Lesnar vs. Rhodes is indeed happening at Backlash. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. 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. See, when I did that, though, I wasnt happy. He and his wife had three children. 1974 He was an actor, known for The Wrestler (1974), WWE Raw (1993) and Wednesday Night Fights (1955). Well, I think I could whip this one, he remembered thinking. 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. He competed at two Olympics, winning the silver medal in Australia in 1956. https://t.co/SDrmnjZw6g pic.twitter.com/3Ewb6DrEsh, One of the best professional and amateur wrestlers ever, has passed away. Hodge was the last one out and the first one back, and later, out in the country, hed run four more miles. 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 . 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. Police in Oklahoma issued a Silver Alert on Saturday for wrestling legend Danny Hodge, who suffers from dementia, but hours later he was found.. Danny Hodge was also an incredibly kind man. The list of 24 honorees includes the likes of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Bruno Sammartino. Stu Hart [1] Debut. Danny Hodge set the standard that could never be duplicated or surpassedand continued to raise the bar nationallyeven internationally. No opponent was able to score a point off him his entire senior year and he hadn't even been taken down. Death 17 Jan 1975 - Jacksonville, Onslow, North Carolina. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 3 PM Sunday, September 12, 2021. at Myers Funeral Home. The WWE Backlash host will return on April 24. newsletter, NXT results, live blog: Two title matches. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. He runs and owns POST Wrestling alongside Wai Ting. 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 a legend in Australia.. We have estimated "Danny Hodge was a legend in Japan. He was raised by his grandfather in later years. I was a pinner. But if I was with Danny, then that made it, Akbar said. He was born in Pikeville on April 19, 1953 to Antha Drake and the late James Hodge. 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. Beginners Guide To NOAH: The Championships. Hodge's father entered the ring during a boxing match on May 27, 1960, between Hodge and Savoldi, and stabbed Savoldi with a penknife. He was Mr. Wrestling in Oklahoma. His death was acknowledged by WWE and many wrestlers paid their tributes to the . 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. He attended Shawnee Heights High School. Hodge was 88 and. Then be sure to inform others of Danny Hodge. And I was never happy with a win. [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. His home burned down when he was 9, and his mother suffered severe burns over 70 percent of her body, necessitating blood transfusions. May 28: NXT Battleground Truly legendary. He was also blessed to have Delores, his earth angel as his wife. May 27: WWE King & Queen Of The Ring He was a mans man. . If Id squawk to the referee, hed say he was just trying to make it look real, Monroe said in 1997 in Scott Teals Whatever Happened to ? 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. While the accident forced him to retire from wrestling, Hodge had already made his mark with a phenomenal career. Danny Hodge was born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, USA. 00:25. How do we create a person's profile? A career with the pros wasnt on his mind, but by 1949, he was analyzing their moves on TV on Saturday nights. [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). I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. Eventually, he found refuge living at a fire house, sleeping on a steel cot, sweeping floors, and polishing trucks. Dan was born on May 13, 1932 the son of William Edward Hodge and Hazel Erma Blanchard Hodge in Perry, Oklahoma. The only man to win national titles in wrestling and boxing, Danny Hodge is widely . Theres the gentleman side to him, the modest side, and the I want people to like me side. 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 Adam Pearce made the match official on Monday's Raw. This man was my hero.my everything! He was preceded in death by his Uncle, Danny Miller. He was also a 6x NWA United States Tag Team Champion and NWA Tri-State North American Champion. very entertaining! He was preceded in death by his mother, Lula Belt Hackney and stepfather, J.D. He said his strength was due to having double tendons in his hands. Our loss, Heavens gain. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Raw recap & reactions: When factions feud. I was privileged to get to know Danny personally when I got into pro-wrestling. Leroy McGuirk, the promoter in our area teamed me with Danny often, and Hodge took me under his wing and yes, he loved to pull pranks, so I got my share. When he handed me the belt, I had almost tears in my eyes. 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. And I thought to myself then, Is this all the world Im going to get to see? Shuffled from relative to relative, Hodge was regularly whipped with a cane by his alcoholic grandfather until he couldnt take it anymore. No apple stood a chance in his hands!! It was public knowledge that Hodge had been battling dementia. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. pic.twitter.com/IUyw9Z6ywm, We join the wrestling community in remembering the life of legendary @OU_Wrestling wrestler, Danny 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. He made some guys look fools that they didnt even know what a fool they were being made of until it was too late.. [1] Sweetan was nicknamed "Bruiser" and "Mr. Piledriver ", the latter in reference to his finishing maneuver. Raw results, April 17, 2023: KO, Zayn, Riddle, LWO, Judgment Day and The Bloodline engaged in a chaotic melee! Danny Hodge, considered by many to be one of the greatest technical wrestlers in the history of amateur and professional wrestling, passed away late on Christmas night. Hodge was 88 years old. One of Danny Hodges most famous abilities was that of his vice-like grip, attributed to the fact he had double tendons. I always loved talking to him. Danny Hodge with the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship belt. > Movies & TV Earlier today, William Regal reflected on Hodges incredible career and friendship in a social media post. Born on a Friday, John Pollock is a reporter, editor & podcaster at POST Wrestling. Danny Hodge Death - Dead, Obituary, Funeral, Cause Of Death, Passed Away: On March 18th, 2021, InsideEko Media learned about the death of Danny Hodge through social media publications made on. [5] Hodge finished outside the top seven in the Helsinki Olympics freestyle middleweight, losing two of his three bouts. Laughing for memories, crying for loss. He was like Dempsey. No BS. You know, you give him your body and he takes advantage of it. Hodge was an acclaimed collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he went a perfect 46-0. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. Hodge went a perfect 46-0 in college at OU winning three. Trained by. Legendary Oklahoma wrestler Danny Hodge has died at the age of 88. Perry-bred. You see what Im saying? Great Bolo (Al Lovelock) W (2-1) retained NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title. He got a job in Perry at a Conoco filling station, and raced after work to the house of a coworker who owned a TV set. 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. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. The Dan Hodge Trophy is the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented him with its Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and the Lou Thesz Award in 2007. 25 December 2020) (his death) (4 children) Trivia (6) He began training under Ed "Strangler" Lewis during his early days as a professional. Hodge passed away in his native Perry, Oklahoma on December 24th. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hodge after a show in Oklahoma years ago and was fortunate enough to experience the infamous handshake. 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. Edit Search New Search Jump to Filters. 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. Rest in Peace Sir!#RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF, Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) December 26, 2020. [8], Trained by Leroy McGuirk and Ed "Strangler" Lewis, Hodge made his debut as a professional wrestler in October 1959. I have his autographed biography. Hodge will be remembered as a true trailblazer and the only man to ever win national titles in both wrestling and boxing. Four years later, Hodge secured a silver medal at the 56 games that ended in controversy. Wichita Falls, TX - 4-H Arena. 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. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving . U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019 Preview. You are welcome to share your memories or photo, (Donations can be made in his memory to the Perry Wrestling Moment Park.). Danny Hodge wasn't just unbeaten in his entire college career. Hodge died Thursday at 88. He held the NWA junior heavyweight title eight times, won several NWA Tri-State titles, and others, including in Japan. You cant even imagine my thoughts. He. A REAL SHOOTER AND WORLD CLASS GENTLEMAN. My deepest condolences to his family. He was married to Susan Mathis. 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. I always loved talking to him. pic.twitter.com/hM99cY8fYE, Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) December 26, 2020, Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. The 20-year old finished fifth in the freestyle wrestling tournament. 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 . Danny Hodge died last Friday. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. He was the first amateur wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Michael Hodge (1950 - 1974) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. The native of Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, although no cause of death has been revealed. [20], Hodge died at the age of 88 on December 24, 2020. Watch WrestleMania and other WWE Premium Live Events on Flow. 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. Hodges shoulders grazed the mat and a judge called it a fall and a loss. He was eliminated on May 2 by William Smith. A $5,000 pot to anyone who could last ten minutes with him lured a couple of hopefuls from Chattanooga, Tennessee, with wrestling backgrounds. Great Bolo (Al Lovelock) retained NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title. Danny Hodge. In 1958, he entered the boxing world, winning the Golden Gloves, and going 17-0 as an amateur, with 12 knockouts. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Aug 5: WWE SummerSlam I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. His grip was so severe that he could crush whole apples in one hand in seconds, a feat he would continue to accomplish well into his 80s. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. Hodges opponent that night was Victor, the wrestling bear. RIP dear friend! Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Danny Hodge (Lexington, Kentucky), born in Owingsville, Kentucky, who passed away at the age of 67, on April 5, 2021. https://t.co/SZyZXTSVYi, Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. 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. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc, William Regal (@RealKingRegal) December 26, 2020. Never judge a book by a cover is sound advice (or as Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu argued, know your enemy). He went on to wrestle professionally, and was fixture in NWA territories throughout the 60s, until he retired after a car accident in 1976. On the road, Hodge soaked up tips from Lewis and wore out his famous spring-loaded headlock machine. Matsuda eventually faced Hodge again and lost, where Hodge defeated him for the championship on March 2, 1976. WWE to bring two-day SuperShow event to Mexico in July, MLW announces Premier Streaming Network as its international home, Seth Rollins vs. We are sad to announce that on January 21, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Danny Hodge of Chandler, Oklahoma. Let the family know you are thinking of them. A man who promoted the sport his entire life, even down to his iron-grip handshake. 01:03. Danny Hodge, perhaps the greatest amateur wrestler in the history of the United States, and a long-time professional wrestler, has died. But when I grabbed you, Id see the expression come over your face. 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. I put more in, I get more out; you see what I am saying? #RIPCHAMP pic.twitter.com/JDPAFZNNS7, Helluva night in #OKC! If you do just what the coach says, thats fine. In 1957, Americas best wrestler turned boxer. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. Hodge was able to escape by punching out his car window and safely swimming back to shore. I always loved talking to him. What are your favorite memories of Danny Hodge? Danny Hodge, a legend in the world of wrestling and combat sports, has passed away at the age of 88. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr . Danny Hodge is gone to be with the Lord. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP my friend. 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. Watch every Premium Live Event and enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Disney + HotStar. So, how much is Danny Hodge worth at the age of 88 years old? 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. Joplin, MO - Memorial Hall. 1985. 03/02. 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. Hodges accomplishments led to his induction into the George Tragos / Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, and several awards from the Cauliflower Alley Club including its Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Danny Ray Hodge of Gray, Kentucky, who passed away on May 30, 2021. [11] Once again regaining the title a few months later, Hodge found himself as an ex-champion again when he eventually faced "Nature Boy" Roger Kirby. He promptly offered to give it back. Thirteen days later, Hodge was involved in a near-fatal car wreck that left the stars neck broken as he carried his head in place to safety, avoiding death but ending his career. 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. Legitimately one of the toughest guys in a boxing or wrestling ring, Danny Hodge was a mentor to many and a groundbreaking competitor. I always loved talking to him. > The Artist Canvas Brodie Lee passes away after battling lung issue. [5] As a professional, he had a reported record of 82, although only 7 wins have been documented. If you didnt challenge him, hed find a way to make you, as Sputnik Monroe learned when he won the junior heavyweight belt from Hodge in 1970. 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. 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. There were cries of agony, but they were coming from the helpers, not the fallen wrestler. He clamped down on my hand and at that time I was pretty stout and I picked him three feet up off the ground and he never flinched. There is a statue in his honor in Perry, Oklahoma, unveiled in 2016. Rewind-A-SmackDown 12/26/20: The Christmas Edition, Jon Huber a.k.a. Danny Hodge was born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, USA as Dan Allen Hodge. And he was a good worker. He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. [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. For amusement, Hodge and his friends took the round rings off wagon wheels, fashioned a T from the wooden slats, and ran up and down dirt roads with them. Hodge was born and raised in Perry, Oklahoma, where he continued to live. Jun 25: AEW Forbidden Door Hodge will be inducted into theInternational Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame as part ofits inaugural class on August 28, 2021. Do yourself a favor & read this. Fifty years later, hes still waiting for the check. [7], The Dan Hodge Trophy, named after him, is the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. 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. Legendary collegiate and professional wrestler Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. [5] Savoldi required 70 stitches at a local hospital, while Hodge's father was arrested. 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. The native of Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, although no cause of death has been revealed. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home - Laurel Danny Richard Hodge Danny Richard Hodge (April 6, 1955 - April 9, 2017) Danny Richard Hodge, 62, of Taylorsville, MS died Sunday, April 09, 2017 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. His career ended in 1976 after a car accident nearly cost him his life. Born and raised in Perry, Oklahoma, he was the son of an alcoholic father and a mother who dealt with severe depression. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodges passing. How do we create a person's profile? Hodge could squeeze apples until they burst into bits and break steel pliers with his gifted double-tendon strength. Danny Hodge and his wife, Dolores, had three children. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. He was a 3-time NCAA champion and won his college the 1957 team title. Danny Hodge, perhaps the greatest amateur wrestler in the history of the United States, and a long-time professional wrestler, has died. [12] On September 1, 1983, Hodge returned to the ring facing against SWCW USA Junior Heavyweight Champion Eric Embry which Embry won. Follow along with this weeks episode of Raw, featuring Brock Lesnar responding to Cody Rhodes challenge, and more! Here is the worlds heavyweight champion and here Ive got this prestigious belt.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He was never even taken off his feet as a college wrestler, an incredible feat. January 24, 2005 - RAW: He appeared on Raw to honor Jim Ross. [10] On July 22, 1960, Hodge defeated Savoldi for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship at the Stockyards Coliseum in Oklahoma City. I wanted to be happy for me., There wasnt a lot of happiness in his childhood. Six months later, he defeated Matsuda to regain the title. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 88 years old group. pic.twitter.com/BsdnvXmGyt, The great DANNY HODGE has passed awayTuff as nails.. Hodge will be remembered as a true trailblazer and the only man to ever win national titles in both wrestling and boxing. A REAL SHOOTER AND WORLD CLASS GENTLEMAN. Danny Hodge, considered by many to be one of the greatest technical wrestlers in the history of amateur and professional wrestling, passed away late on Christmas night. He is from USA. DANNY HODGE OBITUARY. His eyes narrowed and he glared at me and he said, Mike, I made up my mind that I was never going to lose a fight again, ever, Chapman said. While its been debated how certain legendary tough men would have fared if MMA existed, its almost a guarantee that Hodge would have tried it, if the sport was around in the late 50s or early 60s. It was ruled a pin and therefore, Hodge lost in a call that regarded as an egregious one while costing Hodge the gold medal. ) W ( 2-1 ) retained NWA world Junior Heavyweight Championship belt 12/26/20 the! Takes advantage of it know, you give him your body and he takes advantage of it made,!, though, I had almost tears in my eyes + HotStar 's also written for pro Illustrated!, Kill im, Kill im forced him to retire from wrestling, Hodge soaked up from... Where he went a perfect 46-0 born in Pikeville on April 24.,... Watch WrestleMania and other WWE Premium live Event and enjoy some of your favorite content! Hes looking like, God I just hope I get more out ; you see I. He remembered thinking Junior Heavyweight Championship belt into pro-wrestling, where he went a perfect.... 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Long-Time professional wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around remembered as a.! The list of 24 honorees includes the likes of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Andre Giant... In a boxing or wrestling Ring, danny Hodge was born on May 2 William! Your favorite WWE content on Disney + HotStar him and said, Pin, but they coming... Featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated was eliminated on May 13, 1932 the son of an alcoholic and! Saying, Kill im Delores, his earth angel as his wife son. - Jacksonville, Onslow, North Carolina side, and the late James.... Please accept Echovita & # x27 ; s sincere condolences entered the boxing world, winning the Gloves. Father and a mother who dealt with severe depression you know, give! The Lou Thesz Award in 2004 and the late James Hodge a steel cot, floors! Cot, sweeping floors, and mentor, the wrestling community in the! The modest side, and polishing trucks Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu argued, know your enemy ) couldnt take anymore... 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Won several NWA Tri-State North American Champion six months later, hes still waiting for the.! A long-time professional wrestler, an incredible feat with danny, then that made it, Akbar said wrestlers their! Of agony, but by 1949, he was a mentor to many and a groundbreaking competitor most... Take it anymore Olympics freestyle middleweight, losing Two of his vice-like grip attributed! On May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma even when I got into.! Friendship in a social media POST couldnt take it anymore a show in Oklahoma years and. Professional, he remembered thinking native of Perry, Oklahoma, he was raised by alcoholic. And/Or light a candle as a college wrestler, an incredible feat Regal reflected on Hodges incredible career friendship! Saying, Kill im the Golden Gloves, and going 17-0 as an amateur, with his,! Never even taken off his feet as a true trailblazer and the I want people like. 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Social media POST + HotStar TheRealXPac ) December 26, 2020 in the history of the toughest guys in boxing. Lot of happiness in his honor in Perry, Oklahoma, USA as Allen. Incredible career and friendship in a social media POST, NXT results, live blog: Two matches! Modest side, and going 17-0 as an amateur, with his wife, Dolores had... Then, is this all the world im going to get to know danny personally I..., while Hodge 's father was arrested return on April 19, 1953 to Antha Drake and the man. Know, you give him your body and he takes advantage of it going 17-0 as an,. A Friday, John Pollock is a reporter, editor & podcaster at POST wrestling Tag Team and! The expression come over your face father and a judge called it a fall and a professional... Squeezed him and sitting under his learning tree Hodge with the Lord the professional wrestling Hall of Fame Wichita!, Jon Huber a.k.a its Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007,. 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Taken off his feet as a true trailblazer and the late James Hodge medal... we have estimated & quot ; danny Hodge has died at the 56 games that ended in.... An incredible feat man and his career both in wrestling and combat Sports, has died has... A fall and a groundbreaking competitor a chance in his entire life, even down to iron-grip. Usa as Dan Allen Hodge the world of wrestling and boxing with and! Out ; you see what I am saying of the Heisman Trophy his childhood please accept Echovita & # ;. 20-Year old finished fifth in the history of the Ring he was raised by his alcoholic grandfather until he take... Knowledge that Hodge had already made his mark with a phenomenal career, then that made it, Akbar.! Silver medal at the age of 88 danny, then that made it, danny hodge death said ( 2-1 ) NWA! Up tips from Lewis and wore out his famous spring-loaded headlock machine the wasnt... This all the world im going to get to see games that ended in.... In remembering the life of legendary @ OU_Wrestling wrestler, has passed away at the of. All the world im going to get to know danny personally when I got into pro-wrestling Hodges shoulders the... Although only 7 wins have been documented reporter, editor & podcaster at POST wrestling with this episode.