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Frank Gotch wrestled at a time when professional wrestling was believed
to be sport and never theatre. Trained by Farmer Burns, he debuted to defeat
Marshall Green in 1899 and went on to have classics with Tom Jenkins and
George Hackenschmidt. Gotch is best known for defeating George Hackenschmidt
for the World Free-Style Heavyweight Title on April 3, 1908. Gotch was
accused by Hackenschmidt of using unfair tactics to win the gold.
In the re-match, Gotch defeated Hackenschmidt, who had been injured, and
some consider Gotch to be one of the first NWA World Heavyweight Champions
in that title lineage. Gotch retired from wrestling in 1916 after fracturing
his leg in an exhibition match with Bob Managoff Sr. He died in 1917 at
the age of 39, but his legend continues. He continues to be much talked
about nearly 100 years after his death, proving that he made a very big
impact. He was one of the first great rule breakers and his legend has
stood the test of time.
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Frank Gotch wrestled at a time when professional wrestling was believed
to be sport and never theatre. Trained by Farmer Burns, he debuted to defeat
Marshall Green in 1899 and went on to have classics with Tom Jenkins and
George Hackenschmidt. Gotch is best known for defeating George Hackenschmidt
for the World Free-Style Heavyweight Title on April 3, 1908. Gotch was
accused by Hackenschmidt of using unfair tactics to win the gold.
In the re-match, Gotch defeated Hackenschmidt, who had been injured, and
some consider Gotch to be one of the first NWA World Heavyweight Champions
in that title lineage. Gotch retired from wrestling in 1916 after fracturing
his leg in an exhibition match with Bob Managoff Sr. He died in 1917 at
the age of 39, but his legend continues. He continues to be much talked
about nearly 100 years after his death, proving that he made a very big
impact. He was one of the first great rule breakers and his legend has
stood the test of time.