Adnan Al-Kaissie to Enter George Tragos-Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame

On Monday the National Wrestling Hall of Fame announced that former Cowboy and two-time All American Adnan Al-Kaissie will enter the George Tragos-Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.

We are happy to announce “Shiek” Adnan Al Kaissie is a 2020 inductee into the @TNTHOF. He was an outstanding amateur @CowboyWrestling, The alma matar of @Fgbrisco. He also had a storied professional wrestling career. Wed we make another huge announcement regarding the 2020 class. pic.twitter.com/BRdfGrwWOn

— TNTHOF (@TNTHOF) January 21, 2020

Coincidentally I wrote about Adnan just a few weeks ago. His story is one of the more remarkable ones of any athlete to ever compete at Oklahoma State.

After growing up in Iraq, he came to the United States for college, started into pro wrestling and returned home where he was a celebrity and star as a professional wrestler in Baghdad. He returned to the United States in fear for his life and resumed his professional wrestling career, first in the AWA then the WWE.

Here he is pictured next to former OSU head coach Myron Roderick.

The George Tragos-Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is dedicated to successful professional wrestlers who have a background in amateur wrestling. Adnan will join six other fellow former Cowboys who have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

• Jack Brisco — 2001
• Leroy McGuirk — 2004
• Jerry Brisco and Earl McCready — 2005
• Randy Couture-George Thragos Award — 2014
• Daniel Cormier-George Thragos Award — 2019

Former Cowboy and WWE Hall of Famer Gerry Brisco is head of the selection committee for the Hall of Fame.