Carl Johann Theodor Abs, generally referred to as Carl Abs (September 12, 1851, in Groß Godems, Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin – February 18, 1895, in Hamburg), also known as "The German Oak", was a German professional wrestler who is considered the founder of modern professional wrestling in Germany.

[4] His life and work both inside and outside the ring attracted great public interest in the late 19th century.

[6] As the son of a Carpenter the younger Carl Abs learned his fathers craft and the intention was for his to succeed him in the business.

Spurred by the fights Abs wanted to pursue a career in wrestling, which at the time was more of a side-show attraction than anything else.

Working with circus ringmaster Renz he toured German performing feats of strength as well as wrestle on occasion.

Upon his return to Germany he resumed working in the circus performing strongman acts but also wrestled in several cities, turning back the challenge of Gustav Bachmann and Frenchman Piere Rigal twice.

[10] Working for Circus d'hiver Abs toured in France, where he was actually billed as being from Denmark to not have to face any German/French tension that had been building, but the deception only lasted for a short while before his true background was revealed.

When the two finally met on March 9, 1893, Abs threw his opponent and won the match in only 16 minutes.

[13] Following his victory over Pierrie, Carl Abs gradually withdrew from the ring and focused more on weightlifting.