Gotch Avenges Loss

On Sunday, Décembre 17, 1906, Kansas City, Missouri once more proved itself to be a hotbed for professional wrestling as 8,000 fans crammed Convention Hall to watch the rematch between Frank Gotch and Fred Beell. Beell won the American Heavyweight Wrestling Championship from Gotch three weeks earlier in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gotch claimed the loss to be a fluke, while Beell asserted he would beat Gotch decisively this time. The first victory was controversial as Gotch struck his head after falling off the mat in the first match. Gotch appeared dazed and unable to defend himself for the remainder of the match.

The Kansas City crowd strongly supported Frank Gotch, who wrestled defensively but effectively. Beell frequently charged Gotch but his offense was ineffective against his larger opponent. Beell a été généreusement inscrit à 5’06”, 165 livres. Gotch stood a full 5’11” et pesé 200 livres. Beell was powerful for his size but Gotch was likely stronger.

Beell lunged at Gotch for the first 10 minutes without ever securing a hold. Beell’s only successful offense in the match came after Gotch slipped on the mat at the 15 minute mark. Beell jumped on Gotch and secured a crotch hold and half-Nelson. Cependant, Gotch shoved him off.

Beell jumped in for a headlock and looked like he might secure a takedown. Cependant, Gotch grabbed Beell’s ankles and flipped Beell over Gotch’s shoulders. Beell landed on his head and appeared dazed. Gotch pinned Beell with the English cross hold at 19 procès-verbal, 16 seconds.

Normally, intermissions between falls were 10 minutes long but a boxing bout was held between the first and second falls giving Beell almost 30 minutes to recover. It didn’t change the outcome though.

Contested mostly standing for the first 35 minutes of the second fall, Gotch went for his toehold at the “35 procès-verbal” announcement. Beell was able to push out of the attempt but Gotch grabbed a second toe hold. Beell escaped a second time but left himself vulnerable to a counter hold.

Gotch secured a crotch hold and half-Nelson. Gotch worked for a few minutes before he was able to turn Beell onto his shoulders. Gotch won his title back in two straight falls. The second fall took 38 procès-verbal, 16 seconds.

Although Gotch wrestled many contests, I believe this series was worked. The outcome of the first match would make the long-standing champion look vulnerable and sell more tickets in the long run. After so many years of dominance, fans can lose interest in the championship matches figuring no one can beat the champion.

It also helped Fred Beell, a talented but smaller grappler. His title run, despite it’s brevity, helped build Beell’s credibility.

Beell was a good wrestler for Gotch to drop the title to as well. It is highly unlikely Beell could actually defeat Gotch in a contest. Gotch could simply take the title back, if Beell didn’t want to work the return match.

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Source: The Kansas City Star and Kansas City Times, Décembre 18, 1906 édition, p. 1

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