A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Thunderbolt Patterson broke into wrestling in the Central States territory. He later traveled from territory to territory in the 1970s and 1980s before retiring from wrestling and becoming a minister. Named for Lou Thesz, who was inducted as a member of the Charter Class in 1999 and who is a namesake of the Pro Hall of Fame, the award is presented to an individual who has taken the skills of the sport into the realm of public service.