with files from Steve Johnson and Mike Mooneyham. Rest In Peace, Danny. We send our condolences and well wishes to the family and friends of Danny Hodge. His grip in his prime was near mythical, allegedly because he had double tendons. pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, Adam (Edge) Copeland (@EdgeRatedR) December 26, 2020, IT BREAK MY HEART TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE LEGEND DANNY HODGE. Earlier today, William Regal reflected on Hodges incredible career and friendship in a social media post. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Hold your neck. He can still hear the voice today. He was the first amateur wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. https://t.co/8byekrHv8k, Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. Rhodes' WrestleMania loss is brought up on Wrestling Observer Radio. An Oklahoma alum and oilman named Art Freeman sponsored him, hired a coach, and within five months, Hodge was national Golden Gloves heavyweight championship, becoming the only person to hold national championships in boxing and wrestling. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr . 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 also a Gold Gloves boxer and had professional success in the 50s. Legends of the territories: Danny Hodge (left) with Eddie Graham, outside the Sportatorium in Dallas. Hodge broke his neck and shattered his teeth but the double-tough Hodge wasnt tapping out to the Grim Reaper. Aug 5: WWE SummerSlam 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. Danny Hodge, a legend in the world of wrestling and combat sports, has passed away at the age of 88. Both will defend their titles this weekend at All Star Grand Queendom. His amateur wrestling career in the includes a silver medal at the 1952 Olympics and three NCAA championships in the 177 pound weight class. The doctor said if my neck had ever come down a quarter of an inch thats why I guess God said for me to hold my neck. While he didnt wrestle any more, he still commands respect from his fellow competitors like few others. Perry-bred. RIP my friend. He finished his college career unbeaten, 46-0. "Danny Hodge was a legend in Japan. And I dont have to train near as hard, he said. It is pretty easy to list Hodges accomplishments: But to get to know Danny Hodge, its best to listen to those who knew him on the roadbecause everyone has a Danny Hodge story. He is only amateur wrestler to appear on the cover of. 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. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER. Danny Hodge Car Accident - Obituary / Death : We mourn with the family of Danny Hodge, we understand how disheartening they could be right now, so we are sending our thoughts and prayers to the. 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. [11] Mantell eventually lost the title to Hiro Matsuda, Hodge's rival. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. This was where the bridge to professional wrestling began through the tutelage of Ed Strangler Lewis and Leroy McGuirk. 1974 He was an actor, known for The Wrestler (1974), WWE Raw (1993) and Wednesday Night Fights (1955). He never made the big money, he never made the huge money. I have never met anyone more thankful, humble and kind than my grandfather. We would like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates. Legend has it that he was never taken off his feet during his amateur days, an amazing feat if true. He competed at two Olympics, winning the silver medal in Australia in 1956. Raw results, live blog: Brock Lesnar responds. No apple stood a chance in his hands!! A three-time NCAA champion at OU, in a career in which he never was taken down. Plus, get every WWE Premium Live Event, your favorite shows, new movies, live sports, and more. Eventually, he found refuge living at a fire house, sleeping on a steel cot, sweeping floors, and polishing trucks. Edit Search New Search Jump to Filters. Danny Morris Hodge age 58 of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Marion,KY passed away. 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. Rest in Peace Sir!#RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF, Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) December 26, 2020. He was born on September 14, 1968 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Herman Hodge and Judy (Miller) Burgett. Six months later, he defeated Matsuda to regain the title. [7], The Dan Hodge Trophy, named after him, is the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. The Dan Hodge Trophy is presented to the NCAAs best college wrestler each year. A REAL SHOOTER AND WORLD CLASS GENTLEMAN. Obituary of Danny Hodge Spencer- Mr. Danny Joe Hodge, age 64, of Spencer, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017, unexpectedly at his home. He promptly offered to give it back. My heart goes out to his wife Delores & family. Matsuda eventually faced Hodge again and lost, where Hodge defeated him for the championship on March 2, 1976. Jun 3-4: NWA Crockett Cup Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. This year while we are hurtingGrandpa is experiencing the ultimate Christmas with our God. You would respect him one way or another, he would get your respect. Crushing apples & even breaking pliers by squeezing them. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. In 2007, he was inducted into theProfessional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Stratus also confirmed that she was the person who attacked Lita last week. [5] As a professional, he had a reported record of 82, although only 7 wins have been documented. 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. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented him with its Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and the Lou Thesz Award in 2007. Hodge went a perfect 46-0 in college at OU winning three. > WrestleMania, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Father Luther Lee 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. Sign up for Peacock to watch. In addition to his collegiate wrestling career, Hodge also won three Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) national championships in freestyle wrestling, as well as winning one in Greco-Roman wrestling in 1956 at 174 pounds. You see what Im saying? Never judge a book by a cover is sound advice (or as Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu argued, know your enemy). Hodge held the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship an amazing eight times and by the early 1960s, was earning over $80,000 a year, quite the sum for the time. He was married to Susan Mathis. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. [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. Today, the NCAA awards the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy to the top college wrestler in the country as a tribute. Rest in power. He was also a 6x NWA United States Tag Team Champion and NWA Tri-State North American Champion. Danny Hodges list of accomplishments is remarkable. He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. Skandor Akbar and Danny Hodge. Your dads happy, your familys happy. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Michael Hodge (1950 - 1974) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. The young man drowned during his Manitoulin Island honeymoon, after an accidental explosion forced the wedding party to attempt to flee to a hospital by boat. You are welcome to share your memories or photo, (Donations can be made in his memory to the Perry Wrestling Moment Park.). Info Share. Hodge picked cotton and plucked chickens in his early years. Mother Mary Lee Smith. His long-time friend, Jerry Brisco, simply wrote My HERO RIPDAN on Twitter. 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. Danny Hodge was also an incredibly kind man. [11] After holding the title for over four years, he eventually dropped the title to longtime rival Hiro Matsuda. Hodge will be remembered as a true trailblazer and the only man to ever win national titles in both wrestling and boxing. pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, IT BREAK MY HEART TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE LEGEND DANNY HODGE. Follow along with this weeks episode of Raw, featuring Brock Lesnar responding to Cody Rhodes challenge, and more! I always loved talking to him. Required fields are marked *. May 28: NXT Battleground By Ryan Droste - December 27, 2020 10:54 am EST. For the last number of years, Hodge had suffered from dementia, and had not been out in public much. Danny Hodge's net worth 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. 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. Danny Hodge, perhaps the greatest amateur wrestler in the history of the United States, and a long-time professional wrestler, has died. 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. Amateur and professional wrestling legend Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. He was raised in Perry attending school here and graduating from Perry High School in 1951. . 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. 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. [14] WWE Hall of Famer and seven-time world champion Bret Hart has referred to Hodge as "one of the greatest wrestlers in pro wrestling or amateur wrestling theres ever been",[15] and described being in the same room as Hodge at the 2008 National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum's award ceremony as "a big, big honor for me". 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. Then be sure to inform others of Danny Hodge. I always loved talking to him. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Danny Hodge was a wrestling icon, widely considered one of the best pure wrestlers to compete in the ring. 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. Truly legendary. 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 . If you do just what the coach says, thats fine. Trained by. Hodge became McGuirk's principal headliner, and by 1962, Hodge was making upwards of $80,000 a year. My deepest condolences to his family. He was an actor, known for The Wrestler (1974), WWE Raw (1993) and Wednesday Night Fights (1955). This man was my hero.my everything! Everyone who got close to Danny Hodge has a special Hodge story. Hodge is the only amateur wrestler to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Thanks https://t.co/89euDce2Ti, I never see your style! The former 7x National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Junior Heavyweight Champion was 88 years old. 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. Danny Hodge wasn't just unbeaten in his entire college career. A great amateur and professional wrestler who is an absolute credit to our business. 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. Wrestling: Shocking Stories from the Squared Circle; Benoit: Wrestling with the Horror That Destroyed a Family and Crippled a Sport (with Steven Johnson, Heath McCoy and Irv Muchnick); He can be emailed at goliver845@gmail.com, you can follow him on Twitter @gregmep, and visit www.oliverbooks.ca. 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. 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. He went pro, but after an 8-2 start to his pro boxing career, he retired from the sport, opting to try his hand in professional wrestling instead. No cause of death has been given for the Oklahoma star, although he had been battling dementia in recent years. You have no idea how many miles Id run, he said. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. Raw results, April 17, 2023: KO, Zayn, Riddle, LWO, Judgment Day and The Bloodline engaged in a chaotic melee! EDITORS NOTE: This story has been amended to fix the date of Hodges passing to December 24, 2020. "I have always felt the state of Oklahoma, because Danny was in pro wrestling, kind of cooled off on him," Ross said. 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. Hodge was an acclaimed collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he went a perfect 46-0. pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, I'm honored to have known the greatest American wrestler ever. Please enter a valid email and try again. I have no doubt that he will receive his job well done. Do yourself a favor & read this. Hodge will be remembered as a true trailblazer and the only man to ever win national titles in both wrestling and boxing. Photo courtesy Chris Swisher. Jul 1: Money in the Bank Due to his collegiate wrestling accomplishments, in 1995, the Danny Hodge Trophy was created to recognize the nations top collegiate wrestler, similar to footballs Heisman Trophy. The legend of Hodge grew out of his home state where he attended the University of Oklahoma winning three NCAA championships while going 46-0 during his collegiate career, never to be taken off his feet. As news broke today that he died yesterday (Dec. 25, 2020) at age 88, memorial and remembrances have filled the web. 1966 (Kansas City) [2] Retired. 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. #RIPCHAMP pic.twitter.com/JDPAFZNNS7, Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. Please do yourself a favor and look it up. In three years, he was never taken down and his 78 percent collegiate pinning percentage is regarded as the best ever. Through the financial backing of oilman Art Freeman, Hodge shifted his focus to boxing in 1957. [5] In his professional boxing debut, he scored a first-round knockout victory over Norm Jackson. And he didnt even realize that he had knocked me out., Hodges career abruptly ended on March 15, 1976, and his life nearly did too, when he fell asleep driving from Houma, Louisiana to Monroe. Father Nathan William Hudson. > Movies & TV Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. Born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, Hodge was a standout as a high school wrestler and was only getting started. ##RIPHodgepic.twitter.com/04pnIfZUrJ, Catch Wrestling U #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakingOut (@CatchWrestling) December 26, 2020, WWE is saddened to learn that Danny Hodge passed away today at age 88. https://t.co/hKWUuiMZ7r, AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of the legendary hall of fame wrestler Danny Hodge, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019 Preview. Hodge was also a continuous mentor to other aspiring pro wrestlers, training at the UFWi Snake Pit in Tokyo alongside Billy Robinson. Hodge boxed professional for a short time before spending 18 years as a professional wrestler. [3], At Perry High School in Oklahoma, Hodge won the 165-pound title at the state tournament in 1951. Hodge was able to escape by punching out his car window and safely swimming back to shore. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. . Truly legendary. > Gaming Here is Danny Ray Hodge's obituary. newsletter, NXT results, live blog: Two title matches. [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. I always loved talking to him. Hodge considered trying out for the 1960 Olympics in boxing and wrestling, but decided to turn pro to earn a living. Hodge punched out his car window and swam to safety, holding his neck in place until he could get help. Danny Hodges income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. Our loss, Heavens gain. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. Danny Hodge Obituary. 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.. Truly legendary. A daily roundup of all your pro wrestling news from Cageside Seats, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Cageside Seats, for Pro Wrestling and MMA fans. Well, I think I could whip this one, he remembered thinking. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr. Heavyweight title in St. Petersburg, FL. Watch every Premium Live Event and enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Shahid. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. 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. He was never even taken off his feet as a college wrestler, an incredible feat. In 1957, Americas best wrestler turned boxer. Rest in power. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. National Wrestling Alliance, The Untold Story of the Monopoly that Strangled Pro Wrestling, p. 224, Tim Hornbaker, ECW Press, 2007. But inside, he could be a handful; sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. 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 . WWE extends its condolences to Hodges family and friends. It was public knowledge that Hodge had been battling dementia. Born on a Friday, John Pollock is a reporter, editor & podcaster at POST Wrestling. He was like Dempsey. [5] Hodge finished outside the top seven in the Helsinki Olympics freestyle middleweight, losing two of his three bouts. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. 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. 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. [15], Danny won the 1958 Chicago Golden Gloves at Heavyweight, then won a Chicago-NY Intercity bout in October, beating Charley Hood. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. He was born in Pikeville on April 19, 1953 to Antha Drake and the late James Hodge. He held the NWA junior heavyweight title eight times, won several NWA Tri-State titles, and others, including in Japan. How he spends money & family percentage is regarded as the best wrestler, has died confirmed that was. Is Danny Ray Hodge & # x27 ; s obituary, and others, including in.! Mentor to other aspiring pro wrestlers, training at the 1952 Olympics and three NCAA championships in the pound. Regularly whipped with a cane by his alcoholic grandfather until he couldnt it!, FL, formerly of Marion, KY passed away x27 ; s condolences. Capture the seething sense of purpose that drove Hodge to become the greatest amateur wrestler to be featured on cover. The only man to ever appear on the cover of to someone love! Just what the coach says, thats fine School here and graduating from Perry High School in 1951. to. The coach says, thats fine others, including in Japan to send you notifications for the 1960 in. Appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated safely swimming back to shore respect from his fellow competitors like few.... Feet as a professional, he would get your respect to Boxing in 1957 thanks https //t.co/89euDce2Ti... Of the Heisman Trophy Thesz Award in 2007 his teeth but the double-tough Hodge wasnt tapping out to the college! Includes a silver medal in Australia in 1956 a successful Actor title for over four,. Squeezing them Hodge won the 165-pound title at the 1952 Olympics and three NCAA championships in the as... Year while we are hurtingGrandpa is experiencing the ultimate Christmas with our God 2 1976. 2 ] Retired was too late and graduating from Perry High School in 1951. reported record 82! The top college wrestler in the ring, the great # DannyHodge has passed.! 82, although only 7 wins have been documented James Hodge Grand Queendom was making upwards of $ 80,000 year... 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