The National Wrestling Hall announced its eight-member Class of 2027, featuring modern-era inductees Joe Warren, Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston, and Iris Smith alongside veterans committee selection Thad Turner. The upcoming 50th Honors Weekend will enshrine the class on June 4 and 5, 2027, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Legacy Valuation: Inductee Joe Warren enters elite historical territory, joining an exclusive club as both a wrestling world champion and a three-time MMA Bellator World Champion.
- Program Pedigree: University of Michigan secures its sixth Distinguished Member with Warren’s selection, bolstering its historic standing behind powerhouse Oklahoma State.
- Order of Merit recipient Dan Russell’s inclusion highlights his involvement in the sport of wrestling.
The Modern Era and Veterans Inductees
According to the National Wrestling Hall, the Board of Governors approved the selections during its annual fall meeting on October 27. The newest honorees elevate the total number of Distinguished Members to 224 since the Hall’s inception in 1976. Alongside Warren, the modern era class welcomes Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston and Iris Smith, while Thad Turner earns his place via the Veterans Committee.
Johnston and Smith’s inductions mark a historic expansion for women in the sport. The two athletes become the eighth and ninth females to enter the hall as Distinguished Members, following trailblazers like Tricia Saunders and Clarissa Chun. Johnston also carves out a distinct milestone as the first wrestler from the University of California Davis to receive the distinction.
| Inductee | Category | Affiliation / Key Credential |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Warren | Distinguished Member (Modern Era) | University of Michigan / 2006 Greco-Roman World Champion |
| Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston | Distinguished Member (Modern Era) | First American woman to win a World Championship medal |
| Iris Smith | Distinguished Member (Modern Era) | World Champion |
| Thad Turner | Distinguished Member (Veterans) | Lehigh University |
A Dual-Sport Pioneer’s Path to Stillwater
Warren secured his selection following a career defined by elite international and combat sports dominance. Warren captured a gold medal at the 2006 Greco-Roman World Championships, establishing himself as only the fifth American to secure a Greco-Roman world title. His amateur credentials include back-to-back U.S. national championships in 2005 and 2006, as well as a Sullivan Award finalist nod in 2007.
Beyond the amateur mat, Warren transitioned into mixed martial arts to become a three-time Bellator World Champion across two weight classes. He stands as the first athlete to claim both a wrestling world championship and an MMA world title. Warren currently lends his expertise back to the system, coaching USA Wrestling National Team Greco-Roman athletes.
Humanitarian Impact and Courage Honorees
The Class of 2027 also recognizes monumental contributions outside of direct athletic competition. Dan Russell receives the Order of Merit for his extensive humanitarian efforts and leadership with Wrestling for Peace. Russell, a former standout at Portland State University, is an Order of Merit recipient recognized by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, the Medal of Courage honors Ben Kjar, whose journey through Crouzon Syndrome and elite collegiate competition at Utah Valley University inspired others. Rounding out the class, Michael Chase enters as the Meritorious Official honoree, and retired United States Navy Admiral Richard W. Mies takes home the Outstanding American designation.
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