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:
Karl Stern
Karl Stern is a pro wrestling historian specializing in the 1980s and pioneer era (pre-1900) of pro wrestling. He is an author who has written several books on wrestling and independently runs the When It Was Cool retro pop culture website.