Hack Accuses Americans of Faking

When “The Russian Lion” George Hackenschmidt toured America in 1905, he left the country unimpressed by the state of American wrestling.  The current World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, known as “Hack” to much of the wrestling public, toured several cities in an attempt to arrange a match with American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Tom Jenkins.

Hackenschmidt won the world title in Greco-Roman wrestling but switched to the more popular catch-as-catch-can style during his run as champion.  Hackenschmidt wanted to face Jenkins to solidify his claim to the World Championship.

Hackenschmidt was not disgusted with the quality of the wrestlers but with their business suggestions.  Hackenschmidt accused American promoters and wrestlers of pre-arranging their matches or “faking” the contests.

Hackenschmidt relayed his frustration to the London newspapers in a story picked up by the September 9, 1905 edition of the Rock Island Argus.  The story quoted Hackenschmidt about his time in America.

“One thing that I could not understand about America is the faking methods of some of the wrestlers.  Wherever I went to seek a match I was confronted by a lot schemers, who made all sorts of unsportsmanlike propositions to me.”

Hack continued, “When they saw that I was not a fakir they avoided me and began to say unkind things about me.  I guess I became unpopular with some of them but I don’t care if I have the better element on my side.”

Hackenschmidt’s match with Tom Jenkins on May 5, 1905 in Madison Square Garden was a legitimate contest.  It was also won easily by Hack.  Hack pinned Jenkins in two straight falls at 31 minutes and 22 minutes.

Jenkins possessed excellent wrestling skills.  After losing to “Hack”, Jenkins would teach wrestling at the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1905 to 1942.  Despite his skill, Jenkins had no answer for Hackenschmidt’s strength.

At the start of the first fall, Hackenschmidt forced Jenkins to his knees within six minutes.  Jenkins wrestled defensively for the next 25 minutes, while “Hack” continued to grind him down.  At the 31 minute mark, “Hack” secured a half-nelson and threw Jenkins to his back for the first fall.

The first fall weakened Jenkins but he rallied for the first minute of the second fall.  Hackenschmidt quickly reversed Jenkins’ momentum and forced him back to the floor.  It was only a matter of time.  At 22 minutes, “Hack” secured a half-nelson and body hold for the throw and second straight fall.

Frank Gotch challenged the winner but Hackenschmidt returned to Europe without facing America’s best wrestler.  Gotch would have to wait three more years for his title shot with Hackenschmidt.  Gotch would enter their match determined to make “The Russian Lion” pay for making him wait.

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