7. Frank Gotch Retires Unbeaten April 1st, 1913
Its time for a history lesson, kids! Frank Gotch is one of professional wrestlings forefathers. Modern day freestyle wrestling, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling all date back to the legendary Humboldt, Iowa grappler. On April 3rd, 1908, Gotch met wrestlings first ever undisputed World Heavyweight Champion The Russian Lion Georg Hackenschmidt in front of a sold out crowd at Dexter Park in Chicago. Back in the day, championship matches were always contested in a Best of Three Falls format. It took over two hours for Gotch to score the first fall, submitting Hackenschmidt with his signature toe hold. Hackenschmidt never came back to the ring for the second fall. The two met again for a rematch in September of 1911, but Gotch was victorious yet again. His three year run evolved into an almost five year run, ending when Gotch retired on April 1st, 1913. Wrestlings first American World Heavyweight Champion just couldnt be beaten no matter who stood across from him.
Eric Delgado has been writing about professional wrestling for five years and has been involved in the professional wrestling business as a performer for ten. He is also the former host of Steel Cage Radio and has an irrational love for The Ryback.