“ALL-IN” WRESTLING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 June 1938, Page 9

“ALL-IN” WRESTLING

EVIDENCE IN COURT CASE VIEWS OF ENGLISH JUDGE “All-in” wrestling received some witty “digs in the ribs” recently from Mr Justice Charles in the King’s Bench Division in London during the hearing of an action by Philip Meader, the referee of a bout, for damages from Carl Reginsky for an alleged assault after he had disqualified Reginsky. “I don’t call ‘all-in’ wrestling a sport,” said Mr Justice Charles He said that he was accustomed to see the contestants described as “Tigers,” ‘Wolves,” and all sorts of things. “They apparently fight with terrific energy, get desperately hurt, then go off together in a railway train and do exactly the same thing in another town,” he added.

Mr Alban Gordon, opening the case, said Reginsky liked to be known as “the roughest and toughest mat mauler in the game.” The assault took place when Meader refereed the defendant’s contest with Joe Devalto.

Mr Justice Charles: “I suppose Deval to’s name is Smith?” (Laughter). Mr Gordon said that kicking was permitted in order to get out of holds. Mr Justice Charles: “There you have it. If a man has got hold of you and you see his chin in the way, you can kick him hard and away he’ll go. That isn’t a foul.” (Laughter). Mr Gordon explained that Devalto was violently thrown, and was lying defenceless on the mat when the defendant took a series of flying kicks at him. He was cautioned. Mr Justice Charles: “It was a little discourteous.” (Laughter).' 1 Finally, counsel continued, the referee, having again cautioned him for his tactics, disqualified the defendant and awarded the match to Devalto. “What was left of Devalto,” he added, “was carried out and given brandy.” (Laughter). Particulars of the alleged assault were then given.