Kyle Klingman sent this in.
Bill Apter to host panel discussion at Hall of Fame event
WATERLOO, Iowa—Bill Apter, one of the most recognized names in professional wrestling, will host a special round table discussion during the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame inductions on July 14 in Waterloo, Iowa.
The panel discussion, which includes several Hall of Famers, will take place at 1 p.m. at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Part of the discussion is a tribute to the career of legendary wrestler Danny Hodge.
Hodge, a member of the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, won individual NCAA titles for Oklahoma in 1955, 1956, and 1957. He went 46-0 during his career as a Sooner and remains the only amateur wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Apter will receive the Jim Melby Award for excellence in journalism during the event. He joins Kurt Angle, Don Curtis, John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL), Joe Laurinaitis (Road Warrior Animal), and Dan Severn as this year’s induction class.
“Throughout my 41 years in the Pro Wrestling business, one of my favorite parts of this great career is being able to moderate discussions about this passion,” said Apter. “I am so looking forward to hosting the Dan Hodge round-table talk segment. He’s one of the true legends of Pro Wrestling and the chatter will surely be highly informative and very entertaining.”
Weekend activities include a professional wrestling tryout with Gerry Brisco, professional wrestling show hosted by Impact Pro wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts seminar with Dan Severn, Fan Fest at the Dan Gable Museum, autograph signings, and the Hall of Fame induction banquet.
Former ECW/WCW/WWE star Perry Saturn and Colt Cabana will headline the Impact Pro Wrestling Show.
Kurt Angle, JBL, Road Warrior Animal, Dan Severn, Bill Apter, Baron Von Raschke, Gerry Brisco, Danny Hodge, Larry Hennig, Bob Roop, Mad Dog Vachon, Fritz Von Goering, and Dan Gable are scheduled to appear during weekend activities.
Advance tickets for the Impact Pro Wrestling Show are $15 for ringside and $10 for general admission. Tickets to the Hall of Fame banquet are $50, which includes a reception and induction ceremony.
Contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745 or dgmstaff@nwhof.org to order tickets.
Contact Troy Peterson of Impact Pro Wrestling at wresshow@yahoo.com for more information about the professional wrestling tryout with Gerry Brisco. The tryout is open to spectators for $10 beginning at 1 p.m.
Schedule of events
Friday, July 13
1 p.m. – Professional wrestling tryout with Gerald Brisco at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.
5:30 p.m. – Doors open to the public for Impact Pro Wrestling show at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Autograph signing begins.
7 p.m. – Impact Pro Wrestling show featuring former WWE and ECW star Perry Saturn and Colt Cabana.
Saturday, July 14
Noon—Mixed Martial Arts seminar with Dan Severn in the Dan Gable Teaching Center inside the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
1 p.m.—Fan Fest at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Fan Fest includes a tribute to the career of Danny Hodge, historic wrestling matches playing in the theater, and Q & A with Bill Apter and professional wrestling legends.
2:30—Autograph signing with professional wrestling legends at the Hall of Fame.
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.
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum is a not-for-profit organization based out of Waterloo, Iowa. The mission of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is to preserve history, recognize excellence, and inspire future generations.