10 Pro Wrestlers With Olympic Backgrounds

#6 KARL GOTCH

One of the forefathers of professional wrestling as we know it.

Dubbed by many as the "god of wrestling," Gotch was a tremendous influence on some of the most iconic stars of wrestling's history, including Antonio Inoki. Inoki was also the one responsible for creating New Japan Pro Wrestling.

In fact, Gotch and Inoki would main-event the very first NJPW event.

The German Suplex is a maneuver named after Karl Gotch. Gotch is also a member of numerous wrestling halls of fame.

Karl Gotch competed in the freestyle wrestling, as well as Greco-Roman wrestling, at the 1948 Olympic Games. Gotch also excelled in the Indian martial art of Pehlwani.