Gotch vs. Hackenscmidt: The Matches That Made and Destroyed Legitimate American Professional Wrestling

In 1908, George Hackenschmidt, the touring World Champion for the past 8 years, wrestled Frank Gotch, the American Heavyweight Champion. This match turned professional wrestling into a massive spectator sport for the first time. However, the controversial rematch three years later led fans to stay away for the next decade and hastened the transition to worked exhibitions instead of legitimate contests.