William Muldoon (1852 - 1933)

Real Name - William A. Muldoon

Lifespan - 5/25/1852 - 6/3/1933

5’10” 200 lbs. - Caneadea, NY

Athletic Background - Wrestling, Powerlifting, Physical Culture

Teacher(s) - n/a

Aliases - none

Peak Years - 1880s

Place in History - The story of William Muldoon is an amazing one that is unlike any other mythical figures in pro-wrestling’s history.  He served as a drummer boy in the Civil War, where he probably first gained his knowledge of grappling.  In that era, soldiers often gained formidable experience as different wrestling styles came together in the camps.  In the 1870s, Muldoon began focusing on his Greco-Roman wrestling and was soon a claimant to the World Championship.  Muldoon split his time between being a New York City policeman and being a world class wrestler.  He beat back the challenges of many notables including Tom Cannon, Theobaud Bauer, John McMahon and his greatest rival - Clarence Whistler.  The two men had a vicious feud that started with a seven-hour marathon battle, continued with a contest over a woman and years of public taunting by Whistler and ended when Muldoon broke his foe’s collarbone in their final bout.  Muldoon had developed a reputation within the physical culture community for his various feats including long-distance backwards running.  His fame reached greater heights when he took up the task of preparing boxer John L. Sullivan for the biggest and most anticipated fight of the day, which ended up being historic on many fronts.  Muldoon kept Sullivan sober and worked him hard and after winning in Round 75, both men gained national fame.  “The Solid Man” became a reputed trainer and his health farm and well-developed system was popular among athletes and dignitaries of all walks of life.  In addition to that passion, Muldoon developed a keen interest in boxing and largely left wrestling behind after retiring in 1890.  Famous boxers like Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney and Kid McCoy all trained under him.  He became the first head of the New York State Athletic Commission and earned the nickname “Iron Duke” for his iron-fisted leadership.  His disapproval of racially mixed bouts led to him being forced out of his position.  William Muldoon’s contributions to many facets of early American athletics must be recognized.  On top of his Greco-Roman dominance, boxer training fame, physical culture notoriety and groundbreaking tenure with the NYSAC, Muldoon has been credited with inventing the medicine ball.  His story is truly American and the stuff of legend.