The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (PWHF) and Museum was an American professional wrestlinghall of fame and museum located in Wichita Falls, Texas; following the postponement of its 19th induction ceremony, planned for May 2020,[1] and an announced temporary closure to expand the museum,[1] its status was changed to "closed due to water leaks" in 2021,[2] and never re-opened.
The museum was founded by Tony Vellano in 1999, and was previously in Amsterdam, New York and Schenectady, New York. Its purpose was to "preserve and promote the dignified history of professional wrestling and to enshrine and pay tribute to professional wrestlers who have advanced this national pastime in terms of athletics and entertainment." It was not affiliated with any professional wrestling promotion.
Categories
Name
Years active
Notes
Pioneer Era
2002–2021
For wrestlers active between the mid-19th century and 1946
Television Era
2002–2021
For wrestlers active between the years of 1947 and 1984
Modern Era
2002–2021
For wrestlers active between the years of 1985 to present day
For managers, valets, announcers, photographers, and those wrestlers who were the "journeymen" for the business; formerly known as the Non-Participant Division.
Referee Division
2018–2021
Strictly for referees
Executive Division
2018–2021
For bookers, promoters, business executives, and historians. Those who were Non-Participant Division inductees who would be classified as Executives under 2018 changes will be designated as such.
New York State Award
2003–2005
For individuals who made significant contributions to professional wrestling in the PWHF's home state of New York
Senator Hugh Farley Award
2006–2009
For well-known wrestlers who have made significant societal contributions outside of the squared circle; named after New York State Senator Hugh Farley
Posthumous inductee: founded the Cauliflower Alley Club, a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to wrestlers and gives financial aid to retired wrestlers[59]
Posthumous inductee; inducted as member of the Blond Bombers; Was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum twice in one year; under Modern Era and Tag Team. Won the AWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) and the NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version) (2 times)[67]
Posthumous inductee: Won AWA World Women's Championship (1 time), Texas Women's Championship (1 time), Central States Women's Championship (1 time).[114]
Posthumous Inductee: Inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2005 in the Tag Team Category with Crusher. Won WWA World Heavyweight Championship (11 Times)[116]
Posthumous Inductee: Inducted as a member of The Flying Redheads. Was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum twice in one year; under Executive and Tag Team. Won NWA Texas Tag Team Championship (1 Time)
Posthumous Inductee: Was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum twice in one year; under Executive and Tag Team. Trainer, Promoter, Booker, and Professional Wrestler that discovered Sting and The Ultimate Warrior.
↑ The future Ric Flair received this name upon his adoption as an infant. Due to the circumstances of his adoption through the scandal-ridden Tennessee Children's Home Society, he does not know his birth name.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Frank Gotch". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-02-02. Retrieved 2009-02-04.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "George Hackenschmidt". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-02-01. Retrieved 2009-02-05.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Ed "Strangler" Lewis". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-02-24. Retrieved 2009-03-02.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Jim Londos". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-02-06.
↑ "Joe Stetcher". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Lou Thesz". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2005-10-27. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Gorgeous George". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-07-05. Retrieved 2009-02-04.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Buddy Rogers". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Bruno Sammartino". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Andre the Giant". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2011-01-04. Retrieved 2009-03-02.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Ricky Steamboat". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
↑ "Sky Low Low". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-03-03. Retrieved 2009-03-02.
1 2 3 4 5 6 Royal Duncan & Gary Will (2006). Wrestling Title Histories (4thed.). Archeus Communications. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Mildred Burke". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-02-01. Retrieved 2009-01-31.
↑ "Martin Burns". John Rauer's 2001 Historic World Champions Card Set. Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-16. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
↑ Burke, Tom. "Stanislaus Zbyszko". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-16. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
↑ Laible, Dan. "Killer Kowalski". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-03-04. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
↑ Beyer, Dick. "Ilio DiPaolo". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2010-03-30. Retrieved 2009-03-07.
↑ "William Muldoon". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
↑ Kenyon, J. Michael. "Angelo Savoldi". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
↑ Kenyon, J. Michael. "Freddie Blassie". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Westcott, Brian. "Verne Gagne". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2009-02-03.
↑ Westcott, Brian. "Terry Funk". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-02-01. Retrieved 2009-02-03.
↑ Lauer, Karl. "Harley Race". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2012-09-07. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
↑ Oliver, Greg. "Lord Littlebrook". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-03-04. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
↑ Kenyon, J. Michael. "Mae Young". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
↑ Kenyon, J. Michael. "Vincent J. McMahon". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2006-02-21. Retrieved 2006-03-06.
↑ Westcott, Brian. "Gordon Solie". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2005-10-27. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
↑ Pantozzi, John. "John J. Bonica, M.D." Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-03-02.
↑ Bowman, Bill and Anne. "Len Rossi". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2005-10-27. Retrieved 2009-03-02.
↑ Brown, Dick. "Orville Brown". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-02-27. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Kenyon, J Michael. "John Pesek". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Sokol, Chris; Mark Nulty. "Jack Brisco". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Westcott, Brian. "Dory Funk, Jr". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-02-01. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Westcott, Brian. "George Steele". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2011-09-07. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
1 2 "Dick the Bruiser and The Crusher". The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams by Greg Oliver and Steven Johnson (ECW Press, Spring 2005). Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-03-27. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Bryla, Bob. "Fuzzy Cupid". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Kenyon, J Michael. "Paul Boesch". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Bryla, Bob. "Mike Mazurki". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Bryla, Bob. "Ray Stern". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Griffin, Johnny. "Ed Don George". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-02-03.
↑ Luce, Don. "Bill Longson". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2013-12-28. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Kenyon, J. Michael. "Don Leo Jonathan". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
↑ Sokol, Chris and Greg Oliver. "Johnny Valentine". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-08. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Sokol, Chris and Greg Oliver. "Ray "The Crippler" Stevens". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Pantozzi, Michael. "Rikidozan". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ Norman, Roy and Penny Banner. "June Byers". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2007-10-07. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
↑ Milner, John (November 26, 2004). "Bobby Heenan". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved 2009-02-05.
↑ Westcott, Brian. "Bobby Heenan". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2015-03-03. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
↑ Bryla, Bob. "Ida Mae Martinez". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
↑ "Earl Caddock". Caddock's biography by Steve Yohe. Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Luce, Don. "Gus Sonnenberg". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Laurer, Karl. "Danny Hodge". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-18. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Melby, James C. "Pat O' Connor". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2015-09-01. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Riedel, Bobby. "Ted DiBiase". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-16. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Pantozzi, Michael. "Roddy Piper". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2015-07-19. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
1 2 Oliver, Greg; Johnson, Steven. "The Tolos Brothers". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-09-06. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Oates, Robert K. "Karl Gotch". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Burke, Tom. "Cora Combs". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-18. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Griffin, Johnny. "Jack Pfefer". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Bryla, Bob. "Billy Darnell". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Rauer, John E. ""Rough Tom" Jenkins". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-02-05.
↑ Don, Luce. "Ray Steele". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
↑ Drason Burzynski, Dave. "Bobo Brazil". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-20. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
↑ Hornbaker, Time. "Gne Kiniski". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-07-05. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Bob Backlund". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
↑ Hart, Ross. "Bret Hart". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-20. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
1 2 Oliver, Greg; Steven Johnson. "The Dusek Riot Squad". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
↑ Pantozzi, John. "Giant Baba". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-02-01. Retrieved 2009-01-31.
↑ Daniel, Wes. "Betty Niccoli". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-18. Retrieved 2009-03-02.
↑ Griffin, Johnny. "Joe "Toots" Mondt". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2014-12-15. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
↑ Oates, Robert K. "Tom Drake". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-10-23. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
↑ Kenyon, J Michael. "Evan Lewis". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-25. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Luce, Don. "Wladek Zbyszko". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-25. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Howard, Gary. "Billy Graham". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2013-04-13. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Griffin, Johnny. "Chief Jay Strongbow". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2012-02-29. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Pantozzi, John. "Paul Orndoff". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-03-30. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Pantozzi, John. "Randy Savage". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
1 2 "Mark Lewin and Don Curtis". The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams by Greg Oliver and Steven Johnson. Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-11-25. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Bryla, Bob. "Donna Christiantello". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-11-24. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Lou Albano". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-09-11. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Gates, Robert K. "Hank Garrett". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2010-09-10. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
↑ Gates, Robert K. ""Wild" Red Berry". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2010-09-10. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
↑ Gates, Robert K. "Danny McShain". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2010-09-10. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
↑ Gates, Robert K. "Édouard Carpentier". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2011-01-04. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
↑ Gates, Robert K. "Wahoo McDaniel". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2010-09-10. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
1 2 Gates, Robert K. "Mike and Ben Sharpe". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2010-09-10. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
↑ Gates, Robert K. "Mil Mascaras". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2010-09-10. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
↑ Gates, Robert K. "Kay Noble". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
↑ Gates, Robert K. "Gorilla Monsoon". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2010-10-03. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.