Mike Mooneyham has a profile of the life and times of Jim Ross’s favorite wrestler not named Steve, Danny Hodge, at the Post and Courier. Good old J.R. is quoted multiple times, but Hodge (who you might remember appearing on RAW a few years ago) and his accomplishments (which include being the only amateur wrestler to make the cover of Sports Illustrated) are the focus.
Mooneyham talks about his extensive amateur credentials, his role as the “policeman” of Mid-South, and the feets of strength he could pull off that make Mark Henry look like Joey Styles:
He could rip telephone directories and decks of cards in two, crush apples into pulp and mash pliers into scrap metal. His grip and hand strength is legend.
Hodge recounts the circumstances that ended his boxing career (which are ironic, considering he went in to wrestling), the car wreck that ended his wrestling career, and his interactions with J.R. (and his barbecue). He even talks about the WWE superstars he’s got his eye on:
“Jacob Hager (Jack Swagger) is a state champion from Perry,†says Hodge. “He’s got the talent now. I talk to Jacob. We signed autographs for some of the kids down here in Perry. I told him to see the world and do your best. Jacob is doing that. He’s got the background, and that’s what you need.â€
