Welcome to Part 1 of our 3-part deep dive into one of the greatest rivalries in combat sports history: Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt.
Before they ever stepped into the ring together, both men carved their own legends — Gotch as the tough Midwestern wrestler who embodied grit and determination, and Hackenschmidt as the powerful “Russian Lion,” a global icon of strength and athleticism.
In this episode, we explore:
How Gotch and Hackenschmidt rose to fame in different corners of the world
The evolution of catch-as-catch-can wrestling at the turn of the 20th century
The cultural and national pride tied to their rivalry
The early seeds of what would become one of the most talked-about matches in wrestling history
This isn’t just about two men — it’s about a turning point in wrestling that influenced everything from pro wrestling to modern MMA.
👉 Stick around as we unravel the full story across this 3-part series. Part 2 and 3 are coming soon!
If you enjoy exploring the roots of combat sports, hit subscribe and join us on this journey through history.
