Greetings. I’m pleased to relate that my late, great brother Owen will be inducted into the prestigious United States National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 28 in Waterloo, Iowa. The Hall of Fame honors superlative pro wrestlers who have also excelled in amateur wrestling and Owen certainly fits that description.
Previous honorees have included the likes of Lou Thesz, Billy Robinson, Luther Lindsey, George Gordienko, Harley Race, Terry and Dory Funk, Baron von Raschke, Verne Gagne, Danny Hodge, Jack Brisco, Danny Hodge, my father Stu, brother Bret and Kurt Angle -all of whom were legends in the ring and exemplary role models outside of it. I consider myself fortunate to have had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with most of them.
I’m looking forward to attending this year’s hall of induction ceremony – which should be a memorable occasion. I might add that several other members of the Hart family will be also in attendance. I know that somewhere up yonder, my brother Owen and my mom and dad are beaming with pride at this penultimate honor. On behalf of the Hart family, I would like to express my gratitude to Executive Director Kyle Klingman and his esteemed associate, former Olympic gold medallist, the iconic Dan Gable, for choosing to honor my brother, as such.
I would also like to extend congratulations to my old friend Dan Severn, who is also being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, along with my brother. That’s kind of cool, given that Dan and Owen were good friends.
Others being honored at this year’s event include: Booker Huffman (Lou Thesz Award); Bruiser Brody (Frank Gotch Award); Koji Miyamoto (Jim Melby Journalism Award); and Benny Askern (George Tragos Award), all of whom are most worthy recipients.
I’m told that there will be many other luminaries from the wrestling fraternity in attendance, including: Joe Laurinaitis (Road Warrior Animal), Barbara Goodish (widow of Bruiser Brody), Larry ‘the Axe’ Hennig, Charlie Thesz (widow of Lou Thesz), Herb Simmons, CAC president B. Brian Blair, Cowboy Bob Orton, Stan Hansen, Nikita Koloff, Jim Brunzell, Tony Garea, the Iron Sheik and Ken Patera – a most impressive gathering.
One of the nice things about the Iowa event is that fans can interact with and meet and greet most of the participants on an informal basis – which is a lot different than many of the functions I’ve attended.
I’m told that in addition to the induction ceremonies, there will be a training seminar, hosted by legendary former Four Horsemen manager – J. J. Dillon and WWE talent scout, Gerald Brisco, which is a great way for aspiring wrestlers to not only get schooled, but also to make a good impression on two of the most respected scouts in the industry.
There will also be a star studded wrestling card, featuring former WWE performers, including my nephew Harry (aka David Hart Smith), Wes Brisco, Austin Aries, Colt Cabana, Bobby Holly, as well as the stars of Troy Peterson’s acclaimed Impact Pro Wrestling promotion – which should be highly entertaining.
For information on ticket prices, events, times, hotel accommodations and anything else, wrestling fans can go to the Dan Gable Museum website: dgmstaff@nwhof.org or call (319) 233-0745.
I’ll look forward to seeing you there! In the meantime, take care.
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