Stan Hansen added to this week’s Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame, replaces two stars unable to appear

The annual George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction takes place this week in Waterloo, Iowa.

Final additions and subtractions to the scheduled attendees list includes:

– Stan Hansen has been added. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame announced Monday that Hansen will be making a rare public appearance.

– Terry Funk and Chael Sonnen will not be appearing this weekend. Sonnen was scheduled to receive the George Tragos Award.

“Both Sonnen and Funk had personal matters that prevent them from attending Hall of Fame weekend,” said Kyle Klingman, director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. “Both made the right decision in not attending. We are still very excited about the Hall of Fame weekend because of all the talent that will be in Waterloo.”

2016 Hall of Fame induction class

George Tragos Award—Chael Sonnen
Lou Thesz Award—J.J. Dillon
Jim Melby Award—Dave Meltzer
Frank Gotch Award—Lex Luger
Living inductee—Bob Backlund
Living inductee—Iron Sheik
Posthumous inductee—Joe Blanchard

Pro Wrestling HOF induction schedule

The full schedule of events can be found on nwhof.org/waterloo.

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2016 George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Hall of Fame Schedule

Thursday, July 21

5:30 p.m. – Reception at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum for inductees and all-access pass holders. Includes food, beverage, and group museum tour led by Rob Schamberger. (All-access pass holders and distinguished guests only).

Friday, July 22

9 a.m. – National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum opens.

11:30 a.m. – Pro wrestling evaluation with Gerald Brisco, J.J. Dillon, and special guests at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Open to all-access pass holders or $15 ticket to enter.

2:30 p.m. – Live podcast with Bob Backlund & Iron Sheik hosted by Wade Keller at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Open to all-access pass holders and distinguished guests or $20 ticket to enter.

6 p.m. – Doors open to the Impact Pro Wrestling show at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

7 p.m. – Impact Pro Wrestling show starts at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Front row ticket included for all-access pass holders otherwise tickets are $25 for ringside and $15 for general admission (while available).

9:30 p.m. – After party at the Screaming Eagle located at 228 E 4th St. Free shuttle and private room for all-access pass holders and distinguished guests. Main room open to the public.

Saturday, July 23

9 a.m. – Special live edition of Takedown Radio with Scott Casber in the Dean Rockwell Library at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.

10 a.m. – Doors open at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum for all-access pass holders.

10:30 a.m. – Open forum with Jim Melby Award winners Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter (2016), Wade Keller of Pro Wrestling Torch (2015), and Greg Oliver and Steve Johnson of Slam! Wrestling (2008) with fan submitted questions. All-access pass holders only.

Noon – Doors open at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum to general public ($10 admission).

12:30 p.m. – Salute to the legacy of the Four Horsemen at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.

2 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 or $20 autograph ticket required (individual signers will charge).

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 Jim Ross as master of ceremonies. All-access pass includes banquet ticket or $60 per ticket.

Scheduled to appear

Brian Blair
Baron Von Raschke
Bill Murdock
Bob Backlund
Charlie Thesz
Dan Gable
Dave Meltzer
George Schire
Gerald Brisco
Greg Oliver
Iron Sheik
Jason Sanderson
J.J. Dillon
Ken Patera
Larry Hennig
Magnum T.A.
Ricochet
Rob Schamberger
Stan Hansen
Stan Kowalski
Steve Johnson
Tessa Blanchard
Tully Blanchard
Wade Keller
Wes Brisco
WWE Superstar Big E.