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#1 |
Posts: 61,520
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The legendary Karl Gotch passes away
Karl Charles Istaz; known the world over as Karl Gotch, passed away at 9:45 pm last night just days away from his 83rd birthday. Gotch was a "place-winner" in the 1948 Olympics in London. From there he moved onto the famed Wigan School, where he learned submission wrestling. After migrating to the US, he began to build a reputation as a shooter, and considered by some "the toughest man alive." While wrestling in the US Kotch captured the WWWF World Tag Team titles with Rene Goulet.
In Japan he was actually referred to the "The God of Professional Wrestling," later he became a trainer for both New Japan Pro Wrestling and later the original UWF. Gotch's influence is very apparent in students Akira Maeda and Nobuhiko Takada; and that led to the rise of not only shoot fighting but eventually MMA in that Japan. Credit: Wrestlingobserver.com Pfft |
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#2 |
Posts: 61,520
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RIP, Karl.
I normally don't post in threads like these, not because I don't care, it's just always the same thing to be said. "They were too young," "their contributions to the industry were overlooked," etc. In Karl Gotch we have a founding father of professional wrestling as we know it, and a man who got a good run out of life. I don't want to talk about the politics of this, but in a time where the deaths of wrestlers are being looked into, it's good to see a great who made it into his eighth decade on the planet. |
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#3 |
TPWW's #3 Peep
Posts: 20,902
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To be honest I've never heard of the guy. But R.I.P and thank you for your contributions to the sport.
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#4 |
Franchise of TPWW
Posts: 15,458
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GOtch was a huge influence to MMA. RIP. May your legacy not be forgotten.
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#5 |
Posts: 15,983
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hmmmmmmmm, any relation to Frank Gotch, does anyone know?
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#6 |
Franchise of TPWW
Posts: 15,458
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Nah, Gotch is actually just his in ring name which he took on out of respect to Frank.
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#7 |
TPWW's Glass Ceiling
Posts: 5,793
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WoW.
Glad to see that he made it so far. Incredible career and talent. Tons of great stories that I've heard about his time in the ring. RIP to him, and to any family he may have, my condolences. |
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#8 |
Ninja Mod, Esquire
Posts: 12,676
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RIP. He had a legendary career and a legendary life.
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#9 |
It's a blood match!
Posts: 27,382
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goddamn steriods
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#10 |
Over Like Rover
Posts: 38,444
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#11 |
Boss
Posts: 17,611
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Rest in peace.
I bet that man would have had a treasure trove of great stories to tell... |
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#12 |
As over as Crystal Pepsi
Posts: 21,639
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He's before my time, but I have nothing but respect and love for everyone who has stepped into the ring and gave their heart and soul for the industry.
Rest in peace. |
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#13 |
VG + Q&A FORUM REPRESENT
Posts: 2,957
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deinfately roids.. coulda wrestled for another 10 years. tsk tsk tsk
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#14 |
Member
Posts: 1,055
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Yeah something definately has to be done about the drug use in this business.
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#15 |
I'm A Tazz Dan Guy
Posts: 735
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RIP...thank you for everything youve done for this business
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#16 |
Posts: 1,907
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82 is a good age. R.I.P.
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#17 |
Mr. Slack A Lack Jack!
Posts: 4,390
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RIP
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#18 |
Shadow Conspircy leader
Posts: 18,582
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82...and you guys are blaming Roids?
For shame RIP |
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#19 |
Robo Speedly Force
Posts: 2,003
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RIP
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