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http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/wrestling/8667755.htm

Fri, May. 14, 2004 

Good turnout for Hall of Fame

BY JIM VARSALLONE
jvarsallone{at}herald.com

The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame 2004 induction ceremony and
festivities included more than 1,000 wrestlers and fans May 7 and 8 at
the Holiday Inn in Schenectady, NY.

Mae Young, Verne Gagne, Harley Race, Terry Funk, Lord Littlebrook and
Butcher and Mad Dog Vachon were inducted into the Professional
Wrestling Hall of Fame. Also inducted were William Muldoon, Vincent
McMahon Sr. and Gordon Solie. Angelo Savoldi was unable to attend.

Len Rossi and Dr John Bonica received the PWHF New York State Award.
Tony Vellano and Mike Capano were honored by the wrestlers for their
continued efforts in the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum.
The museum is open to the public.

George the Animal Steele was the emcee. Fans interacted, received
autographs and took photos with the wrestlers at the golf outing,
convention, meet-n-greet, dinner and ceremony.

Several more events are being planned to cap the 2004 event and begin
the 2005 program with many former wrestling stars. For information on
these events or the PWHF, call 518-356-3473 or 518-725-5272.

• Johnny Pepper Gomez recently passed away in Alameda, CA. His best
friend Bobby Heenan and wife Bonnie kept him spirited the last few
years since a kidney transplant.

Gomez was the Jackie Robinson for Hispanics in pro wrestling,
according to wrestling writer Mike Lano. He had many big matches
including memorable ones against Ray Stevens, Lou Thesz and Buddy
Rogers. He also helped springboard the career of former WWWF champ
Pedro Morales.


--- Internet Rex 2.29