Gotch Wanted Hack in St. Louis
Frank Gotch took the American Heavyweight Wrestling Championship from Tom Jenkins in December 1903. Gotch intended on following up this triumph with a match for World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship from George Hackenschmidt.
Frank Gotch from the Public Domain
Gotch wanted to meet “Hack” in St. Louis during the 1904 World’s Fair. Unfortunately for Gotch and St. Louis, the match would not occur until 1908 in Chicago, Illinois.
Gotch started his tour on August 19, 1903 in Minot, South Dakota. Gotch agreed to throw Ole Olson three times in one hour. He accomplished the feat in twenty-eight minutes for a $500 purse.
It took him until September 3, 1903 to secure a second match. Gotch took on two wrestlers named Clank and Coleman. He won $800 for throwing both men twice in 84 minutes.
Gotch next met John Burg, a champion wrestler and weightlifter. Gotch won $2,800 after throwing Burg twice in 31 minutes. Gotch also beat versatile wrestler Duncan McMillan for $1,000.
Gotch then engaged in two most likely prearranged contests with his mentor and trainer Martin “Farmer” Burns. Gotch dropped bouts to build up Burns’ opponents in the past. Burns may have been returning the favor now.
Gotch wrestled a series of non-title matches with Tom Jenkins for $2,020 before beating Jenkins for the title and another $2,800 dollars, $2,000 purse and $800 from gate receipts. Gotch reportedly made about $20,000 on his six month tour of the western states.
Gotch knew millions of people would attend the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Gotch showed his business savvy by trying to set up a match during the Fair. George Hackenschmidt already committed to other dates and a match did not get setup until 1908.
Gotch’s repeated fouls during the bout may have resulted from anger about losing out on a potential gold mine from gate receipts. Gotch still did pretty well for himself.
Frank Gotch proved a legendary champion who dominated professional wrestling during his five year reign. Few wrestlers could stand up the powerful and vicious champion.
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Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt is available at Amazon in paperback and on e-book.
