Episode 82 – Unwanted Attention, Part 1
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this episode, I will be talking about an Illinois select committee’s investigation into professional boxing and wrestling in Chicago, Illinois. In part one, we discuss the revelations that made Joe Stecher look bad.
Introduction and Update
The Starz series Heels and my early thoughts
The Divided Championship will be available in June 2025
John “The Nebraska Tigerman” Pesek pinning Joe Stecher during their April 22, 1926 World Title match in St. Louis (Public Domain)
Main Content
Slattery’s Revelations
During June 1927, the Illinois state legislature rocked the professional boxing and professional wrestling worlds when a subcommittee started investigating the state athletic commission. Before the committee concluded its work, it suspended the boxing and wrestling licenses of 130 athletes.
Martin Slattery, the former manager for John “The Nebraska Tigerman” Pesek, provided damning information against Joe Stecher and Tom Packs, the St. Louis promoter.
Gallus further asked Slattery if Slattery knew of any fixed matches. Slattery said, “Yes. Joe Stecher’s April 22, 1926, title defense against John Pesek was a set up affair.” Slattery said that Joe Stecher made Pesek put up $16,000 as forfeit if Pesek double-crossed Stecher. Pesek also had to guarantee an automatic rematch.
Pesek intended to double-cross Stecher anyway but the threat of suspension by Missouri State Athletic Commission if Pesek double-crossed Stecher changed Pesek’s mind. Pesek knew Packs had the connections on the commission to convince the commissioners to suspend Pesek.
Recommendation
Konnan vs. Perro Aguayo from 1990 in Mexico. It is not the mask versus hair match. It is a match billed as mano a mano prior to the mask versus hair match.
Wrestling News
I discuss John Cena’s promo on Raw trying to explain his ill-advised heel turn.
I also share my thoughts on John Moxley taking a suplex on a spiked baseball bat.
Closing
I would also be grateful if you would rate this podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to the show. That helps tremendously with keeping the podcast visible, so people who have never heard of it can discover it. If you have already done this, thank you so much.
Pin It
