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UPDATED: Wrestling Legend Danny Hodge Passes Away at 88, WWE Issues Statement

December 26, 2020 | Posted by Jeffrey Harris
WWE - Danny Hodge Jim Ross 2012

UPDATE: WWE has also issued the following statement on the passing of Danny Hodge, which was reported earlier today:

Danny Hodge passes away

WWE is saddened to learn that Danny Hodge passed away today at age 88.

Hodge will be remembered as a true trailblazer and the only man to ever win national titles in both wrestling and boxing. The Oklahoma native’s 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. A consummate competitor in the ring, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart referred to Hodge as “one of the greatest wrestlers in pro wrestling or amateur wrestling there’s ever been.” Hodge returned for two appearances on Raw in 2005 and 2012.

Hodge’s legacy lives on with The Dan Hodge Trophy, which is awarded yearly to the nation’s top collegiate wrestler.

Earlier today, William Regal reflected on Hodge’s incredible career and friendship in a social media post.

WWE extends its condolences to Hodge’s family and friends.

ORIGINAL: Pro wrestling legend and Olympic Silver Medalist Danny Hodge has passed away. WWE Hall of Famers Gerald Brisco and Jim Ross commented on his passing on social media earlier today. He was 88 years old.

Ross wrote on Hodge today, “Hard to believe that my boyhood hero, riding partner, and mentor, the great #DannyHodge has passed away. Danny was the best wrestler, amateur and pro, I’ve ever been around. #RIPCHAMP”

Also, WWE NXT official William Regal commented, “I’ve just seen the saddening news from my friend ⁦@Fgbrisco⁩ that the legendary Danny Hodge has passed away. Please take the time to google this incredible man and his career both in Wrestling and Boxing. I always loved talking to him. My deepest condolences to his family.”

During the course of his collegiate wrestling career, he had an undefeated record of 46-0. He became a three-time Big Seven conference champion and NCAA Division I champion at 177 pounds at the University of Oklahoma. At the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia, he took home the silver medal. He also had success as a boxer, becoming a Golden Gloves champion at heavyweight in 1958.

Hodge joined the professional wrestling world in 1959. He won the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship seven times. In 2007, he was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. He’s also the only wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated as an amateur.

On behalf of 411, we send our condolences to the family and friends of Danny Hodge.

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