Today’s Wrestling Birthdays + Jim Ross/Tragos/Thesz HOF News

— TNA’s Samoa Joe turns 35 years old today.

— Former TNA cage dancer Jaime “Lollipop” Lynne turns 35 years old today.

— Steve Armstrong turned 49 years old on Sunday.

— Former WWE wrestler Mark Canterbury turned 50 years old on Sunday.

— Former WWE wrestler Ken Doane turned 28 years old on Sunday.

— WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik tuned 72 years old on Saturday.

— Here is a press release from the Tragos/Thesz Museum about Jim Ross joining the Hall of Fame committee:

Jim Ross and Jason Sanderson added to HOF committee

WATERLOO, Iowa—Two influential figures in professional wrestling will take an active role in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Jim Ross and Jason Sanderson have been added to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame’s selection committee.

“Both Jim Ross and Jason Sanderson have had a major impact on the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, and professional wrestling as a whole,” said Gerald Brisco, president of the selection committee. “I’m honored that both will help lead us.”

Ross was the 2011 recipient of the Lou Thesz Award. He is one of the most recognized names in professional wrestling. Ross is best-known as a professional wrestling commentator and for his work with World Wrestling Entertainment.

“I am honored to have been asked to take a more active role in this great organization,” said Ross. “In our lives, we can’t move forward if we are unaware of our past.”

Sanderson has the unique distinction of being honored three times by the George Tragos/Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Like Ross, Sanderson was a recipient of the Lou Thesz Award (2008).

“My awareness and appreciation of wrestling’s heritage is what led me to become involved with Dan Gable Museum,” said Sanderson. “Their efforts to preserve professional wrestling, as well as promote the legacy of wrestlers, showcases the best our sport has to offer.”

Ross and Sanderson will be in attendance for the 2014 George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame inductions on July 18-19.

The 2014 George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction class includes Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner, Wilbur Snyder (posthumously), Dallas Page (Frank Gotch Award), Larry Hennig (Lou Thesz Award), Randy Couture (George Tragos Award), and Larry Matysik (Jim Melby Award).

There are still a few all access passes available for the weekend. All access passes are $100 each.

All-access passes include:

–Special admission to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame reception on Thursday, July 17. Reception includes a tribute to the life of Mad Dog Vachon.

–Front row ticket to the Impact Pro Wrestling show on Friday night with professional wrestling legends.

–Ticket to the talent evaluation seminar led by Hall of Famer Gerry Brisco. (Jim Ross plans on being in Waterloo for the talent evaluation as well).

–Admission ticket to Saturday’s autograph signing at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum with first in line preference.

–Story hour with professional wrestling legends.

–Ticket to the Hall of Fame induction banquet featuring acceptance speeches from the 2013 induction class.

2014 George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Hall of Fame schedule

Thursday, July 17

6 p.m. – Ribbon cutting at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum for the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and a tribute to the life of Mad Dog Vachon. Reception with appetizers and drinks following ribbon cutting.

(All-access pass holders and hall of fame inductees only).

Friday, July 18

Noon – Impact Pro Wrestling evaluation with Gerald Brisco and Jim Ross at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

5:30 p.m. – Doors open to the Impact Pro Wrestling show at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Autographs with professional wrestling legends begins.

7 p.m. – Impact Pro Wrestling show starts at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

Saturday, July 19

9 a.m. to noon – Doors open at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum for all-access pass holders. Special live broadcast of Takedown Wrestling radio with Scott Casber airs from the Dan Gable Museum.

11:00 a.m. – Story hour with professional wrestling legends.

(All-access pass holders only).

11:55 a.m. – Exclusive raffle for all access pass holders.

Noon – Doors open at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum to general public.

12:30 p.m. – Salute to the legacy of Baron Von Raschke (includes panel discussion with professional wrestling legends) at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.

1:30 p.m. – Autograph signing with professional wrestling legends at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.

(All-access pass holders allowed to enter first).

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 master of ceremonies

Sunday, July 20
9 a.m. – Special breakfast at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum

(Lifetime members and Hall of Famers only).

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