1930 professional wrestling w/ Jim Londos...
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June 07, 1930
THE DETROIT NEWS, June 7, 1930
* Early Jim Londos "The Golden Greek"
* Becomes champion for the very 1st time
* Early professional wrestling match
* vs. Dick Shikat - Baker Bowl in Philadelphia
Page 13 has a somewhat discrete, brief but significant report with a one column heading: "Londos Beats Shikat For N.B.A. Title" and subhead: "Greek Wins Recognition Before 25,000 Fans" (see image)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete with all 18 pages, rag edition in nice condition.
background: The victory on June 6, 1930, was the catalyst that transformed Jim Londos from a talented contender into a genuine cultural phenomenon, effectively saving professional wrestling during the onset of the Great Depression. By defeating Dick Shikat in a grueling 90-minute technical masterpiece, Londos solidified his status as "The Golden Greek," a titleholder who possessed an unprecedented cross-cultural appeal that drew massive immigrant crowds to arenas across the United States. This win marked the beginning of a legendary 2,628-day reign, during which Londos became the sport's premier "gate attraction," consistently out-earning even the top baseball stars of the era. Beyond the record books, his first championship win was significant because it unified several splintered versions of the world title, providing the industry with a single, charismatic face that could maintain public interest and financial stability throughout the nation's darkest economic years.
* Early Jim Londos "The Golden Greek"
* Becomes champion for the very 1st time
* Early professional wrestling match
* vs. Dick Shikat - Baker Bowl in Philadelphia
Page 13 has a somewhat discrete, brief but significant report with a one column heading: "Londos Beats Shikat For N.B.A. Title" and subhead: "Greek Wins Recognition Before 25,000 Fans" (see image)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete with all 18 pages, rag edition in nice condition.
background: The victory on June 6, 1930, was the catalyst that transformed Jim Londos from a talented contender into a genuine cultural phenomenon, effectively saving professional wrestling during the onset of the Great Depression. By defeating Dick Shikat in a grueling 90-minute technical masterpiece, Londos solidified his status as "The Golden Greek," a titleholder who possessed an unprecedented cross-cultural appeal that drew massive immigrant crowds to arenas across the United States. This win marked the beginning of a legendary 2,628-day reign, during which Londos became the sport's premier "gate attraction," consistently out-earning even the top baseball stars of the era. Beyond the record books, his first championship win was significant because it unified several splintered versions of the world title, providing the industry with a single, charismatic face that could maintain public interest and financial stability throughout the nation's darkest economic years.
Category: The 20th Century
