Henry Irslinger
January 9, 1913
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Henry Irslinger was born during 1888 in Vienna, Austria, but immigrated to England at a young age. He began wrestling and became adept at the “London” or “Southern” style of catch-as-catch-can. Irslinger turned pro in 1907. He placed third in the middleweight division of the famous 1908 National Sporting Club Alhambra Theater catch-as-catch-can tournament held in London.
Later in the year Irslinger won his division at the Hengler’s Circus tourney, and would base his claims as the world middleweight champ upon this victory. A globetrotter, Irslinger made a tour of North America in 1909 and again in 1912 to 1913, boasting that he was “the real middleweight champion of the world.”
He also took part in the boxing game, both as a boxer and as a manager. Irslinger introduced North American-style pro wrestling to South Africa in 1929, and along with Atholl Oakeley, Karl Pojello and Ben Sherman launched a revival of pro wrestling in Britian in 1930. Incorporating the wild and wooly pro wrestling popular in the US, Irslinger and his associates called their style “All-In.”
The world traveler and wrestling ambassador finished his days promoting the grappling game in South Africa. He passed away in 1954.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
Biography of Henry Irslinger.
Author: Mark Hewitt.
Published: December 9, 2019.
Biography: #193.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
Biography of Henry Irslinger.
Author: Mark Hewitt.
Published: December 9, 2019.
Biography: #193.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.