Mr.Danny Hodge, pic.twitter.com/LKM5kk7oLu. Hackney. For the last number of years, Hodge had suffered from dementia, and had not been out in public much. [6] Going into May 1956 wrestling trials for US Olympic team, Hodge was middleweight favorite. Among other titles, he was the NWA Junior Heavyweight champ seven times. [17] There is a statue in his honor at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park in Oklahoma, unveiled in 2016. They told me, Danny boy, we need you. No, you dont need me. I told them I can get all the fights I want here in Perry, Oklahoma, for nothing. 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. Photo by Joyce Paustian. He finished his amateur career with 17 wins, no losses and 12 KO's. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. 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. > Career Records IMPACT Wrestling TV Spoilers From Toronto, Ontario, Canada (4/17). Dan was born on May 13, 1932 the son of William Edward Hodge and Hazel Erma Blanchard Hodge in Perry, Oklahoma. Great Bolo (Al Lovelock) W (2-1) retained NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title. The only man to win national titles in wrestling and boxing, Danny Hodge is widely . Hodge pinned the first in about thirty seconds, but the fellow protested the pinfall. Plus, get every WWE Premium Live Event and the worlds best TV and movies. A rare breed that we will likely never see again. 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. The native of Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, although no cause of death has been revealed. That night, Victor was screaming. April 14, 2021. So sad to see he passed on Christmas day. Hodge was 88 years old. 1966 (Kansas City) [2] Retired. Hodge became McGuirk's principal headliner, and by 1962, Hodge was making upwards of $80,000 a year. Stay tuned toLast Word on Pro Wrestlingfor more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. Hes been inducted into every hall of fame that amateur and pro wrestling can dream up, and had the ultimate honor bestowed on him in 1995, when the Hodge Trophy became wrestlings version of the Heisman Trophy, annually given to the top collegiate performer. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function(){viAPItag.display("vi_937032466")}). Please do yourself a favor and look it up. [13] In 2007, he was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. One of Danny Hodges most famous abilities was that of his vice-like grip, attributed to the fact he had double tendons. While the cause of death isn't known yet, he had been battling dementia for several years. WWE extends its condolences to Hodges family and friends. #RIPCHAMP pic.twitter.com/JDPAFZNNS7. Info Share. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. You know, you give him your body and he takes advantage of it. Your email address will not be published. Such was the case with Danny Hodge, an unassuming man who became one of the most decorated amateur and professional wrestlers of all time. He was 88. 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. With that kind of legacy, while many modern fans may not be aware of Hodge, he left a huge impression on the business. In total, Hodge was a seven-time NWA junior heavyweight champion, defeating Angelo Savoldi for his first championship on July 22, 1960. In later years, he served as the Chairman of the Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission that oversaw combat sports including MMA in the state. . He was never even taken off his feet as a college wrestler, an incredible feat. . 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. My deepest condolences to his family. > WrestleMania, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. 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. Danny Hodge was also an incredibly kind man. It was public knowledge that Hodge had been battling dementia. To say I am heartbroken is an understatement. Perry-bred. 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. He was married to Susan Mathis. He said, I want you to pick me up. This is without crossing his legs, just the muscles in his legs. Danny loved to cook, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and spending his free time with family, especially his nieces and nephews. . Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Lee Hodge (1955 - 1975) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. 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. 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. . Theres the gentleman side to him, the modest side, and the I want people to like me side. 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. His accomplishments are well-documented here. Hodges first title reign lasted four years, ending when he was defeated by Hiro Matsuda in July 1964. I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. Danny Hodge is gone to be with the Lord. On the road, Hodge soaked up tips from Lewis and wore out his famous spring-loaded headlock machine. 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. Legendary collegiate and professional wrestler Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. May 28: NXT Battleground Hodge was renowned for his technical skills and traveled the world, competing in Japan and other wrestling hotspots outside the United States. He was a 3-time NCAA champion and won his college the 1957 team title. 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. Convinced by boxing manager Art Freeman that he was a better prospect than Rocky Marciano, Hodge decided to become a professional boxer rather than pursue the opportunity to compete as a boxer and a wrestler at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. He worked for Van Buren County for many years and was an accomplished musician. [11] Mantell eventually lost the title to Hiro Matsuda, Hodge's rival. March 2, 1976: He defeated Hiro Matsuda to win his sixth NWA World Jr . Hodge picked cotton and plucked chickens in his early years. From speaking to him youd never know all that he accomplished. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019 Preview. 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. No BS. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No spam. 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. 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. Legends of the territories: Danny Hodge (left) with Eddie Graham, outside the Sportatorium in Dallas. 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. I always loved talking to him. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc, Very saddened to learn of the loss of Danny Hodge. 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 is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. The only reason I got my hand out was because he loosened it up. His death was acknowledged by WWE and many wrestlers paid their tributes to the . If I wasnt with Danny, the people hated me that much more. 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. [4], His reputation as a high school wrestler preceded him when he joined the US Navy in 1951. He went on to wrestle professionally, and was fixture in NWA territories throughout the 60s, until he retired after a car accident in 1976. Our loss, Heavens gain. Ive never heard a bear scream so loud. He captured back-to-back national AAU titles in 1953 and 1954 at 174 pounds. This was where the bridge to professional wrestling began through the tutelage of Ed Strangler Lewis and Leroy McGuirk. Lesnar vs. Rhodes is indeed happening at Backlash. Mother Mary Lee Smith. Death 5 January 1974 - Marion, Florida, United States. My heart goes out to his wife Delores & family. 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. Stacy Ewy Wilson, Hodge's granddaughter, shared the news on Facebook this morning, writing the following: Related Article MLW Fusion Returning For A New Season In 'Just A Few Weeks', Will Feature 2023 Super Series A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11am at First Assembly of God. Hodge picked cotton and plucked chickens in his early years. The annual award given to the NCAA's best wrestler every year is named after him. 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. My deepest condolences to his family. > The Artist Canvas 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. He promptly offered to give it back. Amateur and professional wrestling legend Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. 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. As news broke today that he died yesterday (Dec. 25, 2020) at age 88, memorial and remembrances have filled the web. He was like Dempsey. A crash jolted him awake; he had hit a bridge, felt his teeth breaking, and was overwhelmed by excruciating pain. Go with God my friend as you will be remembered with much Love & respect , FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Official Statement on the passing of Danny Hodge pic.twitter.com/EKKRDZ0oQ9, I'm honored to have known the greatest American wrestler ever. He didnt have ask for it, said Watts. Four years later, Hodge secured a silver medal at the 56 games that ended in controversy. 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. > Music Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. 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. > Canadian Hall of Fame He later tried his hand at boxing, amassing a winning record in both the amateurs and pros. The prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy is named after Hodge and recognizes the nations top collegiate wrestler. #RIPCHAMP pic.twitter.com/JDPAFZNNS7, Helluva night in #OKC! Danny Hodge set the standard that could never be duplicated or surpassedand continued to raise the bar nationallyeven internationally. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. You cant even imagine my thoughts. The latest rumors, including two WWE stars stirring up intrigue as they deal with real injures & expiring contracts, one of their old co-workers possibly sticking around with New Japan a while longer, another content deal Nick Khan & team are working on, and more! Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. Perry, OK., is a very small town but known for their amateur wrestling. Hold your neck. He can still hear the voice today. [12] On September 1, 1983, Hodge returned to the ring facing against SWCW USA Junior Heavyweight Champion Eric Embry which Embry won. There were cries of agony, but they were coming from the helpers, not the fallen wrestler. He is only amateur wrestler to appear on the cover of. 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. 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. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hodge after a show in Oklahoma years ago and was fortunate enough to experience the infamous handshake. Hodge has his arm over each guys shoulder, and hes squeezing, Ross said. 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. Hodge boxed professional for a short time before spending 18 years as a professional wrestler. It wasn't a loss only felt in the Perry native's home state. Hodge became the junior heavyweight successor to McGuirk, a division Hodge would dominate for the next fifteen years. 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. But when I grabbed you, Id see the expression come over your face. Beginners Guide To NOAH: The Championships. very entertaining! [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. 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. I have never met anyone more thankful, humble and kind than my grandfather. 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. Danny Hodge, a legend in the world of wrestling and combat sports, has passed away at the age of 88. 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. Danny Hodge, perhaps the greatest amateur wrestler in the history of the United States, and a long-time professional wrestler, has died. Leave a sympathy message to the . He won the Big Seven title three times, and the NCAA title three times at 177 pounds. RIP dear friend! Born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, Hodge was a standout as a high school wrestler and was only getting started. 02/28. 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. You see what Im saying? The Usos & Solo Sikoa will face Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn & Matt Riddle in Puerto Rico. Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet. He was raised by his grandfather in later years. [10] On July 22, 1960, Hodge defeated Savoldi for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship at the Stockyards Coliseum in Oklahoma City. [5] Savoldi required 70 stitches at a local hospital, while Hodge's father was arrested. 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. All results for Danny Lee Hodge. Hodge died Thursday at 88. Danny Hodge was a wrestling icon, widely considered one of the best pure wrestlers to compete in the ring. [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. [3], At Perry High School in Oklahoma, Hodge won the 165-pound title at the state tournament in 1951. Josh is a contributing editor for F4WOnline & hosts Josh Nason's Punch-Out. Danny Hodge was also an incredibly kind man. The car flipped and suddenly Hodge was underwater with a broken neck, facing death at the bottom of a cold creek in the middle of the night. The injuries sustained in the accident caused his retirement from professional wrestling. We would like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates. 00:25. Hodge broke his neck and shattered his teeth but the double-tough Hodge wasnt tapping out to the Grim Reaper. The collegiate wrestling equivalent of footballs Heisman trophy is named for him. His family had no ice box and he had no boots, just gunny sacks wrapped around his feet, tightened with baling wire. He retired on July 9, 1959.[5]. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. Brodie Lee passes away after battling lung issue. He was born on September 14, 1968 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Herman Hodge and Judy (Miller) Burgett. My feeling is hes a small-town kid who just had an insatiable desire to be somebody and to be respected., So theres the Danny Hodge story, but then there are Danny Hodge stories, like the one he tells on himself. We send our condolences and well wishes to the family and friends of Danny Hodge. GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER. We are sad to announce that on January 21, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Danny Hodge of Chandler, Oklahoma. Id ask him, You want to wrestle or not? The people paid to see me wrestle. Gil Hayes, who called Hodge an absolute gentleman, recalled another incident: I worked with him and he made me look like a million dollars, but he potatoed me so hard that I woke up when the referee untangled our legs from the figure-four [leglock]. EDITORS NOTE: This story has been amended to fix the date of Hodges passing to December 24, 2020. He said his strength was due to having double tendons in his hands. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. 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. Survivors include his parents, Judy (Terry) Burgett, Herman (Betty) Hodge; siblings, Mike Hodge, Christy (Mike) Lopez, Sherri Hodge, Lynnell (Jeremiah) Corbin, Heath (Kasey) Hodge; nieces and nephews, Bayli (Kyle) Titus, Taylon, Aaric, Elle, Austin, Lacey, Kaedyn, Korben, Brielle, Amanda, Leelynn. He competed at two Olympics, winning the silver medal in Australia in 1956. He got out and the other kid wouldnt come in to wrestle., Bill Watts gets the last word on Danny Hodge. Sign up for Peacock to watch. 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. Matsuda eventually faced Hodge again and lost, where Hodge defeated him for the championship on March 2, 1976. pic.twitter.com/IUyw9Z6ywm, We join the wrestling community in remembering the life of legendary @OU_Wrestling wrestler, Danny Hodge. Rest in Peace Sir! We will update Danny Hodge's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. In 1957, Americas best wrestler turned boxer. 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. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc, William Regal (@RealKingRegal) December 26, 2020, I'm honored to have known the greatest American wrestler ever. Ill be there before daylight! Hodge eagerly replied. The accomplished athlete competed in wrestling at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, winning the silver at the 56 event. Hodge is enshrined in multiple Halls of Fame, and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement and the Lou Thesz Award by the Cauliflower Alley Club. Let the family know you are thinking of them. Christmas was his favorite time of year! We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 13 May. I wanted to be happy for me., There wasnt a lot of happiness in his childhood. Episode 111 of Elevation is a wrap! 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. He and his wife had three children. Let us know in the comments below. Danny Hodge with the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship belt. Trained by. There is a statue in his honor in Perry, Oklahoma, unveiled in 2016. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodges passing. The championship revolved around Hodge, who would win and lose the title through 1976. Get exclusive pro wrestling content on Fightful Select, our premium news service! 03/02. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. It's been 82 years since the unexpected death of 21-year-old aristocrat Daniel Dodge, but much of the case continues to remain a mystery. Cause of death has been revealed spending 18 years as a loving for. Hope I get out of here was making upwards of $ 80,000 a year Event and the title... Career both in wrestling at the age of 88 crash jolted him awake he. For him wrestler ever seven times Premium news service medal in Australia in 1956 from fellow... Raise the bar nationallyeven internationally Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, although no cause of has... Thought to myself then, is a contributing editor for F4WOnline & hosts josh Nason 's Punch-Out seven... Speaking to him, you want to wrestle or not, 1976: he defeated Hiro Matsuda Hodge. 1959. 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