1000 Hours is the podcast all about the pioneers of pro wrestling. On this episode, host Karl Stern takes a look back at one of the earliest and most important championships of the pioneer era: The American Heavyweight championship. It was a time when it seemed like every wrestler billed themselves as "Champion of America" in some form or other. But what can we deduce about the actual championship of America that led eventually to Tom Jenkins, Frank Gotch, and becoming tied into the George Hackenschmidt World heavyweight title? Let's talk about it. This is hour 19 of 1000 hours. YOU CONTROL THIS SERIES! It will only run as long as it is supported. In order to get another hour of 1000 hours we need a new Patreon supporter at any level or a cash donation via the front page of WhenItWasCool.com to either PayPal or CashApp (Please put “1000” in the note). As soon as it is received I will produce a new hour. Presently, we are funded up to hour 28.