Farmer Burns: The Man That Grew Pro Wrestling

Farmer Burns: The Man That Grew Pro Wrestling

June 29, 2026 · 17 min

About this episode

This episode explores the life and influence of Farmer Burns on American pro wrestling.

Farmer Burns stands at the foundation of American pro wrestling history. Martin “Farmer” Burns was a catch wrestling pioneer, champion, trainer, and physical culture evangelist whose influence helped shape both amateur and professional wrestling forever. This episode looks into his farm boy beginnings in Iowa, his rise through carnivals, challenge matches, and catch as catch can competition, to his later role training legends like Frank Gotch and influencing figures tied to the birth of modern pro wrestling. This is the story of one of the most important names in wrestling history, even if modern fans rarely hear it. Farmer Burns was not just a great wrestler from the 1800s. He was a bridge between real grappling, carnival hustle, early sports culture, and the future of professional wrestling. IMPORTANT LINKS: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/10bellpod⁠⁠⁠ Reddit: ⁠⁠https://www.reddit.com/r/10BellPod⁠⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/10BellPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ ProWrestling Tees: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.prowrestlingtees.com/related/10bellpod.html⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal Donation - ⁠⁠9BHDW7Y2KMBTY⁠⁠ Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/64GdAqEG⁠

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