the superkick.

Kamala vs. Jose Lothario – Supersock tries to avoid Kamala but Kamala eventually catches him. Referee David Manning disqualtified Kamala for repeatedly biting Jose Lothario’s head.

“Iceman” King Parsons vs. Buddy Roberts – Best match on the card before Michael Hayes interferes. Buddy Roberts cuts off one of Parsons’ braids setting up their big hair versus hair match.

You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page.