The National Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame announced their special award winners for their Class of 2013 inductees. Each year, four men receive special awards for their work in professional wrestling and rajah.com reported on Jan. 22 that Edge, Jim Brunzell, Matt Hughes and George Napolitano received this year's awards.
First up, Edge (Adam Copeland) received the "Lou Thesz Award" for taking his skills as a wrestler and carrying them over into the realm of public service.
Over his career, Edge won 31 WWE championships, including 11 world titles as a single's competitor and 14 world tag team titles. He holds the record for most World Heavyweight Championships with seven and WWE World Tag Team Championships with 12. He has held every WWE title currently active in the men's division.
"Jumping" Jim Brunzell was a tag team specialist, first in the AWA as the High Flyers with Greg Gagne and then in the WWE with B. Brian Blair in the Killer Bees. Brunzell will receive the "Frank Gotch Award" for bringing positive recognition to professional wrestling through work outside the ring.
Matt Hughes receives the George Tragos Award, awarded to wrestlers who successfully transfer their skills into the world of mixed martial arts. Hughes was an NCAA All-American wrestler who went on hold the UFC Welterweight Championship twice in his career. He fought in 25 UFC fights, second most behind Tito Ortiz.
Finally, George Napolitano wins the Jim Melby Award for excellence in professional wrestling journalism. He specialized in wrestling photography and has several photo books.
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