Danny Hodge passes away | Wrestling News

Danny Hodge has left this world as he passed away this week at the age of 88-years-old.

He had a tremendous impact on the pro wrestling business. He was trained by Leroy McGuirk and Ed “Strangler” Lewis before starting his career in 1959 where he was a true trailblazer in wrestling.

During his career, he had several reigns as NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship. He was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007. He even made a few appearances on WWE Raw over the years to honor fellow Oklahoma native Jim Ross.

You can see statements from Ross and William Regal about Hode’s passing below:

Ross: “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.”

Regal: “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.”

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. pic.twitter.com/NToh6LuGnc

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) December 26, 2020

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 pic.twitter.com/JDPAFZNNS7

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) December 26, 2020