Dr. Benjamin Franklin Roller (1876 - April 19, 1933) was a physician, a professional wrestler and a football player.
Wrestling career[]
He became a full-time wrestler in 1906. Roller's first professional match was against Jack Carkeek. Roller won two falls in a period of 17 minutes and received $1,600. After that, he started having matches around the Northwest, under the names Dr. Roller, Dr. Benjamin Roller, Dr. B.F. Roller and Doc Roller. He next wrestled Frank Gotch in an exhibition match, for which he received $4,000. After the bout with Gotch, Roller decided to use wrestling as tool for traveling the world and studying under the noted professors in both the United States and Europe. Over the span of his career, Roller defeated many of the top wrestlers of his day. These wrestlers included Farmer Burns, Fred Beell, Ed Lewis and Joe Stecher, who was managed by Frank Gotch. From 1906-1918, Roller posted a record of 39 wins, 26 losses and 4 draws in 69 matches.
Death[]
Roller died of pneumonia on April 19, 1933 at the age of 57.
