It is with deep sadness to announce that Joe Blanchard, the owner of Southwest Championship Wrestling, the first professional wrestling promotion to air on the USA Network and the father of 2012 WWE Hall of Famer, Tully Blanchard, passed away earlier this morning at the age of 84.

Joe was inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the 2010 NWA Legends Fanfest.

On behalf of the website, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Blanchard during this sad time.