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!
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