In the amazing and glamorous world of professional wrestling, and in the rough-and-tumble world of amateur wrestling, the loss of Daniel “Danny” Hodge at age 88 on Christmas Eve, 2020, marks the end to one of the most iconic legends in wrestling history. Hodge simply is the benchmark of wrestling in both styles. The greatest amateur wrestler to ever live, full stop, and one of the most respected, technical, and incredible talents of the 20th century inside the squared circle, Danny Hodge was a force to be reckoned with. He was someone I personally looked up to as someone who accomplished all he wanted in life and did it with grace and dignity.
Hodge was born on May 13th, 1932, in Perry Oklahoma. Growing up, it was apparent that Hodge would be destined for greatness; he was born with double tendons in his hands, which was responsible for his legendary grip strength. He won the Oklahoma High School Wrestling Championship in 1951 at 165-pounds. Danny would go on to join the University of Oklahoma’s wrestling squad; it was there that a legend was born and the greatest amateur wrestler of all time became famous.
Danny became notorious for being unbeatable at the University of Oklahoma. Hodge went an astonishing 46-0; thirty-six of these wins came with a pinfall, and in all of those wins, Hodge was reportedly never taken off his feet. He would not only win the Big-Seven conference championship three years in a row, but the NCAA Division I Championship in those same years, in 1955, 1956, and 1957. Hodge was the only other man to achieve this incredible feat; the other being Earl McCready in 1928 to 1930. Hodge is also the only amateur wrestler to ever appear on the cover of the luminous sports magazine “Sports Illustrated”.
During college career, Danny Hodge was also a continual Olympic contender. The highlight of his Olympic career was winning the silver medal in middleweight freestyle wrestling in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic. Though he never achieved much success afterwards, it never really bothered Hodge. Hodge was his own man, after all, and he knew he could do whatever he pleased.
When Hodge finally ended his tenure at the University of Oklahoma, the legend had already been etched. Hodge, however, wanted to do more. He became an amateur boxer in 1958, and astonishingly, won the Golden Gloves Championship that same year. He would have a fairly impressive amateur and professional career in boxing, going 17-0 (12 KO) and reportedly 8-2 (7 wins were documented), respectively. Boxing didn’t make Danny feel at home though. He wanted to do more; he wanted to become a professional wrestler.
When Danny Hodge retired from boxing in July of 1959, he started getting trained by professional wrestling legends Leroy McGuirk and Ed “The Strangler” Lewis. His professional wrestling debut would be in October of that same year. Hodge and fellow mat-master Angelo Savoldi had a heated rivalry that led to one of the most bizarre events in the history of that stage of slams. On May 27th, 1960, during a masterful boxing match between the two men, Danny Hodge’s father– William E. Hodge– had interrupted the match and stabbed Angelo Savoldi with a pen-knife. Savoldi required 70 stitches, while the elder Hodge was arrested and charged with “assault with a deadly weapon”.
Danny Hodge’s rivalry with Savoldi culminated in winning the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship on July 22, 1960. By 1962, the masterful artist was making close to $80,000 a year; in 2020, that is equivalent to $689,348.34. Hodge’s collective reigns with the Junior Heavyweight Championship would last over 10 years between eight reigns, more than anyone else in the history of the championship.
Hodge’s career was abruptly ended in 1976 after an automobile accident nearly cost him his life. The story of the accident is as incredible as it is fantastical, but truth is stranger than fiction. On March 17th, 1976, Daniel Hodge fell asleep at the wheel of his Volkswagen and crashed off a bridge into a creek in Louisiana. Submerging in over nine feet of water, and with a broken neck, the fearless Hodge used the incredible apple-crushing strength of his hands to save his own life. With one hand holding his broken neck in place, and the other to punch out the driver’s side window of his submerged vehicle, Hodge gathered his strength, leaving the vehicle behind, and walking up the hill to safety. Despite the self-heroics of Hodge’s hands, the broken neck would end his career as a professional wrestler.
The forcible retirement for Hodge never bothered him that much, after all, Hodge was his own man, and could do what he wanted. He remained within the professional wrestling business for the rest of his life, as an agent, advisor, and respected servant of the community of slam-masters. Danny Hodge’s accolades would be recognized as the pinnacle of greatness, when in 1995, the NCAA named the award for the best amateur wrestler of the year after him: the Dan Hodge Trophy; it was amateur wrestling’s equivalent to the Heisman Trophy of collegiate football.
Hodge had remained quietly retired and was content with life in his later years. His grip-strength had never waned, and he could still crush apples well into his eighties. Hodge was named in several wrestling halls of fame, both amateur and professional, throughout the 90’s and 2000’s. In the end, Danny Hodge lived a full life of excitement. He was someone that I think many people should look up to. He did what he wanted, and he did it in his own style. He was someone who never gave up, but decided when he wanted to do something else that interested him. Daniel Hodge is the legend that will live on forever and ever.
So here we are, delving back into the year of 1996, to have a look at some classic wrestling of the age, and what a time to be alive. The Monday Night Wars were in full swing; WCW was dominating the ratings beginning in July (and would continue to beat the WWF in the ratings until April of 1998), the WWF was beginning a slow financial decline, and they were getting desperate. Here, we have the WWF’s top stars being Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, The Undertaker, Vader, and Sycho Sid. But there was a star on the rise; his name was none other than “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Austin had recently won the King of the Ring. We’ll see the beginning of his rise.
The show starts off with a promo package for Shawn Michaels vs. Steve Austin in the main event of tonight’s Monday Night RAW. I believe this is either their first or second encounter against one another, and it’s a pretty good main event hype package. Unfortunately it won’t do enough to tune in viewers from World Championship Wrestling’s Monday Nitro. We get Kevin Kelly and Jim Ross on commentary. Immediately we’re off with Vader and Jim Cornette. They mention that Vader will face off against Sycho Sid at In Your House: Buried Alive.
Vader w/ Jim Cornette vs. Phineas I. Godwinn w/ Hillbilly Jim
Yeesh. Big brawly match, but Vader carries the match tremendously well. On commentary, JR is beefing with Vince. This of course was during JR’s heel turn. JR even mentions producer Kevin Dunn by name. And if you know me very well, I absolutely hate Kevin Dunn with a passion. The man is killing wrestling today with his terrible brand of “cinematography”. Vader is working… snugly, let’s say. Sycho Sid comes out to distract and jaw jack with Vader. It works, for a second. Phineas Godwinn gets ahead a little bit, terribly. He almost hits the Reverse DDT, known as the Slop Drop. Vader holds the rope, causing Phineas to hit the floor hard. Vader hits the Vader Bomb for the victory. It was… a match. Best I can say, really.
After the break, Jim Ross introduces a Minnesota great, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. Mr. Perfect has been feuding with Hunter Hearst Helmsley (later-to-be Triple H). Perfect says there’s only one Mr. Perfect, and that’s him. Ross asks him if he’s ready to go. Perfect says he’s never backed down from a challenge, and he’s ready to wrestle anytime, anywhere. He cuts a pretty good promo; dare I say… a perfect promo.
We come back to see Jerry Lawler disparaging Jake “The Snake” Roberts. The story thus far is that Jerry “The King” Lawler continues to call Jake Roberts a drunkard and other insults. Which is based entirely in reality, because Jake Roberts has a history before, and after this, of abusing and being addicted to drugs. Thankfully Roberts became permanently drug-free in 2013 thanks to the help of Diamond Dallas Page.
Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. Jerry “The King” Lawler
Out comes Jake Roberts, who “appears” drunk… much to Lawler’s delight. This uh… this was a much different time in 1996. But it was all a ploy! Roberts bamboozled Lawler and slams him with the DDT for the easy victory! A quick match, but honestly, kinda funny. Lawler gets fooled, Roberts outplays “The King” and gets some much needed revenge. After the match, Jake Roberts pours a bottle of “whisky” all over the face of Jerry Lawler, and the snake follows after.
Up next is “The Real Double J”, talking about his falling out with Jeff Jarrett (who went to WCW earlier this year). This was a very silly attempt to get Jesse James (in about a year-to-be the Road Dogg) over with the fans and a way to bury Jeff Jarrett. It obviously doesn’t work, and I don’t care for it watching back on it in 2020. Basic story is that “The Real Double J” is the real singer to Jeff Jarrett’s supposed single “With My Baby Tonight”. We get a sneak peak of Jesse James talking about his time in Desert Storm (which is real, Brian Armstrong served in the US military and was a part of Operation Desert Storm).
Freddie Joe Floyd vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley w/ his valet
Our next match is between Freddie Joe Floyd (the recently deceased Tracy Smothers, rest in peace), and Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Before the match starts, Helmsley handcuffs his lady to the ropes. Nothing says a confident man like handcuffing a woman, eh? In kayfabe, it’s because Mr. Perfect continually steals Hunter’s women and thus Hunter is trying to prevent that from happening. It’s a pretty good match all things considered, although after both Vader vs. Godwinn and Lawler vs. Roberts, my expectations must be lowered. Floyd controls the early match, but a flying knee turns the match around in the mid-point.
It would be apt to say that Triple H is still not great at this time in his career. I would admittedly say that Hunter would get good around mid-1997 or so. So anyways, Mr. Perfect comes down to ring-side to talk to the hand-cuffed lady. It manages to not only distract Hunter, but Perfect also has a key to the cuffs! He is, of course, perfect. Hunter hits the Pedigree, which… Floyd kicks out from? Huh. Hunter is too distracted and goes after Perfect, who turns around and waylays him with a big right hand. Down goes Hunter! Down goes Hunter! Down goes Hunter! Hunter gets counted out and somehow the jobber gets the count-out victory over Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
We cut backstage to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who has a message for both Bret “Hitman” Hart and the “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. He says that since Hitman wasn’t enough of a man to face Stone Cold (Austin had challenged , he’s gonna whoop Shawn Michaels a** (for reference, Shawn Michaels beat Bret Hart for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania XII). Let me just say, this is still when Austin was a heel, but he’s so clearly a babyface in waiting. His character is consistent as well– he hates everyone and works alone. This is one of the biggest superstars in wrestling history, folks.
After the commercial break (which also hypes up Mr. Perfect vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley for next week’s RAW), Sunny comes out. She hypes herself up, and I cannot blame her. While Tammy Sytch has fallen on some majorly hard times in the 21st Century, Sunny in 1996 was great. She was beautiful, gorgeous, and knew how to play a b***h. This promo had nothing to do with anything, it was just Sunny hyping Sunny. Enough said.
We got a pre-taped promo from Mankind following Sunny’s thing.He and Paul Bearer (who turned against the Undertaker at SummerSlam) sit next to a giant hole in a rainy cemetery. Mankind declares that it will not be his body that fills this hole, but that of the Undertaker. Mankind also says that he has a vision of Taker clawing through the earth looking for friendship, but finding none. For reference, Taker and Mankind had been feuding all throughout the year of 1996. Paul Bearer declares that Taker will rest in peace. Good lord what a promo.
After that promo we have Sunny actually joining the commentary booth and flirting with Kevin Kelly; when Sunny asks how much Kelly makes, and finds out he only does “okay”, she immediately switches lanes. What an absolute b***h.
Farooq Assad vs. Alex Porteau
Up next we get a squash match between Farooq, otherwise known as Ron Simmons, and Alex Porteau, a jabroni. Poor Farooq has some of the worst ring-gear I have ever seen in my life. How in God’s name did Vince McMahon think that powder blue was a good color for a three time All-American football player and former WCW World Champion? Good lord. Farooq just manhandles this poor guy, by the way. Alex Porteau just doesn’t even stand a chance. They are hyping up Farooq vs. Marc Mero for the Intercontinental Championship at In Your House: Buried Alive. Farooq wins and Sunny hypes him up.
After the match, we get a recap of events that happened on WWF Livewire (which for reference, was a sort of call-in show that the WWF hosted where wrestlers could interact with fans via phone calls, or even other wrestlers). We get Ahmed Johnson and Farooq going at it over the phone. These two were feuding at the time as well. They are against each other, and talk about how they have similar backgrounds. Farooq has a parting shot regarding Ahmed’s other kidney; that has to do with Farooq accidentally giving Ahmed a lacerated kidney when Farooq first attacked Johnson. Pretty good stuff, I suppose. It of course leads to the never-ending feud of Farooq and Ahmed Johnson that we’ll see in 1997.
We get another pre-taped promo, this time from The Undertaker. He stands in the same graveyard, this time without the rain. Taker says that the rain has stopped, but that it’s the quiet before the real storm; he mentions that every-time Mankind escaped his “purple fists” (in reference to his gloves), Mankind became more powerful, but more evil. Taker says he has no choice. He must be the judge, jury, and executioner for Mankind. He will do what it takes, even if it means destroying himself.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels w/ Jose Lothario
What a main event. Steve Austin at this point in his career is one of the most underrated technical wrestlers, and Shawn Michaels is one of the greatest in-ring performers of all-time. These two have themselves a great, short match. It is intercut with a promo by Vader and Jim Cornette, who are looking to get another title match against Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series; they first have to beat Sycho Sid though. Sycho Sid also has a small promo, and he completely talks about Vader; he does mention that he’s the master and ruler of the world. I don’t know about you, but Sid is the master and ruler of my heart. I love this guy even if he can’t wrestle worth s***.
Both Austin and Shawn tease their finishers, the Stunner and Sweet Chin Music respectively, but fail to hit them. The match ends in a DQ when Vader comes out and attacks Shawn. I totally get it; it protects Austin from having to eat the pin, and it keeps Shawn from having to lose. Out comes Savio Vega (who’s been feuding with Austin on and off all year), and Sycho Sid, and we get ourselves a big schmoz. Then out comes fake Razor Ramon and fake Diesel (a massive can of worms; Scott Hall and Kevin Nash left WWF for WCW to form the nWo, and WWF decided to keep their ring-names and put new people behind it). It’s all an entirely confusing mess. Long story short, Austin throws Shawn into Sid, and the two of them get into an argument. We go off the air with more fighting.
Overall, the show was okay. It had a few neat moments here and there, but nothing to write home about outside of Mr. Perfect clocking Hunter, Roberts bamboozling Lawler, and some awesome moments in the short Austin vs. Michaels main event. For a go home show hyping up a Pay-Per-View, it’s what it is. Tune in next time for In Your House: Buried Alive!
by Tanner Hittesdorf
[“Once Upon a Time in the West” © Paramount (1969)]
Part 1:
Origins of the Western
1893-1938
When one thinks of the Western, it is a reminder of what once was a bygone era of cowboys and Indians, sheriffs versus criminals, and morally ambiguous gunslingers dueling it out in the middle of town at high Noon. The Western, however, was more than just that; for a time, it was the embodiment of the American ideology. It was Manifest Destiny realized on film. The Wild West, or rather the myth of the Wild West, is believed to have manifested between 1850 (at the height of the California Gold Rush and Great American Migration) and ended approximately in 1920 with the urbanization of key cities West of the Mississippi.
The myth of the American Frontier is based mostly on the theory of American historian Frederick Jackson Turner. Turner’s 1983 thesis, otherwise known as American Frontierism, or Frontier Theory, essentially pushes forth the idea that the American wilderness was a crucial tenet in the separation of American Democracy from European political establishment. Americans were formed by the environment of the harsh American wilderness and thus the “Spirit of America” was molded by the settling of the West, from a wild land “filled with savagery and violence, lacking in civilization” into the American country we thought it to be in the proceeding time following the 1920’s (arguably considered the true end of the “Wild West” era).
(“The Great Train Robbery” Edison Manufacturing Company (1903))
The first true Western film was created by Edison Manufacturing Company (yes, that Edison, Thomas). It was known as “The Great Train Robbery”, and is considered heavily influential in formulating narrative and cinematographic devices that would become staples of cinema, and in particular, the Western genre as a whole. Wide angle shots of scenic terrain, matte photography, and simple, understated action scenes. Thus the Western genre was born. The genre itself, however, was a toddler; it was undeveloped, without much of the tropes that made it more memorable with the public American consciousness. Several films born of the Western mold would follow “The Great Train Robbery”, but perhaps none would become as influential as a little movie directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, the 1939 epic “Stagecoach”.
(“Stagecoach” © 20th Century Fox (1939))
“Stagecoach” is considered the seminal Western film. The basic premise is that a stagecoach holding several strangers travels through the dangerous desert territory of the Native American tribe Apache towards their destination in Lordsburg, New Mexico. “Stagecoach” was among the very first films to utilize the incredible imagery of Monument Valley, well considered one of the most beautiful places ever put to film. “Stagecoach” was monumentally (pun intended) important in codifying several aspects of the myth of the American West in the public consciousness. Wild frontiers, dangers lurking around every corner, and perhaps most controversial of all (in today’s society, at least) was the negative depiction of Native American peoples.
With the release of “Stagecoach”, the Western had taken hold of America. Within 20 years, over a fifth of all motion pictures and television programs would be Westerns. Thus begins the height of the “Classical Western” genre. Tune in the next time when I return to this series as the Classical Western evolves and earns several new tropes.
by Tanner Hittesdorf
(Kim Ng in 2007, Photo Copyright: Bryce Duffey)
The big news out of MLB is the hiring by the Miami Marlins of their new acting general manager, Kim Ng. Ng, for reference sake, is the first woman to become a general manager in Major League Baseball (and all of sports) history; she is also the first Asian American to become a general manager in MLB history. It is a historically significant event and could be a major turning point in the world of sports. There could be no better person to blaze that trail than Ng.
Ng began her career in Major League Baseball as the Assistant Director of Baseball Operations for the Chicago White Sox in 1990 until 1996. In 1995, she was among the youngest persons, and first woman, to ever file a salary arbitration case in MLB, regarding pitcher Alex Fernandez. She ended up winning that case. Following the 1997 MLB season, Ng was hired by the New York Yankees in March of 1998 to become Brian Cashman’s assistant general manager. Ng was among only four women to hold the position, and by far the youngest. It was there she won 3 World Series titles as an executive. She would retain the position until 2001, for which she would sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers the next year.
In 2005, Ng was interviewed for the vacant general managerial position of the Dodgers, but was passed over in favor of Ned Colletti. Kim Ng held the position of Dodgers assistant general manager until 2011, when she became the Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations for the MLB. It was only a matter of time before Ng became a general manager, and with her pedigree, the time has finally come.
Kim Ng very much should very much be considered as a major influence for young women everywhere. I have the feeling that she will do very well with the position. Perhaps we’ll begin to see more women taking up higher positions in sports soon. You never know.
By Tanner Hittesdorf
It’s a tough time to be paying attention to the polls and ballot counts as it gets ever closer to the finish line of this 2020 election. Regardless of whether you either voted for Donald Trump, Joe Biden, or even a third party candidate like Jo Jorgenson, we should strive to remember that we are all Americans under the same nation. Even despite our differences, our pride and love of this nation is what binds us.
So if you’ve voted for Donald Trump, take solace in the fact that his legacy will live on, in some shape or fashion. He may have lost this election, but who knows, he could be back in four years to run again? But remember, the spread of misinformation regarding the election is unnecessary and presents a dangerous precedent. I believe in the ability for everyone to rise above the desire to make such accusations, but assess information calmly and with an analytical mindset.
For those who have voted for Joe Biden, do not disparage those that have not. You’ve won the day, but do so gracefully and with respect. Your votes have helped lead him to the presidency, but keep in mind that now is the time for reconciliation. In the great words of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln: “We are not enemies, but friends”.
Democrats and Republicans must do well to now come together peacefully, not with violence or hateful rhetoric, but with healthy, respectful debate. Do not point fingers, do not make accusations; instead, stick to debating the merits of policy and legislature, and leave the ad hominem and generalizations at the door. Americans must come together and re-realize that respect must go both ways.
by Tanner Hittesdorf
Minnesota sports is still reeling from the loss of legendary columnist Sid Hartman, age 100, who passed away this Sunday afternoon. In the state of Minnesota, the man had seemingly done it all and wrote it all. He wrote well over 21,000 bylines and articles. Outside of writing, he also ran the Minneapolis Lakers from 1947 to 1957, helping create the National Basketball Association’s very first dynasty.
I think that Hartman is an incredibly influential figure in the grand scheme of Minnesota and beyond. He would report almost every day (save for a few hiatuses), because reporting was what he loved. He grew up smack-dab in the middle of the Great Depression; as a job, he sold newspapers on the streets to make even a little money. He dropped out of high school and on September 11, 1945, had his very first article published. 1945 to 2020 sure seems like a lifetime to others, but for Sid, every day was a work day.
Along the way, he made some “close, personal friends”, as he called them. Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Bud Grant was perhaps the greatest of all of them. Hartman was personally chosen by Grant to induct him into the National Football League Hall of Fame in 1994. Among other incredibly close contacts were George Steinbrenner, Lou Holtz, and Bobby Knight.
In a way, Sid Hartman should be a role model for everyone, that if you love something enough, you never have to give it up just because you grow old; you can still involve yourself if you want. That’s a rather comforting and sweet thought, don’t you think? So go out there and pursue your dream, and if you enjoy it enough, you can be a little like Sid.
Sleepy Eye ONLINE is pleased to introduce you to new columnist Tanner Hittesdorf.
Tanner first debuted ONLINE in 2015 while in high school as part of the OJT program (On The Job). He wrote a column titled Tanner’s Tumults. The name still seems fitting so that’s what we are going with for all future editorials.
Tanner is the son of Sleepy Eye ONLINE publisher/editor Shari Hittesdorf. He has loved to write…and talk for as long as mom can remember.
You will find his interests vast. We are looking forward to the thoughts and views of the young man. Look for his first article to appear later this week.
In the meantime:
“Hello everyone, I’m Tanner Hittesdorf. I’m not particularly great with introductions, so I’ll attempt to keep this brief. I enjoy a platitude of interests and hobbies that are not limited to wrestling, sports, video games, and classic 60’s music. I used to be completely uninterested in sports before I graduated high school, but that since has changed. I’m now fairly interested in all kinds of sports, Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, you name it. I’ll be writing mostly about whatever comes to mind, maybe a few rants here and there. I’ll try not to bore you though.”
