Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. Dan was born on May 13, 1932 the son of William Edward Hodge and Hazel Erma Blanchard Hodge in Perry, Oklahoma. Here is Danny Hodge's obituary. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr. Heavyweight title in St. Petersburg, FL. Aug 5: WWE SummerSlam It was ruled a pin and therefore, Hodge lost in a call that regarded as an egregious one while costing Hodge the gold medal. Rest in Peace Sir!#RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF, Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) December 26, 2020. There is a statue in his honor in Perry, Oklahoma, unveiled in 2016. #RIPCHAMP pic.twitter.com/JDPAFZNNS7, Helluva night in #OKC! Earlier today, William Regal reflected on Hodges incredible career and friendship in a social media post. 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. Hodges opponent that night was Victor, the wrestling bear. Hodge became McGuirk's principal headliner, and by 1962, Hodge was making upwards of $80,000 a year. 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. There were cries of agony, but they were coming from the helpers, not the fallen wrestler. 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. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function(){viAPItag.display("vi_937032466")}). #RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF. Even when I was in high school, he was a hero to me. We used to drive to Norman, OK., to watch him wrestle for the Sooners. 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. By Ryan Droste - December 27, 2020 10:54 am EST. Great Bolo (Al Lovelock) W (2-1) retained NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title. Born and raised in Perry, Oklahoma, he was the son of an alcoholic father and a mother who dealt with severe depression. [5] At the Melbourne Olympics freestyle middleweight, he won the silver medal, losing the final to Bulgarian Nikola Stanchev. For three consecutive years from1955-1957, he won theBig Seven Conference and NCAA Championships at 177 pounds. Amateur and professional wrestling legend Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. Please enter a valid email and try again. He had a championship tag team with Skandor Akbar in 1967 and 1968, and though he was top dog, hed gladly take an initial whipping before tagging out, to build up his partner. Danny Hodge in his early 80s could still crush an apple in one hand. The list of 24 honorees includes the likes of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Bruno Sammartino. He will be deeply missed by many. He was 88. Smith was embroiled in controversy with the Central AAU and Hodge was his substitute. 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. Pound for pound, there wasnt anybody in the business that could stay with him. They made that much clear on Raw this week. Rest in power. Rest In Peace, Danny. We have estimated Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. Today, the NCAA awards the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy to the top college wrestler in the country as a tribute. No opponent was able to score a point off him his entire senior year and he hadn't even been taken down. 3010 North Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN DANNY HODGE OBITUARY Danny Hodge's passing has been publicly announced by Serenity of Cleveland Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cleveland, TN.. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc, William Regal (@RealKingRegal) December 26, 2020. Watch every Premium Live Event and enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Disney + HotStar. Mike Chapman, the Iowa author and wrestling historian who worked with him on his biography, Oklahoma Shooter: The Dan Hodge Story, recalled how the normally agreeable Hodge got very direct when talking about the beatings he endured as a youth. WWE extends its condolences to Hodges family and friends. In 2005 and 2012 he appeared on WWE RAW to honour fellow Oklahoma wrestling nativeJim Ross. The championship revolved around Hodge, who would win and lose the title through 1976. I dont know if I could whip that one, not even knowing that I would ever have the opportunity to get in the ring. After losing a match as a high school junior, Hodge, driven by his inner fire, started crumpling up a newspaper page, one finger at a time, three times a day, to strengthen his grip. So sad to see he passed on Christmas day. Leave a sympathy message to the . National Wrestling Alliance, The Untold Story of the Monopoly that Strangled Pro Wrestling, p. 224, Tim Hornbaker, ECW Press, 2007. While the cause of death isn't known yet, he had been battling dementia for several years. 01:03. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. You would respect him one way or another, he would get your respect. He was also a Gold Gloves boxer and had professional success in the 50s. 0. [11] After Parente lost the belt to Hodge again, Hodge held the belt for another four months until eventually losing it to Sputnik Monroe on July 13, 1970. I always loved talking to him. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr . The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodge's passing. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented him with its Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and the Lou Thesz Award in 2007. As of this writing, Hodge is the only amateur wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which should tell you all you need to know about how big he was as an amateur competitor. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 88 years old group. He got out and the other kid wouldnt come in to wrestle., Bill Watts gets the last word on Danny Hodge. A scholarship to the University of Oklahoma followedthe straight arrow never cut class, of courseand he became an undefeated, three-time All-American at 177 pounds. You cant even imagine my thoughts. By Mike Johnson on 2020-12-26 12:06:00. Death 17 Jan 1975 - Jacksonville, Onslow, North Carolina. [11], On March 5, 1976, and just three days after defeating rival Matsuda for the championship, Hodge was driving his car when he fell asleep at the wheel causing him to crash through a bridge and into a lake. A great book. Danny Hodge with the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship belt. He transitioned to the world of professional wrestling, debuting in 1959 after being trained byLeroy McGuirkandEd "Strangler" Lewis. But if I was with Danny, then that made it, Akbar said. This man was my hero.my everything! His long-time friend, Jerry Brisco, simply wrote My HERO RIPDAN on Twitter. From speaking to him youd never know all that he accomplished. He was the first amateur wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Your email address will not be published. [1] Sweetan was nicknamed "Bruiser" and "Mr. Piledriver ", the latter in reference to his finishing maneuver. Hodge considered trying out for the 1960 Olympics in boxing and wrestling, but decided to turn pro to earn a living. Stay tuned toLast Word on Pro Wrestlingfor more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. Info Share. A REAL SHOOTER AND WORLD CLASS GENTLEMAN. But when I grabbed you, Id see the expression come over your face. We are sad to announce that on January 21, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Danny Hodge of Chandler, Oklahoma. Among the Hall of Fames that have inducted Hodge include the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, the inaugural class of the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame, and honored by the Cauliflower Alley Club with multiple awards. Police in Oklahoma issued a Silver Alert on Saturday for wrestling legend Danny Hodge, who suffers from dementia, but hours later he was found.. Hodge was 88 years old. Hodge will be inducted into theInternational Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame as part ofits inaugural class on August 28, 2021. Hodge was the last one out and the first one back, and later, out in the country, hed run four more miles. 1932 Danny Hodge was born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, USA as Dan Allen Hodge. People dont know what its like growing up in the atmosphere like this. Even after retirement, Hodge made occasional appearances in wrestling, including two on RAW. 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. The Oklahoma state wrestling champion went to the University of Oklahoma and amassed a sterling 46-0 record with three Big Seven titles, and three NCAA titles at 177 pounds. His wife is Susan Mathis (16 July1957 - 25 December2020)( his death)( 4 children). New Wrestling Observer Newsletter plus tons of downloadable podcasts every week, Get breaking news alerts & weekly roundups sent to your inbox. 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. EDITORS NOTE: This story has been amended to fix the date of Hodges passing to December 24, 2020. [6] Going into May 1956 wrestling trials for US Olympic team, Hodge was middleweight favorite. And you cant do that until you get in shape. At the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, he was well ahead of a Bulgarian opponent with a gold medal within his sights when the two became entangled. Hodges first title reign lasted four years, ending when he was defeated by Hiro Matsuda in July 1964. Wichita Falls, TX - 4-H Arena. The stories of Hodges toughness are legendary from the numerous examples of his non-human grip strength being showcased in the forms of apples and pliers being crushed. 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. Sign up for the Hodges amateur skills made him a natural for the pro ranks and he proved to be a talented performer in the ring, finding stardom. He is only amateur wrestler to appear on the cover of. We will update Danny Hodge's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. I always loved talking to him. Plus, get every WWE Premium Live Event and the worlds best TV and movies. Rest in Peace Sir!--#RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. Hodges shoulders grazed the mat and a judge called it a fall and a loss. I always loved talking to him. The native of Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, although no cause of death has been revealed. He also served as the chairman of the Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission, which regulates all combat sports in the state. May 28: NXT Battleground Rhodes' WrestleMania loss is brought up on Wrestling Observer Radio. In total, Hodge was a seven-time NWA junior heavyweight champion, defeating Angelo Savoldi for his first championship on July 22, 1960. In 1955, Hodge came to wrestle at Oklahoma, where he would post a 46-0. National Wrestling Hall of Famer Danny Hodge died in his hometown of Perry, OK, on Dec. 24. That night, Victor was screaming. Hodge passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc, Very saddened to learn of the loss of Danny Hodge. Watch every Premium Live Event and enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Shahid. Beginners Guide To NOAH: The Championships. GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER. Christmas was his favorite time of year! Hodge would tie you up. RAW: Gang warfare breaks out on Monday Night, Steve Argintarus Impact Rebellion Photo Gallery, George Tahinos New Japan Collision in Pennsylvania photo gallery, WWE/A&Es Rivals charts Hogan and Pipers neverending feud, Iron Sheiks wild life story featured in season finale of WWE/A&Es Biography, Panini Prizm WWE wrestling cards make their triumphant return, Samantha Starr faces punishment to the Max on this NWA USA. 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. He was famous for the ability to crush apples with one hand,[1] a feat which he demonstrated live on ESPN during the 2006 NCAA Wrestling Championships. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. For the last number of years, Hodge had suffered from dementia, and had not been out in public much. He is from USA. Born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, Hodge was a standout as a high school wrestler and was only getting started. He made some guys look fools that they didnt even know what a fool they were being made of until it was too late.. He made appearances in WWE on Raw in 2005 and 2012 in which he honored fellow Oklahoman Jim Ross. You know, you give him your body and he takes advantage of it. Greg Oliver has been writing about pro wrestling since 1985, and is the author of wrestling books: The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Storytellers (with Steven Johnson), The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes & Icons (with Steven Johnson and Mike Mooneyham); The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels (with Steven Johnson); The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams (also with Johnson); The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Canadians; SLAM! The car flipped, and the crash broke his neck and shattered his teeth upon impact. Born and raised in Perry, Oklahoma, he was the son of an alcoholic father and a mother who dealt with severe depression. Then he heard a voice. Lets talk about what happened. January 24, 2005 - RAW: He appeared on Raw to honor Jim Ross. Jun 3-4: NWA Crockett Cup 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. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodges passing. 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 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. > Sporting Connection Death 5 January 1974 - Marion, Florida, United States. Perry, OK., is a very small town but known for their amateur wrestling. Daniel Allen Hodge was born on May 13, 1932. Raw results, live blog: Brock Lesnar responds. Legendary collegiate and professional wrestler Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. Among other titles, he was the NWA Junior Heavyweight champ seven times. They told me, Danny boy, we need you. No, you dont need me. I told them I can get all the fights I want here in Perry, Oklahoma, for nothing. , money, salary, income, and assets. His strength he possessed in his hands was legendary. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. The Dan Hodge Trophy is presented to the NCAAs best college wrestler each year. Obituary of Danny Hodge Spencer- Mr. Danny Joe Hodge, age 64, of Spencer, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017, unexpectedly at his home. Theres really no way that I know of to beat a guy that can break electricians pliers with his hands. To Hodge, that was because Monroe and a few others failed to mix it up. > WrestleMania, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. [16] He served as chairman of the Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission, which regulates professional boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts in Oklahoma. You are welcome to share your memories or photo, (Donations can be made in his memory to the Perry Wrestling Moment Park.). pic.twitter.com/IUyw9Z6ywm, All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 26, 2020, Legitimately one of the toughest guys in a boxing or wrestling ring, Danny Hodge was a mentor to many and a groundbreaking competitor. How do we create a person's profile? The only people that ever had trouble with him were maybe the people that didnt respect him. Celebs Wiki > The Artist Canvas He would hold the title for 1,450 days, finally losing it in 1964. Hodge competed against Bulgarian Nikola Stanchev and was winning the contest 8-1 when Hodge rolled and saw his shoulder graze the mat. On behalf of Fightful, we sendour deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Danny Hodge. Hodge boxed professional for a short time before spending 18 years as a professional wrestler. RIP dear friend! Well, I think I could whip this one, he remembered thinking. During his WWE Hall of Fame induction speech, Bret Hart called Hodge one of the greatest wrestlers in pro wrestling or amateur wrestling theres ever been.. SmackDown results, April 14, 2023: Solo Sikoa unleashes a brutal post-match attack on Matt Riddle, WWE NXT results, April 11, 2023: Grayson Waller wins Fatal-4 Way to face Carmelo Hayes at Spring Breakin', Roman Reigns survives Cody Rhodes with controversial victory at WrestleMania, The Bloodline vs. Matt Riddle rivalry history, Liv Morgans most outrageous moments: WWE Top 10, April 13, 2023. (Hodge is only one of two three-time NCAA Division I champs to have done that, the other being Oklahoma A&M's Earl McCready in 19281930.) 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. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. [11] He held the belt for several months until he lost it to Lorenzo Parente; they both continuously lost and regained the title in the span of a year during their feud. A REAL SHOOTER AND WORLD CLASS GENTLEMAN. In 1957, Americas best wrestler turned boxer. No cause of death has been given for the Oklahoma star, although he had been battling dementia in recent years. The real deal.. May he Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/Z5Rz44ussN, The wrestling world has lost a legit man's man & one of the most beautiful human beings I was honored to call friend. [5] Savoldi required 70 stitches at a local hospital, while Hodge's father was arrested. Legitimately one of the toughest guys in a boxing or wrestling ring, Danny Hodge was a mentor to many and a groundbreaking competitor. The pro fisticuffs lasted after about a year; in July 1959, two months after losing to Cuban Nino Valdes, Hodge quit boxing and filed a $116,000 lawsuit against his backers, saying they breached a contract that was supposed to provide him with about 35 percent of the gate after expenses. He was a 3-time NCAA champion and won his college the 1957 team title. You see what Im saying? Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. Six months later, he defeated Matsuda to regain the title. Get the occasional email with the latest wrestling tributes and memorials, Search by ring name, real name, cause of death, organization, time period (2000s, etc) or specific year, WWE Hall of Famer Ravishing Rick Rude was an amazing individual in and out of the ring. At 88 years old, Danny Hodge height not available right now. 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. Matsuda eventually faced Hodge again and lost, where Hodge defeated him for the championship on March 2, 1976. To say I am heartbroken is an understatement. [5] As a professional, he had a reported record of 82, although only 7 wins have been documented. The Oklahoma native held national titles in wrestling and boxing and was a three-time NCAA Champion while also winning a silver medal in the Olympics. 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. What a shame. Rumor Roundup: Becky Lynch, Drew McIntyre, Mercedes Mon, WWE & ESPN, more! You have no idea how many miles Id run, he said. [13] In 2007, he was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. > Video Hodge became a huge star in the NWAs Junior Heavyweight division throughout the 1960s and 1970s, capturing his first NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship in 1960, defeating champion Angelo Savoldi for the title less than a year into his pro wrestling career. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Hodges legacy lives on with The Dan Hodge Trophy, which is awarded yearly to the nations top collegiate wrestler. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. [5] Hodge's first major feud was with National Wrestling Alliance Junior Heavyweight Champion Angelo Savoldi. He didnt have ask for it, said Watts. He was never even taken off his feet as a college wrestler, an incredible feat. For figures involved in the contemporary efforts to revive catch-as-catch-can wrestling as a legitimate art, Hodge, who died on December 24, 2020 at 88, was considered one of the art's last great figureheads following the passing of Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch, Billy Robinson, and Billy Wicks. Danny Hodge was a wrestling icon, widely considered one of the best pure wrestlers to compete in the ring. The police officer seen on video being crushed in a doorway by pro-Trump rioters inside the US Capitol last week is "recovering and doing well" after the horrifying ordeal, cops . Fans of Danny Hodge was born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, where he post... Icon, widely considered one of the danny hodge death pure wrestlers to compete in the business that stay! ] ).push ( function ( ) { viAPItag.display ( `` vi_937032466 '' ) } ) whip one... 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