The following press release was issued today by the National Wrestling Alliance…
The first inductee of the Class of 2008 Hall of Fame
Charlotte, NC (May 19, 2008) – On June 7, 2008 the National Wrestling Alliance® kick’s off their 60th Anniversary at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA. Not only will the night feature great pro wrestling from the brightest and best the NWA™ has to offer, it will also feature the 2008 NWA™ Hall of Fame inductions.
“This is our third Hall of Fame class and I am very pleased with who the selection committee selected. I am also please to announce that NWA™ Hall of Famer Jim Cornette will be the MC for the ceremony,†said NWA™ Executive Director Robert K. Trobich.
The first inductee of the Class of 2008 is one time NWA™ Worlds Heavyweight Champion “Wildfire†Tommy Rich. Rich began his 34-year in-ring career in the Southern parts of the NWA™ and was a multi-time regional Champion through out the late 1970’s and 80’s. On April 27, 1981 Rich became the youngest NWA™ Worlds Heavyweight Champion by defeating NWA™ mainstay Harley Race. Rich is also known for his hard hitting bloody matches, considered by many as some of the bloodiest in Georgia wrestling history. “Wildfire†is still very active in the pro wrestling scene and still one of the most popular pro wrestler’s in the State of Georgia.
“Wildfire†Tommy Rich will be participating in a match against one of his biggest rivals on June 7th when he faces the “Madman from Sudan†Abdullah the Butcher.
Tickets to this event are on sale now at ticketmaster.com or the Philips Arena Box Office.
For a list of previous inductees, see this earlier press release.
