George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame

Last updated
George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
George Tragos Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Wing.jpg
TNTHOF housed inside of the Dan Gable Museum
Established1999
Location Waterloo, Iowa, U.S.
DirectorJim Miller
Public transit accessAiga bus trans.svg  6    7   MET Transit
Website nwhof.org/pro-class/

The George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (TNTHOF) [1] is a professional wrestling hall of fame and museum located within the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dan Gable Museum. The hall of fame is named after Lou Thesz, who helped create it, [2] and his trainer George Tragos. [3] Inductees are professional wrestlers with a strong amateur wrestling or shootfighting background who have made an impact on professional wrestling. [4] Additionally, it issues several more awards to recognize individuals who have influenced the industry in various capacities. [1]

Contents

The hall of fame was founded in 1999 in Newton, Iowa, but moved to Waterloo, Iowa in 2007. [5] The museum suffered severe flooding in the Iowa flood of 2008, [6] but reopened in June 2009. [7] Wrestling historian and journalist Mike Chapman served as executive director of the museum until Kyle Klingman succeeded him in November 2009. [8] On July 1, 2019, Jim Miller began work as director of the Hall of Fame succeeding Kyle Klingman. [9]

Inductions take place at a hall of fame induction ceremony. Other activities are held throughout the weekend in conjunction with the event, such as local independent promotion Impact Pro Wrestling's Hall of Fame Classic tournament in 2017 and 2018. [10] [11]

Honorees

Inductees

YearImageRing name
(Birth name)
Notes
1999 LouThesz.jpg Lou Thesz
(Aloysius Thesz)
One-time holder of the AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Boston version), two-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion [12]
1999 Ed Strangler Lewis - 6 Jan 1942 Municipal Auditorium Wrestling Program.jpg Ed "Strangler" Lewis
(Robert Friedrich)
Posthumous inductee: Four-time World Heavyweight Champion, two-time holder of the AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Boston version) and one-time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion [12]
1999 Frank-gotch.jpg Frank Gotch Posthumous inductee: One-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion and three-time American Heavyweight Champion [12]
1999 George Kondylis 1936.jpeg George Tragos Posthumous inductee: Won many amateur titles in Greece and competed for two Olympic teams there, trained Lou Thesz. [12] [3]
1999 Verne Gagne 1964.jpg Verne Gagne Two-time NCAA champion, member of the U.S. wrestling team at the 1948 Summer Olympics. Co-founder of the American Wrestling Association, 10-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion [12]
2000 Dick Hutton - Olympic Auditorium Wrestling News 31 January 1962 (cropped).jpg Dick Hutton Three-time NCAA champion, one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion [12]
2000 Danny Hodge - WRESTLING NEWS 15 June 1972 VOL 1 NO 1 (cropped).jpg Danny Hodge Seven-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, three-time NCAA champion, Olympic silver medalist [12]
2000 Joe Stecher.jpeg Joe Stecher Posthumous inductee: Three-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship (original version) [12]
2000 Earl Caddock.jpeg Earl Caddock Posthumous inductee: One-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship (original version) [12]
2001 Muldoon.jpg William Muldoon Posthumous inductee: First chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, one-time World Greco-Roman Heavyweight Champion [12]
2001 Burns and gotch (cropped square 2).jpg Martin "Farmer" Burns Posthumous inductee: One-time American Heavyweight Champion [12]
2001 Jack Brisco 1973.jpg Jack Brisco Two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, three-time NWA World Tag Team Champion, NCAA champion [12]
2001 Tim Woods
(George Woodin)
Won two Big Ten Conference Championships in 1958 and 1959. Two-time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion and one-time NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion [12]
2002 Dick Beyer 1964.jpeg Dick "The Destroyer" Beyer Three-time WWA World Heavyweight Champion and one-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion [12]
2002 Bob Geigel - Wrestling News San Angelo Sport Arena - 24 July 1962 cover (cropped).jpg Bob Geigel Three-time AWA World Tag Team Champion [12]
2002 Baron von Raschke 1973.jpg Baron von Raschke
(James Raschke)
Three time WWA World Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA American Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA Brass Knuckles Champion (Texas version), one-time NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion [12]
2002 Ed Don George.jpeg Ed Don George
Posthumous inductee: Two-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion and one-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion (Boston version) [12]
2002 Peter Sauer
Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA/NBA World Heavyweight Champion [12]
2003 Billy Robinson - Wrestling programme NWA 267 1976 magazine.jpg Billy Robinson
One-time PWF World Heavyweight Champion, two-time AWA World Tag Team Champion, and three-time AWA British Empire Heavyweight Champion [12]
2003 Mad Dog Vachon - Chicago Professional Wrestling - 26 April 1969 (cropped).jpg Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon
Five-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion [12]
2003Joe Scarpello
Posthumous inductee: Won several amateur titles before wrestling professionally for the American Wrestling Association [12]
2003 Georg Hackenschmidt ca. 1905.jpg George Hackenschmidt
(Georg Hackenschmidt)
Posthumous inductee: One-time European Greco-Roman Heavyweight Champion and first ever World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion [12]
2004 Gene Kiniski (cropped).jpg Gene Kiniski Held the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, NWA World Heavyweight Championship, and WWA World Heavyweight Championship once each. [13] [14]
2004 Leroy McGuirk Posthumous inductee: Three-time NWA World Light Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. [13] [14]
2004 PatOConnor.jpg Pat O'Connor Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, three-time NWA Central States United States Heavyweight Champion, One-time (and inaugural) AWA World Heavyweight Champion, and one-time AWA World Tag Team Champion. [13] [14]
2004 BradRheingans 830828.jpg Brad Rheingans Member of the U.S. 1976 and 1980 Summer Olympic teams, won two gold medals in the 1975 and 1979 Pan American Games and a bronze medal in the 1979 World Wrestling Championships. Later wrestled professionally for NJPW, WWF, WCW, and AWA [13] [14]
2005 Antonio Inoki IMG 0398-2 20121224.JPG Antonio Inoki Founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, two-time WWWF/WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Champion, and one-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion [15]
2005 Harley Race NWA Champion.jpg Harley Race Eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, one-time and first NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, three-time AWA World Tag Team Champion and WWF King of the Ring winner in 1986 [15]
2005 Jerry Brisco - Official Wrestling Yearbook No.3, June 1973 Cover (cropped).jpg Gerald Brisco Three-time NWA World Tag Team Champion, one-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion [15]
2005 Earl Mccready.jpg Earl McCready Posthumous inductee: Competed for Canada in the 1928 Summer Olympics before becoming a professional wrestler [15]
2005 Dr. Bill Miller Posthumous inductee: One-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion [15]
2005 John Pesek Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, one-time MWA World Heavyweight Champion [15]
2006 BretHartJuly242005.JPG Bret "Hitman" Hart Five-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, was a Triple Crown winner in WWF and WCW. [16]
2006 Larry "Pretty Boy" Hennig - Nov. 1969 The Wrestling News Program Magazine.jpg Larry "The Axe" Hennig Four-time AWA World Tag Team Champion, one-time IWA World Tag Team Champion [16]
2006 Bob Roop 1967 NCCA Champion. Four-time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion [16]
2006 Dory Funk - Wrestling News San Angelo Sport Arena - 14 August 1962.jpg Dory Funk Posthumous inductee: Won the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship and various NWA regional titles. [16]
2006 "Iron" Mike DiBiase Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. [16]
2006 Tom Jenkins 2.jpg Tom Jenkins Posthumous inductee: Three-time American Heavyweight Champion [16]
2007 Red Bastien.jpeg Red Bastien
(Roland Bastien)
One-time NWA Texas Tag Team Champion [17]
2007 "Dr. Death" Steve Williams One-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion, one-time UWF World Heavyweight Champion, four-time NCAA All-American [17]
2007 Gama1916.jpg The Great Gama
(Ghulam Mohammad Baksh)
Posthumous inductee: Won the Indian version of the World Heavyweight Championship [17]
2007 "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig Posthumous inductee: One-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, one-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, one-time WCW World Tag Team Champion [17]
2007 Dale Lewis 1960.jpg Dale Lewis Posthumous inductee: Wrestled in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. Later held the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship once. [17]
2007 "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase Four-time Mid-South North American Heavyweight Champion and three-time WWF World Tag Team Champion. [17]
2008 Masa Saito.jpg Masa Saito One-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion [6]
2008 Abe Jacobs vs. David Von Erich, 1981.png Abe Jacobs Won several regional championships [6]
2008 Stu Hart Posthumous inductee: Established Stampede Wrestling in Calgary 1948, and ran it until 1984. Ran "The Dungeon" wrestling school and trained numerous wrestlers. Patriarch of the Hart family [6]
2008 Roddy Piper, August 2009.jpg "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
(Roderick Toombs)
One-time WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion and three-time NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Champion [6]
2008 Ray Gunkel Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion and three-time NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion [6]
2008 Leo Nomellini Posthumous inductee: One-time AWA World Tag Team Champion [6]
2009 Nick Bockwinkel.jpg Nick Bockwinkel Four-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion and three-time AWA World Tag Team Champion [7]
2009 Karl Gotch
(Karl Istaz)
Posthumous inductee: Won the IWA World Heavyweight Championship and WWWF World Tag Team Championship once each [7]
2009 Luther Lindsay Posthumous inductee: Won the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship, NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship, and the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship (Calgary version) once each [7]
2009 Bronko Nagurski.jpg Bronko Nagurski Posthumous inductee: Two-time NWA/NBA World Heavyweight Championship, one-time New York State Athletic Commission World Heavyweight Champion [7]
2009 Ricky Steamboat 1979.jpg Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat
(Richard Blood)
One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, three-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, and one-time WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion [7]
2009 Fritz Von Goering.jpeg Fritz Von Goering
(John Gabor)
One-time NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Champion [18]
2010 Stanislaus Zbyszko in 1919 (cropped).jpg Stanislaus Zbyszko
(Jan Stanisław Cyganiewicz)
Posthumous inductee: Two-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion [19]
2010 Warren Bockwinkel Had high-profile feuds in the National Wrestling Alliance [19]
2010 George Gordienko Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA Pacific Coast Heavyweight Champion (Vancouver version), one-time British Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion (New Zealand version), three-time NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion (Calgary version). [19]
2010 Paul Vachon.jpg Paul "Butcher" Vachon Two-time AWA World Tag Team Champion and three-time NWA International Tag Team Champion (Calgary version) [19]
2010 Terry Funk NWA Champion.jpg Terry Funk One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion and one-time WWF Tag Team Champion [19]
2011 Dory Funk Jr. - WRESTLING NEWS 15 June 1972 VOL 1 NO 1.jpg Dory Funk Jr. One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion [20]
2011 Gorilla Monsoon - Wrestling Program WWWF n.74 1977 (cropped).jpg Gorilla Monsoon
(Robert "Gino" Marella)
Posthumous inductee: One-time IWA World Heavyweight Champion, and two-time WWC North American Heavyweight Champion [20]
2012 Don "The Buffalo Bomber" Curtis Posthumous inductee: Won various NWA tag team championships [21]
2012 Kurt Angle TNA.jpg Kurt Angle Named the greatest shoot wrestler by USA Wrestling; won the freestyle wrestling gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Four-time WWF/WWE Champion, one-time World Heavyweight Champion (WWE), one-time WCW Champion, one-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion (IGF), six-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion [21]
2013 Chris Taylor - All Star Wrestling - 10 October 1977.jpg Chris Taylor Posthumous inductee: Bronze winner in freestyle wrestling at the 1972 Summer Olympics, becoming the heaviest Olympian ever at that point. Later wrestled for the American Wrestling Association [22]
2013 Ric Flair, NWA World Heavyweight Champion, 1982.png "Nature Boy" Ric Flair
(Richard Fliehr)
Two-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion, inaugural and six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion [22]
2013 Cowboy Bill Watts - Chicago Professional Wrestling - 26 April 1969 03.jpg "Cowboy" Bill Watts Former wrestling promoter in the mid-south United States, one-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion and held over 20 NWA regional championships [22]
2014 Scott Steiner (51385124609).jpg Scott Steiner
(Scott Rechsteiner)
One-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, two-time WWF Tag Team Champion, two-time TNA Tag Team Champion, two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion and seven-time NWA (Mid-Atlantic version)/WCW Tag Team Champion [23]
2014 Rick Steiner with a fan (cropped).jpg Rick Steiner
(Robert Rechsteiner)
One-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, two-time WWF Tag Team Champion, two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion and eight-time NWA (Mid-Atlantic version)/WCW Tag Team Champion [23]
2014 Wilbur Snyder - Chicago Professional Wrestling - 26 April 1969 03 (cropped).jpg Wilbur Snyder Posthumous inductee: Two-time World Heavyweight Champion (Omaha version), two-time AWA World Tag Team Champion [23]
2015 The Great Wojo
(Gregory Wojciechowski)
Three-time WWA World Heavyweight Champion (Indianapolis version) [24]
2015 JimLondos.jpg Jim Londos
(Christos Theofilou)
Posthumous inductee: One-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion [24]
2016 Bob Backlund as WWF Heavyweight Champion, circa 1982.png Bob Backlund Two-time WWWF/WWF (World) Heavyweight Champion and one-time WWF Tag Team Champion [25]
2016 The Iron Sheik, 1982.png The Iron Sheik
(Khosrow Vaziri)
1971 Amateur Athletic Union Greco-Roman wrestling champion and gold medalist. One-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion and one-time WWF Tag Team Champion [25]
2016 Joe Blanchard Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion. Later founded Southwest Championship Wrestling and served as a figurehead in the American Wrestling Association [25]
2017 "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff One-time Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Champion, three-time NWA (Mid-Atlantic)/WCW World Tag Team Champion, one-time WCW World Television Champion [11]
2017 Dusty Rhodes as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, 1981.png "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes
(Virgil Runnels Jr.)
Posthumous inductee: Three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, ten-time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion, seven-time NWA Southern Heavyweight Champion (Florida version), one-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion [11]
2018 WWE - Wembley Arena 140994 (6).jpg Owen Hart Posthumous inductee: one-time USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, four-time WWF World Tag Team Champion, one-time Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Champion, one-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion [26]
2018 Dan "The Beast" Severn 2016 crop.jpg Dan Severn First three-time honoree: previously received the Frank Gotch Award in 2002 and the George Tragos Award in 2012. [26] One-time UFC Superfight Champion and UFC Hall of Famer. Two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion [12]
2019 Beth Phoenix as champion.jpg Beth Phoenix
(Elizabeth Kociański)
Second time honored, previously received the Frank Gotch Award in 2015. First woman inducted in the Hall of Fame. One-time WWE Divas Champion, three-time WWE Women's Champion [27]
2019 Bruno WWWF Champion.jpg Bruno Sammartino Posthumous inductee: two-time WWWF/WWF (World) Heavyweight Champion and one-time WWF Tag Team Champion [27]
2021 [lower-alpha 1] Adnan Al-Kaissie (early 1970s).jpg Adnan Al-Kaissie One time WWWF World Tag Team Champion, one time NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Champion and one time IWA World Heavyweight Champion (Australian version). [28]
2021 [lower-alpha 1] Earl WamplerPosthumous inductee: An influence on Lou Thesz, Wampler wrestled for 40 years. He held the NWA Iowa Heavyweight Title and was the inaugural holder of the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) with Jack O'Brien. [28]
2021 Don Kernodle Posthumous inductee:Three-time NWA World Tag Team Champion (Mid-Atlantic version) [29]
2022 MikeRotunda1994Cropped.png Mike Rotunda One time NWA World Tag Team Champion, three times NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion, three times NWA Television Champion and five times WWF Tag Team Champion. [30]
2023 Albright 1999.jpg Gary Albright Posthumous inductee: Two time AJPW World Tag Team Champion and one time Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Champion [1]
2024 Greg Gagne 1979.jpg Greg Gagne Two time AWA World Tag Team Champion, two time AWA International Television Champion

Frank Gotch Award recipients

Named after hall of fame inductee Frank Gotch, this award honors people in professional wrestling who brought positive recognition to the industry through work outside of it. [11] [12]

YearImageRing name
(Birth name)
Notes
2000 Bobby Managoff One-time World Heavyweight Championship (National Wrestling Association) [12]
2001 Tom Drake Also inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum [12]
2002 Dan "The Beast" Severn 2016 crop.jpg Dan Severn
Later received the George Tragos Award in 2012 and inducted into the hall of fame in 2018 [12]
2003 Jesse Ventura, circa 1982.png Jesse Ventura
(James Janos)
One-time AWA World Tag Team Champion. Former commentator in WWF and WCW. 38th Governor of Minnesota. [12]
2004 George Scott Won several tag team championships with his brother, Sandy. Later served as an executive in WWF and Jim Crockett Promotions [13] [14]
2005 Gene LeBell Martial artist who later promoted NWA Hollywood Wrestling [15]
2006 Nikita Koloff
(Nelson Simpson)
One-time NWA National Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, two-time NWA World Tag Team Champion (Mid-Atlantic Version) [16]
2008 Penny Banner
(Mary Ann Kostecki)
One-time AWA World Women's Champion, Commissioner of the Professional Girl Wrestling Association (PGWA) from 1992 to 2008 [6]
2009 Ivan Koloff 1973.jpg Ivan Koloff
(Oreal Donald Perras)
One-time WWWF World Heavyweight Champion [7]
2010 Mick-foley-at-signing.jpg Mick Foley Three-time WWF Champion, one-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion, eight-time WWF Tag Team Champion, two-time ECW World Tag Team Champion, one-time WCW World Tag Team Champion [19]
2011 Hacksaw jim duggan 2011.PNG "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan Winner of the first Royal Rumble match in 1988, one-time WCW United States Champion [20]
2012 C2E2 2015 - Joe Laurinaitis (16683666234).jpg Road Warrior Animal
(Joe Laurinaitis)
Along with his longtime tag team partner, Road Warrior Hawk, they were two-time WWF Tag Team Champions, one-time AWA World Tag Team Champions, and one-time NWA World Tag Team Champions (Mid-Atlantic) [31]
2013 Jim Brunzell - AWA All Star Wrestling - n.195 1977 cover (cropped).jpg Jim Brunzell Two-time AWA World Tag Team Champion [22]
2014 DDP Vest.jpg "Diamond" Dallas Page Three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, one-time WWF Tag Team Champion, one time WWE European Champion and four-time WCW World Tag Team Champion [32]
2015 Beth Phoenix as champion.jpg Beth Phoenix
(Elizabeth Kociański)
Later became the first woman inducted into the hall of fame in 2019 [24]
2016 Lex Luger, circa 1987.png Lex Luger
(Lawrence Pfohl)
Two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, five-time NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Champion [25]
2017 Stan Hansen AWA World Heavyweight Champion.jpg Stan "The Lariat" Hansen Four-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion, four-time PWF World Heavyweight Champion, one-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, one-time WCW United States Champion [11]
2018 Bruiser Brody
(Frank Goodish)
Posthumous honoree: three-time NWA International Heavyweight Champion, four-time NWA American Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA Central States Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion, one-time WWA World Heavyweight Champion (Indianapolis version) [26]
2019 Sgt. Slaughter (9702944557).jpg Sgt. Slaughter
(Robert Rudolph Remus)
One-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion and two-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion [27]
2021 [lower-alpha 1] Mark-Henry-WHC.jpg Mark Henry One-time World Heavyweight Champion (WWE), one-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, one-time WWE European Champion [28]
2022 Waylon Mercy at RAH.jpg Dan Spivey One-time World Tag Team Champion (AJPW), one-time Florida Heavyweight Champion, one time UWF Americas Champion
2023 King Tonga (King Haku), circa November 1983.jpg Haku
(Tonga Fifita)
Former WWF and WCW and is a former WWF World Tag Team Champion [1]
2024 Arn Anderson (48481801426).jpg Arn Anderson
(Martin Lunde)
Member of the "Four Horsemen", a five-time NWA/WCW World Tag Team Champion and four-time NWA/WCW World Television Champion

James C. Melby Award recipients

James C. Melby was the first recipient of this award and it was subsequently named after him. It recognizes excellence in professional wrestling writing or historical preservation. [11] [33]

YearRing name
(Birth name)
Notes
2006 James C. Melby Longtime professional wrestling journalist [16]
2007Mike ChapmanExecutive director of the Dan Gable Museum [17]
2008 Greg Oliver Honored with Steven Johnson. Canadian author and journalist, founded SLAM! Wrestling [6]
2008Steven JohnsonHonored with Greg Oliver. Has written several books on professional wrestling [6]
2009Mike MooneyhamAuthor and columnist for The Post and Courier [7]
2010J Michael KenyonWrestling historian and director of the Cauliflower Alley Club [19]
2011Scott TealOwner of Crowbar Press [20]
2012 Bill Apter Photographer and journalist for several magazines, including Pro Wrestling Illustrated [21]
2013 George Napolitano Professional wrestling photographer [22]
2014 Larry Matysik Announcer for Wrestling at the Chase [32]
2015 Wade Keller Journalist and founder of the Pro Wrestling Torch newsletter [24]
2016 Dave Meltzer Editor and publisher of Wrestling Observer Newsletter [25]
2017Scott WilliamsPosthumous honoree: Wrestling historian and author [11]
2018 Koji Miyamoto Japanese wrestling historian and author of 16 books [26]
2019Brian ShieldsAuthored several WWE books [27]
2021Mark JamesHistorian and author of several books about territorial professional wrestling [34]
2022Dick BourneWritten or co-written a number of books, including: Crown Jewel: The NWA Championship 1959–1973. [35]
2023Tom BurkeHistorian and journalist for numerous publications [1]
2024Al GetzHost of the Charting the Territories podcast

Lou Thesz Award recipients

This award recognizes those in the professional wrestling industry who have used their skills in the realm of public service. [11]

YearImageRing name
(Birth name)
Notes
2007Bill MurdockHead of Eblen Charities [17] [lower-alpha 2]
2008Father Jason Sanderson Cauliflower Alley Club board member and promoter who held regional championships [6] [38]
2009Bill KerstenAnnouncer for Kansas City Wrestling [7]
2010 Rene Goulet 1973.jpg Rene Goulet
(Robert Bédard)
One-time WWWF World Tag Team Champion [19]
2011 Jim Ross No Mercy 2007.jpg Jim Ross Longtime lead announcer for WWF/E, WCW and other regional promotions; Head of WWF Talent Relations during the Attitude Era, signing many well known wrestlers [20]
2012 JBLportrait2.jpg John "Bradshaw" Layfield One-time WWE Champion, three-time WWF Tag Team Champion [21]
2013 Edge WHC Chile.jpg Edge
(Adam Copeland)
Four-time WWE Champion, a record seven-time World Heavyweight Champion (WWE). He held the WWF/World and WWE Tag Team Championships a combined 14 times, more than any other wrestler [22]
2014 Larry "Pretty Boy" Hennig - Nov. 1969 The Wrestling News Program Magazine.jpg Larry "The Axe" Hennig Second time honored, previously inducted in 2006 [32]
2015 B Brian Blair 2014.jpg Brian Blair Two-time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion [24]
2016 James J Dillon.jpg J. J. Dillon
(James Morrison)
Long-time manager in the NWA, former WCW onscreen commissioner [25]
2017 Magnum T. A., circa 1987.png Magnum T. A.
(Terry Allen)
Two-time Mid-South North American Champion, two-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion [11]
2018 Booker T principal (cropped).jpg Booker T
(Robert Huffman)
Five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, one-time World Heavyweight Champion (WWE), a record six-time WCW World Television Champion, a record 11-time WCW World Tag Team Champion (10 of which came with his brother Stevie Ray as Harlem Heat) [26]
2019 Thunderbolt Patterson
(Claude Patterson)
One-time CWA World Heavyweight Champion and one-time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion [27]
2021 [lower-alpha 1] Trish Stratus 2018.jpg Trish Stratus
(Patricia Stratigias)
A record seven-time WWF/E Women's Champion [39]
2023 Bill DeMott (cropped).jpg Bill DeMott
(William Charles DeMott II)
Two-times WCW United States Heavyweight Champion and one-time W*ING World Heavyweight Champion [1]
2024 Tito Santana 1983.png Tito Santana
(Merced Solis)
Two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, two-time WWF Tag Team Champion, 1989 winner of King of the Ring

George Tragos Award recipients

This award recognizes wrestlers who have excelled in mixed martial arts. [11]

YearImageRing name
(Birth name)
Notes
2011 PatMiletich.png Pat Miletich Inaugural UFC Welterweight Champion and UFC 16 Welterweight Tournament Winner [20]
2012 Dan "The Beast" Severn 2016 crop.jpg Dan Severn Second time honored, previously received the Frank Gotch Award in 2002 [31]
2013 Matt Hughes (cropped).png Matt Hughes Two-time UFC Welterweight Champion, UFC Hall of Fame inductee, and NJCAA Hall of Fame inductee [22]
2014 Randy Couture pic.jpg Randy Couture Three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion [32]
2015 Matt Lindland.jpg Matt Lindland Won a silver medal in wrestling at the 2000 Summer Olympics and later competed in mixed martial arts for several promotions [24]
2016 Chael Sonnen.jpg Chael Sonnen Amateur wrestler, mixed martial artist and noted Steroid Abuser who has competed in UFC, WEC and Pancrase [25]
2017 MikeVanArsdale.png Mike van Arsdale Mixed martial artist who has competed in the UFC, World Fighting Alliance, and the IVC [11]
2018 Ben Askren Nov 2018.jpg Ben Askren One-time ONE Welterweight Champion, one-time Bellator Welterweight Champion [26]
2019 Daniel Cormier taking a picture with a fan..jpg Daniel Cormier One-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and one-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion [27]
2021 [lower-alpha 1] WWE - Manchester 040498 (5).jpg Ken Shamrock Inaugural UFC Superfight Champion. In professional wrestling, he held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, WWF Intercontinental Championship and WWF Tag Team Championship once each. [28]
2024 Don Frye Fought for UFC in 1996 – winning the UFC 8 and Ultimate Ultimate 1996 tournaments – and Pride Fighting Championships between 2001 and 2003. Also wrestled in New Japan Pro-Wrestling between 1997 and 2002.

Gordon Solie Award recipients

This award recognizes excellence in professional wrestling broadcasting. [40]

YearImageRing name
(Birth name)
Notes
2021 Gordon solie 2 (cropped).jpg Gordon Solie
(Francis Labiak)
Posthumous honoree: commentator, announcer and promoter for Championship Wrestling from Florida, later worked for World Championship Wrestling [40]
2022 Jim Ross No Mercy 2007.jpg Jim Ross
Second time honored, previously received the Lou Thesz Award in 2011 [40]
2023 Conrad Thompson
Professional wrestling promoter, and podcast host and promotes the Starrcast wrestling convention [40]
2024 Tony Schiavone, October 2019 (cropped).jpg Tony Schiavone Lead commentator for Jim Crockett Promotions between 1985 and 1989, the World Wrestling Federation between 1989 and 1990, World Championship Wrestling between 1990 and 2001, and All Elite Wrestling since 2019.

Jack Brisco Spotlight Award recipients

YearImageRing name
(Birth name)
Notes
2023 Les Thatcher July 2014.jpg Les Thatcher
(Leslie Malady)
Has performed various roles in the wrestling industry, including as a wrestler, trainer, promoter and announcer [1]
2024 Tony Garea Oct 07.jpg Tony Garea
(Anthony Gareljich)
Five time WWWF/WWF World Tag Team Champion

Verne Gagne Trainer Award recipients

Introduced in 2023, this award recognizes excellence in the training of others for professional wrestling. [1] In the December 2023 newsletter published by the hall, it was announced this award would be renamed in honor of Verne Gagne.

YearImageRing name
(Birth name)
Notes
2023 Boris Malenko.png Boris Malenko
(Lawrence J. Simon)
Posthumous honoree: Held various regional championships [1]
2024 TomPrichard2020Cropped.jpg Tom Prichard One-time WWF Tag Team Champion, eight-time SMW Tag Team Champion; trainer of Kurt Angle, The Rock, Randy Orton and many others.

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 These honorees were originally announced as being part of the 2020 ceremony but the event was postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [28]
  2. In 2019, it was reported that Murdock had been convicted of taking indecent liberties with a child in 1988 and he has since been removed from the Hall of Fame's website. [36] [37]

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