The National Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame sent out the following:
History of WWE presentation added to Pro HOF weekend
WATERLOO, Iowa — The most recognized promotion in professional wrestling history will be the focal point of a special presentation during the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend. Induction weekend is July 12-13 in Waterloo, Iowa, at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.
The Class of 2013 includes Ric Flair, “Cowboy” Bill Watts, Chris Taylor (posthumously), Edge (Lou Thesz Award), Jim Brunzell (Frank Gotch Award), Matt Hughes (George Tragos Award), and George Napolitano (Jim Melby Award).
Past inductees scheduled to attend weekend activities include Danny Hodge, Gerald Brisco, Jim Ross, Baron Von Raschke, Mad Dog Vachon, Bill Murdock, Jason Sanderson, Bill Apter, Larry Hennig, Bob Roop, and Fritz Von Goering.
Brian Shields will provide a presentation on the history of WWE on Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Shields co-authored The New York Times bestselling “WWE Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide To World Wrestling Entertainment.” He has also written “Main Event: WWE In The Raging 80’s” and children’s books about WWE Superstars John Cena and Triple H.
Shields lectures on the history of the WWE throughout the United States.
“I’m honored to be part of the Hall of Fame’s star-studded festivities and to share the weekend with some of the larger-than-life personalities and incredible athletes I’ve had the privilege of chronicling through my writing with WWE and DK Publishing,” said Shields. “These legends are off the printed page and in living color here in Iowa for this amazing celebration.”
Back again this year will be Bill Apter, 2012 winner of the Jim Melby Award. Apter will team with Mick Karch for a Question & Answer session during Fan Fest.
Arda Ocal will serve as the master of ceremonies at the Hall of Fame banquet for the second year in a row.
Tickets to the Impact Professional Wrestling Show on Friday, July 12 are $20 for ringside and $15 for general admission.
Tickets to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame banquet at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center at $50.
All-access passes have sold out.
Tickets to either event may be ordered by calling (319) 233-0745 for e-mailing dgmstaff@nwhof.org.
Schedule of events
Friday, July 12
Noon – Professional wrestling tryout with Gerald Brisco and Jim Ross 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 Colt Cabana.
Saturday, July 13
11 a.m. – History of WWE presentation with “NY Times” Bestselling Author & WWE Biographer, Brian Shields.
Noon — Mixed Martial Arts seminar with Matt Hughes in the Dan Gable Teaching Center inside the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.
1 p.m. — Fan Fest at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Fan Fest includes a tribute to the American Wrestling Association, historic wrestling matches playing in the theater, Q & A with Bill Apter and Mick Karch, and an AWA reunion.
2:30 p.m. — 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 with Arda Ocal as the master of ceremonies.
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.
