Dan Allen Hodge, 88, of Perry has gone to heaven. He was 88. This man was my hero.my everything! Duke Myers tale is set on a stage in Shreveport, Louisiana, where, at the champs request, he put his open, flat hand between Hodges legs. Sign up for Peacock to watch. Stu Hart [1] Debut. [4], His reputation as a high school wrestler preceded him when he joined the US Navy in 1951. From speaking to him youd never know all that he accomplished. Jim Ross has often stated that Danny Hodge was his hero growing up and in life, and there is good reason for that. I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. Born on May 13, 1932 in Perry, Oklahoma, Hodge was a standout as a high school wrestler and was only getting started. His family had no ice box and he had no boots, just gunny sacks wrapped around his feet, tightened with baling wire. 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 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 never made the big money, he never made the huge money. > Movies & TV 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. Hodge was renowned for his technical skills and traveled the world, competing in Japan and other wrestling hotspots outside the United States. > Books The Judgment Day and the Bloodline make a deal, Trish Stratus explains herself, and Cody Rhodes finally gets what he wants. So sad to see he passed on Christmas day. For the last number of years, Hodge had suffered from dementia, and had not been out in public much. He finished his amateur career with 17 wins, no losses and 12 KO's. The only people that ever had trouble with him were maybe the people that didnt respect him. 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. DANNY BUBBA YOU WERE AS GOOD IN THE RING AS IT GETS AND AN EVEN BETTER FRIEND OUTSIDE OF THE RING. 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. 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. Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. Smith was embroiled in controversy with the Central AAU and Hodge was his substitute. Wichita Falls, TX - 4-H Arena. [11] After holding the title for over four years, he eventually dropped the title to longtime rival Hiro Matsuda. You have no idea how many miles Id run, he said. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. > Music Jun 3-4: NWA Crockett Cup Info Share. 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. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. 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). While the cause of death isn't known yet, he had been battling dementia for several years. What a shame. [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. Rest in Peace Sir! Last Word on Pro Wrestling sends its condolences to Danny Hodges family, friends, and fans during this time. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 13 May. 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. Sign up for BINGE to watch. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented him with its Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and the Lou Thesz Award in 2007. I have his autographed biography. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Lee Hodge (1955 - 1975) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. Rest In Peace, Danny. I always loved talking to him. Thanks https://t.co/89euDce2Ti, I never see your style! He was raised in Perry attending school here and graduating from Perry High School in 1951. . Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Legendary Oklahoma wrestler Danny Hodge has died at the age of 88. Our loss, Heavens gain. 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. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. [18][19], Hodge is also the subject of four books written by Mike Chapman: Two Guys Named Dan (Hodge and Dan Gable, 1976), The Toughest Men in Sports (1984), Legends of the Mat (2006) and Oklahoma Shooter: the Dan Hodge Story (2009). IMPACT Wrestling TV Spoilers From Toronto, Ontario, Canada (4/17). Then be sure to inform others of Danny Hodge. Six months later, he defeated Matsuda to regain the title. Danny Hodge and his wife, Dolores, had three children. 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. 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. 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. He held the NWA junior heavyweight title eight times, won several NWA Tri-State titles, and others, including in Japan. At high school in Perry, Oklahoma, everybody would run three miles in training. Danny Hodge died last Friday. pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, Adam (Edge) Copeland (@EdgeRatedR) December 26, 2020, IT BREAK MY HEART TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE LEGEND DANNY HODGE. This was where the bridge to professional wrestling began through the tutelage of Ed Strangler Lewis and Leroy McGuirk. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. Hodges legacy lives on with The Dan Hodge Trophy, which is awarded yearly to the nations top collegiate wrestler. 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 preceded in death by his parents, William and Erma, and brothers William Hodge . 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. 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. I was privileged to get to know Danny personally when I got into pro-wrestling. Leroy McGuirk, the promoter in our area teamed me with Danny often, and Hodge took me under his wing and yes, he loved to pull pranks, so I got my share. After all, who would expect an 80-year-old man to be capable of crushing an apple with one hand? [20], Hodge died at the age of 88 on December 24, 2020. 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. Danny loved to cook, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and spending his free time with family, especially his nieces and nephews. He was 88. The only man to win national titles in wrestling and boxing, Danny Hodge is widely . New Wrestling Observer Newsletter plus tons of downloadable podcasts every week, Get breaking news alerts & weekly roundups sent to your inbox. Hodge's rivalry with Savoldi led to a bizarre event. 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. Among other titles, he was the NWA Junior Heavyweight champ seven times. There is a statue in his honor in Perry, Oklahoma, unveiled in 2016. It was ruled a pin and therefore, Hodge lost in a call that regarded as an egregious one while costing Hodge the gold medal. Skandor Akbar and Danny Hodge. 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. He was married to Susan Mathis. 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. 03/02. pic.twitter.com/hM99cY8fYE, Well saddened to hear the news today of Danny Hodge passing away. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodge's passing. January 24, 2005 - RAW: He appeared on Raw to honor Jim Ross. Hodge was beloved around the globe. 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. He remains the only amateur wrestler to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. Your email address will not be published. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function(){viAPItag.display("vi_937032466")}). 01:03. 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/BsdnvXmGyt, The great DANNY HODGE has passed awayTuff as nails.. Josh is a contributing editor for F4WOnline & hosts Josh Nason's Punch-Out. [5] Savoldi required 70 stitches at a local hospital, while Hodge's father was arrested. Matsuda eventually faced Hodge again and lost, where Hodge defeated him for the championship on March 2, 1976. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? My deepest condolences to his family. He was born Wednesday, April 06, 1955 in Jackson, MS. Visitation will be held Tuesday,. A rare breed that we will likely never see again. He was like Dempsey. 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. William Hodge After holding the title for over four years, Hodge was renowned for his skills. In Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodge & # x27 ; s condolences. Faced Hodge again and lost, where Hodge defeated him for the championship on March 2,.. Growing up and in life, and there is a statue in his honor Perry... Had three children know Danny personally when I got into pro-wrestling parents, William and Erma, and there good! 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