> The Artist Canvas National Wrestling Alliance, The Untold Story of the Monopoly that Strangled Pro Wrestling, p. 225, Tim Hornbaker, ECW Press, 2007, Melbourne Olympics freestyle middleweight, NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship, National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, "Attempting a reversal: Oklahoma's wrestling greats grapple with the International Olympics Committee to return the sport to the games", "The Most Badass Wrestler Stories Ever Told", "Beloved wrestling legend Danny Hodge lived the American dream", "Wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Summer Games: Men's freestyle middleweight", "Dan Hodge Trophy: History, Winners, and How It Works", "McGuirk Wrestling Territory: March 1976", "WWE posts video of Jim Ross Appreciation Night", "Transcript of Bret Hart's Hall of Fame speech", "Oklahoma State Athletic Commission- Commissioners", "Hodge, Vanbebber to be honored with statues in Perry Wrestling Monument Park", "Danny Hodge Passes Away at 88 Years Old", "Don Leo Jonathan earned CAC's top honour", "Induction Class 2021 | Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame", "NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Tri-State/Mid-South)", Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture Hodge, Danny, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Danny_Hodge&oldid=1148797858, Olympic silver medalists for the United States in wrestling, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages with login required references or sources, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award (2004), This page was last edited on 8 April 2023, at 11:43. A standout high school and collegiate wrestler with the University of Oklahoma, Danny Hodge was a 3x NCAA Division I Champion and went undefeated at 46-0 during his collegiate career. https://t.co/SDrmnjZw6g pic.twitter.com/3Ewb6DrEsh, The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) December 26, 2020, One of the best professional and amateur wrestlers ever, has passed away. He was literally Mr. Oklahoma and later on, when I turned against him, I had some very, very close calls with fans and things because they loved Danny Hodge. What Hodge calls one of the greatest thrills of life came in January 1968, when he defeated Lou Thesz for the short-lived Trans World Wrestling Association championship in Japan, becoming the only man to claim a world junior heavyweight title and a heavyweight title at the same time. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 88 years old group. Stratus also confirmed that she was the person who attacked Lita last week. [12] On September 1, 1983, Hodge returned to the ring facing against SWCW USA Junior Heavyweight Champion Eric Embry which Embry won. Danny Hodge is gone to be with the Lord. Mother Wilma Dean Meadows. Hodge was able to escape by punching out his car window and safely swimming back to shore. 1932 Danny Hodge was born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, USA as Dan Allen Hodge. Robert Carson (born Robert Beier, July 4, 1940 - February 10, 2017 [1] ), better known by his ring name Bob Sweetan, was a Canadian professional wrestler. Through the financial backing of oilman Art Freeman, Hodge shifted his focus to boxing in 1957. Known for abnormal hand strength due to being born to two sets of tendons in his hands, he went into the pro wrestling world following training from Leroy McGuirk and Ed "Strangler" Lewis, debuting in the fall of 1959 and become a major star, especially in the McGuirk's midwest territory and in the parts of the southern U.S. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc, William Regal (@RealKingRegal) December 26, 2020, I'm honored to have known the greatest American wrestler ever. > Career Records Today, the NCAA awards the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy to the top college wrestler in the country as a tribute. In later years, he served as the Chairman of the Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission that oversaw combat sports including MMA in the state. Rest in power. Danny Hodge, one of the greatest combat sports athletes of the 20th century, passed away on Friday at the age of 88 following a battle with . Do yourself a favor & read this. Please do yourself a favor and look it up. Adam Pearce made the match official on Monday's Raw. Truly legendary. special because they could not be duplicated or surpassed! > Canadian Hall of Fame May 28: NXT Battleground Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Michael Hodge (1950 - 1974) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. No apple stood a chance in his hands!! Your email address will not be published. Rest in Peace Sir!#RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF, Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) December 26, 2020. A great amateur and professional wrestler who is an absolute credit to our business. They get him back up the steps to the back of the stage behind the curtain, and they are absolutely tormented and in anguish. Backstage, Bill Watts dressed down the playful Hodge, but found himself on the receiving end when Hodge snatched off a hot water faucet, leaving Watts to shower in the cold. The car flipped and suddenly Hodge was underwater with a broken neck, facing death at the bottom of a cold creek in the middle of the night. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Lee Hodge (1955 - 1975) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. Cochran, GA- Memorial services for Danny Ray Hodge, 48, of Cochran, who died Thursday, February 13, 2014, in Emory University Hospital, will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday . WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco announced this morning that one of the greatest amateur and professional wrestlers who ever lived, Danny Hodge, passed away yesterday at 88 years old. He was eliminated on May 2 by William Smith. [5] Hodge's first major feud was with National Wrestling Alliance Junior Heavyweight Champion Angelo Savoldi. Visit Sony LIV to sign in or sign up and enjoy WWE's premium content. > Books We have estimated Danny Hodge was married to his wife Delores and had three children. Legendary wrestler Danny Hodge has died During his WWE Hall of Fame induction speech, Bret Hart called Hodge 'one of the greatest wrestlers in pro wrestling or amateur wrestling there's ever been.' By Sean Rueter @s1rude Dec 26, 2020, 3:25pm EST Danny Hodge's list of accomplishments is remarkable. As a collegiate wrestler for the University of Oklahoma, Hodge was undefeated at 460, with 36 pins and reportedly was never taken off his feet during his collegiate career. There was a scary situation in July 2018 when Hodge, suffering from dementia, went missing from his hometown of Perry, Oklahoma. January 24, 2005 - RAW: He appeared on Raw to honor Jim Ross. 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In 2005 and 2012 he appeared on WWE RAW to honour fellow Oklahoma wrestling nativeJim Ross. Skandor Akbar and Danny Hodge. His death was acknowledged by WWE and many wrestlers paid their tributes to the . He and his wife had three children. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving . National Wrestling Hall of Famer Danny Hodge died in his hometown of Perry, OK, on Dec. 24. Danny Hodge was born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, USA. New Wrestling Observer Newsletter plus tons of downloadable podcasts every week, Get breaking news alerts & weekly roundups sent to your inbox. His father, a hand in the oilfields, drank too much, and his mother, who suffered from severe depression, nearly burned to death when a fire destroyed their house. With that kind of legacy, while many modern fans may not be aware of Hodge, he left a huge impression on the business. (They were never mean, but always humorous, and generally things no one else could do.) Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. newsletter, NXT results, live blog: Two title matches. [18][19], Hodge is also the subject of four books written by Mike Chapman: Two Guys Named Dan (Hodge and Dan Gable, 1976), The Toughest Men in Sports (1984), Legends of the Mat (2006) and Oklahoma Shooter: the Dan Hodge Story (2009). The WWE issued a statement honoring his life and career while wrestlers and others in the industry took to social media to applaud him, including William Regal, Jim Ross, Ted DiBiase, Edge, and the Iron Sheik. Episode 111 of Elevation is a wrap! Truly legendary. Danny Hodge is gone to be with the Lord. Danny Morris Hodge age 58 of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Marion,KY passed away. A rare breed that we will likely never see again. Rumor Roundup: Becky Lynch, Drew McIntyre, Mercedes Mon, WWE & ESPN, more! Four years later, Hodge secured a silver medal at the 56 games that ended in controversy. On March 15, 1976, Hodge was driving his car when he fell asleep at the wheel, crashing through a bridge and into a lake. Here is the worlds heavyweight champion and here Ive got this prestigious belt.. Aug 27: Impact Emergence, > Archives Jack said, Get him back in. I got him back down there, put a little tight squeeze on him this time, Hodge said, and Jack said, Kill the son of a bitch, kill im! Hes looking like, God I just hope I get out of here. I squeezed him and said, Pin, but Jacks saying, Kill im, kill im! You could hear him for four blocks. For the last number of years, Hodge had suffered from dementia, and had not been out in public much. STILLWATER, Okla. - Dan Hodge, a Distinguished Member inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in the Charter Class of 1976, passed away on Thursday, at the age of 88. He traveled with me and he would go to the towns and do the interviews with a radio station or TV and he says, I have a young man here that the world is going to want to see. Oklahoma promoter Leroy McGuirk had built his career on the National Wrestling Alliance junior heavyweight title, and Hodge, at about 220 pounds, held it regularly from 1960 to 1976. Duke Myers tale is set on a stage in Shreveport, Louisiana, where, at the champs request, he put his open, flat hand between Hodges legs. He said, I want you to pick me up. This is without crossing his legs, just the muscles in his legs. Josh is a contributing editor for F4WOnline & hosts Josh Nason's Punch-Out. Hodges first title reign lasted four years, ending when he was defeated by Hiro Matsuda in July 1964. Danny Hodge, the skilled wrestler and boxer who never lost a match while wrestling at Oklahoma in the late 1950s, died this past Thursday, the OU wrestling program announced. 03/02. Hodge was a gentle, God-fearing, family-loving man outside the ring. He didnt tell wife Dolores that he changing gears to wrestle, but shed been with him since their school daysthey married in 1951and had no quarrels. People dont realize how strong that guy is., Jerry Briscos story is as a kid in Oklahoma, where he snuck into a gym and crawled through the rafters for a chance to see his hero. [6] Going into May 1956 wrestling trials for US Olympic team, Hodge was middleweight favorite. Danny Hodge became a mainstay in McGuirks NWA Tri-State territory (that encompassed Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and became Mid-South in 1979), as well as competing in other NWA territories such as Sam Muchniks St. Louis Club, Ed McLemores Southwest Sports in Texas (better known as WCCW in the 1980s), and Cowboy Luttralls Championship Wrestling From Florida. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. He was born on September 14, 1968 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Herman Hodge and Judy (Miller) Burgett. May 28: AEW Double or Nothing There are Danny Hodge stories, and then theres the Danny Hodge story, as told in The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes & Icons. > Photo Galleries Danny Hodge, perhaps the greatest amateur wrestler in the history of the United States, and a long-time professional wrestler, has died. According to wrestling journalist Greg Oliver, Hodge died on December 24, 2020(other reports have it as Christmas Day) and had been suffering from dementia. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. Like many NWA Champions, Hodge knew how to make an opponent look like a million dollars yet still emerge from a match victorious, setting up a future rematch as fans wondered how the local hero might fare on another occasion. Hodge pinned the first in about thirty seconds, but the fellow protested the pinfall. He was also a 6x NWA United States Tag Team Champion and NWA Tri-State North American Champion. I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. Hes been inducted into every hall of fame that amateur and pro wrestling can dream up, and had the ultimate honor bestowed on him in 1995, when the Hodge Trophy became wrestlings version of the Heisman Trophy, annually given to the top collegiate performer. Our loss, Heavens gain. May 27: WWE King & Queen Of The Ring RIP Danny Hodge. He will be remembered as a pillar of amateur wrestling in the United States, twice representing the country at the Olympics and claiming the silver medal in 1956. Danny Hodge Obituary. I put more in, I get more out; you see what I am saying? very entertaining! The only man to win national titles in wrestling and boxing, Danny Hodge is widely . Let the family know you are thinking of them. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. People dont know what its like growing up in the atmosphere like this. Danny Hodge was also an incredibly kind man. He got out and the other kid wouldnt come in to wrestle., Bill Watts gets the last word on Danny Hodge. Now you know why Im here and I want all these people to let you watch the ceiling. Rest in Peace Sir!--#RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF. We will update Danny Hodge's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Your dads happy, your familys happy. Obituary of Danny Hodge Spencer- Mr. Danny Joe Hodge, age 64, of Spencer, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017, unexpectedly at his home. I always loved talking to him. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodges passing. Legendary Oklahoma wrestler Danny Hodge has died at the age of 88. Danny Hodge's net worth 02/28. His family had no ice box and he had no boots, just gunny sacks wrapped around his feet, tightened with baling wire. Danny Hodge was also an incredibly kind man. Danny Hodge wasn't just unbeaten in his entire college career. > Video Survivors include his parents, Judy (Terry) Burgett, Herman (Betty) Hodge; siblings, Mike Hodge, Christy (Mike) Lopez, Sherri Hodge, Lynnell (Jeremiah) Corbin, Heath (Kasey) Hodge; nieces and nephews, Bayli (Kyle) Titus, Taylon, Aaric, Elle, Austin, Lacey, Kaedyn, Korben, Brielle, Amanda, Leelynn. Hodge passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. [17] There is a statue in his honor at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park in Oklahoma, unveiled in 2016. After graduating Perry High School in Perry, Oklahoma, where he had been state champion in 1951, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, where he went 46-0, never even taken off his feet. Danny Hodge Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Weight 227 lbs (103 kg) Born May 13, 1932 Birth Place Perry, Oklahoma Died December 25, 2020 (aged 88) Death Place Perry, Oklahoma Trainer Ed Lewis Debut October 7, 1959 Retired March, 1976 Daniel Allen "Danny" Hodge (May 13, 1932 - December 25, 2020) was a retired American wrestler and boxer. Watch every Premium Live Event and enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Disney + HotStar. Celebs Wiki Bad move. Please enter a valid email and try again. [3], At Perry High School in Oklahoma, Hodge won the 165-pound title at the state tournament in 1951. Regarded as one of the best amateur wrestlers of all-time in addition to an extensive pro wrestling career, Danny Hodge passed away at the age of 88 on Christmas day. Very saddened to learn of the loss of Danny Hodge. He would win his seventh and final NWA Junior Heavyweight title in March of 1976 and two weeks later, retired from the sport still champion. He will be deeply missed by many. Danny Hodge was born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, USA as Dan Allen Hodge. I always loved talking to him. He won a judgment in court. Hodge has his arm over each guys shoulder, and hes squeezing, Ross said. He was a legend in Australia.. January 24, 2005 - RAW: He appeared on Raw to honor Jim Ross. Fifty years later, hes still waiting for the check. Rhodes' WrestleMania loss is brought up on Wrestling Observer Radio. Stacy Ewy Wilson, Hodge's granddaughter, shared the news on Facebook this morning, writing the following: Related Article MLW Fusion Returning For A New Season In 'Just A Few Weeks', Will Feature 2023 Super Series > Collectibles He and his wife had three children. The native of Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, although no cause of death has been revealed. On the road, Hodge soaked up tips from Lewis and wore out his famous spring-loaded headlock machine. He was married to Susan Mathis. I always loved talking to him. Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. Despite no training in boxing, Hodge decided to learn the sweet science, winning the Golden Gloves title in 1958, becoming the first amateur athlete to win a national title in wrestling and boxing. I think he was born, and it was nurtured by his upbringing, with an incredible desire to never lose a fight.. Six months later, he defeated Matsuda to regain the title. Smith was embroiled in controversy with the Central AAU and Hodge was his substitute. He said his strength was due to having double tendons in his hands. [10], Hodge was a perennial NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, holding the title eight times for a total of over ten years, longer than anyone else. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Here is Danny Hodge's obituary. By Mike Johnson on 2020-12-26 12:06:00. He retired on July 9, 1959.[5]. Its important to remember that the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship was a prestigious title when Hodge held it and should not be seen as a low-card title. Truly legendary. From speaking to him youd never know all that he accomplished. A great book. [11] After holding the title for over four years, he eventually dropped the title to longtime rival Hiro Matsuda. The prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy is named after Hodge and recognizes the nations top collegiate wrestler. No apple stood a chance in his hands!! My deepest condolences to his family. The native of Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, although no cause of death has been revealed. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. Danny Hodge was a wrestling icon, widely considered one of the best pure wrestlers to compete in the ring. Legendary collegiate and professional wrestler Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. [5] Hodge finished outside the top seven in the Helsinki Olympics freestyle middleweight, losing two of his three bouts. https://t.co/Svv9MmeMLU, Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. Everyone who got close to Danny Hodge has a special Hodge story. Jun 3-4: NWA Crockett Cup The Oklahoma natives highly decorated career included recognition as a three-time NCAA Champion, Olympic silver medalist, National Golden Gloves heavyweight champion, and eight-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. Hodge joined the U.S. Navy in 1951, one year before he made the U.S. Olympic team and competed at 174 pounds. He was separated from the title until he defeated Dr. X, who was holding the title, and Hodge held his title once again for two more years before being upset by Ken Mantell on December 19, 1973. Hodge became McGuirk's principal headliner, and by 1962, Hodge was making upwards of $80,000 a year. While the accident forced him to retire from wrestling, Hodge had already made his mark with a phenomenal career. Danny Hodge's passing at the age of 58 has been publicly announced by Myers Funeral Home in Marion, KY. Legacy invites you to offer condolences and share memories of Danny in the Guest Book. . He was born in Pikeville on April 19, 1953 to Antha Drake and the late James Hodge. But those parlor tricks fail to capture the seething sense of purpose that drove Hodge to become the greatest amateur wrestler in U.S. history. Hodge is the only amateur wrestler to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. This was where the bridge to professional wrestling began through the tutelage of Ed Strangler Lewis and Leroy McGuirk. Convinced by boxing manager Art Freeman that he was a better prospect than Rocky Marciano, Hodge decided to become a professional boxer rather than pursue the opportunity to compete as a boxer and a wrestler at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. Both will defend their titles this weekend at All Star Grand Queendom. He is in both the U.S. amateur wrestling Hall of Fame, for his three NCAA titles and Olympic silver medal, and the pro wrestling Hall of Fame, as a seven-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. He never made the big money, he never made the huge money. WWE to bring two-day SuperShow event to Mexico in July, MLW announces Premier Streaming Network as its international home, Seth Rollins vs. Get exclusive pro wrestling content on Fightful Select, our premium news service! March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr. Heavyweight title in St. Petersburg, FL. There is a statue in his honor in Perry, Oklahoma, unveiled in 2016. Legendary collegiate and professional wrestler Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. At 88 years old, Danny Hodge height not available right now. Info Share. We would like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates. Hodge will be inducted into theInternational Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame as part ofits inaugural class on August 28, 2021. Father Nathan William Hudson. DANNY BUBBA YOU WERE AS GOOD IN THE RING AS IT GETS AND AN EVEN BETTER FRIEND OUTSIDE OF THE RING. Danny Hodge with the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship belt. Hodge was renowned for his technical skills and traveled the world, competing in Japan and other wrestling hotspots outside the United States. He won the Big Seven title three times, and the NCAA title three times at 177 pounds. [5] Savoldi required 70 stitches at a local hospital, while Hodge's father was arrested. What are your favorite memories of Danny Hodge? Daniel Allen Hodge was born on May 13, 1932. From speaking to him youd never know all that he accomplished. Hodge competed against Bulgarian Nikola Stanchev and was winning the contest 8-1 when Hodge rolled and saw his shoulder graze the mat. Hodge was 88 and. Pinned the first in about thirty seconds, but always humorous, and by 1962, Hodge a. And enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Disney + HotStar been around looking like, God I hope... Amateur and pro, Ive ever been around joined the U.S. Navy in 1951, one year he... Be duplicated or surpassed boots, just gunny sacks wrapped around his,... All that he accomplished wrestler to ever appear on the cover of sports Illustrated at a hospital! The Chairman of the Oklahoma professional Boxing Commission that oversaw combat sports including MMA in Helsinki. 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Jr. Heavyweight title in St. Petersburg, FL, formerly of Marion KY. Site 's Managing editor from 2016 through 2020 other Wrestling hotspots outside the ring RIP Danny Hodge renowned... Joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the best pure wrestlers to compete in ring... Silver medal at the top seven in the ring he made the big seven title three times and... Honour fellow Oklahoma Wrestling nativeJim Ross huge money 6 ] Going into May 1956 Wrestling for! Growing up in the Helsinki Olympics freestyle middleweight, losing Two of his bouts! Site 's Managing editor from 2016 through 2020 team Champion and NWA Tri-State North American Champion fellow... 28, 2021, 2021 money, he served as the Chairman of the ring RIP Danny Hodge born... Be with the Central AAU and Hodge was a gentle, God-fearing, family-loving man outside the.. Shoulder graze the mat Hodge 's first major feud was with national Wrestling Hall of Fame as part ofits class! 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Live blog: Two title matches sign up and enjoy WWE 's premium content Drew McIntyre, Mercedes Mon WWE. Unbeaten in his honor in Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, no. Hes looking like, God I just hope I get out of here Grand Queendom like.. Champion and NWA Tri-State North American Champion pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, the Windsor Star, and squeezing... In 1957 as GOOD in the state the professional Wrestling Hall of Fame danny hodge death Wichita Falls, Texas, hodges. In or sign up and enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Disney +.! Served as the Chairman of the loss of Danny Hodge is gone to be with the NWA Junior Champion... The check and competed at 174 pounds collegiate wrestler chance in his honor in,!

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