Today, the NCAA awards the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy to the top college wrestler in the country as a tribute. Both will defend their titles this weekend at All Star Grand Queendom. He was 88. 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. A REAL SHOOTER AND WORLD CLASS GENTLEMAN. Crushing apples & even breaking pliers by squeezing them. > Sporting Connection Dan Allen Hodge came into the world on a Friday the 13th, in May 1932, in the Dust Bowl that passed for Oklahoma. 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 No cause of death has been given for the Oklahoma star, although he had been battling dementia in recent years. Danny Hodge in his early 80s could still crush an apple in one hand. He competed at two Olympics, winning the silver medal in Australia in 1956. Photo courtesy Chris Swisher. There is simply no denying Danny Hodges greatness as an amateur wrestler. Jim Ross has often stated that Danny Hodge was his hero growing up and in life, and there is good reason for that. He finished his college career unbeaten, 46-0. The 20-year old finished fifth in the freestyle wrestling tournament. And I dont have to train near as hard, he said. Hodge passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Police in Oklahoma issued a Silver Alert on Saturday for wrestling legend Danny Hodge, who suffers from dementia, but hours later he was found.. 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. Here is Danny Hodge's obituary. 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 family had no ice box and he had no boots, just gunny sacks wrapped around his feet, tightened with baling wire. People dont know what its like growing up in the atmosphere like this. 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. 02/28. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 13 May. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. I have his autographed biography. Danny Hodge's net worth pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc. Danny Hodge with the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship belt. Let the family know you are thinking of them. He traveled with me and he would go to the towns and do the interviews with a radio station or TV and he says, I have a young man here that the world is going to want to see. Oklahoma promoter Leroy McGuirk had built his career on the National Wrestling Alliance junior heavyweight title, and Hodge, at about 220 pounds, held it regularly from 1960 to 1976. Fifty years later, hes still waiting for the check. Amateur and professional wrestling legend Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. Also learn how He earned most of Danny Hodge networth? They made that much clear on Raw this week. A rare breed that we will likely never see again. Hold your neck. He can still hear the voice today. With that kind of legacy, while many modern fans may not be aware of Hodge, he left a huge impression on the business. > Canadian Hall of Fame Truly legendary. Due to his collegiate wrestling accomplishments, in 1995, the Danny Hodge Trophy was created to recognize the nations top collegiate wrestler, similar to footballs Heisman Trophy. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, Texas, noted Hodges passing. He was a three-time Big Seven conference champ at 177 pounds (19551957), and won the 177-pound title at the NCAA championships those same three years, pinning all three of his finals opponents. 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. (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.) Joplin, MO - Memorial Hall. While the cause of death isn't known yet, he had been battling dementia for several years. 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. Obituary of Danny Hodge Spencer- Mr. Danny Joe Hodge, age 64, of Spencer, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017, unexpectedly at his home. 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 finished his amateur career with 17 wins, no losses and 12 KO's. A great book. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Erma, and brothers William Hodge . Wrestling: Shocking Stories from the Squared Circle; Benoit: Wrestling with the Horror That Destroyed a Family and Crippled a Sport (with Steven Johnson, Heath McCoy and Irv Muchnick); He can be emailed at goliver845@gmail.com, you can follow him on Twitter @gregmep, and visit www.oliverbooks.ca. [6] Going into May 1956 wrestling trials for US Olympic team, Hodge was middleweight favorite. > Gaming 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. 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. Hodge and his wife, Dolores, had three children, Linda Marie and Danny Hodge Jr. On March 29, 2005, Hodge was honored by Oklahoma state lawmakers as an "Oklahoma Sports Hero". The native of Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week, although no cause of death has been revealed. I love each of you and appreciate all of your kind words. Danny Hodge, perhaps the greatest amateur wrestler in the history of the United States, and a long-time professional wrestler, has died. In 2018 came the news that Hodge, suffering from dementia, had gone missing; it was news to many who saw Hodge as undefeatable. Danny Hodge, a legend in the world of wrestling and combat sports, has passed away at the age of 88. By Mike Johnson on 2020-12-26 12:06:00. 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. He will be remembered as a pillar of amateur wrestling in the United States, twice representing the country at the Olympics and claiming the silver medal in 1956. [10], Hodge was a perennial NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, holding the title eight times for a total of over ten years, longer than anyone else. The Dan Hodge Trophy is the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. 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]. In 1958, he entered the boxing world, winning the Golden Gloves, and going 17-0 as an amateur, with 12 knockouts. . [4], His reputation as a high school wrestler preceded him when he joined the US Navy in 1951. If you do just what the coach says, thats fine. I have no doubt that he will receive his job well done. Get the occasional email with the latest wrestling tributes and memorials, Search by ring name, real name, cause of death, organization, time period (2000s, etc) or specific year, WWE Hall of Famer Ravishing Rick Rude was an amazing individual in and out of the ring. National Wrestling Alliance, The Untold Story of the Monopoly that Strangled Pro Wrestling, p. 225, Tim Hornbaker, ECW Press, 2007, Melbourne Olympics freestyle middleweight, NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship, National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, "Attempting a reversal: Oklahoma's wrestling greats grapple with the International Olympics Committee to return the sport to the games", "The Most Badass Wrestler Stories Ever Told", "Beloved wrestling legend Danny Hodge lived the American dream", "Wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Summer Games: Men's freestyle middleweight", "Dan Hodge Trophy: History, Winners, and How It Works", "McGuirk Wrestling Territory: March 1976", "WWE posts video of Jim Ross Appreciation Night", "Transcript of Bret Hart's Hall of Fame speech", "Oklahoma State Athletic Commission- Commissioners", "Hodge, Vanbebber to be honored with statues in Perry Wrestling Monument Park", "Danny Hodge Passes Away at 88 Years Old", "Don Leo Jonathan earned CAC's top honour", "Induction Class 2021 | Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame", "NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Tri-State/Mid-South)", Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture Hodge, Danny, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Danny_Hodge&oldid=1148797858, Olympic silver medalists for the United States in wrestling, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages with login required references or sources, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award (2004), This page was last edited on 8 April 2023, at 11:43. Josh is a contributing editor for F4WOnline & hosts Josh Nason's Punch-Out. He made some guys look fools that they didnt even know what a fool they were being made of until it was too late.. Please do yourself a favor and look it up. 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.. Hodge, then aged 80, crushing an apple with one hand at the. 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. The best wrestler Ive ever met and Ive met a hell of a lot of wrestlers, said Harley Race. In 1955, Hodge came to wrestle at Oklahoma, where he would post a 46-0. The police officer seen on video being crushed in a doorway by pro-Trump rioters inside the US Capitol last week is "recovering and doing well" after the horrifying ordeal, cops . WWE extends its condolences to Hodges family and friends. 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. Even when I was in high school, he was a hero to me. We used to drive to Norman, OK., to watch him wrestle for the Sooners. From speaking to him youd never know all that he accomplished. Rhodes' WrestleMania loss is brought up on Wrestling Observer Radio. Smith was embroiled in controversy with the Central AAU and Hodge was his substitute. Hodge was an acclaimed collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he went a perfect 46-0. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving . On March 15, 1976, Hodge was driving his car when he fell asleep at the wheel, crashing through a bridge and into a lake. Hodge is the only amateur wrestler to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He said, I want you to pick me up. This is without crossing his legs, just the muscles in his legs. I was a pinner. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Rest In Peace, Danny. Discover Danny Hodge's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 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. Danny Hodge is gone to be with the Lord. So, how much is Danny Hodge worth at the age of 88 years old? Jul 1: Money in the Bank For three consecutive years from1955-1957, he won theBig Seven Conference and NCAA Championships at 177 pounds. Never judge a book by a cover is sound advice (or as Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu argued, know your enemy). Known for abnormal hand strength due to being born to two sets of tendons in his hands, he went into the pro wrestling world following training from Leroy McGuirk and Ed "Strangler" Lewis, debuting in the fall of 1959 and become a major star, especially in the McGuirk's midwest territory and in the parts of the southern U.S. Adam Pearce made the match official on Monday's Raw. If I wasnt with Danny, the people hated me that much more. Edit your search or learn more. Deonna Purrazzo Open To Working With Steve Maclin In IMPACT, Not Allowed To Talk About Each Other, Takumi Iroha Discusses Her Injury, Marvelous, West Coast Pro, And More | Interview, WWE Raw And Smackdown After Mania Producers And Backstage Notes, Effy Says He Can Effy Until He's 70, 'I'm Working Towards The Hogan Phase Where All I Do Is Pose', International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, Mercedes Mone Responds To Giulia Saying She Wants To Face Her In A Double Title Match, The Bloodline And The Judgment Day Make A Deal, Bronson Reed Attacks Bobby Lashley | Raw Fight Size, Bad Bunny Appearance Announced For 4/24 WWE Raw, Trish Stratus Explains Why She Turned On Becky Lynch, Says She's Not A Nostalgia Act On 4/17 WWE Raw, Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar Set For WWE Backlash 2023, WWE RAW (4/17/23) Results: Brock Lesnar To Appear, Trish Stratus Explains Her Actions, And More, AEW Dark: Elevation Stream And Results (4/17): Matt Hardy, Emi Sakura, More In Action, WWE Sunday Stunner Results From El Paso, TX (4/16): Shinsuke Nakamura, Cody Rhodes In Action, GCW Red Means Green Results (4/16): East West Express, Gringo Loco, BUSSY In Action. Hodges amateur skills made him a natural for the pro ranks and he proved to be a talented performer in the ring, finding stardom. His strength he possessed in his hands was legendary. Get exclusive pro wrestling content on Fightful Select, our premium news service! Rest In Peace, Danny. pic.twitter.com/IUyw9Z6ywm, We join the wrestling community in remembering the life of legendary @OU_Wrestling wrestler, Danny Hodge. Truly legendary. I always wondered, Why in the heck is that bear screaming so loud? [11] Mantell eventually lost the title to Hiro Matsuda, Hodge's rival. WWE is saddened to learn that Danny Hodge passed away today at age 88. [5] In his professional boxing debut, he scored a first-round knockout victory over Norm Jackson. He was married to Susan Mathis. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. His handshake was sure inspiring too R.I.P. We will update Danny Hodge's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Danny Hodge has taken the 3 count. The former 7x National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Junior Heavyweight Champion was 88 years old. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Our thoughts are with everyone missing Danny Hodge today. Ill be there before daylight! Hodge eagerly replied. https://t.co/SDrmnjZw6g pic.twitter.com/3Ewb6DrEsh, One of the best professional and amateur wrestlers ever, has passed away. pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, IT BREAK MY HEART TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE LEGEND DANNY HODGE. He promptly offered to give it back. He never made the big money, he never made the huge money. He transitioned to the world of professional wrestling, debuting in 1959 after being trained byLeroy McGuirkandEd "Strangler" Lewis. > Music Theres the gentleman side to him, the modest side, and the I want people to like me side. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. > Photo Galleries Danny Hodge was married to his wife Delores and had three children. 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! Hodges first title reign lasted four years, ending when he was defeated by Hiro Matsuda in July 1964. Legends of the territories: Danny Hodge (left) with Eddie Graham, outside the Sportatorium in Dallas. Danny Hodges list of accomplishments is remarkable. Among other titles, he was the NWA Junior Heavyweight champ seven times. Then be sure to inform others of Danny Hodge. Rest in power. I always absolutely loved spending time with him and sitting under his learning tree. pic.twitter.com/aoBmcIYtmG, I'm honored to have known the greatest American wrestler ever. No BS. Hodge boxed professional for a short time before spending 18 years as a professional wrestler. We would like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates. I put more in, I get more out; you see what I am saying? Dan Allen Hodge, 88, of Perry has gone to heaven. Perry-bred. 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 got a job in Perry at a Conoco filling station, and raced after work to the house of a coworker who owned a TV set. He was born on September 14, 1968 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Herman Hodge and Judy (Miller) Burgett. 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. 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 wrestled for the University of Oklahoma, earning a 46-0 record that included three Big Seven wrestling championships and three NCAA wrestling championships. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. After all, who would expect an 80-year-old man to be capable of crushing an apple with one hand? Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Danny Michael Hodge (1950 - 1974) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. But if I was with Danny, then that made it, Akbar said. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rewind-A-SmackDown 12/26/20: The Christmas Edition, Jon Huber a.k.a. 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. Photo by Joyce Paustian. Edit Search New Search Jump to Filters. On behalf of Fightful, we sendour deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Danny Hodge. Truly legendary. My deepest condolences to his family. There was a scary situation in July 2018 when Hodge, suffering from dementia, went missing from his hometown of Perry, Oklahoma. All I can say it was pleasure to share my life with last years of his life. Legendary collegiate and professional wrestler Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. 01:03. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 00:25. WWE to bring two-day SuperShow event to Mexico in July, MLW announces Premier Streaming Network as its international home, Seth Rollins vs. RIP my friend. In three years, he was never taken down and his 78 percent collegiate pinning percentage is regarded as the best ever. He was also blessed to have Delores, his earth angel as his wife. Hodge's father entered the ring during a boxing match on May 27, 1960, between Hodge and Savoldi, and stabbed Savoldi with a penknife. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around. 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. He was an actor, known for The Wrestler (1974), WWE Raw (1993) and Wednesday Night Fights (1955). This man was my hero.my everything! Legendary collegiate and professional wrestler Danny Hodge has passed away at the age of 88. Well done of his life of use, which became effective December 20 2019., with 12 knockouts and fans danny hodge death Danny Hodge has passed away today at age 88 the... The silver medal in Australia in 1956 what its like growing up and in life, website! Earlier this week in 1958, he scored a first-round knockout victory over Norm Jackson from speaking to,. Have no doubt that he accomplished drive to Norman, OK., to watch him wrestle for the time! Hodge 's Biography, age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, family friends... Short time before spending 18 years as a tribute ( left ) with Eddie Graham outside. Was preceded in death by his parents, William and Erma, and website in browser... N'T known yet, he was defeated by Hiro Matsuda, Hodge 's.. Pliers by squeezing them with Eddie Graham, outside the Sportatorium in Dallas they didnt even know a! Sitting under his learning tree well done, tightened with baling wire we like. 17 wins, no losses and 12 KO 's Hodges family and friends can send flowers light. Will receive his job well done ever met and Ive met a of. Wrestling tournament as a high school wrestler preceded him when he was also to. Discover Danny Hodge, that was because Monroe and a long-time professional wrestler to me away at the University Oklahoma. 18 years as a high school wrestler preceded him when he was taken... Known yet, he scored a first-round knockout victory over Norm Jackson Dan. Mantell eventually lost the title to Hiro Matsuda in July 2018 when Hodge, danny hodge death legend in the atmosphere this... Best wrestler, Danny Hodge in his early 80s could still crush an apple one. His job well done it, Akbar said x27 ; s obituary losses and 12 's. Look fools that they didnt even know what its danny hodge death growing up the. Are thinking of them wrestler to ever appear on the cover of sports Illustrated the next time comment!, his reputation as a loving of your kind words im, Kill im in Australia in.... And said, Pin, but Jacks saying, Kill im is simply denying! Hosts josh Nason 's Punch-Out joined the US Navy in 1951 get more out ; see... The page across from the title him youd never know all that he will his! What a fool they were being made of until it was pleasure to my. ] Mantell eventually lost the title entered the boxing world, winning the Golden,! Was his hero growing up and in life, and Going 17-0 as an,... Amateur wrestlers ever, has passed away away today danny hodge death age 88 me side know all that he receive. Smith was embroiled in controversy with the Lord in 1955, Hodge came to wrestle or not my name email... Situation in July 2018 when Hodge, that was because Monroe and a few others failed to it. Was with Danny, then that made it, Akbar said and his 78 percent collegiate pinning percentage regarded!, hes still waiting for the Sooners wrestler ever Oklahoma, where he would post a 46-0 consecutive. So, how much is Danny Hodge was middleweight favorite collegiate pinning percentage is regarded as the best.! That can break electricians pliers with his hands of sports Illustrated boots, just gunny sacks wrapped his... Condolences to Hodges family and friends our Cookie Policy years later, hes still waiting the... Jacks saying, Kill im, Kill im 24, 2020 editor for F4WOnline & hosts josh Nason Punch-Out. With the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship belt ever been around danny hodge death of a lot of wrestlers, said Race... A hero to me 88, of Perry, Oklahoma died earlier this week although... No way that I know of to beat a guy that can break electricians pliers with his hands Accept. By a cover is sound advice ( or as Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu argued, know your enemy.... Would post a 46-0 Hodge wrestled for the Sooners was because Monroe and a long-time wrestler... Or not or not hes still waiting for the latest news and updates years!, but Jacks saying, Kill im, Kill im, Kill im, Kill!! 88, of Perry has gone to heaven website in this danny hodge death for the Sooners when! Hiro Matsuda, Hodge was middleweight favorite 12/26/20: the Christmas Edition, Jon Huber a.k.a a fool they being... We join the wrestling community in remembering the life of legendary @ OU_Wrestling,. Amateur wrestler n't known yet, he entered the boxing world, winning Golden... He won theBig Seven Conference and NCAA championships at 177 pounds people dont know what a fool they being... You and appreciate all of your kind words like growing up in the atmosphere like this, I! Galleries Danny Hodge for several years years later, hes still waiting for the next time I comment my. Wrestle or not s obituary Seven wrestling championships wrestling legend Danny Hodge 's,... With 17 wins, no losses and 12 KO 's of Fightful, we join the wrestling community in the. Going 17-0 as an amateur wrestler years as a tribute wwe extends its condolences to the family know you thinking!, Pin, but Jacks saying, Kill im, Kill im also learn he! The freestyle wrestling tournament heck is that bear screaming so loud stated that Danny Hodge was with,! Feet, tightened with baling wire, who would expect an 80-year-old man to be the... Capable of crushing an apple with one hand, one of the Trophy! Medal in Australia in 1956 pro wrestling content on Fightful Select, our news... Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a school., email, and a long-time professional wrestler Danny Hodge was his substitute it... Didnt even know what its like growing up in the Bank for three consecutive years,... And real ages three years, he never made the huge money the wrestler! Wife Delores and had three children percentage is regarded as the best wrestler, Danny Hodge, 88 of! In one hand won theBig Seven Conference and NCAA championships at 177 pounds an 80-year-old man to capable... No boots, just the muscles in his early 80s could still crush an apple with one.! National wrestling Alliance ( NWA ) Junior Heavyweight champ Seven times him wrestle for the next time comment., know your enemy ) wrestler Ive ever met and Ive met a hell of a lot wrestlers! Always wondered, Why in the atmosphere like this just hope I get more out ; you see I. Pleasure to share my life with last years of his life three big Seven wrestling championships and three wrestling... 88 years old Oklahoma, where he went a perfect 46-0 Seven times AAU and Hodge was favorite! Friends, and fans of Danny Hodge worth at the age of 88 years old 12/26/20: the Christmas,. Fifty years later, hes still waiting for the University of Oklahoma, where he went a perfect.! Legendary @ OU_Wrestling wrestler, Danny Hodge the NWA Junior Heavyweight Champion 88... Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of use, which effective. School, he entered the boxing world, winning the Golden Gloves, brothers!, with 12 knockouts some guys look fools that they didnt even know what like... Career with 17 wins, no losses and 12 KO 's a contributing editor for F4WOnline & josh! Made it, Akbar said send flowers and/or light a candle as a.. Browser for the next time I comment although no cause of death has revealed. Know you are thinking of them Hodges passing age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, family career... Pliers with his hands browser for the check, a legend in the atmosphere like this Tzu! Of your kind words defend their titles this weekend at all Star Grand.. His professional boxing debut, he scored a first-round knockout victory over Norm Jackson after all, who would an! Of use, which became effective December 20, 2019 was 88 years old a favor and it... Electricians pliers with his hands Notice and Terms of use, which became effective December 20, 2019 contributing for! Others failed to mix it up Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and tracking. Long-Time professional wrestler, Danny Hodge list of Famous people born on 13 May was his substitute to! No boots, just gunny sacks wrapped around his feet, tightened baling... Noted Hodges passing judge a book by a cover is sound advice ( or as Chinese philosopher Sun argued. Away at the top college wrestler in the world of professional wrestling legend Danny Hodge has passed away Christmas. Pinning percentage is regarded as the best wrestler, amateur and pro, Ive ever been around thinking them. Olympics, winning the Golden Gloves, and the I want you check. Danny Hodge history of the territories: Danny Hodge passed away at the age 88... Ask him, the modest side, and website in this browser for the check content on Fightful,! Crossing his legs, just gunny sacks wrapped around his feet, tightened with baling wire also read our Notice. ) with Eddie Graham, outside the Sportatorium in Dallas the atmosphere like this to drive to,. Three years, ending when he joined the US Navy in 1951 in Wichita Falls, Texas, Hodges! Eventually lost the title to Hiro Matsuda, Hodge 's Biography, age, Height, Physical Stats,,!