Takedown Report

National Wrestling Hall of Fame Will Celebrate 50th Anniversary In 2026

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the definitive steward of wrestling history and achievement, is excited to announce that it will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2026. 
“I truly believe that the individuals who envisioned and ultimately created the National Wrestling Hall of Fame would be thrilled to see their dream celebrating 50 years,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “They would be amazed by how much we have grown and proud that we have remained true to our mission to preserve wrestling history, recognize extraordinary achievement and inspire greatness.” 
Additional details about 50th Anniversary initiatives, events, and exhibits will be announced throughout 2026 at www.NWHOF.org. 
The 50th Anniversary Celebration is being coordinated by a committee chaired by Roger Frizzell, who led the national public relations campaign that helped secure the sport of wrestling’s return to the Olympic Games. A four-time All-American at the University of Oklahoma, Frizzell went on to enjoy a distinguished career in communications, marketing, and public relations with American Airlines, AT&T, Carnival Corporation, Compaq, and Hewlett-Packard. 
Committee members include:

• Gary Abbott, Retired USA Wrestling Director of Communications
• Annie Barrucci, Vice President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
• Ross Bendik, Founder of the Foundation for Wrestling Art & Innovation and alumnus of the Penn State club wrestling program
• Jason Bryant, Wrestling historian and broadcaster
• Jack Carnefix, Operations Manager at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame … more at … https://nwhof.org/news/national-wrestling-hall-of-fame-will-celebrate-50th-anniversary-in-2026-2

January 16, 2026 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized