3 controversial finishes you may know about, and 2 you may not in pro wrestling

#4 Controversial Finishes You May Not Know About: Frank Gotch vs George Hackenschmidt - 1911

The picture shows two gentlemen with mutual respect for one another. Picutres can be deceiving. Photo / Bloody Elbow

Another of the controversial finishes that fans likely didn't hear about took place around the turn of the century. Two of the true trailblazers in wrestling history consist of Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt.

July 4, 1916 Sells-Floto Circus appeared in Williamsport PA with World Heavyweight Wrestling and Boxing Champions Frank Gotch and Jess Willard. Famous soldier Buffalo Bill was the main attraction. Gotch was paid $1,200 a week to appear. Here is their schedule of 1916! pic.twitter.com/5dyMvZNrJH

— Matt Farmer (@mattfarmer93) July 4, 2020

Awesome find Original program from April 3, 1908 George Hackenschmidt vs Frank Gotch match in Chicago IL #DexterPark pic.twitter.com/HHkXpWKQqy

— Matt Farmer (@mattfarmer93) May 16, 2016

The history behind their controversial finish consist a bounty that was tied to the winner. These two were no strangers to one another. In fact, it was a few years earlier when Frank Gotch handed Hackenschmidt a loss. This match however was different. It was advertised not just as a championship match but a 'rematch of the century'. There are conflicting reports on Hackenschimdit's injury leading up to one of history's controversial finishes.

As it has been reported in the past, the book Hooker, The Authentic Wrestler's Adventures Inside the Bizarre World of Professional Wrestling (Wrestling Channel Press, 1995-2000), p. 67 then training partner of Hackenschmidt Ad Santel was awarded $5000 to injury George prior to his match.

However, Hackenschimdt has said that it was injured while with his sparring partner Dr. Roller. Whether or not Gotch knew about the injury, Hackenschimidt wanted to make amends for what happened in 1908's loss. It is one of histories controversial finishes that is still baffling.

"When I met Gotch before, I was a sick man and in no condition to wrestle.This time I will be a different man, and I will show the wrestling public that I not only have improved in my wrestling, but that I am a better man at the mat game than Gotch." - George Hackenschimdit's comments before his rematch with Frank Gotch.

How it took place wasn't documented but the fact that he was injured going into his match with Gotch was something the promoters of the event didn't want to be made known to those in attendance. Gotch dominated the injured Hackenschmidt, winning in two straight falls. This is among the first documented controversial finishes in wrestling history.