Frank Gotch

Last updated: November 15, 2015

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..