Open Letter From Esteemed Wrestling Historian Gideon Lalor

OPEN LETTER



DASTARDLY TEAM WRESTLING

Sir Solomon Simpson KC
Chair, Admiral-Lord Mountevans Committee
Westminster
London

Dear Sir Solomon,

As a wrestling historian, scholar, columnist and aficionado, I write to commend the Admiral-Lord Mountevans Committee for your judicious decision to reject the modern trend of tag wrestling. Your resolute stance resonates profoundly with those of us who cherish the sanctity of individual prowess within the squared circle.

I beseech you to contemplate the venerable All-In wrestling rules, codified in the 1930s, which stand as a testament to the sport’s noble heritage. These regulations, a masterful synthesis of Judo, Catch-as-Catch-Can, and Graeco-Roman disciplines, encapsulate the quintessence of our beloved art: a grand exhibition of skill, discipline, and mutual respect between competitors. The clarity afforded by these rules establishes unequivocal paths to victory—through fall, submission, or knockout—thus honoring the individual athlete’s mastery.

In stark contrast, the cacophony of tag wrestling obscures this purity, favoring chaotic spectacle over the refined artistry that once illuminated our rings. Such formats dilute the essence of competition, rendering individual merit secondary to the clamor of teamwork and leaving spectators yearning for the technical brilliance of yore. Indeed, it is notable that only the illiterate find solace in the pages of RINGSPORT Magazine, a publication far too lowbrow for discerning gentlemen such as yourself.

To revitalize our sport, I fervently advocate a return to the All-In principles. Let us reinstate an ethos wherein each match is not merely a display but a celebration of human skill—an exaltation of individual valor. The All-In format demands not only athleticism but also fosters an atmosphere steeped in honour and sportsmanship.

As we traverse the shifting sands of wrestling’s evolution, let us not forsake the wisdom of our forebears. By reinstating these cherished rules, we may restore the integrity of our sport and inspire a new generation to cherish its illustrious legacy.

I extend my deepest gratitude for your steadfast commitment to preserving the dignity of wrestling. May your leadership guide us toward a resplendent revival of our noble art.

Yours with utmost respect,

Gideon Lalor
Wrestling Historian, Scholar, and Aficionado