— TNA’s Samoa Joe turns 35 years old today.
— Former TNA cage dancer Jaime “Lollipop” Lynne turns 35 years old
today.
— Steve Armstrong turned 49 years old on Sunday.
— Former WWE wrestler Mark Canterbury turned 50 years old on Sunday.
— Former WWE wrestler Ken Doane turned 28 years old on Sunday.
— WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik tuned 72 years old on Saturday.
— Here is a press release from the Tragos/Thesz Museum about Jim Ross
joining the Hall of Fame committee:
Jim Ross and Jason Sanderson
added to HOF committee
WATERLOO, Iowa—Two influential figures
in professional wrestling will take an active role in the National Wrestling
Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Jim Ross and Jason Sanderson have been added to
the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame’s selection
committee.
“Both Jim Ross and Jason Sanderson have had a major impact on
the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, and
professional wrestling as a whole,” said Gerald Brisco, president of the
selection committee. “I’m honored that both will help lead us.”
Ross was
the 2011 recipient of the Lou Thesz Award. He is one of the most recognized
names in professional wrestling. Ross is best-known as a professional wrestling
commentator and for his work with World Wrestling Entertainment.
“I am
honored to have been asked to take a more active role in this great
organization,” said Ross. “In our lives, we can’t move forward if we are unaware
of our past.”
Sanderson has the unique distinction of being honored three
times by the George Tragos/Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Like Ross,
Sanderson was a recipient of the Lou Thesz Award (2008).
“My awareness
and appreciation of wrestling’s heritage is what led me to become involved with
Dan Gable Museum,” said Sanderson. “Their efforts to preserve professional
wrestling, as well as promote the legacy of wrestlers, showcases the best our
sport has to offer.”
Ross and Sanderson will be in attendance for the
2014 George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame inductions on
July 18-19.
The 2014 George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall
of Fame induction class includes Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner, Wilbur Snyder
(posthumously), Dallas Page (Frank Gotch Award), Larry Hennig (Lou Thesz Award),
Randy Couture (George Tragos Award), and Larry Matysik (Jim Melby
Award).
There are still a few all access passes available for the
weekend. All access passes are $100 each.
All-access passes
include:
–Special admission to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional
Wrestling Hall of Fame reception on Thursday, July 17. Reception includes a
tribute to the life of Mad Dog Vachon.
–Front row ticket to the Impact
Pro Wrestling show on Friday night with professional wrestling
legends.
–Ticket to the talent evaluation seminar led by Hall of Famer
Gerry Brisco. (Jim Ross plans on being in Waterloo for the talent evaluation as
well).
–Admission ticket to Saturday’s autograph signing at the National
Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum with first in line
preference.
–Story hour with professional wrestling
legends.
–Ticket to the Hall of Fame induction banquet featuring
acceptance speeches from the 2013 induction class.
2014 George Tragos/Lou
Thesz Professional Hall of Fame schedule
Thursday, July 17
6 p.m.
– Ribbon cutting at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum for the
George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and a tribute to the
life of Mad Dog Vachon. Reception with appetizers and drinks following ribbon
cutting.
(All-access pass holders and hall of fame inductees
only).
Friday, July 18
Noon – Impact Pro Wrestling evaluation with
Gerald Brisco and Jim Ross at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention
Center.
5:30 p.m. – Doors open to the Impact Pro Wrestling show at Five
Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Autographs with professional wrestling
legends begins.
7 p.m. – Impact Pro Wrestling show starts at Five
Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.
Saturday, July 19
9 a.m. to
noon – Doors open at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum for
all-access pass holders. Special live broadcast of Takedown Wrestling radio with
Scott Casber airs from the Dan Gable Museum.
11:00 a.m. – Story hour with
professional wrestling legends.
(All-access pass holders
only).
11:55 a.m. – Exclusive raffle for all access pass
holders.
Noon – Doors open at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan
Gable Museum to general public.
12:30 p.m. – Salute to the legacy of
Baron Von Raschke (includes panel discussion with professional wrestling
legends) at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.
1:30
p.m. – Autograph signing with professional wrestling legends at the National
Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.
(All-access pass holders allowed
to enter first).
5 p.m. – Hall of Fame reception at Five Sullivan
Brothers Convention Center
6 p.m. – Induction banquet at Five Sullivan
Brothers Convention Center
7 p.m. – Induction ceremony at Five Sullivan
Brothers Convention Center with Arda Ocal as master of ceremonies
Sunday,
July 20
9 a.m. – Special breakfast at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan
Gable Museum
(Lifetime members and Hall of Famers only).
