Title History
- American Championship defeating Tom Jenkins (1903)
- World Championship defeating George Hackenschmidt (1908)
Career History
Frank Gotch:
- April 2, 1899: Frank Gotch (debut) defeated Marshall Green in Humboldt, Iowa..
- Frank Gotch wrestled in the rough and tumble mining camps of Alaska..
- Frank Gotch was well known for his victories over George Hackenschmidt and by his famous toehold finisher..
- February 22, 1903: Frank Gotch challenged Tom Jenkins for the American Championship but was unsuccessful..
- 1904: Frank Gotch defeated Tom Jenkins for American Championship and held the title for over eight years..
- April 3, 1908: Frank Gotch defeated “The Russian Lion” George Hackenschmidt for the World free-style Heavywieght title..
- ~~~Following the bout, George Hackenschmidt accused Frank Gotch of using unfair tactics to win the championship..
- September 4, 1911: Frank Gotch defeated an injured Hackenschmidt at Comisky Park in Chicago in the much anticipated (re)match..
- Frank Gotch was acknowledged as one of the first NWA World Champions..
- November 15, 1911: Frank Gotch defended the World Heavyweight title against Jim Aspdell in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan..
- April 1, 1913: Frank Gotch announced his retirement from wrestling..
- July 18, 1916: Frank Gotch fractured his leg in an exhibition match with Bob Managoff Sr. at a Sells-Floto Circus performance..
- ~~~This was the last time he wrestled..
- December 16, 1917: Frank Gotch died tragically at the age of 39..
- Frank Gotch is buried at Union Cemetery in Humboldt, Iowa, in the large family tomb..
The Frank Gotch Legend:
- April 24, 1999: Frank Gotch was inducted into the Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame..
- Frank Gotch’s memoralibia was about to be thrown out by one of the masonic lodges housing..
- ~~~It was saved by a collector who put it in a wrestling museum in Iowa – where it belongs..
- Frank Gotch and his life are accounted for in the book, “Wild West Characters”, covering his carnival tours in the west, [Website]
- Frank Gotch is also mentioned at great length in the book, The Fall Guys, long out of print and an early days expose of the business..
- Frank Gotch is also profiled in a biography written by Mike Chapman called Frank Gotch: An American Hero..
- Frank Gotch had a short lived cigar brand named after him..