Frank Gotch

Burns and gotch

Frank Gotch vs Georg Hackenschmidt 1908

Frank Gotch
Birth name	Frank Alvin Gotch
Born	(1878-04-27)April 27, 1878 Humboldt, Iowa, U.S.
Died	December 16, 1917(1917-12-16) (aged 39) Humboldt, Iowa, U.S.
Professional wrestling career
Billed height	{{This person-related article is a stub.}}
Billed weight	Template:Infobox person/weight
Billed from	Humboldt, Iowa
Debut	1899
Retired	1913

Frank Alvin Gotch (April 27, 1878 – December 16, 1917) was an American professional wrestler. He is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time and was a major star in the early 20th century. Gotch was the first American to win the World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship and held the title from 1908 to 1913.

Early life

Frank Gotch was born on April 27, 1878, in Humboldt, Iowa. He grew up on a farm and developed his wrestling skills by grappling with local farm boys and participating in local wrestling matches.

Professional wrestling career

Gotch began his professional wrestling career in 1899. He quickly gained a reputation for his strength, skill, and tenacity. In 1904, Gotch faced Tom Jenkins for the American Heavyweight Championship but was defeated. However, he continued to improve and eventually won the title in 1905.

In 1908, Gotch faced the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, Georg Hackenschmidt, in a highly anticipated match. Gotch defeated Hackenschmidt to become the first American to win the World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship. He successfully defended his title multiple times, including a rematch against Hackenschmidt in 1911, which drew a large crowd and significant media attention.

Gotch retired from professional wrestling in 1913, having never lost his title in the ring. He remains one of the most celebrated figures in the history of professional wrestling.

Personal life

Gotch married Gladys Oestrich in 1911. The couple had one child. After retiring from wrestling, Gotch returned to his hometown of Humboldt, Iowa, where he engaged in various business ventures.

Death

Frank Gotch died on December 16, 1917, at the age of 39, in Humboldt, Iowa. His death was attributed to uremic poisoning.

Legacy

Frank Gotch is remembered as one of the pioneers of professional wrestling. His matches, particularly those against Georg Hackenschmidt, are considered some of the most important in the history of the sport. Gotch's influence can still be seen in modern professional wrestling, and he is often cited as an inspiration by contemporary wrestlers.

Related pages

• Professional wrestling
• World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship (Catch as Catch Can)
• Georg Hackenschmidt
• Tom Jenkins (wrestler)