Spots for pro wrestling evaluation with Gerald Brisco, JJ Dillon still available

WATERLOO, Iowa—The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum is offering a unique opportunity to be seen by and learn from two of the most experienced men in professional wrestling.

Hall of Famers Gerald Brisco and JJ Dillon will evaluate professional wrestlers during this year’s George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend in Waterloo, Iowa.  The event will be held at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center on Friday, July 22 starting at 11:30 a.m.  Each year, wrestlers from across the country have an opportunity to reach the next level.

This evaluation is open to wrestlers, referees, managers, men, and women.

This is an incredible opportunity to get in front of a current WWE talent scout. Last year, three wrestlers from the evaluation were selected for a paid tryout. Two wrestlers had a tryout at The Arnold Classic in March. After the evaluation, Gerry Brisco, JJ Dillon and a guest (past guests include Jim Ross, Terry Funk, and Danny Hodge) will speak to the group.

Each participant wrestles a full match with introduction. Gerry Brisco will run optional drills and provide instruction on preparation for the next level. This will take place before the matches begin.    

Several independent wrestling promoters from throughout the Midwest will be at the evaluation as well. This is a great networking opportunity for wrestlers regardless of experience or skill. 

Cost of the evaluation is $200. All proceeds benefit the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum and the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, a not-for-profit organization based out of Waterloo, Iowa.

Send a resume including a picture and the following information: height, age, name of trainer, and brief list of career highlights to Troy Peterson at [email protected]. You can also contact Troy directly at (515) 306-4801.

The evaluation is open to both men and women of all experience levels.

“Troy Peterson puts on a first class show,” said JJ Dillon, this year’s winner of the Lou Thesz World Heavyweight Championships Award. “I'm honored to be part of the talent evaluation and to be part of the show later that night.”

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

2016 Hall of Fame induction class

George Tragos Award—Chael Sonnen

Lou Thesz Award—JJ Dillon

Jim Melby Award—Dave Meltzer

Frank Gotch Award—Lex Luger

Living inductee—Bob Backlund

Living inductee—Iron Sheik

Posthumous inductee—Joe Blanchard

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, JJ Dillon, and special guests at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Open to all-access pass holders or $15 ticket to enter.

2 p.m. – Jim Ross live Ross Report at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Open to all-access pass holders and distinguished guests or $30 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 4^th 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
Chael Sonnen
Charlie Thesz
Dan Gable
Dave Meltzer
George Schire
Gerald Brisco
Greg Oliver
Iron Sheik
Jason Sanderson
Jim Ross
JJ Dillon
Ken Patera
Larry Hennig
Lex Luger
Magnum T.A.
Ricochet
Rob Schamberger
Stan Kowalski
Steve Johnson
Terry Funk
Tessa Blanchard
Tully Blanchard
Wade Keller
Wes Brisco