April 14, 2008 Observer Newsletter: Affliction MMA makes a big move, Hackenschmidt vs. Gotch turns 100

In this week’s newly posted retro Wrestling Observer Newsletter, we go back to April 2008 where Affliction MMA (yes, that Affliction MMA) was making a big move by bringing in Fedor Emelianenko.

Dave Meltzer looked at the 100th anniversary of the famous Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt match in addition to a deep dive on the biggest wrestling matches in major cities.

All that and more await in the latest WON added to our growing archive.

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: The history of the American Heavyweight title

This week’s DKK Classic Wrestling Show is a 1000 Hours edition focusing on pioneers of pro wrestling and taking a look back at one of the earliest and most important championships of the pioneer era: the American Heavyweight title.

It was a time when it seemed like every wrestler billed themselves as “champion of America” in some form or other. But what can we deduce about the actual championship of America that led eventually to Tom Jenkins, Frank Gotch, and becoming tied into the George Hackenschmidt World heavyweight title? 

Let’s talk about it on hour 19 of 1000 Hours.

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: The history of wrestling at Madison Square Garden continues

One of the biggest matches so far in my series looking at pro wrestling history at Madison Square Garden takes place this episode as Tom Jenkins faces Frank Gotch.

Did you know the legendary Gotch never won a match at MSG? I talk about that and more plus yet another giant Turk shows up squashing people. 

My popular history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden series continues. Just click below and check out the other shows in the archives.

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: The Life and Times of Frank Gotch

In this 15th part of our history of pro wrestling series, we take a look at 1916-17 and the final year of the life of all-time legend Frank Gotch.

A few of the topics I touched upon:

  • The aftermath of the Manhatten Opera House International tournament
  • The world title chase featuring Earl Caddock, Joe Stecher, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, and Wladek Zbyszko.
  • When Gotch joined the circus
  • When Gotch broke his leg during a match
  • When “Strangler” Lewis met Joe Stecher in a five hour match
  • When Gotch attempted a comeback
  • World War I and its effects on pro wrestling with both the world champion and number one contender away at war
  • Gotch’s death at the young age of 40

Subscribers can listen by clicking below:

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt II

Karl Stern’s longform history of pro wrestling series continues today, this time looking at the big rematch between Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt and the fallout from the biggest match in history up to that point. Who were the big stars following Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt II?

Topics covered on this week’s episode —

  • Frank Gotch faces George Hackenschmidt in the big World title rematch in Chicago.
  • The training injury to Hackenschmidt — who did it?
  • What did Gotch do next after beating Hackenschmidt?
  • Who were the top contenders after Hackenschmidt?
  • The rise of Stanislaus Zbyszko and Ed “Strangler” Lewis.
  • The greatest masked gimmick ever.

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: The first World Champion

We enter 1905 and finally get a true World Heavyweight Champion of professional wrestling on today’s episode of Karl Stern’s longform look at the industry’s history — but not without significant shenanigans.

Topics covered on this week’s episode of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling show:

  • American Champion Tom Jenkins loses to Frank Gotch.
  • Tom Jenkins gets involved in a worked matches scandal with George Hackenschmidt.
  • Tom Jenkins regains the American title amid cries of fakery.
  • Tom Jenkins meets the European Champion George Hackenschmidt to determine the champion of the world.
  • Frank Gotch dominates the North American wrestling scene except for…
  • The bizarre match between Fred Beehl and Frank Gotch featuring an early wrestling high spot.

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: A look at the Frank Gotch era

On the tenth part of the longform history of pro wrestling series, we cover 1900-1904 today and talk a lot about Frank Gotch, his scam tour of the Yukon, the rise of George Hackenschmidt, Tom Jenkins, and more.

But before we begin, the first segment of the show addresses the death of Jimmy Snuka. On this episode, host Karl Stern talks about:

  • The death and complicated story of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka.
  • The longform history of pro wrestling part 10 begins in 1900.
  • The rise of Frank Gotch.
  • Frank Gotch goes to the Yukon, changes his name, and runs a scam.
  • Tom Jenkins is the major star in the United States and American Champion.
  • George Hackenschmidt begins his rise in Europe to becoming the first World champion.
  • What are the real origins of tag team wrestling?

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DragonKingKarl Show: Mail bag! Free! Pioneer era, plus Demolition, WWE HOF

DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show: FREE EDITION! Tell your friends! Today is a mailbag show with a wide range of questions and topics including:

  • The pioneers of wrestling what referees were in the days of Frank Gotch, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, and Joe Stecher.  The conversation also includes how state atheletic commissions played into things during the pioneer era and how wrestling pioneer William Muldoon figured into things.
  • Why is Demolition not in the WWE Hall of Fame?  Despite being one of the longest reigning tag teams in WWF/WWE history, Demolition has been all but erased from the record books.  They are viritually never mentioned.  Well, that’s not entirely true.  Demoltion Smash (Barry Darsaw) has been brought back for a few projects and even an appearance as the Repo Man so I tell you why that might be and how it probably also includes a member of the Moondogs.
  • There is a great and super informative email about the drawing power of Jim Londos defending him as legitimately one of the biggest draws in wrestling history.  I learned a lot myself from this one.

This is a free show today so tell your friends to give it a listen!  If you would like to order a Super Stern Stick Flashdrive please check out my website http://www.dragonkingkarl.com

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