The hall of fame was founded in 1999 in Newton , Iowa but moved to Waterloo , Iowa in 2007 . The museum suffered severe flooding in the Iowa flood of 2008 , but reopened in June 2009 . Wrestling historian and journalist Mike Chapman served as executive director of the museum until Kyle Klingman succeeded him in November 2009 . Inductions take place at a hall of fame induction ceremony . Other activities are held throughout the weekend in conjunction with the event , such as local independent promotion Impact Pro Wrestling 's " Hall of Fame Classic " tournament in 2017 and 2018
Iowa flood of 2008
Iowa flood of 2008
George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame