Who was the first Worlds Champion of professional wrestling?
That depends on what you recognize as a “World’s” Champion. William Muldoon, who wrestled during the 1870s and 1880s, is widely considered to be professional wrestling’s first World Champion. Muldoon retired in late 1891 after having held the Greco-Roman title since 1883. He was followed by George Hackenschmidt, who was first recognized as a “World’s” Champion in 1901. Some consider Hackenschmidt to be a European champion and recognize Frank Gotch. Gotch defeated Hackenschmidt on April 3, 1908 in Chicago, IL and held the honors until his retirement in 1913.
