Pesek Bests Londos
In 1919, John “The Nebraska Tigerman” Pesek found himself in the same position as Marin Plestina. The dominant wrestling trust would not give Pesek a match with one of the “Big Four” – Earl Caddock, Joe Stecher, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, and Wladek Zbyszko.
Unable to secure a match with Stecher, Pesek wrestled Jim Londos in Omaha, Nebraska on October 10, 1919. Londos was not a member of the “Big Four”, but Londos had built a national reputation. Promoters recognized Londos potential drawing power as wrestling’s top star.
John Pesek at 21 years of age in 1915 (Public Domain)
The national wrestling trust led by Jack Curley promised Pesek and his manager Martin Slattery that Pesek could wrestle one of the “Big Four” if Pesek defeated Londos. It remained to be seen if the match would actually happen.
Londos tried to play the role of Pesek in Pesek’s 1921 match with Marin Plestina by continuously fouling Pesek with slaps and palm strikes. Londos pushed Pesek off the stage into the spectators once or twice. The referee warned Londos repeatedly but never disqualified Londos.
Jim Londos from the November 16, 1920 edition of Idaho Statesman (Public Domain)
Pesek applied a toe hold which looked to finish Londos. Londos rolled wildly to relieve the pressure of the hold. After thrashing about for a minute, Londos freed himself and stood back to his feet.
Londos used a grapevine and half-Nelson to take Pesek to the mat. Londos and his seconds claimed a fall. However, the referee, Kid Graves, the Sporting Editor for the Omaha Daily Bee said Londos did not score a pinfall.
Pesek pinned Londos’ arms to his side, lifted Londos into the air, and slammed Londos to the ground. Pesek followed Londos to the ground. The force of the slam and Pesek falling on Londos knocked Londos out. Graves awarded Pesek the first fall at two hours, twenty-six minutes, and thirty seconds.
After the fifteen-minute intermission, Londos returned to the mat and wrestled for about a minute. Londos staggered and his corner threw in a towel signifying Londos conceding the match to Pesek.
Pesek satisfied the demands of the national trust by beating Londos. Would the national trust book Pesek against the World Champion?
You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page or Twitter profile.
Source: Omaha Daily Bee, October 11, 1919, p. 17
Shooter in A Worked World Book Cover
