[10] On July 22, 1960, Hodge defeated Savoldi for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship at the Stockyards Coliseum in Oklahoma City. . WWE to bring two-day SuperShow event to Mexico in July, MLW announces Premier Streaming Network as its international home, Seth Rollins vs. Danny Hodge, perhaps the greatest amateur wrestler in the history of the United States, and a long-time professional wrestler, has died. 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. Danny Hodge and his wife, Dolores, had three children. Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet. Theres the gentleman side to him, the modest side, and the I want people to like me side. When I stepped into the mat, when I shook hands with you, it was limper than a dishrag, Hodge said. Jim Ross has often stated that Danny Hodge was his hero growing up and in life, and there is good reason for that. 01:03. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. Hodge picked cotton and plucked chickens in his early years. After handing over ME duties to Alex Richards, he remains a frequent contributor to the site. EDITORS NOTE: This story has been amended to fix the date of Hodges passing to December 24, 2020. Aug 5: WWE SummerSlam His accomplishments are well-documented here. We are sad to announce that on January 21, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Danny Hodge of Chandler, Oklahoma. At 88 years old, Danny Hodge height not available right now. [6] Going into May 1956 wrestling trials for US Olympic team, Hodge was middleweight favorite. Danny Hodge was married to his wife Delores and had three children. I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. Amateur and professional wrestling legend Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. 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 . Info Share. Through the financial backing of oilman Art Freeman, Hodge shifted his focus to boxing in 1957. He and his wife had three children. There is simply no denying Danny Hodges greatness as an amateur wrestler. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving . (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.) pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, I'm honored to have known the greatest American wrestler ever. He got out and the other kid wouldnt come in to wrestle., Bill Watts gets the last word on Danny Hodge. Our thoughts are with everyone missing Danny Hodge today. Info Share. The Judgment Day and the Bloodline make a deal, Trish Stratus explains herself, and Cody Rhodes finally gets what he wants. > Movies & TV You see what Im saying? The championship revolved around Hodge, who would win and lose the title through 1976. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. I always loved talking to him. Hodge was 88 and. Crushing apples & even breaking pliers by squeezing them. Hodge pinned the first in about thirty seconds, but the fellow protested the pinfall. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. "I have always felt the state of Oklahoma, because Danny was in pro wrestling, kind of cooled off on him," Ross said. Jun 3-4: NWA Crockett Cup 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. GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER. Here is the worlds heavyweight champion and here Ive got this prestigious belt.. Legends of the territories: Danny Hodge (left) with Eddie Graham, outside the Sportatorium in Dallas. Hodge passed away in his native Perry, Oklahoma on December 24th. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc, William Regal (@RealKingRegal) December 26, 2020, I'm honored to have known the greatest American wrestler ever. According to OKCFox.com, Hodge left his home in Perry on July 7 around 5:20 pm and failed to return.. Police reportedly said the 86-year-old was in "imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death." He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. > Sporting Connection I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. Rest in power. 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. 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.. Danny Hodge, perhaps the greatest amateur wrestler in the history of the United States, and a long-time professional wrestler, has died. Born and raised in Perry, Oklahoma, he was the son of an alcoholic father and a mother who dealt with severe depression. He won the National Golden Gloves tournament to launch his professional campaign where it is believed he went 8-2, although BoxRec only lists him at 7-2. Hodge got top billing from the start and a helping hand from Ed Strangler Lewis, the great champ who saw him on TV and asked if to help manage him. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. Hodges legacy lives on with The Dan Hodge Trophy, which is awarded yearly to the nations top collegiate wrestler. 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. [5] Hodge finished outside the top seven in the Helsinki Olympics freestyle middleweight, losing two of his three bouts. For three consecutive years from1955-1957, he won theBig Seven Conference and NCAA Championships at 177 pounds. [5] Savoldi required 70 stitches at a local hospital, while Hodge's father was arrested. 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. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr . Dan Allen Hodge, 88, of Perry has gone to heaven. WWE extends its condolences to Hodges family and friends. [13] In 2007, he was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. There was a scary situation in July 2018 when Hodge, suffering from dementia, went missing from his hometown of Perry, Oklahoma. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 3 PM Sunday, September 12, 2021. at Myers Funeral Home. His strength he possessed in his hands was legendary. I have never met anyone more thankful, humble and kind than my grandfather. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Michael Hodge (1950 - 1974) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. Hodge competed against Bulgarian Nikola Stanchev and was winning the contest 8-1 when Hodge rolled and saw his shoulder graze the mat. 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. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 13 May. He didnt have ask for it, said Watts. Hodge will be remembered as a true trailblazer and the only man to ever win national titles in both wrestling and boxing. I was a pinner. Rest in Peace Sir!#RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF, Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) December 26, 2020. Hodge was the last one out and the first one back, and later, out in the country, hed run four more miles. Danny Hodge is gone to be with the Lord. Rumor Roundup: Becky Lynch, Drew McIntyre, Mercedes Mon, WWE & ESPN, more! Stay tuned toLast Word on Pro Wrestlingfor more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. One of Danny Hodges most famous abilities was that of his vice-like grip, attributed to the fact he had double tendons. Hodge joined the U.S. Navy in 1951, one year before he made the U.S. Olympic team and competed at 174 pounds. [15], Danny won the 1958 Chicago Golden Gloves at Heavyweight, then won a Chicago-NY Intercity bout in October, beating Charley Hood. Born and raised in Perry, Oklahoma, he was the son of an alcoholic father and a mother who dealt with severe depression. Police in Oklahoma issued a Silver Alert on Saturday for wrestling legend Danny Hodge, who suffers from dementia, but hours later he was found.. New Wrestling Observer Newsletter plus tons of downloadable podcasts every week, Get breaking news alerts & weekly roundups sent to your inbox. 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 . Danny Hodges income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. pic.twitter.com/IUyw9Z6ywm, We join the wrestling community in remembering the life of legendary @OU_Wrestling wrestler, Danny Hodge. In 1955, Hodge came to wrestle at Oklahoma, where he would post a 46-0. [5] Hodge's first major feud was with National Wrestling Alliance Junior Heavyweight Champion Angelo Savoldi. [11] Mantell eventually lost the title to Hiro Matsuda, Hodge's rival. Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. He was also blessed to have Delores, his earth angel as his wife. Danny Hodge was also an incredibly kind man. You are welcome to share your memories or photo, (Donations can be made in his memory to the Perry Wrestling Moment Park.). The Dan Hodge Trophy is the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. He is from USA. In April 1957, Hodge appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Long considered one of the toughest men in the sport, Hodges amateur and professional accomplishments were lauded by anyone who followed his career, including fellow Oklahoman Jim Ross. So, how much is Danny Hodge worth at the age of 88 years old? A $5,000 pot to anyone who could last ten minutes with him lured a couple of hopefuls from Chattanooga, Tennessee, with wrestling backgrounds. Lesnar vs. Rhodes is indeed happening at Backlash. I had the pleasure of meeting Danny once, and he was a real gentleman and somebody my Grandfather Stu and my mentor Billy Robinson had a lot of respect for. So I was different than everybody, he said. 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. 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. Born on a Friday, John Pollock is a reporter, editor & podcaster at POST Wrestling. His mat wrestling brought to him to two Olympics Games he placed 5th in Finland in 1952 but captured the Silver Medal in 1956 in Australia. 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. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc. But if I was with Danny, then that made it, Akbar said. Hodge went a perfect 46-0 in college at OU winning three. Very saddened to learn of the loss of Danny Hodge. very entertaining! > Photo Galleries The Cauliflower Alley Club presented him with its Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and the Lou Thesz Award in 2007. 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. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. The WWE Backlash host will return on April 24. I wanted to be happy for me., There wasnt a lot of happiness in his childhood. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. No opponent was able to score a point off him his entire senior year and he hadn't even been taken down. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lula Belt Hackney and stepfather, J.D. Hodge became McGuirk's principal headliner, and by 1962, Hodge was making upwards of $80,000 a year. Visit Sony LIV to sign in or sign up and enjoy WWE's premium content. Aug 27: Impact Emergence, > Archives Here is Danny Hodge's obituary. He was the first amateur wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. 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. Then be sure to inform others of Danny Hodge. 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. Danny Hodge died last Friday. And I was never happy with a win. Do yourself a favor & read this. And heres one from Jim Ross, who was awed as a young ref in early-70s Oklahoma to be on the road with his idol. Hodge's father entered the ring during a boxing match on May 27, 1960, between Hodge and Savoldi, and stabbed Savoldi with a penknife. 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. Hodge was able to escape by punching out his car window and safely swimming back to shore. Hodges shoulders grazed the mat and a judge called it a fall and a loss. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. He finished his amateur career with 17 wins, no losses and 12 KO's. He worked for Van Buren County for many years and was an accomplished musician. There were cries of agony, but they were coming from the helpers, not the fallen wrestler. i very enjoyed!big smile, hug, and hard shakehand,i never forget your memory,sadR.I.P. 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. My deepest condolences to his family. Mr.Danny Hodge, pic.twitter.com/LKM5kk7oLu. Rest In Peace, Danny. 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 made some guys look fools that they didnt even know what a fool they were being made of until it was too late.. I put more in, I get more out; you see what I am saying? Dave Meltzer will have more on Hodge's life and career later today. 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. What are your favorite memories of Danny Hodge? To get better results, add more information such as Birth Info, Death Info and Locationeven a guess will help. My heart goes out to his wife Delores & family. He was 88. 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. Hodge, then aged 80, crushing an apple with one hand at the. He transitioned to the world of professional wrestling, debuting in 1959 after being trained byLeroy McGuirkandEd "Strangler" Lewis. Oops. He was trained by former NWA champions Leroy McGuirk and Ed Strangler Lewis anddebuted in October of the same year. Hodge punched out his car window and swam to safety, holding his neck in place until he could get help. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc, Very saddened to learn of the loss of Danny Hodge. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc, William Regal (@RealKingRegal) December 26, 2020. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr. Heavyweight title in St. Petersburg, FL. (They were never mean, but always humorous, and generally things no one else could do.) [7], The Dan Hodge Trophy, named after him, is the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function(){viAPItag.display("vi_937032466")}). Hodge wrestled for the University of Oklahoma, earning a 46-0 record that included three Big Seven wrestling championships and three NCAA wrestling championships. Watch every Premium Live Event and enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Shahid. 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. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. Godspeed sir. > Video Rest in Peace Sir!--#RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF. I have his autographed biography. Perry-bred. He will be deeply missed by many. The car flipped, and the crash broke his neck and shattered his teeth upon impact. Thanks https://t.co/89euDce2Ti, I never see your style! A three-time NCAA champion at OU, in a career in which he never was taken down. Obituary of Danny Hodge Spencer- Mr. Danny Joe Hodge, age 64, of Spencer, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017, unexpectedly at his home. Beginners Guide To NOAH: The Championships. 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. Danny Hodge Death 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 Hodges list of accomplishments is remarkable. Let the family know you are thinking of them. All results for Danny Lee Hodge. Fifty years later, hes still waiting for the check. What a shame. Ive never heard a bear scream so loud. Photo by Joyce Paustian. DANNY HODGE OBITUARY. pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, IT BREAK MY HEART TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE LEGEND DANNY HODGE. 1985. Stu Hart [1] Debut. 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. 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. He was 88. Please enter a valid email and try again. RIP my friend. 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. I could get out of that hold. Thats Danny Hodge up there, I know, but man, thats a five hundred pound bear! Little did I know that fifteen years later when I was in the ring with him, Id know why the bear was screaming., Jerry Brisco learns not to shake the hand of Danny Hodge in 2014 at the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame induction ceremony (its the posthumous induction plaque for Wilbur Snyder). 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. A great book. Rest In Peace, Danny. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. pic.twitter.com/hM99cY8fYE, Well saddened to hear the news today of Danny Hodge passing away. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. Required fields are marked *. As news broke today that he died yesterday (Dec. 25, 2020) at age 88, memorial and remembrances have filled the web. Hodge's rivalry with Savoldi led to a bizarre event. Please do yourself a favor and look it up. Episode 111 of Elevation is a wrap! 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. The native of Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, although no cause of death has been revealed. 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 ##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. He won the state title in 1951 at 165 pounds and headed to the 1952 Olympics out of high school, placing fifth. While wrestling at 177 pounds for the Olympics, he would have fought at welterweight, and given how quickly he picked up boxing to add to his world-class wrestling foundation, he would have been well served for success several decades later. Trained by. 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. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Danny Ray Hodge of Gray, Kentucky, who passed away on May 30, 2021. [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". He is a member of famous Actor with the age 88 years old group. 0. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr. Heavyweight title in St. Petersburg, FL. But when that bell goes ding, something happened to Dempsey and something happened to Dan Hodge, Chapman said. There are Danny Hodge stories, and then theres the Danny Hodge story, as told in The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes & Icons. Danny Hodge wasn't just unbeaten in his entire college career. He never made the big money, he never made the huge money. He was also a Gold Gloves boxer and had professional success in the 50s. How do we create a person's profile? In total, Hodge was a seven-time NWA junior heavyweight champion, defeating Angelo Savoldi for his first championship on July 22, 1960. Hodge was beloved around the globe. 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. He would hold the title for 1,450 days, finally losing it in 1964. RIP dear friend! > The Artist Canvas Both will defend their titles this weekend at All Star Grand Queendom. Hodge boxed professional for a short time before spending 18 years as a professional wrestler. https://t.co/Svv9MmeMLU, Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. https://t.co/SZyZXTSVYi, Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. Daniel Allen Hodge (May 13, 1932 December 24, 2020) was an American amateur and professional wrestler, who also had a brief professional boxing career. Your email address will not be published. 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. Truly legendary. The prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy is named after Hodge and recognizes the nations top collegiate wrestler. No apple stood a chance in his hands!! Hodge is the only amateur wrestler to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. [8], Trained by Leroy McGuirk and Ed "Strangler" Lewis, Hodge made his debut as a professional wrestler in October 1959. At Ames, Iowa, in April 1952, Hodge survived the US Olympic Trials, and was coached by Naval Academy Instructor Ray Swartz in the 174-pound division. He competed at two Olympics, winning the silver medal in Australia in 1956. 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. The only reason I got my hand out was because he loosened it up.

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