The National Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame sent out the following:
AWA reunion added to Tragos/Thesz HOF weekend
WATERLOO, Iowa — One of the most successful professional wrestling territories will be the focal point of a special reunion at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. The American Wrestling Association will be honored during the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend on July 12-13.
This year’s Hall of Fame class includes Ric Flair, 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).
For over 30 years the AWA produced some of the biggest superstars in professional wrestling history. All former AWA wrestlers, referees, and announcers who attend will have a group picture permanently displayed in the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. There will also be a tribute to the AWA during Fan Fest on Saturday, July 13 at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Bill Apter, last year’s winner of the Jim Melby Award, will host a panel discussion on the territory and how it influenced professional wrestling.
“The American Wrestling Alliance is an important part of wrestling history,” said Kyle Klingman, director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. “This is an exciting addition to our weekend. We encourage anyone associated with the AWA to contact us if they are interested in attending.”
All-access passes to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend have sold out. Tickets for the Hall of Fame banquet are now available and can be purchased online by clicking here. You may also order tickets by calling the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745.
Schedule of events
Friday, July 12
Noon – 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 Colt Cabana.
Saturday, July 13
Noon — Mixed Martial Arts seminar 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 American Wrestling Alliance, historic wrestling matches playing in the theater, and Q & A with Bill Apter and professional wrestling legends, 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.
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.
