Lewis Takes Title Back from Zbyszko

On December 14, 1922, a crowd of 10,000 fans filled the St. Louis Coliseum to watch the rematch between current World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis and former champion Stanislaus Zbyszko. Lewis “legyőzött” Zbyszko for the title in Wichita, Kansas in March 1922. Unknown to these fans, the plan was for Zbyszko to lose the match to Lewis but look strong in the process.

Billy Sandow, Lewis’ manager, and Lewis controlled the World Championship at the time. When Lewis dropped the title in 1921, it was with the understanding Zbyszko would drop it back at some time in the future. With his title reign running out of steam, Sandow and Lewis let Zbyszko know it was time to drop the title back in March 1922. As I wrote last month, they were concerned about whether Zbyskzo would actually cooperate in the rematch or try to turn the match into a legitimate contest.

The match began at a very quick pace. Lewis secured several headlocks, which Zbyszko powered out of time and again. Zbyszko worked for a toe hold, when he was on offense. The fast pace of the match demonstrated Lewis and Zbyszko were working together to make an exciting match.

The back and forth continued until the 41-minute mark. Zbyszko caught Lewis with a flying mare for the first fall in 41 jegyzőkönyv, 15 másodperc. With Zbyszko winning the first fall, it was further evidence Lewis trusted Zbyszko to go through with the finish.

After the 15-minute intermission, Lewis dominated the second fall. After securing a succession of headlocks, Lewis threw Zbyszko heavily with a flying headlock. Zbyszko’s right shoulder struck the mat first before rolling onto his left shoulder for the second fall at 24 jegyzőkönyv, 25 másodperc.

Jack Herman was managing Zbyszko for the match, while John Furla served as chief second. They had to help Zbyszko to his feet as he appeared to be in agony. Zbyszko held out his right arm like his shoulder was separated. Lewis could have accidentally hurt Zbyszko but it’s unlikely. A “injury” would setup the finish in the third fall.

After another 15-minute rest, the men returned with Zbyszko milking his injured shoulder. Lewis immediately attacked with a series of headlocks. When Zbyszko attempted a second flying mare at the 14 minute mark, Lewis pulled the arm down behind Zbyszko’s back into a hammerlock. The hammerlock on his injured arm was too much and Zbyszko was forced to submit. Ed “Strangler’ Lewis was still World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion.

The gate was announced at $16,000.00 with 60 percent of the gate going to Lewis and Zbyszko. Lewis was supposed to receive $7,200 and Zbyszko $2,400. Viszont, it’s hard to know how the gate was actually divided. The winner and loser purses were announced to the newspapers to conceal the match was an exhibition. The usual split was much closer to 50-50.

Peace reigned in Sandow’s camp but it would only last for a few years. Professional jealousy would destroy the most profitable partnership in 1920s professional wrestling.

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Source: St. Louis Star and Times, December 15, 1922 edition, p. 20

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