Tennessee, United States of America: 1931
#PWHS #Results #Tennessee #Memphis #Knoxville #Chattanooga #Nashville #CACC #CatchWrestling
JANUARY 1931
JANUARY 9, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - George Manish def. Fred Grobmier,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:26:00 - F2 00:07:00 - C 00:33:00)
2 - Dick Shikat def. John Katan,
One Fall to None - Forfeit (01:02:00)
Notes:
Katan was unable to continue.
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
Referee: Jack Reynolds
1 - Charlie Fox (Cleveland) def. Jack Reynolds (Pittsburgh)
Two Falls to One
2 - George Zaharias def. Jack Washburn
Two Falls to One
Notes:
The Knoxville News-Sentinel listed Reynolds as a wrestler from Pittsburgh, so probably not the welterweight champion Jack Reynolds. Reynolds substituted in the opener for Floyd Marshall who "missed train connections."
JANUARY 12, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
1 - Kola Kwariani def. Jack Washburn,
(00:10:00)
2 - Dick Shikat def. Floyd Marshall,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:45:00 - F2 00:01:00 - C 00:46:00)
JANUARY 13, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
1 - John Katan def. Floyd Marshall,
Two Falls to One
2 - George Manish def. Roughhouse Nelson,
Two Falls to One
JANUARY 15, 1931 (THURSDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club.
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Lloyd Burdick def. Marshall Blackstock,
(00:07:00)
2 - John Katan def. Paul Harper,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:20:30 - F2 00:05:30 - C 00:26:00)
3 - George Manish def. George Zaharias,
One Fall to None - Forfeit (00:44:00)
Notes:
Zaharias was unable to continue.
JANUARY 16, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
1 - Floyd Marshall def. Roughhouse Nelson,
Two Falls to None
2 - Dick Shikat def. George Zaharias,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:35:00 - F2 00:10:00 - C 00:45:00)
Notes:
This was a benefit show for the Knoxville Junior League to support the Dale Avenue Settlement house. About $500 in proceeds went to the charity.
JANUARY 19, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
1 - Jim Heslin def. Dick Lever,
(00:19:00)
2 - Floyd Marshall def. Charley Lehman,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:??:00 - F2 00:12:00 - F3 00:??:00 - C 00:59:00)
Notes: Lever was substituted for George Tragos who failed to show. Heslin was listed as Heflin in the news coverage in The Nashville Tennessean.
JANUARY 23, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
1 - Whitey Hewitt Vs. Charlie Lehman (Chicago),
Draw
2 - Jim Heslin (Australia) def. Floyd Marshall,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:23:00 - F2 00:13:00 - C 00:35:00)
JANUARY 26, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - John Katan def. Charles Leahman,
Two Falls to One
2 - George Manish def. Paul Jones,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:28:30 - F2 00:17:00 - F3 00:04:30 - C 00:50:00)
JANUARY 28, 1931 (WEDNESDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
1 - Fred Grobmier def. Nick Velcoff (Bulgaria),
(00:37:00)
2 - Paul Jones (Texas) def. Jim Heslin (Australia),
Two Falls to One (F1 00:35:00 - F2 00:07:00 - F3 00:06:00 - C 00:48:00)
JANUARY 29, 1931 (THURSDAY)
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
1 - Fred Grobmier def. Charles Leahman (Bffalo, New York),
Two Falls to None (F1 00:35:00 - F2 00:04:00 - C 00:39:00)
2 - John Katan def. Floyd Marshall,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:20:00 - F2 00:30:00 - F3 - 00:10:00 - C 01:00:00)
Notes:
Katan was a substitute for George Manish who had reportedly sprained his ankle on Tuesday.
FEBRUARY 1931
FEBRUARY 2, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
1 - Floyd Marshall Vs. George Tragos,
Result Unknown
2 - Fred Grobmier Vs. John Katan,
Result Unknown
3 - George Manish Vs. Rudy Dusek,
Result Unknown
FEBRUARY 6, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
1 - Stanley Zwacki def. Buzz Bartley (Arizona),
(00:27:00)
2 - George Zaharias def. Jim Heslin,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:30:00 - F2 00:18:00 - C 00:48:00)
Notes:
Heslin was unable to continue. Bartley was a substitute for Mike Getson (Chicago).
FEBRUARY 9, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Pat O'Shocker (Salt Lake City) def. Floyd Marshall (Colorado)
(00:16:30)
2 - John Katan (Canada) def. Jim Heslin (Australia),
(00:10:00)
3 - George Manish def. Martinez Larrea (Mexico),
Two Falls to One (F1 00:19:30 - F2 00:13:00 - F3 00:08:30 - C 00:41:00)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
1 - George Zaharias def. Farmer Bill Nelson,
(00:17:00)
2 - Paul Jones beat Stanley Zwacki,
(00:38:00)
FEBRUARY 11, 1931 (WEDNESDAY)
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Martinez Larrea def. Roughhouse Nelson,
Two Falls to None
2- George Manish (New York) def. Bert (Buzz) Bartley (Texas),
Two Falls to None
FEBRUARY 13, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
1 - Jim Heslin def. Stanley Zwacki,
(00:20:00)
2 - George Zaharias def. Ghafoor Khan (Afghanistan),
Two Falls to One (F1 00:07:00 - F2 00:35:00 - F3 00:??:??)
FEBRUARY 16, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Pat O'Shocker Vs. George Manish,
Draw (01:00:00)
2 - Pete Sauer (Seattle) def. John Katan,
One Fall to None (00:42:00)
Notes:
Commercial Appeal sportswriter, Herbert Caldwell, ended his coverage of the night’s events with the following:
“P.S. – I make a motion that press stands be erected on all four sides of the arena. Maybe the three unoccupied shelves would serve as decoys for wrestlers who choose a press stand side for an exit.”
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
1 - Fritz Crane def. Jim Lassiter,
(00:16:00)
2 - Paul Jones def. Floyd Marshall,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:37:00 - F2 00:15:00 - C 00:52:00)
FEBRUARY 18, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
Referee: Marshall Blackstock (main event)
1 - Marshall (Dynamite) Blackstock def. Stanley Zwacki,
(00:14:00)
2 - Paul Jones def. Rudy Dusek,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:23:30 - F2 00:22:00 - F3 00:10:00 - C 00:55:30)
FEBRUARY 23, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
1 - Walter Buck Vs. Fritz Crane
Draw (00:14:00)
2 - Handicap
Paul Jones def. Walter Buck
(00:04:00)
3 - Handicap
Paul Jones Vs. Fritz Crane
Draw (00:11:00)
4 - Pat O'Shocker def. Stanley Zwacki
Two Falls to None (00:39:00)
Notes:
After the preliminary, Paul Jones agreed to beat both Buck and Crane in less than 15 minutes.
FEBRUARY 24, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Referee: Bobby Burns
Attendance: 1,500
1 - George Manish Vs. Pat O'Shocker,
Draw (60:00)
2 - John Katan def. Bert (Buzz) Bartley,
Two Falls to None
Notes:
Bartley substituted for Nick Velcoff.
FEBRUARY 27, 1931 (WEDNESDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
Referee: Marshall Blackstock (main event)
1 - Marshall Blackstock def. Rudy LaDitzi,
(00:12:15)
2 - Paul Harper def. George Zaharias
Two Falls to One, Disqualification (F1 00:31:00 - F2 00:??:?? - F3 00:??:?? - C ??:??:??)
Notes: Harper substituted for Nick Velcoff who did not show. Zaharias was suspended for 30 days for punching Harper in the third fall of their match.
MARCH 1931
MARCH 2, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
1 - Martinez Larrea def. Gus Anderson (El Paso),
Two Falls to None (F1 00:19:30 - F2 00:07:00 - C 00:26:30)
2 - George Manish def. John Katan,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:36:00 - F2 00:01:10 - C 00:37:10)
MARCH 3, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Attendance: "nearly 2,000"
1 - Fred Grobmier (Texas) def. Gus Anderson (Texas),
Two Falls to None
2 - John Katan def. Marshall (Dynamite) Blackstock,
Two Falls to One
MARCH 9, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - George Zaharias def. Joe Cox (Richmond, VA),
(00:23:30)
2 - Pat O'Shocker Vs. John Katan,
Draw (01:00:00)
3 - Jim Londos def. George Manish,
One Fall to None - Forfeit (00:45:00)
Notes:
Manish was unable to continue.
MARCH 9, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
Referee: Walt Cole
1 - Fritz Crane (Nashville) def. Gus Anderson (El Paso),
(00:16:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Joe Cox (Kansas City),
One Fall (F1 00:36:00)
Notes:
Cox was unable to continue.
MARCH 13, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
Referees: Sam Siegel, Marshall Blackstock
1 - Joe Cox (Kansas City) beat Marshall (Dynamite) Blackstock,
(00:19:36)
2 - Ghafoor Khan def. Paul Harper,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:13:00 - F2 00:12:00 - F3 00:08:00 - C 00:33:00)
MARCH 17, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
Referee: Billy Haack
1 - Walter Buck Vs. Fritz Crane,
Result Unknown
2 - Boxing Match: Choc Harper (Nashville) Vs. Young Jackson (Cleveland, Ohio),
Result Unknown
3 - Boxing Exhibition
Max Schmeling Vs. Tony Manero (New Orleans)
4 - Boxing Exhibition
Max Schmeling Vs. Pedro Lopez (Oklahoma City)
Notes:
This show was mainly just part of a publicity tour for boxing champion, Max Schmeling, to build interest in his upcoming fight with Young Stribling. The preliminaries were not mentioned in the post show coverage.
MARCH 19, 1931 (THURSDAY)
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
1 - Fred Grobmier def. Jack Roller
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Martinez Larrea,
Two Falls to None
MARCH 20, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
Referee: Sam Siegel
1 - Joe Cox def. Paul Harper,
(00:28:00)
2 - Tommy Marvin def. Ghafoor Khan,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:14:37 - F2 00:20:00 - F3 00:04:00 - C 00:41:47)
MARCH 23, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - John Maxos Vs. Martinez Larrea,
Draw (00:30:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Jack Roller
(00:15:30)
3 - George Zaharias def. John Katan,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:08:00 - F2 00:13:30 - F3 00:??:?? - C 00:??:??)
Notes:
Maxos was said to have wrestled in Memphis “some time ago” under the name John Ballas.
MARCH 24, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
Referee: Billy Haack
1 - Joe Cox def. Fritz Crane,
(0:27:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Fred Grobmier (Iowa),
Two Falls to None (F1 00:30:00 - F2 00:10:00 - C 00:40:00)
MARCH 26, 1931 (THURSDAY)
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Attendance: 3,000
1 - John Paxos def. Stanley Zwacki,
One Fall to None (F1 00:20:00 - C 01:00:00)
2 - John Katan def. Joe Cox,
Two Falls to None
3 - Boxing Match
Henry Firpo def. Frankie Palmo,
8th Round Decision
MARCH 27, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
1 - John Katan (Austria) def. Ernie Stephens (Canada),
(00:17:00)
2 - Paul Jones def. Joe Cox,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:51:36 - F2 00:02:00 - C 00:53:36)
MARCH 30, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Ernie Dusek Vs. John Maxos,
Draw - One Fall Each (01:00:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Stan Zwacki,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:12:00 - F2 00:30:00 - C 00:42:00)
Notes:
The Commercial Appeal repeatedly kept pointing out that Ernie Dusek’s real name was Ernie Hason, though usually misspelling it Hassen or Hassan.
For most of the year, he would be listed as Ernie Dusek (Hassan) or Ernie Hassan-Dusek, as though the sportswriters were trying to prove some point, even though they never referenced Rudy Dusek as anything but Rudy Dusek.
MARCH 2, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
1 - Martinez Larrea def. Gus Anderson (El Paso),
Two Falls to None (F1 00:19:30 - F2 00:07:00 - C 00:26:30)
2 - George Manish def. John Katan,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:36:00 - F2 00:01:10 - C 00:37:10)
MARCH 3, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Attendance: "nearly 2,000"
1 - Fred Grobmier (Texas) def. Gus Anderson (Texas),
Two Falls to None
2 - John Katan def. Marshall (Dynamite) Blackstock,
Two Falls to One
MARCH 9, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - George Zaharias def. Joe Cox (Richmond, VA),
(00:23:30)
2 - Pat O'Shocker Vs. John Katan,
Draw (01:00:00)
3 - Jim Londos def. George Manish,
One Fall to None - Forfeit (00:45:00)
Notes:
Manish was unable to continue.
MARCH 9, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
Referee: Walt Cole
1 - Fritz Crane (Nashville) def. Gus Anderson (El Paso),
(00:16:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Joe Cox (Kansas City),
One Fall (F1 00:36:00)
Notes:
Cox was unable to continue.
MARCH 13, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
Referees: Sam Siegel, Marshall Blackstock
1 - Joe Cox (Kansas City) beat Marshall (Dynamite) Blackstock,
(00:19:36)
2 - Ghafoor Khan def. Paul Harper,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:13:00 - F2 00:12:00 - F3 00:08:00 - C 00:33:00)
MARCH 17, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
Referee: Billy Haack
1 - Walter Buck Vs. Fritz Crane,
Result Unknown
2 - Boxing Match: Choc Harper (Nashville) Vs. Young Jackson (Cleveland, Ohio),
Result Unknown
3 - Boxing Exhibition
Max Schmeling Vs. Tony Manero (New Orleans)
4 - Boxing Exhibition
Max Schmeling Vs. Pedro Lopez (Oklahoma City)
Notes:
This show was mainly just part of a publicity tour for boxing champion, Max Schmeling, to build interest in his upcoming fight with Young Stribling. The preliminaries were not mentioned in the post show coverage.
MARCH 19, 1931 (THURSDAY)
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
1 - Fred Grobmier def. Jack Roller
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Martinez Larrea,
Two Falls to None
MARCH 20, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
Referee: Sam Siegel
1 - Joe Cox def. Paul Harper,
(00:28:00)
2 - Tommy Marvin def. Ghafoor Khan,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:14:37 - F2 00:20:00 - F3 00:04:00 - C 00:41:47)
MARCH 23, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - John Maxos Vs. Martinez Larrea,
Draw (00:30:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Jack Roller
(00:15:30)
3 - George Zaharias def. John Katan,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:08:00 - F2 00:13:30 - F3 00:??:?? - C 00:??:??)
Notes:
Maxos was said to have wrestled in Memphis “some time ago” under the name John Ballas.
MARCH 24, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promoter: Jim Graham
Page Garage, Nashville, Tennessee
Referee: Billy Haack
1 - Joe Cox def. Fritz Crane,
(0:27:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Fred Grobmier (Iowa),
Two Falls to None (F1 00:30:00 - F2 00:10:00 - C 00:40:00)
MARCH 26, 1931 (THURSDAY)
Promoter: Charlie Rentrop
Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Attendance: 3,000
1 - John Paxos def. Stanley Zwacki,
One Fall to None (F1 00:20:00 - C 01:00:00)
2 - John Katan def. Joe Cox,
Two Falls to None
3 - Boxing Match
Henry Firpo def. Frankie Palmo,
8th Round Decision
MARCH 27, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Sam Siegel
Lyric Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee
1 - John Katan (Austria) def. Ernie Stephens (Canada),
(00:17:00)
2 - Paul Jones def. Joe Cox,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:51:36 - F2 00:02:00 - C 00:53:36)
MARCH 30, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Ernie Dusek Vs. John Maxos,
Draw - One Fall Each (01:00:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Stan Zwacki,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:12:00 - F2 00:30:00 - C 00:42:00)
Notes:
The Commercial Appeal repeatedly kept pointing out that Ernie Dusek’s real name was Ernie Hason, though usually misspelling it Hassen or Hassan.
For most of the year, he would be listed as Ernie Dusek (Hassan) or Ernie Hassan-Dusek, as though the sportswriters were trying to prove some point, even though they never referenced Rudy Dusek as anything but Rudy Dusek.
APRIL 1931
APRIL 7, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Ernie Dusek def. Stan Zwacki,
Two Falls to One
2 - Karl Pojello def. John Katan,
Two Falls to None (00:41:30)
Notes:
This show was initially advertised as being presented by the Chickasaw Athletic Club, but the newspaper coverage on the day of, and the results on the day after the event said the show would be promoted by Rentrop under the auspices of the Bluff City A.C.
APRIL 13, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Pat O'Shocker def. John Maxos,
Two Falls to None (00:48:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Joe Cox,
Two Falls to None (00:50:30)
Notes:
The intended lineup was O’Shocker vs George Manish in the main event and Cox vs Maxos in the preliminary, but Manish did not show.
O’Shocker then volunteered to face both the other men on the card.
APRIL 20, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - John Maxos def. Joe Cox
(00:36:00)
2 - Paul Harper def. George Sanders
(00:15:00)
3 - Pat O'Shocker def. John Shannon,
Two Falls to None (00:24:30)
Notes:
After this show, most of the cards during the summer switched to one-fall matches, as opposed to the usual two out of three falls.
MAY 1931
MAY 2, 1933 (SATURDAY)-MAY 13, 1933 (WEDNESDAY)
3rd Annual Commercial Appeal and Catholic Club Tri-State Mat Tournament
Memphis, Tennessee
Platzierung / Placement:
Heavyweight
1. Sid Nabors.
Light Heavyweight
1. Vernon Knichel.
Teilnehmer / Participants:
Heavyweight
Sid Nabors. [later Danny Dusek]
Light Heavyweight
Vernon [Freddie] Knichel.
Middleweight
Andrew Lawo. [brother of Tony Lawo]
Welterweight
Joe Gunther (of Nashville).
Ende Hinweise / End Notes:
According to the announcement in the Commercial appeal, “Wrestlers who have received remuneration are not eligible to compete.”
Knichel, had worked professional matches in Somerville on both April 28th and May 12th, the latter actually during the tournament. Presumably no one noticed, even though the Somerville cards were covered in the Commercial Appeal, as Knichel entered the tournament as Vernon, his first name and wrestled professionally as Freddie (his middle name was Frederick).
MAY 4, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Nazarene Poggi def. Jack Shannon
(00:13:00)
2 - John Maxos def. Dick Warner
(00:18:00)
3 - Pat O'Shocker Vs. George Zaharias,
No Contest - Double Countout (00:45:00)
MAY 11, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referees: Charlie Rentrop & Barney Oakland
1 - Nazarene Poggi def. Dick Warner
(00:16:30)
2 - John Maxos Vs. Joe Cox,
Draw (00:45:00)
3 - Karl Pojello def. Rex Smith
Notes:
The crowd was said to have included a large contingent from the American Gas Association, of which Barney Oakland was a delegate.
MAY 18, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Nazarene Poggi Vs. Martinez Larrea,
Draw (00:30:00)
2 - Don De Laun def. Dick Warner
(00:08:30)
3 - Pat O'Shocker def. George Zaharias
(00:37:30)
MAY 25, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Ernie Dusek def. Rex Smith
(00:15:30)
2 - John Maxos def. Martinez Larria
(00:18:30)
3 - Pat O'Shocker def. Don De Laun
(00:35:30)
JUNE 1931
JUNE 8, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - George Zaharias Vs. Ivan Vacturoff,
Draw (00:30:00)
2 - Dick Daviscourt def. Don De Laun
(00:23:00)
3 - Jim Londos def. Pat O'Shocker
(00:52:00)
JUNE 9, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Attendance: 6,000
1 - [NYSAC] World Heavyweight Championship
Jim Londos (c) def. John Katan
(00:48:00)
JUNE 15, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Jack Shannon def. Jack Roller
(00:11:30)
2 - Pat Shocker def. Martinez Larrea
(00:14:00)
3 - George Zaharias def. Ivan Vacturoff
(00:42:30)
Notes:
Larrea was a substitute for Jack Knoche.
JUNE 22, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Ivan Vacturoff def. Joe Cox
(00:18:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Tom Texin
(00:12:00)
3 - George Zaharias def. Jack Zarnas
(00:57:00)
JULY 1931
JULY 2, 1931 (THURSDAY)
For the Benefit of the Evening Appeal Fresh Air Fund
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Russwood Park, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 1,531
Gate: $1,881
Referees: Charlie Rentrop & D.F. Eastman
1 - Tony Lawo Vs. Freddie Knichel,
Draw (00:15:00)
2 - Jack Zarnas def. Dynamite Blackstock
(00:12:00)
3 - George Zaharias def. Patsy Flanagan
(00:13:00)
4 - Jim Londos def. Pat O'Shocker (of Salt Lake City)
(00:40:30)
Notes:
Flanagan was a substitute for Jim Clinstock.
A very disappointing show for the promoters.
They had reportedly been expecting upwards of 20,000, hence using Russwood as the venue as opposed to the Auditorium, but the weather intervened, a hard rain right up until show time, kept all but the most dedicated wrestling bugs away.
The use of Russwood Park, outdoor lighting and services of the ring crew were all donated to the event.
Profits for the show, totaling $836.25, were donated to the Fund, which provided boys camps during the summer.
JULY 15, 1931 (WEDNESDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Chief Tommy Marin Vs. Nazarene Poggi,
Draw (00:30:00)
2 - Jack Zarnas def Ivan Vacturoff
(00:24:30)
3 - Jim McMillen def. Louis LaChene
(00:38:00)
JULY 22, 1931 (WEDNESDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: D.F. Eastman
1 - Hans Kampfer def. Billy Evans
(00:05:45)
2 - George Zaharias def. Scotty Scott
(00:17:00)
3 - Rudy Dusek def. Jack Zarnas
(00:30:00)
Notes:
The fans were reportedly not happy with Eastman filling in as referee in the absence of Charlie Rentrop, who was away in Atlanta.
JULY 28, 1931 (TUESDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: Sid Nabors (preliminary) & Paul Jones (main)
1 - Paul Jones def. John Katan,
Count Out (00:22:00)
2 - Rudy Dusek def. George Zaharias
(00:44:00)
Notes:
The original card was to have featured:
- Jones Vs. Jack Zarnas
- Katan Vs. Casey Berger
Zarnas was a no-show, so the card was re-structured.
The fans were given the vote as to who would open the show, among Jones, Katan and Berger, and the fans chose Jones and Katan.
There was much confusion as to the finish of the main event between Dusek and Zaharias, as Jones reportedly tapped Dusek on the back and gave him the match despite Dusek not pinning both shoulders of Zaharias.
According to sportswriter, Herbert Caldwell, Dusek was confused, Zaharias was angry and the fans were about ready to riot, calling it a fix in favor of Dusek all the way, with Jones clearly taking sides.
AUGUST 1931
AUGUST 6, 1931 (THURSDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Sid Nabors
1 - Paul Harper def. Aubrey "Scotty" Scott
(00:12:30)
2 - John Katan Vs. Louis LaChene,
Draw (00:45:00)
3 - Jim McMillen def. Cy Williams
(00:41:00)
AUGUST 10, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Sid Nabors
1 - Paul Harper Vs. Charley Fox,
Draw (00:30:00)
2 - Jack Zarnas def. Tony Catlina
3 - Pat O'Shocker def. Cy Williams
(00:39:00)
Notes:
Catalina was a substitute for John Katan.
AUGUST 17, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Paul Harper Vs. Cy Williams,
Draw (00:30:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Tommy Marvin
(00:29:00)
3 - Paul Jones Vs. George Zaharias,
Draw - Double Count Out (01:01:00)
AUGUST 24, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: Bluff City Athletic Club
Matchmaker: D.F. Eastman
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Sid Nabors
1 - Paul Harper def. Marshal Blackstock
2 - Cy Williams def. Jack Zarnas,
Count Out (00:33:00)
3 - Pat O'Shocker def. Paul Jones
(00:36:00)
Notes:
From the August 25, 1931, Commercial Appeal:
"RENTROP IS SUED BY D.F. EASTMAN
Wrestling Promoters Split and Eastman Asks $20,000 as His Share
As an aftermath of the recent dissolution of the wrestling combine of Charley Rentrop and D.F. Eastman, Eastman yesterday sued Rentrop for $20,000, claiming it as his share of the receipts of wrestling matches staged in Memphis over a period of about six years. The suit was filed by Attorney Luther Graves in circuit court.
Eastman, president of the Bluff City Athletic Club, served as matchmaker and Rentrop worked as referee in wrestling matches here. Eastman claims in his suit that he was not a partner of Rentrop but rendered his services for an agreed amout of 5 per cent of the gross receipts.
Eastman’s declaration says that Rentrop is indebted to him for services rendered for the past six years.
Eastman also claims that Rentrop owes him $700 balance on a sum of $5,000 advanced and $1,400 advanced for the hospital and medical expenses for the treatment of an injury to Milo Steinborn, heavyweight grappler.
Rentrop was out of the city last night, serving as wrestling promoter in Atlanta in the absence of the Atlanta impresario.
Recent matches here have not been prooted under the auspices of the Bluff City Athletic Club. The matches were put on by the American Legion Athletic Club.
The match at Hodges Field last night was sponsored by the Bluff City club and an attachment was filed against Rentrop’s share of the receipts. The attachment proceedings will be heard on Sept. 1."
AUGUST 28, 1931 (FRIDAY)
Promotion: Greenwood Civic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Mervin Rosenbush
1 - Tony Lawo Vs. Jack Austin,
Draw
2 - Bill Kennedy def. Bill Baker
3 - Jimmy Morris def. Marne Deaon
(00:11:00)
SEPTEMBER 1931
SEPTEMBER 7, 1931 (MONDAY)
Benefit for the Memphis Trades and Labor Council
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: George Sanders
1 - Rudy Dusek def. George Zaharias,
Disqualification (00:41:10)
2 - Pete Sauer def. Pat O'Shocker
Notes:
The proceeds were slated to go to the unemployed.
The show was endorsed by Memphis Mayor Watkins Overton, and several Memphis movers and shakers were appointed to see that the event was a success.
George Sanders, a licensed referee from Arkansas, was brought in for the show.
Leon Balkan, an assistant to Tom Packs, St. Louis promoter, was on-hand to assist with directing the program.
A large turnout was expected (and achieved), including U.S. Congressman Edward Hull Crump, the top political wheel in Shelby County for decades, himself a former (and future) mayor of Memphis.
SEPTEMBER 9, 1931 (WEDNESDAY)
Promotion: Greenwood Civic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Mervin Rosenbush
1 - Martin Silverstock Vs. Thurman Anglin,
Draw (00:30:00)
2 - Tony Lawo def. Jack Austin,
Disqualification
3 - Bill Baker def. Tom Burke
(00:15:00)
SEPTEMBER 14, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Sid Nabors
1 - Cy Williams def. Nick Nestor,
Forfeit - One Fall Each (00:23:00)
Notes:
Nestor was unable to continue.
The Commercial Appeal reported that this show marked the return of the two out of three falls matches, due to the single fall matches being unpopular with the fans.
SEPTEMBER 28, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Hodges Field, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Ernie Dusek def. Joe Cox,
One Fall to None (01:00:00)
2 - Rudy Dusek def. George Zaharias,
Two Falls to One (00:42:00)
Notes:
Rentrop was reported to have recently returned from promoting several weeks in Atlanta.
Notes:
From the September 29, 1931, Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Tennessee:
"PROMOTER CITED
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept 29.—(AP) – Charles Rentrop, wrestling promoter, was cited today for failure to have state and county license, but the citation was dismissed when it was shown that the American Legion Athletic Club derived all profit from shows staged by Rentrop.
John W. Burgess, state tax inspector, cited Rentrop to appear before Lous H. Morris, a magistrate, who dismissed the case on the plea of Legionnaires that Rentrop merely served the Legion club as hired promoter.
Burgess said he would refer the case to Charles M. McCabe, commissioner of finance and taxation, at Nashville. He said he might as a distress warrant and attach equipment used in staging shows.
The tax is $200 per year."
OCTOBER 1931
OCTOBER 12, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Tommy Marvin def. Cy Williams,
Two Falls to One (00:43:30)
2 - George Zaharias def. Blue Sun Jennings,
Two Falls to One (00:31:00)
OCTOBER 26, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Hoot Heerin def. Tiger Kadeli
(00:09:00)
2 - Blue Sun Jennings def. Ernie Dusek,
One Fall to None (00:51:00)
3 - George Zaharias def. Lou Plummer,
Two Falls to One - Count Out (00:24:00)
NOVEMBER 1931
NOVEMBER 2, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Amateur
Guy Holt Vs. Knotty Reames,
Draw (00:15:00)
2 - Gino Garibaldi def. Jack Burke,
Two Falls to None (00:31:00)
3 - Blue Sun Jennings def. Lou Plummer,
Two Falls to One (00:32:00)
NOVEMBER 9, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Amateur
Guy Holt def. Harold Calloway
(00:03:00)
2 - George Tragos def. Lou Plummer,
Two Falls to One
3 - Pat O'Shocker Vs. Blue Sun Jennings,
Draw - One Fall Each (02:00:00)
Notes:
Calloway was reportedly a former Southern Y.M.C.A champion (he had won the lightweight division of the local Y.M.C.A. tournament for the Christian Brothers College in April) and twice winner of the tri-states amateur tournament (he had lost his match in the featherweight division that May).
NOVEMBER 16, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Tony Lawo Vs. Jack Austin,
Draw (00:15:00)
2 - Pat O'Shocker def. Bob Jessen,
Two Falls to One (00:22:00)
3 - Blue Sun Jennings def. Frank Speer,
Two Falls to One (00:50:00)
Notes:
Bob Jessen, a pro football player from the Cleveland Indians.
NOVEMBER 23, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Sid Nabors Vs. Jim Acklin,
Draw
2 - Pat O'Shocker Vs. George Tragos,
Draw (01:00:00)
3 - Blue Sun Jennings def. Willie Davis,
Two Falls to One (00:44:00)
Notes:
All profits from the show (reportedly a disappointing $316.90) were turned over to the local unemployment fund.
NOVEMBER 30, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Tony Lawo Vs. Billy Houston,
Draw (00:15:00)
2 - Gino Garibaldi def. Willie Davis,
Two Falls to One (00:46:30)
3 - Blue Sun Jennings def. Frank Speer,
Two Falls to None (00:26:02)
DECEMBER 1931
DECEMBER 7, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Mike Meroney def. Jimmy Morris
2 - George Zaharias def. George Tragos,
Two Falls to One (00:28:30)
3 - Blue Sun Jennings def. Barney Nobis,
Two Falls to None (00:23:00)
DECEMBER 14, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 5,000
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Buck Ellert def. Jim Acklin
(00:11:30)
2 - George Tragis def. Barney Nobis,
Forfeit - One Falls to None (00:24:30)
3 - Jim Londos def. Blue Sun Jennings,
Two Falls to None (00:42:30)
Notes:
Nobis was unable to continue.
Eilert was reported as a 350 pound, local fire fighter.
DECEMBER 21, 1931 (MONDAY)
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referee: Charlie Rentrop
1 - Jimmy Morris def. Tony Lawo
(00:13:30)
2 - Blue Sun Jennings def. Jack Hollenback,
Two Falls to None (00:10:00)
3 - George Zaharias def. George Tragos,
Two Falls to One (00:23:00)
DECEMBER 23, 1931 (WEDNESDAY)
Benefit for the Appeal Papers-Elks Christian Fund
Promotion: American Legion Athletic Club
Elks Club Gymnasium, Memphis, Tennessee
Referees: Bill Houston & Mervin Rosenbush
1 - Tony Lawo Vs. Jimmy Morris,
Draw - One Fall Each (01:00:00)
2 - Jimmy DeSalvo def. Rex Evans,
Two Falls to None (00:45:00)
Notes:
Buck Eilert had to cancel, having been injured practicing for an upcoming firemen-policemen charity football game.
DECEMBER 27, 1931 (SUNDAY)
Memphis, Tennessee
From the December 27, 1931, Commercial Appeal’s year-end wrestling summary, by Herbert Caldwell:
“Londos Here Twice.
Jimmy Londos, recognized in most of the states as the heavyweight champion, defended his title here twice during the year. He defeated Pat O’Shocker in a match at Russwood Park for the benefit of The Evening Appeal fresh air fund. He defeated Sun Jennings, the young Indian, in a match at the Auditorium Dec. 14.
The Londos and O’Shocker match was staged out of doors in a down-pour of rain. The champion’s match with Jennings drew the largest house in attendance and money of the season. The receipts during the year, however, probably were much smaller than in 1930 and there seemed to be just as much interest in the sport.
The rise of Jennings, an Indian formerly of Haskell Institute, to the role of a challenger for the title probably was the outstanding feat of the year here. The Indian won several matches, lost one on a fluke and wrestled to a draw to qualify for the match with Londos. Many new faces were shown here during the season, but Jennings probably developed into the most popular of the newcomers.
The year also saw a dissolution of the wrestling house of Charlie Rentrop and D. F. Eastman, proprietors of the Bluff City Athletic Club. The Legion A. C. was the only club operating the last few months of the year.
One of the final developments of the year was the announcement by C. H. 'Doc' Hottum, pioneer among the wrestling and boxing promoters of the city that he would re-enter the field in January as a wrestling promoter. The Lyceum Theater, where Hottum will operate is being remodeled and will have a seating capacity of about 2,000. Hottum, who promoted wrestling here years ago, brought the sport back in 1923." - The Commercial Appeal
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
All research has been completed by the Professional Wrestling Historical Society or by a trusted contributor.
Information came from contemporary newspapers unless otherwise stated.
Results from Tennessee, United States of America: 1931.
Updated: January 5, 2019.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
All research has been completed by the Professional Wrestling Historical Society or by a trusted contributor.
Information came from contemporary newspapers unless otherwise stated.
Results from Tennessee, United States of America: 1931.
Updated: January 5, 2019.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
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