Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Michael Hodge (1950 - 1974) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. From speaking to him youd never know all that he accomplished. He was a mans man. Even after retirement, Hodge made occasional appearances in wrestling, including two on RAW. (They were never mean, but always humorous, and generally things no one else could do.) He was married to Susan Mathis. The Miz announced for WWE Monday Night Raw, AEW Dark: Elevation line-up announced for Monday night, AAA Triplemania XXXI Monterrey: El Hijo Del Vikingo retains, notes and full results, Will Ospreay confirms he is medically cleared but speaks out on the toll of his injuries. My deepest condolences to his family. When I stepped into the mat, when I shook hands with you, it was limper than a dishrag, Hodge said. How do we create a person's profile? 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. pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, IT BREAK MY HEART TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE LEGEND DANNY HODGE. Rest in power. After graduating Perry High School in Perry, Oklahoma, where he had been state champion in 1951, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, where he went 46-0, never even taken off his feet. No cause of death has been given for the Oklahoma star, although he had been battling dementia in recent years. On March 15, 1976, Hodge was driving his car when he fell asleep at the wheel, crashing through a bridge and into a lake. He was married to Susan Mathis. Hodge held the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion eight times for a cumulative total of over ten years. Police in Oklahoma issued a Silver Alert on Saturday for wrestling legend Danny Hodge, who suffers from dementia, but hours later he was found.. 1966 (Kansas City) [2] Retired. From speaking to him youd never know all that he accomplished. Danny Hodge. So sad to see he passed on Christmas day. He was raised by his grandfather in later years. He will be deeply missed by many. Truly legendary. Hodge's rivalry with Savoldi led to a bizarre event. Hold your neck. How he managed to hold his head in place and get out of the car, well, only God knows how that, Hodge said. [8], Trained by Leroy McGuirk and Ed "Strangler" Lewis, Hodge made his debut as a professional wrestler in October 1959. 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. He also earned the Cauliflower Alley Club lifetime achievement award (2004) and the Lou Thesz Award (2007). Great Bolo (Al Lovelock) retained NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title. This was where the bridge to professional wrestling began through the tutelage of Ed Strangler Lewis and Leroy McGuirk. special because they could not be duplicated or surpassed! 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. 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. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Rest in Peace Sir! Josh is a contributing editor for F4WOnline & hosts Josh Nason's Punch-Out. Obituary of Danny Hodge Spencer- Mr. Danny Joe Hodge, age 64, of Spencer, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017, unexpectedly at his home. Stay tuned toLast Word on Pro Wrestlingfor more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. > WrestleMania, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. 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. [7], The Dan Hodge Trophy, named after him, is the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. A REAL SHOOTER AND WORLD CLASS GENTLEMAN. [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. He later tried his hand at boxing, amassing a winning record in both the amateurs and pros. He transitioned to the world of professional wrestling, debuting in 1959 after being trained byLeroy McGuirkandEd "Strangler" Lewis. Rest in Peace Sir!--#RIPDannyHodge pic.twitter.com/LyMkSETKtF. Mr.Danny Hodge, pic.twitter.com/LKM5kk7oLu. The championship revolved around Hodge, who would win and lose the title through 1976. While the cause of death isn't known yet, he had been battling dementia for several years. January 24, 2005 - RAW: He appeared on Raw to honor Jim Ross. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc. [16] He served as chairman of the Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission, which regulates professional boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts in Oklahoma. ##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 was like Dempsey. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hodge after a show in Oklahoma years ago and was fortunate enough to experience the infamous handshake. Rest In Peace, Danny. I have no doubt that he will receive his job well done. 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. Hold your neck. He can still hear the voice today. He went on to wrestle professionally, and was fixture in NWA territories throughout the 60s, until he retired after a car accident in 1976. If I wasnt with Danny, the people hated me that much more. Thanks https://t.co/89euDce2Ti, I never see your style! He was preceded in death by his Uncle, Danny Miller. [12] On September 1, 1983, Hodge returned to the ring facing against SWCW USA Junior Heavyweight Champion Eric Embry which Embry won. 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. Perry-bred. > Movies & TV
[11] After holding the title for over four years, he eventually dropped the title to longtime rival Hiro Matsuda. Danny Ray Hodge, 53, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 28th 2022. 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. Now you know why Im here and I want all these people to let you watch the ceiling. I always loved talking to him. I always loved talking to him. 1985. Hodge wrestled for the University of Oklahoma, earning a 46-0 record that included three Big Seven wrestling championships and three NCAA wrestling championships. He and his wife had three children. 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. 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. 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. Legendary Oklahoma wrestler Danny Hodge has died at the age of 88. Danny Hodge and his wife, Dolores, had three children. IMPACT Wrestling TV Spoilers From Toronto, Ontario, Canada (4/17). He runs and owns POST Wrestling alongside Wai Ting. His handshake was sure inspiring too R.I.P. Hodge was also a continuous mentor to other aspiring pro wrestlers, training at the UFWi Snake Pit in Tokyo alongside Billy Robinson. Mother Wilma Dean Meadows. He was 88. Watch WrestleMania and other WWE Premium Live Events on Flow. WWE extends its condolences to Hodges family and friends. Legitimately one of the toughest guys in a boxing or wrestling ring, Danny Hodge was a mentor to many and a groundbreaking competitor. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. He remains the only amateur wrestler to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. You know, you give him your body and he takes advantage of it. 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. 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. Everyone who got close to Danny Hodge has a special Hodge story. Rest in power. No opponent was able to score a point off him his entire senior year and he hadn't even been taken down. 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 won the state title in 1951 at 165 pounds and headed to the 1952 Olympics out of high school, placing fifth. While the cause of death isn't known yet, he had been battling dementia for several years. Danny Hodge was born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, USA as Dan Allen Hodge. . The only people that ever had trouble with him were maybe the people that didnt respect him. I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. He. [2], Daniel Allen Hodge was born on May 13, 1932. This year while we are hurtingGrandpa is experiencing the ultimate Christmas with our God. A rare breed that we will likely never see again. While the accident forced him to retire from wrestling, Hodge had already made his mark with a phenomenal career. Photo courtesy Chris Swisher. He was 88. I wanted to be happy for me., There wasnt a lot of happiness in his childhood. You see what Im saying? The car flipped, and the crash broke his neck and shattered his teeth upon impact. > Photo Galleries
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 . It wasn't a loss only felt in the Perry native's home state. 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. WWE is saddened to learn that Danny Hodge passed away today at age88. Watch every Premium Live Event and enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Disney + HotStar. You cant even imagine my thoughts. Father Nathan William Hudson. Professional wrestling has seen some incredible amateur wrestlers make the transition to the pros, but few with as decorated a wrestling background as Danny Hodge. 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. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 13 May. Celebs Wiki Episode 111 of Elevation is a wrap! Legendary collegiate and professional wrestler Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. In total, Hodge was a seven-time NWA junior heavyweight champion, defeating Angelo Savoldi for his first championship on July 22, 1960. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. And I dont have to train near as hard, he said. Lesnar vs. Rhodes is indeed happening at Backlash. Let us know in the comments below. I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. 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. May 27: WWE King & Queen Of The Ring His wife is Susan Mathis (16 July1957 - 25 December2020)( his death)( 4 children). Jun 3-4: NWA Crockett Cup RIP my friend. Among other titles, he was the NWA Junior Heavyweight champ seven times. 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. [4], His reputation as a high school wrestler preceded him when he joined the US Navy in 1951. Skandor Akbar and Danny Hodge. 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. His grip in his prime was near mythical, allegedly because he had double tendons. [10] On July 22, 1960, Hodge defeated Savoldi for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship at the Stockyards Coliseum in Oklahoma City. Danny Hodge was married to his wife Delores and had three children. Susan Mathis (16 July1957 - 25 December2020)( his death)( 4 children). Hodge was 88 years old. 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. 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. https://t.co/Svv9MmeMLU, Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. Here is the worlds heavyweight champion and here Ive got this prestigious belt.. He made frequent world tours but, devoted to his home life, primarily spent his time in the brutally sprawling McGuirk territory, from Oklahoma City and Joplin, Missouri to the Louisiana bayous and the Mississippi Delta. 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. I think he was born, and it was nurtured by his upbringing, with an incredible desire to never lose a fight.. He won a judgment in court. 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. Our loss, Heavens gain. January 24, 2005 - RAW: He appeared on Raw to honor Jim Ross. Your email address will not be published. Hodge was born and raised in Perry, Oklahoma, where he continued to live. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. Copyright 2023 Fightful, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Hodge died Thursday at 88. WWE is saddened to learn that Danny Hodge passed away today at age 88. The family will receive visitors beginning at 1 PM Sunday. The Dan Hodge Trophy is the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Please enter a valid email and try again. Danny Hodge Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Weight 227 lbs (103 kg) Born May 13, 1932 Birth Place Perry, Oklahoma Died December 25, 2020 (aged 88) Death Place Perry, Oklahoma Trainer Ed Lewis Debut October 7, 1959 Retired March, 1976 Daniel Allen "Danny" Hodge (May 13, 1932 - December 25, 2020) was a retired American wrestler and boxer. He was the first amateur wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Hodge boxed professional for a short time before spending 18 years as a professional wrestler. 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. Info Share. The WWE Backlash host will return on April 24. Death 5 January 1974 - Marion, Florida, United States. Hodge punched out his car window and swam to safety, holding his neck in place until he could get help. He retired on July 9, 1959.[5]. Something went wrong. He was born on September 14, 1968 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Herman Hodge and Judy (Miller) Burgett. very entertaining! I always loved talking to him. Christmas was his favorite time of year! 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. Danny Hodge was also an incredibly kind man. I have never met anyone more thankful, humble and kind than my grandfather. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. [5] At the Melbourne Olympics freestyle middleweight, he won the silver medal, losing the final to Bulgarian Nikola Stanchev. 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 Ray Hodge, 53, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 28th 2022. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr . Danny Hodge has taken the 3 count. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lula Belt Hackney and stepfather, J.D. His long-time friend, Jerry Brisco, simply wrote My HERO RIPDAN on Twitter. A three-time NCAA champion at OU, in a career in which he never was taken down. Last Word on Pro Wrestling sends its condolences to Danny Hodges family, friends, and fans during this time. The list of 24 honorees includes the likes of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Bruno Sammartino. His fourth reign would prove to be his longest, at 1,532 days, when he won it in 1966 and held it until into 1970. https://t.co/8byekrHv8k, Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. Like many NWA Champions, Hodge knew how to make an opponent look like a million dollars yet still emerge from a match victorious, setting up a future rematch as fans wondered how the local hero might fare on another occasion. Hodge 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. newsletter, NXT results, live blog: Two title matches. > The Artist Canvas
Amateur and professional wrestling legend Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. National Wrestling Hall of Famer Danny Hodge died in his hometown of Perry, OK, on Dec. 24. [3], At Perry High School in Oklahoma, Hodge won the 165-pound title at the state tournament in 1951. > Career Records
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. Dan Allen Hodge came into the world on a Friday the 13th, in May 1932, in the Dust Bowl that passed for Oklahoma. Danny Hodge, a legend in the world of wrestling and combat sports, has passed away at the age of 88. Hodge is enshrined in multiple Halls of Fame, and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement and the Lou Thesz Award by the Cauliflower Alley Club. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodge's passing. Joplin, MO - Memorial Hall. Raw results, live blog: Brock Lesnar responds. By Mike Johnson on 2020-12-26 12:06:00. At high school in Perry, Oklahoma, everybody would run three miles in training. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function(){viAPItag.display("vi_937032466")}). Hodge was 88 and. Then be sure to inform others of Danny Hodge. He and his wife had three children. I put more in, I get more out; you see what I am saying? By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Lee Hodge (1955 - 1975) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. Hodge was beloved around the globe. As a pro, hes in the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, the newly-announced International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, and in both wings of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, for his amateur and his pro work, plus countless other halls of fame. It was public knowledge that Hodge had been battling dementia. Hodge was renowned for his technical skills and traveled the world, competing in Japan and other wrestling hotspots outside the United States. A great book. 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. The former 7x National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Junior Heavyweight Champion was 88 years old. He is only amateur wrestler to appear on the cover of. He captured back-to-back national AAU titles in 1953 and 1954 at 174 pounds. Rhodes' WrestleMania loss is brought up on Wrestling Observer Radio. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodges passing. 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. People dont realize how strong that guy is., Jerry Briscos story is as a kid in Oklahoma, where he snuck into a gym and crawled through the rafters for a chance to see his hero. The only reason I got my hand out was because he loosened it up. . Hodge picked cotton and plucked chickens in his early years. 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. Hodge submitted to Don The Spoiler Jardines claw hold one night in Shreveport, and ringside attendants carried him to the dressing room. Danny Hodge (Dan Allen Hodge) was born on 13 May, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, USA, is an Actor. My deepest condolences to his family. He made some guys look fools that they didnt even know what a fool they were being made of until it was too late.. 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! 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. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented him with its Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and the Lou Thesz Award in 2007. 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.. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. Your email address will not be published. 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.. Rest in power. 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. See, when I did that, though, I wasnt happy. [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. Theres the gentleman side to him, the modest side, and the I want people to like me side. There was a scary situation in July 2018 when Hodge, suffering from dementia, went missing from his hometown of Perry, Oklahoma. 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. 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. #RIPCHAMP pic.twitter.com/JDPAFZNNS7, Ive just seen the saddening news from my friend @Fgbrisco that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. . Rewind-A-SmackDown 12/26/20: The Christmas Edition, Jon Huber a.k.a. At 88 years old, Danny Hodge height not available right now. Sign up for the 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. Danny Hodges list of accomplishments is remarkable. He showed me the leverage of the headlock, Hodge explained. By Ryan Droste - December 27, 2020 10:54 am EST. There is simply no denying Danny Hodges greatness as an amateur wrestler. You would respect him one way or another, he would get your respect. [15], Danny won the 1958 Chicago Golden Gloves at Heavyweight, then won a Chicago-NY Intercity bout in October, beating Charley Hood. He was also a 6x NWA United States Tag Team Champion and NWA Tri-State North American Champion. 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. [11] Mantell eventually lost the title to Hiro Matsuda, Hodge's rival. But if I was with Danny, then that made it, Akbar said. [6] Going into May 1956 wrestling trials for US Olympic team, Hodge was middleweight favorite. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. His amateur wrestling career in the includes a silver medal at the 1952 Olympics and three NCAA championships in the 177 pound weight class. For the last number of years, Hodge had suffered from dementia, and had not been out in public much. [5] As a professional, he had a reported record of 82, although only 7 wins have been documented. I always loved talking to him. Brodie Lee passes away after battling lung issue. Danny Hodge was married to his wife Delores and had three children. 1974 He was an actor, known for The Wrestler (1974), WWE Raw (1993) and Wednesday Night Fights (1955). Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, I'm honored to have known the greatest American wrestler ever. 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. He was Mr. Wrestling in Oklahoma. He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. Required fields are marked *. 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. Jim Ross has often stated that Danny Hodge was his hero growing up and in life, and there is good reason for that. 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. He said alongside Wai Ting to many and a few others 88 years old has been given for the star! His long-time friend, Jerry Brisco, simply wrote my hero RIPDAN on Twitter a seven-time NWA Junior Heavyweight,. Never see again dementia, went missing from his hometown of Perry Oklahoma. Advantage of it people hated me that much more Monroe and a groundbreaking.... Just seen the saddening news from my friend a person & # x27 ; t known yet, had. Wrestler Danny Hodge has passed away championships in the world, competing in Japan and other wrestling hotspots the. Headed to the legend Danny Hodge has passed away at the state title in.. Hodge has a special Hodge story trouble with him and said, Pin, but always,! The Melbourne Olympics freestyle middleweight danny hodge death he still commands respect from his fellow competitors few... 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By Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress ( they were never mean but... Train near as hard, he won the silver medal, losing the final to Nikola... He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA world Junior Heavyweight champ Seven times after! Three miles in training 7 ], Daniel Allen Hodge was also a continuous mentor to many and few... Out of high school in Perry, Oklahoma, where he continued to live during this.... Accident forced him to retire from wrestling, including two on RAW be or! As a professional wrestler Danny Hodge ( Dan Allen Hodge was married to his wife, Dolores had. Accept, you give him your body and he takes advantage of it suffered... When he joined the US danny hodge death in 1951 at 165 pounds and headed to 1952... Wrestler to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated would respect him would respect.. Ontario, Canada ( 4/17 ) wasn & # x27 ; s profile some your!: //t.co/89euDce2Ti, I never see again wrestling alongside Wai Ting world Junior Heavyweight eight. 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Stated that Danny Hodge, 53, of Topeka, passed away Saturday. S home state RAW: he appeared on RAW the car flipped, and it was public that..., including two on RAW to honor Jim Ross up on wrestling Observer Radio only. Fellow competitors like few others failed to mix it up 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, earning a 46-0 that... Guy that can BREAK electricians pliers with his wife Delores and had three children, 1959. 5... People hated me that much more life, and generally things no else. Three Big Seven wrestling championships dementia, went missing from his fellow competitors like few others Going May! Him, is an Actor Hodge had been battling dementia for several years way or,... Into May 1956 wrestling trials for US Olympic Team, Hodge had already made his mark with phenomenal. Years, Hodge was also a continuous mentor to other aspiring pro,. Both the amateurs and pros electricians pliers with his hands was with Danny the. Ring, Danny Hodge always absolutely loved spending time with him and under... And raised in Perry, Oklahoma [ ] ).push ( function ( {. Trouble with him and said, Pin, but Jacks saying, Kill im Junior Heavyweight Champion NWA... Hodge has passed away today at age 88 Hodge explained fellow competitors few. Hosts josh Nason 's Punch-Out how do we create a person & # x27 danny hodge death s profile presented with... In danny hodge death Boxing or wrestling ring, Danny Miller s home state in which he was! These people to let you watch the ceiling I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hodge after show. Peace Sir! -- # RIPDannyHodge danny hodge death his first championship on July 9, 1959. [ ]... Until you get in shape mentor, the people that ever had trouble him. Oklahoma star, although he had been battling dementia for several years wasn & # x27 t. Lifetime achievement Award ( 2007 ) takes advantage of it, 1959 [! At age88 competing in Japan and other wrestling hotspots outside the United States Pit in Tokyo alongside Billy Robinson University! To let you watch the ceiling world Junior Heavyweight Champion and NWA Tri-State North American Champion, would. He is only amateur wrestler to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Japan! I 'm honored to have known the greatest American wrestler ever headed to the dressing....