Pat Fraley’s “ Back-breaker ”

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 114, 17 May 1938, Page 7

Pat Fraley’s “ Back-breaker ”

NEW WRESTLING GAMBIT INCAPACITATES OPPONENT HOSTILE DEMONSTRATION BY CROWD Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. A new' wrestling gambit and one which excited hostile comment from many onlookers was seen at the Wellington Town Hall to-night when the professional heavyweight Pat Fraley incapacitated I’at Meehan by slamming him athwart the corner of the ropes and the metal turnbuckle supporting them in a hold he afterwards described as a “back-breaker.” Meehan, who was until then leading by a fall was unable to continue the contest and he had to be carried from the ring. A medical examination revealed that he had strained his back.

The match up to this point .had been brisk, scientific and entertaining. In the sixth round Fraley after battering Meehan with jolts picked him up in a crotch-hold, hoisted him above his head and rushed with him to the corner where he slammed him on to the top rope. Meehan landed on tho small of his back athwart the corner of the ring with his head and shoulders out. When the referee shouted "break” Meehan tumbled into the ring. Fraley again fastened his crotch-hold and again lifted Meehan overhead and dashed him on to the corner of the ropes. Meehan let his knees relax as though to slip to hiS feet but Fraley again lifted him, bumping him on the ring corner. Meehan was supported only by tho iron turnbuckle under the small of his back and when released he slumped outside the ropes where he lay groaning and the referee counted him out and awarded a fall. The crowd hooted and booed. Meehan was lifted to his corner but was unable to rise to his feet at the bell and slid slowly to the mat. When the referee raised Fraley’s hand the winner walked to Meehan, helped him to his feet and carried him on his back to the dressing room. The decision was received in a hostile manner by a large section of the Crowd and Fraley’s departure from the ring was accompanied by jeers and catcalls. Interviewed afterwards Meehan said he did not consider the gambit a fair one. It was all right to pick a man up and slam him in the ring but not to throw him out of it or on to posts or supports. "It’s allowed in the States,” explained Fraley. "It’s a hold known as tbe back-breaker and many’s the fall I’re had from it. It’s considered fair enough.” He expressed surprise that the crowd should have objected to the manoeuvre and said the referee had not intervened. “It’s all right,” said the referee. “Fraley made use of the ropes to gain a fall just as Meehan did. It’s quite legitimate to dump a man on to the ropes, hut the top of the turnbuckle should be padded. o