In 1946, a wrestler by the name of ''Big'' Gene Hogan made his debut in Philadelphia, making short work of veteran journeyman Joe Parker. Hogan was a mountain of a man, standing at six feet eight inches tall and weighing in at 275 pounds of pure muscle. Hogan would end matches by gorilla pressing his hapless opponent to the mat and then crushing them with a vicious kneedrop to the chest. Hogan would win regional championships in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, as well as holding the Northeast Championship for three years. Hogan also enjoyed two seperate reigns with an early version of the United States Heavyweight Championship.
Big Gene's biggest accomplishments ended up coming in the form of his children. A proud father of seven, all of his children have had a great impact on this sport. His oldest of three sons, Gene Jr., formed the Global Wrestling Federation in 1970, and served as the president of the organization until 1980 when the promotion was forced to shut down. Gene Jr. perservered, and reopened his company in 1991. In the seventies, it's top stars were Big Gene's other two sons, Man Mountain Matthews (Matthew Hogan) and FX (Frank Hogan).
Matthews and FX both held the GWF World Heavyweight Championship, as well has coholding the World Tag Team titles together. FX made a brief on-air return to the GWF in 2002, where as Matthews continues to work behind the scenes here in the GWF. FX's son Michael has been a part of the GWF since the early 1990's, competing as Mike Patrick. Matthews' son is on the cusp of completing his training and is eager to debut in the family business.
Big Gene's daughters also had a huge impact on the GWF. His oldest daughter's children, Jazzy Jeff Hunter and Linda ''Lariat'' Hunter have been wrestling in the GWF since it's reopening in 1991. His next oldest daughter is the mother of Dan the Man Roberts and Bazooka Joe Roberts, who have provided professional wrestling with one of its greatest rivalries. His third oldest's son is Patrick ''Rocker'' Witt. Rocker's younger brother Ken competes under the name Laser, one half of tag teams such as the Electrocuters and the Thrillseekers.
One look at the Championship History page and you can see how successful this family has been. Yet, as a fan, you realize it's not because of their family that they get pushed, but because of their talent. And they're not the only family who have made it big here. The GWF is a promotion of families, not just the Hogan clan, but others as well. Jake ''Z-Man'' Zetek and his cousin PJ Plush are break out stars in the promotion. Superstar Magnum's sister Andromeda is married to Magnum's former Starlight Express partner Stardust. Seventies GWF star Cris Cruz's son Abi debuted last year. Scott, Bobby, and Bill Venudi wrestle as Excalibur, Bobby Joseph, and Merlin, respectively.
Big Gene Hogan's bloodline serves as the force that drives the GWF to success. During the Hall of Fame ceremony at Battle of the Titans XVI, not only will Big Gene be inducted, but he will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in the form of a customized GWF World Heavyweight Championship Belt. Still, no trophy can be thanks enough for all of this family's contributions to the GWF and professional wrestling as a whole.