Guest column: Gene LeBell was one of a kind
When I created the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Newton, Iowa, in 1998, one of...
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Tag: Mike Chapman
Strangler Lewis’ Headlock Machine goes home
One of the most intriguing pieces of memorabilia in the history of wrestling is back home! Called...
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Hodge’s influence spanned world of combat sports
Danny Hodge was the rarest of individuals who inspired universal awe and admiration across the...
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Babe Bisignano’s life in and out of wrestling a wild read
Jimmy Wheeler’s love of pro wrestling was cemented the first time he was able to see it live. Just...
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Career interrupted: The story of “The Great Wojo” Wojciechowski
Had circumstances been different, more people would have known about the wrestling career —...
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Book on Nat Pendleton brings Olympian and actor to life
If he were around today, Nat Pendleton’s tale would have been told again and again—amateur...
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Pendleton biographer Chapman happily grappling with the past
Mike Chapman’s just-published biography on Olympic wrestler turned pro, turned actor, Nat...
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Danny Hodge biography a riveting read
If Dan Hodge was competing today, it is more likely he would be a star mixed martial arts fighter...
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Waters have receded; Now museum readies a flood of memories
After flooding devastated the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute & Museum in...
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Bret Hart’s speech from 2008 Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame induction ceremony
On June 28, 2008, the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame held its annual induction ceremony in...
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Melby Award winners deserving of honor
This past weekend, Greg Oliver and Steven Johnson were the recipients of the James C. Melby Award,...
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Piper, Saito, Jacobs enter Tragos/Thesz HOF
WATERLOO, Iowa – It was an international event Saturday, as the lives of two Canadians...
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Iowa wrestling museum flooded
What has been labeled the worst flooding in nearly 50 years in Waterloo, Iowa, has caused...
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Family & faith dominates Tragos/Thesz induction
NEWTON, Iowa – The Eighth Annual George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall Of Fame...
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Memories will haunt at Tragos/Thesz inductions
It’s going to be a bittersweet induction weekend at the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional...
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Tragos/Thesz HOF announces Class of 2006
The Funks, Harts, DiBiase’s, Hennigs were all great pro wrestling families. Come this July,...
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Tragos/Thesz Hall inducts six more
NEWTON, Iowa – On a steamy hot day, with too many people stuffed into a tiny room dominated...
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Newton HOF set to grow by six
Take a Japanese legend, a Canadian Olympian, a veterinarian/wrestler, an eight-time world champ,...
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Kiniski, Rheingans entering Newton hall
The two living inductees into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame,...
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Ventura given Museum’s top honour
NEWTON, Iowa (Staff) — Former Minnesota governor and pro-wrestler Jesse Ventura discussed...
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