2014 WWE Hall of Fame

[mr sabu]

they had a thingy on twitter this morning saying it's not to late to cast your vote for next years hof

saw so many votes for owen and wanted to tweet saying will not happen :( sucks it's not going to happen for ages

[JP]

saw so many votes for owen and wanted to tweet saying will not happen :( sucks it's not going to happen for ages

Actually, Owen is probably a definite for next year now they've sorted out the lawsuit.

[lotjx]

Fuck man, You nailed 3 Of them right off the bat.

Who's going in this year? lmao?

Owen, Lita, Vince and Rock.

[Excel]

I'm expecting the New Age Outlaws

[StoneColdChris]

I'm hoping they put in Rick Rude and Owen of course.

[The Law]

Subject to Vince's feeling on being inducted, he's probably the headliner next year. It's possible he doesn't want to be inducted while he's alive, so that could derail it. Otherwise, Wrestlemania 30 is the perfect time to do it.

It's hard to predict because there's such a massive number of people who deserve to be inducted who are not. Getting Bruno in fixed the most egregious snub. That title now belongs to Randy Savage. Apparently, there are issues with the family preventing him from going in.

No rush: Rock, Triple H, Undertaker, JBL, Regal, Jim Johnson (WWE music producer), Paul Heyman, Goldust, X-Pac, Vader, Sid

About time: Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, DDP, Jake Roberts, Lita, Lex Luger, Dean Malenko, Ivan Koloff, Bad News Brown, One Man Gang, Molly Holly, Bam Bam Bigelow, Paul Bearer

Issues: Savage, Owen, Brian Pillman, Bulldog, Brutus Beefcake (Hogan's buddy), Chyna, Rick Rude (I assume), Miss Elizabeth (might just be waiting for Savage), Dynamite Kid, Shane Douglas, Tazz

Baffling Exclusions: El Santo, Giant Baba, Magnum TA, Midnight Express, Rock N Roll Express

Stables: NWO (Can't do it while Hogan and Bischoff are running TNA), Freebirds (What's taking so long here?), New Age Outlaws, D-Generation X (Not really any need, they all deserve induction on their own), Hart Foundation (Probably the easiest way to do it)

Celebrities: Floyd Mayweather, Lawrence Taylor, Muhammad Ali

My guess: Vince, Nash, Ivan Koloff, One Man Gang, Paul Bearer, LT

[Bennedy]

Pretty sure X-Pac, Malenko and Molly Holly will never go in. They are hardly worthy Hall of Famers.

Next year I would like to see

Vince
Nash
Rock
Bearer
Lita
Jake Roberts

Hopefully they pull out all the stops for next years class.

[StoneColdChris]

Celebrities who need to go in are Mr. T and Cyndi Lauper for sure

Think they're waiting on another mania in Texas for the Freebirds to go in. If they get Cowboys Stadium for 31, then they'll go in there.

[JP]

Savage ,Vader, Owen, Bearer, Lauper, Lita.

[Rip]

Savage is the biggest name left not it already (probably) so I'd say they'll try and tie that up.
Bearer would seem obvious.
Lita would be a solid Diva choice, especially if she's still with Punk.
New Age Outlaws would give you a nice match at 'Mania if the tag division picks up.
Koloff is now on good terms again, so there's the 'old guy'
And as a swerve how long does Sting have on his TNA deal?

[Ochoa]

Pretty sure X-Pac, Malenko and Molly Holly will never go in. They are hardly worthy Hall of Famers.

Next year I would like to see

Vince
Nash
Rock
Bearer
Lita
Jake Roberts

Hopefully they pull out all the stops for next years class.

If Koko can get in, there's no reason X-Pac can't get in.

[The Law]

So as a thought exercise, who from the current roster is going to be inducted at some point? I see a lot of guys going in:

Sure things: Undertaker, Triple H, Rock, Mysterio, Kane, Cena, Orton, CM Punk, Lesnar, Christian, Big Show, Sheamus, Jericho

Probables: Henry (World champion, long career, company man), Ziggler (big things in his future), Daniel Bryan (If things go according to plan), Del Rio, Regal (long career, great wrestler, friends in high places), Lilian Garcia (long tenure), Teddy Long (super long career in wrestling, pioneer), Dutch Mantel

[One Man Gang]

Who will be inducted in New Orleans the night before WrestleMania 30?


Current Hall of Fame members.


1993
Andre The Giant


1994
"Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers
"Classy" Freddie Blassie
Gorilla Monsoon
Chief Jay Strongbow
Bobo Brazil
Arnold Skaaland
James Dudley


1995
Antonino Rocca
The Fabulous Moolah
George "the Animal" Steele
Pedro Morales
The Grand Wizard
"Big Cat" Ernie Ladd
Ivan Putski


1996
Vincent J. McMahon
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka
Captain Lou Albano
Killer Kowalski
Pat Patterson
"Handsome" Jimmy Valiant
"Luscious" Johnny Valiant
Baron Mikel Scicluna
Johnny Rodz


2004
"Superstar" Billy Graham
Bobby "the Brain" Heenan
Harley Race
Jesse "the Body" Ventura
Sgt. Slaughter
Junkyard Dog
Greg "the Hammer" Valentine
"The Magnificent" Don Muraco
Tito Santana
Big John Studd
Pete Rose


2005
Hulk Hogan
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper
The Iron Sheik
Nikolai Volkoff
Jimmy Hart
"Mr Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
"Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr


2006
Bret "Hitman" Hart
Verne Gagne
Eddie Guerrero
"Sensational" Sherri Martel
"Mean" Gene Okerlund
Blackjack Lanza
Blackjack Mulligan
Tony Atlas
William "the Refrigerator" Perry


2007
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes
Nick Bockwinkel
Jerry "the King" Lawler
"Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig
Jim Ross
Mr. Fuji
The Sheik
Wild Samoan Afa
Wild Samoan Sika


2008
"Nature Boy" Ric Flair
Jack Brisco
Gerald Brisco
"Soulman" Rocky Johnson
High Chief Peter Maivia
Eddie Graham
Gordon Solie
Mae Young


2009
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Terry Funk
Dory Funk Jr
Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat
Fritz Von Erich
Kerry Von Erich
David Von Erich
Kevin Von Erich
Mike Von Erich
Chris Von Erich
"Cowboy" Bill Watts
Howard Finkel
Koko B. Ware


2010
"Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase
Antonio Inoki
Gorgeous George
Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon
Stu Hart
Wendi Richter
Bob Uecker


2011
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels
Road Warrior Animal
Road Warrior Hawk
Paul Ellering
Abdullah The Butcher
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
"Bullet" Bob Armstrong
Sunny
Drew Carey


2012

Edge
Mil Mascaras
"Nature Boy" Ric Flair
Arn Anderson
Tully Blanchard
Barry Windham
J.J. Dillon
Yokozuna
Ron Simmons
"Iron" Mike Tyson


2013
Bruno Sammartino
Mick Foley
Bob Backlund
Trish Stratus
Booker T.
Donald Trump

[turdpower]

So as a thought exercise, who from the current roster is going to be inducted at some point? I see a lot of guys going in:

Sure things: Undertaker, Triple H, Rock, Mysterio, Kane, Cena, Orton, CM Punk, Lesnar, Christian, Big Show, Sheamus, Jericho

Probables: Henry (World champion, long career, company man), Ziggler (big things in his future), Daniel Bryan (If things go according to plan), Del Rio, Regal (long career, great wrestler, friends in high places), Lilian Garcia (long tenure), Teddy Long (super long career in wrestling, pioneer), Dutch Mantel

Sheamus is the only one I can query on current achievements.

[MMH]

I dont think Christian is a sure thing at all.

[One Man Gang]

I dont think Christian is a sure thing at all.

Former World Heavyweight Champion and World Tag Team Champion isn't a sure thing given who they've inducted in the past?

[Ringo]

Then that's probably ADR, Henry, Sheamus, Ziggler, Swagger, Miz and Bryan in too!

[One Man Gang]

I'd consider them sure things at this point too barring some horrid breakup between them and WWE. With maybe Swagger having to wait twice as long because he's Jack Swagger.

[turdpower]

And a cunt.

[Rip]

I'd bet on Regal going in, he's now starting to carve out a career behind the desk as well as his in ring abilities and friendships, he's also one of those that all the wrestlers talk about as a 'great'.

X-Pac is another for me that will go in, probably not on his own but as part of D-X I can't see why he wouldn't, Hunter/HBK/Roode/Chyna/Billy/Dogg/X-Pac if they put in DX then they'd have to do them all and I can't see how they can't put DX in at some point. Most modern fans would think of DX as just HHH/HBK maybe, the Attitude era stuff always shows the famous invasion which is HHH/Billy/Dogg/Chyna/X-Pac, and if you include the original group you'd include Roode although he didn't leave on good terms so I could see them trying to avoid him if possible.

[JRSlim21]

I'd bet on Regal going in, he's now starting to carve out a career behind the desk as well as his in ring abilities and friendships, he's also one of those that all the wrestlers talk about as a 'great'.

X-Pac is another for me that will go in, probably not on his own but as part of D-X I can't see why he wouldn't, Hunter/HBK/Roode/Chyna/Billy/Dogg/X-Pac if they put in DX then they'd have to do them all and I can't see how they can't put DX in at some point. Most modern fans would think of DX as just HHH/HBK maybe, the Attitude era stuff always shows the famous invasion which is HHH/Billy/Dogg/Chyna/X-Pac, and if you include the original group you'd include Roode although he didn't leave on good terms so I could see them trying to avoid him if possible.

I can definitely see Regal going in.

If I had to guess a rounded class for next year:

DX or Savage as a headliner
Sting, if contractually free from TNA
Jim Johnson
Owen Hart.

If they wanted to induct a tag team, a nice name to put out there are the Steiners.

And to toss an oddball name out.......

Someone like Keiji Mutoh. WWE seems committed to making theirs THE Hall of Fame, and he's arguably the biggest Japanese name that's not already in.

[The Law]

Christian's exploits as a tag wrestler alone qualify him for the hall of fame. Edge and Christian are one of the greatest tag teams ever in WWE. Them, the Hardys, and Dudleys defined the tag scene during one of the greatest periods for tag team wrestling in company history. Factor in that he's a former world champion and an extremely accomplished singles wrestler and there's no doubt he's a hall of famer.

Christian's Accomplishments:

-20 championship reigns in WWE (2 World Heavyweight, 2 ECW, 4 Intercontinental, 9 tag, 1 European, 1 Light Heavyweight, 1 Hardcore)
-Two time TNA Champion
-Grand Slam Champion
-Triple Crown Champion
-Member of one of the greatest tag teams in WWE and wrestling history
-Participated in the tag team ladder and TLC matches, which revolutionized wrestling

I understand there are a lot more title reigns than there used to be, but 20 title reigns is still a ton. Christian has been a great tag wrestler, a valuable midcarder, and a world champion. He's absolutely more qualified than a number of guys who have already been inducted.

[chatty]

There are loads. I feel the main missing ones are Savage, Jake, Owen, Rude, Thesz, Brody, Koloff, Warrior and Honky Tonk.

Active guys who could go in are Taker, Rock, HHH, Heyman, Bradshaw and Regal.

Vince is an obvious one but I suppose he'll decide when he is going in.

Tag teams you have Demolition, Freebirds, Rock N Roll Express, hart Foundation, Bulldogs, NAO, Dudleys, Hardys, Edge and Christian (obv the TNA ones could have to wait).

Celebrity as said Mr T and Lauper both stand out.

You also have guys like Boss Man, Rotunda, Bam Bam, Vader, Nash, Hall and Sid who all could go in.

You would think Bearer is a lock for manager unless they want to put him in alongside Taker.

Sable could probably make the womens nominee now they are on good terms with Brock again.

It wuldn't be hard to get a really good class for Mania 30.

[mr sabu]

...... i don't remember making this thread o.0

[Freebird]

The Freebirds may well go in next year as they will be in New Orleans at the Superdome. The Freebirds started there in the Mid South and headlined the Superdome way back when. I think the hold from putting the Birds in has been location, and WWE wanting to get a hold of the Mid South/UWF footage. Now that they have that and a perfect location I see them going in and a Freebird DVD being done.

[JP]

...... i don't remember making this thread o.0

:lol:

And I don't remember posting in it.

I think some enterprising mod will have seen the discussion in the old thread turn to next year and decided to make this.

Good thinking if so. :yes:

[kangus]

Separate posters having no memory of making posts in the same thread? Oh shit, DVDA might have been right along, aliens could be involved here guys.

[mr sabu]

im on new meds they make me sleepy as hell

[One Man Gang]

Spoilered for size, but these are my top 100 picks in no particular order.



Vincent Kennedy McMahon - Thirty years (or what WWE will call it) of WrestleMania would not have been possible without Vince's vision. He'd make a great headliner but I'm not sure he wants to go in so soon.

The Ultimate Warrior - He had a run in the Mid-South territory as Blade Runner Rock and pairing him with Vince McMahon would make a strong class. He turned them down in 2010 but it seems like WWE and Warrior are on decent terms. He'll probably accept induction if they asked again.

Sting - Warriors tag partner in Mid-South as Blade Runner Flash. His contract with TNA usually expires yearly around winter time. Putting Sting and Warrior in next year would seem poetic given how far they went from the mid-south territory.

Triple H - Though he didn't officially retire this year, I know he wants to go in as a singles competitor before D-Generation X and those inductions would probably be a couple of years apart. It would be a good time for him to go in.

Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson - Is he done wrestling now? Seems like he passed the torch in his mind. I know WWE wants him to wrestle next year against Brock but he is a tempting headliner for next years class.

The Undertaker - It doesn't appear that he's retired yet. Again he'd be tempting as a Mania 30 Hall of Fame headliner, but I think he still has more shows left in him. We'll see though.

Batista - Is he retired? I think they'll approve of other headliners before they get to Batista. Actually I think they expect one final run with Batista before its all said and done.

Jake "the Snake" Roberts - If DDP has him cleaned up by next year, I could see them putting Jake in as a co-headliner.

Randy "Macho Man" Savage - He is no longer a headliner because he has passed away, but he is probably the biggest omission from the Hall at the moment. If Lanny would just drop himself out of the equation, this might happen. Let's see if Triple H will take this on as a new project.

Lou Thesz - Now that Bruno Sammartino is in, some might turn their attention towards Lou. At the end of his life he was rather vocal about not liking the way wrestling had evolved but in the 80s and 90s he did do shows for WWE. His last appearance being at an IYH event where WWE honored him. It's possible his estate might block induction though or has in the past.

Kevin Nash - Was said to be a possible induction this year if Bruno hadn't agreed. So maybe he's a top contender for next year now? If he goes in then I don't think Triple H would.

Scott Hall - While DDP might have him off alcohol for a year by then, still not sure WWE would jump at the chance of inducting him. If Hogans contract is up with TNA by then, it's possible some might consider an NWO type induction featuring just the originals.

John Bradshaw Layfield - Probably wants to be inducted in Texas but who knows when they'll be back there. He'd make a good co-headliner and easy replacement if someone backs out.

Bill Goldberg - He'll be a good co-headliner but he doesn't have much support behind the scenes.

Rob Van Dam - Right now he's a free agent. If WWE doesn't want him to wrestle, maybe Hall of Fame induction is in the future. Perhaps not next year, but sooner rather than later.

Lex Luger - I don't think they should put him in before Elizabeth and I don't think they'll put Elizabeth in before Savage. So this might be a ways off. But he's on good terms with WWE. Wait until Sting can induct him.

Owen Hart - One hopes that with WWE and Martha settling out of court a week ago that some sort of potential Hall of Fame induction down the road is possible. We were told they extended an invite this year to Martha and she declined. So we'll see.

"Ravishing" Rick Rude - The way he left WWE in 1997 might be why he hasn't already been inducted, but I don't think he's forever barred from being honored.

The British Bulldogs - I include Dynamite Kid in this because this is the only way he'll ever go in at this point. He has said things about never being inducted but then again, so did Bruno until he was. Davey Boy at least deserves it and maybe they're waiting for a Canadian Mania.

Ivan Koloff - I basically think he's a lock for next year. They almost inducted him this year and they ended up flying he and his wife to the Hall of Fame show. He has history in the Mid-South territory too.

Paul Bearer - If Undertaker doesn't go in next year, I don't think he will either. But he's a lock for a near future induction.

Miss Elizabeth - She won't go in before Savage does just in case the smarky fans chant Savage during her induction. Her family allowed an action figure to be made of her a few years ago so it seems like they're okay with her legacy being honored.

Eric Bischoff - I think his contract expires with TNA later this year. Not sure if he plans on resigning right away with them or not. If not, WWE might jump at inducting him. Vince has respect for him.

Paul Heyman - If Heyman's run ends this summer, he could get the nod next year.

D-Generation X - I know the conventional wisdom is that Chyna will never be inducted, but I'm not so sure about that. She has apparently retired from porn and while WWE might not want her on television during reunions, I could see them making the exception for the Hall of Fame ceremony. Plus isn't not like worse people haven't been inducted. She's not going to pull out a giant dildo on stage at the ceremony.

Lita - Personally I don't think they should induct her right after Trish. Save her for a later date. But she probably will make the short list.

The Steiner Brothers - I'd say wait for another Detroit Mania.

Bam Bam Bigelow - I am surprised he wasn't inducted this year. He was the "beast from the east' after all. Not much history in the Mid-South territory so maybe his induction will have to wait again.

Honky Tonk Man - Didn't he just sign a new deal with WWE for a few years? He turned HoF induction down before in 2010, but that was basically over scheduling. He might very well go in next year.

Big Van Vader - Does anyone think he'll be alive in 10 years time? He is massively overweight and rather old. I fear sooner rather than later, he will pass away. Right now his son is in NXT and I think it would be good to induct him as fast as possible.

The Fabulous Freebirds - Next year could be their year. WWE is currently fighting a lawsuit over the rights to their theme song, but Mid-South was a big territory for them and with the death of Buddy Roberts, it might press the matter even more. They're also coming out with a Mid-South dvd later this year so they'll likely be on the minds of people.

Sable - She's Brocks wife and thus on good terms with WWE. I don't think people have a wanting to induct her, but she did bring the divas to a whole new level.

"The Ugandan Giant" Kamala - It was said that WWE contacted him this year about potentially being inducted. What happened? Did Kamala turn them down? Was it because of money or because of his health or because he was scheduled somewhere else? Or maybe WWE backed out. Anyways, he lives in Mississippi and is thus right next door to New Orleans. Being wheelchair bound, it wouldn't be a rough journey.

Sycho Sid - He just recently spent the night in the hospital with heart related issues. He's another giant who probably won't be around in 10 years time. Since WWE brought him back twice last year, I could see his induction happening sooner rather than later.

Mike Rotundo - His sons Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt are about to be all over WWE television. So taking advantage of that, they could induct him soon.

Danny Hodge - Every time WWE goes to Oklahoma, Hodge shows up backstage. He's in his 80s now but is generally considered one of the greats. I can see Jim Ross driving Hodge down to New Orleans to be inducted.

Bruiser Brody - Brody had a good career down in the south and thus it would be appropriate to induct him somewhere down there.

Ray "the Crippler" Stevens - Why hasn't he been inducted yet? I would think Pat Patterson would have pushed for this every year. Maybe next year isn't the perfect spot, but Patterson isn't getting any younger.

Demolition - I know Smash would accept induction and I'm thinking Ax would too for Smash. I don't think Crush should be involved but if he is, no big deal. I won't say the induction is long overdue, but people have been wanting it for a long time.

Shohei "Giant" Baba - I feel like he'd be the next Japanese induction on their plate. He had some big matches with WWE facing the likes of Bruno Sammartino and tagging with Andre The Giant.

Rick "the Model" Martel - Seems a bit overdue for induction.

King Kong Bundy - He was another New Jersey native who they skipped over this year. Like Vader, his weight is going to give him serious problems over the next few years. Time to induct him.

The Destroyer - He lives in Buffalo, New York so again this year would have been a good time to induct the old man. He helped WWE induct Gorgeous George a few years ago and is on good terms with them. Surely he can be inducted?

Goldust - He might not be done yet but he's a given for Hall of Fame induction down the road.

The Bruiser & The Crusher - I think both will go in together or during the same class when Mania returns to Chicago or Indianapolis.

James E. Cornette - I don't think we wanted to be inducted into a Hall of Fame that Koko B Ware was in but Bruno Sammartino wasn't. Well...

Haystacks Calhoun - Bruno just mentioned slamming him at MSG 40 years ago. He is long overdue for induction and was a big attraction for WWE back in the day. He was from Arkansas so maybe if he still has family down there, they can scoot over to New Orleans?

Diamond Dallas Page - They can hold off on him for years, but he'll get in eventually.

Stan "the Lariat" Hansen - He inducted Inoki for WWE a few years ago so an induction is likely on the table. But when?

The Great Muta - WWE has plenty of footage to use if he gets the nod. I do think some of the other Japanese stars should go before him though.

Johnny Valentine - One of the greatest, I'm sure Greg wouldn't mind his dad being inducted.

Carlos Colon - Not many want to see his induction but with Epico and Primo under contract, it'll probably happen eventually. Hope they induct him AFTER they induct Brody though.

The Midnight Express - Health problems have plagued Eaton and Condrey over the years. I am sure Cornette would love to induct them. It would be Eaton, Condrey and Lane.

The Rock N' Roll Express - Generally regarded as one of the top tag teams of all time. Maybe they'd induct both expresses in the same year?

Tatsumi Fujinami - He was WWE's international champion and junior heavyweight champion decades ago. Perfect foreign induction.

Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake - If Hogan leaves TNA, they can get him to induct Brutus. He was rather popular back in the day.

Larry Zbyszko - I guess he and WWE are on good terms again. Maybe not next year but an induction seems possible.

Brian Pillman - Yeah his career was cut short, but he was good at what he did. Plus they can get Austin to induct him.

Ken Patera - Cole mentioned him the other night on RAW. In 2003 he was listed by WWE magazine as being in the top 50 superstars of all time. Unfortunately he has a mouth on him that criticizes WWE often. Maybe with Bruno being inducted, the door will open to his induction.

Jushin Liger - Another influential Japanese star. Probably won't be inducted until after Muta or a few older fellows go in. No rush.

Magnum TA - This induction is going to happen. I don't know when, but it seems like he always makes their lists. He just has a lot of support backstage.

Sabu - Might happen next time they're in New York. Hardcore legend and all.

Billy Robinson - He might die before they get around to inducting him. While a legend, he rubbed people the wrong way.

Jack Tunney - Will probably be inducted in Toronto next time they're up there. Punk mentions him enough.

Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart - If they wanted, they could give Bret a second ring and induct the two as the Hart Foundation. He's another big guy who has health issues...and legal ones. I'm sure Natalya would like this to happen.

Baron Von Raschke - Next time they're in Chicago he'd be a good induction. Wrestled for WWE back in the 60s.

Stan "the Man" Stasiak - You have to figure with the inductions of Sammartino, Backlund, and the likely induction of Koloff next year, Stasiak's name is going to be brought up. He's not that appealing of an induction, but he was WWE champion back in a day when just a handful of guys monopolized the title.

Tiger Mask I - Another former WWF junior heavyweight champion. WWE needs to get going on these Japanese guy inductions.

Don Leo Jonathan - The mormon giant is still alive surprisingly. He lives up in Vancouver though. If WWE sends Mania to British Columbia in 2 years, he is a must for induction.

Gene Kiniski - They honored him at the same IYH as Thesz in the late 90s. He's gone now but he's generally considered one of the top wrestlers of all time.

William Regal - He has enough support backstage and his in ring career seems to be almost done if not already done. Just a matter of when.

King Curtis Iaukea - He was on their 2007 nomination list that Hogan leaked. He even voted for him. Now that he's dead though, it might not ever happen.

Alundra Blayze - Though she dumped the womens championship in the trash on Nitro, I don't think WWE would block her induction. That said I don't think they're in a rush to induct her either.

Genichiro Tenryu - Now here's a Japanese star who actually wrestled at WrestleMania and participated in 2 Royal Rumbles. Gotta be a top international inductee contender.

Dominic DeNucci - Probably should have been inducted this year. He trained Foley and played second banana to Bruno back in the day with the Italians in New York. Not getting any younger.

Chief Wahoo McDaniel - Stay away from New York until he and Chief Jay passed the torch to Tatanka in the early 90s in a WWE segment. Had a big run in the Mid-South territory.

Rikishi - They might hold off a few years since they only recently inducted Yokozuna, but I feel like he's a shoe in for induction given his run in WWE.

Lord Alfred Hayes - They gave him a ten bell salute when he died and had Jim Ross call him part of the WWE family before showing a video package. Why has he not been inducted yet?

John "Earthquake" Tenta - His name pops up for induction every few years. He was beloved backstage and had a good run in WWE.

"Toots" Mondt - If it was going to happen, it probably would have been in New York. But he deserves induction for being a founder of WWE and being the father of putting time limits on matches and bringing in punching and kicking.

"Dr Death" Steve Williams - He had a big run in Mid-South and that's where they're heading. I'm sure JR will push for it. Though he did kinda fuck up WWE's plans by getting injured in the Brawl for All.

Dean Malenko - He has enough respect backstage. Jericho could induct him.

Finlay - He helped the divas division and like Malenko has enough respect backstage.

Teddy Long - It's only a matter of time before he goes in. Just for his tag match booking alone.

Bull Nakano - Former womens champion. She visited WWE backstage when they toured Japan a year or two ago. She'd be a good international inductee.

The Bushwackers - WWE seems to love them and they were a serious tag team before they became goofy. Not getting any younger.

"Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert - He too had a mid-south run and gets mentioned a lot by attitude era talents. They had his brother compete in the 96 rumble after Eddie died.

Dick Murdoch - I am sure Dusty would like this induction to happen. Probably next time they're in Texas. Former World Tag Team Champion with Adonis. Their reign was about 9 months back in the 80s.

Adrian Adonis - As I said, former tag champion with Murdoch. He might be remembered more for his "Adorable" gimmick but he was a great worked. Probably the Dolph Ziggler of his day despite his weight problems. Died too soon.

Dr Jerry Graham - This was Vince's favorite wrestler when growing up. He got Vince into bodybuilding. He also convinced Vince that being a wrestling promoter was the bees knees. He became a drunk in later years to the point where Vince couldn't hire him permanently, but you'd think he'd want his childhood hero in the Hall of Fame.

Dutch Mantel - Now that he's return to WWE, his future induction is probably looking brighter.

Marty Jannetty - I could see the Rockers being inducted to give Shawn three rings. Hah

Butch Reed - He had a big run in Mid-South and as one half of Doom with Ron Simmons.

Jim Johnston - People seem to be pushing for his induction more and more these days. Can't say I blame them for the theme songs he has created.

Gary Hart - A Legends of Wrestling panel from a few years back on managers seemed to put Gary Hart in the top 4 managers of all time. Had he been alive I am sure his induction would be happening. He had a big run in Mid-South.

Haku - His son is currently under contract (probably needs repackaging) and he's been cited as the most feared man in wrestling. Former King of the WWE, tag champion and hardcore champion.

Hillbilly Jim - Last year he filmed Legends House (which has yet to air), but he was the only non-Hall of Famer in the group. So you have to figure it's going to happen. Personally I'd wait until after they induct Haystacks Calhoun.

Slick - They keep bringing him back for old school stuff, dancing segments, and performing AJ and Daniel Bryans wedding. He had a successful run as a manager in the late 80s and early 90s. It'll probably happen.

Big Boss Man - Former UWF champion and they're heading into UWF territory next year. Gotta be a heavy favorite for induction. He's been nominated before and will likely go in eventually.

One Man Gang - Former UWF champion and they're heading into UWF territory next year. Gotta be a heavy favorite for induction. Plus he's alive. He too has been nominated before and he lives just north of New Orleans. COME ON WWE.

[Bluegunn]

Actually, Owen is probably a definite for next year now they've sorted out the lawsuit.

I would think put in the entire Hart Foundation rather than just Owen. If Flair can get two, why not Bret

But my list of overdue hall of famers
Dom DeNucci
Haystacks Calhoun
Professor Tanaka
Crazy Luke Graham
Johnny DeFazio
Victor Rivera
Dr. Bill Miller
Spiros Arion
Edouard Carpentier

[One Man Gang]

I would think put in the entire Hart Foundation rather than just Owen. If Flair can get two, why not Bret

But my list of overdue hall of famers
Dom DeNucci
Haystacks Calhoun
Professor Tanaka
Crazy Luke Graham
Johnny DeFazio
Victor Rivera
Dr. Bill Miller
Spiros Arion
Edouard Carpentier


Calhoun still has a shot for being a huge (no pun intended) attraction and DeNucci might get in with Bruno and Foley pushing for him. But I've basically come to the conclusion that WWE will never induct Luke Graham, DeFazio, Miller, Arion, Carpentier, Rivera, and Tanaka. Maybe Carpentier if they go to Canada, but I just feel like with the number of posthumous inductions they tend to make, they'll skip over him for Davey Boy or something. They're either too dead or too old school midcard for WWE at this point. If Scicluna or the Valiants get in, then yeah Arion and Tanaka should get their spot, but WWE just never opts for inductions like them. It's really a shame that a workhorse like Rivera will never get in.

[Atty]

Paul Bearer, Randy Savage, Owen Hart...


...Actually, the should just have a complete class of dead guys. Far too many that need to go in.

[Kneeneighbor]

VADER!

[Ringo]

Vader should go in every year tbh.

[The Law]

So Bill Simmons is a sports writer for ESPN. He's always said that he wishes the NBA Hall of Fame was constructed as a pyramid that would rank the levels of players: the true all-time greats on top, the really great players on the level before that, ect. I think the WWE Hall of Fame (if they ever actually build one) should adopt the same concept. I would divide it into five levels:

Tier 1: Guys who changed wrestling forever. The inductees here: Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Bruno Sammartino, Steve Austin, Vincent J. McMahon, Antonio Inoki. Uninducted: Vincent K. McMahon, El Santo, Giant Baba, The Rock

Tier 2: Top guys who didn't transcend wrestling. Inductees: Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Pedro Morales, Bob Backlund, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Buddy Rogers, Ric Flair, Harley Race, Roddy Piper, Dusty Rhodes. Uninducted: Kevin Nash, Sting, Triple H, John Cena, Randy Savage

Tier 3: Main Eventers and other world champions. Inductees: Edge, Eddie Guerrero, Mick Foley, Booker T, Jimmy Snuka, Sgt. Slaughter, Road Warriors, Iron Sheik, Verne Gange

Tier 4: Midcarders.

Tier 5: Non-wrestlers.

[kangus]

I'll say this; if I had the power to structure a HOF for a given sport, I would much prefer the criteria for entrance to be highly exclusive, like the baseball hall of fame. Only the best of the best should be given consideration for a HOF induction, in my opinion of course. This doesn't mean the other guys need to be neglected as there are a plenitude of ways to honour people without inducting them into the hall of fame.

[Bluegunn]

Only need two categories
1. On the mic
2. In the ring

Side note any hometown heroes? (Wrestlers from Louisiana)

[Bluegunn]

Christian's exploits as a tag wrestler alone qualify him for the hall of fame. Edge and Christian are one of the greatest tag teams ever in WWE. Them, the Hardys, and Dudleys defined the tag scene during one of the greatest periods for tag team wrestling in company history. Factor in that he's a former world champion and an extremely accomplished singles wrestler and there's no doubt he's a hall of famer.

Christian's Accomplishments:

-20 championship reigns in WWE (2 World Heavyweight, 2 ECW, 4 Intercontinental, 9 tag, 1 European, 1 Light Heavyweight, 1 Hardcore)
-Two time TNA Champion
-Grand Slam Champion
-Triple Crown Champion
-Member of one of the greatest tag teams in WWE and wrestling history
-Participated in the tag team ladder and TLC matches, which revolutionized wrestling

I understand there are a lot more title reigns than there used to be, but 20 title reigns is still a ton. Christian has been a great tag wrestler, a valuable midcarder, and a world champion. He's absolutely more qualified than a number of guys who have already been inducted.

True, but Christian is also still an active member of the roster.

[stylepoints]

I wish WWE did their HoF like other sports and you had to be retired at least so many years. I think at least 5 years retired would be good for pro wrestling. As much as I like Eddie and Edge, their inductions are somewhat cheapened because they were inducted due to circumstances. Trying to capitalize on the moment I guess. Both are deserving, but the timing sticks out like a sore thumb. Having a minimum 5 year buffer would make the inductions mean so much more.

[MMH]

Former World Heavyweight Champion and World Tag Team Champion isn't a sure thing given who they've inducted in the past?

That means nothing though. It depends if they like him or not and I dont think they love him put it like that. I get the impression they see him as a decent hand and thats it.

[One Man Gang]

Only need two categories
1. On the mic
2. In the ring

Side note any hometown heroes? (Wrestlers from Louisiana)


The One Man Gang lives just north of New Orleans and was a former UWF champion. He was nominated in 2009 for induction and the fact that he's still alive has to help.




That means nothing though. It depends if they like him or not and I dont think they love him put it like that. I get the impression they see him as a decent hand and thats it.

While I don't think they view him as a Shawn Michaels or a Bret Hart, I do think they respect him enough to put him in the HoF upon his retirement. Provided he retires while working for them. If he doesn't, then he's just going to have to wait. But I still consider him a lock. I don't think Vinnie would have approved of Christians WHC run if he thought of him as a Val Venis.

[El_Dandy]

I don't see a day where Christian isn't a future Hall of Famer unless he totally screws it up for himself.

[The Law]

The only guys who don't get in but deserve to are guys who burn their bridges with the company: Warrior, Savage, Bruno (for a long time). Christian works for the company, so he clearly hasn't burned his bridges. He has more than enough qualifications between his kayfabe accomplishments, his status as a former world champion, his being a member of one of the greatest tag teams in company history, and his influence (participating in the ladder match/TLC series, which revolutionized wrestling).

[Ochoa]

I kind of wish the HOF inductions were announced earlier. I know the headliner is announced late January, early February. But I wish it was like Baseball or Football who announce theirs 5 or 6 months in advance.

[MMH]

The One Man Gang lives just north of New Orleans and was a former UWF champion. He was nominated in 2009 for induction and the fact that he's still alive has to help.





While I don't think they view him as a Shawn Michaels or a Bret Hart, I do think they respect him enough to put him in the HoF upon his retirement. Provided he retires while working for them. If he doesn't, then he's just going to have to wait. But I still consider him a lock. I don't think Vinnie would have approved of Christians WHC run if he thought of him as a Val Venis.

The WHC is a midcard title. It means nothing sadly.

Dont get me wrong I think he should go in too, I just dont think he will, or certainly not for a very long time. I honestly think they do rate him in a Val Venis, Bob Holly type role. I just dont think they care about him enough.

[Bluegunn]

The WHC is a midcard title. It means nothing sadly.

Dont get me wrong I think he should go in too, I just dont think he will, or certainly not for a very long time. I honestly think they do rate him in a Val Venis, Bob Holly type role. I just dont think they care about him enough.

Booker T was a WHC too and never won the WWE title. The same with Batista and I am sure he will be in too for some time. Too bad dedication to WWE does not count for HOF votes, otherwise guys like Barry Horowitz, Funaki, and Bob Holly would all be considered for it.

[G-Fresh]

Batista held the WWE belt 2 times.

[Bluegunn]

Stand corrected, we shall put Benoit in his place then as we know he is to WWE what Pete Rose is to Baseball

Personally I would love to see Tiger Jackson be the first Midget inducted into the Hall of Fame but don't think he will ever get in unless WWE plans to induct Doink.

[One Man Gang]

If they do induct a midget before Hornswoggle, then I'm guessing it would be Sky Low Low. Vince mentioned him on RAW 2 years ago when during a contract signing, Vince found his chair to be too low to the ground. So he made a Sky Low Low joke that only King and Cole laughed at.

[G-Fresh]

Stand corrected, we shall put Benoit in his place then as we know he is to WWE what Pete Rose is to Baseball

I'm all for Benoit going in. I will never believe he killed his kid. Well, without video proof anyway.

[El_Dandy]

I wouldn't doubt that Bob Holly gets in some day...

Guys, Koko B Ware got enshrined... Yeah the guy who wore bright neon parachute pants, sported a blonde frohawk, and kicked it with a Macaw and Owen Hart. This is a guy whose best days in WWF were spent in a crappy undercard tag team, and being overshadowed by a bird. Yes an actual bird.

[Bluegunn]

Brawler would get in before Holly for sure

[JRSlim21]

Random thought: in 10-20 years time, do the Hardys get inducted or does (a hopefully cleaned up for good) Jeff get inducted?

[One Man Gang]

Knowing WWE, they'll probably be inducted before Demolition.

[Atty]

Honestly, the answer to that depends on what happens to them over that time. I wouldn't be surprised if Jeff died, high out of his mind, and gets a Benoit-lite-ish stigma.

[Rip]

I'm all for Benoit going in. I will never believe he killed his kid. Well, without video proof anyway.

Did they ever clear up the text message controversy?

[Fanny Batter]

Look at the guys that have gone in in the past, of course people like Christian and the Hardy's will go in. Koko B. Ware is in and he did jack shit in the company.

[mr sabu]

he won a few heavy weight titles in other companys

[Fanny Batter]

Put everybody in it then. Jamie Noble, R Truth, Rhyno etc. They're all quite considerably less important to the wrestling business than the Hardy's and Christian, who broke the mold as well as achieving and maintaining success in the WWE for a long time.

[Bluegunn]

Truth will probably make the TNA hall of fame
Koko made the hall due to his entertainment value, not wins or losses. He also took bumps with the best of em.

[One Man Gang]

Just thought I'd mention that the news sites are reporting that the NBC studio where TNA used to tape Impact and childhood shows like Double Dare, Legends of the Hidden Temple, and Finders Keepers used to film, will now be turned into the physical WWE Hall of Fame.

[Kneeneighbor]

I loved me so legends of the hidden temple.

[Cewsh]

If that's true, that is an incredible troll move on WWE's part towards TNA, even if they didn't mean to.

It's interesting that WWE is focusing a lot of their promotion in Florida in recent years.

[One Man Gang]

Well it's a great location. Plus WWE can now play this on loop as people walk in the door.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEb3J6h5QZI&feature=watch_response_rev

[One Man Gang]

Just to clarify, it's the news sites saying that's the plan. For all we know the NBC lot could become a petting zoo. Though the location would make perfect sense given the reports over the years.





On another note, I am hoping the content of the new Legends of Mid-South dvd coming out in September will have some influence on next years class.


Chapter titles (with JR's thoughts in parenthesis)

The Beginnings
Ted DiBiase (Ted became a master craftsman in Mid South)
The Junkyard Dog (Biggest star ever in the territory)
The Rat Pack (An Amazing Faction)
Traveling the Territory (Talents averaged appx 2000 miles per week driving)
Magnum T.A.
"Hacksaw" Butch Reed
The Midnight Express vs. the Rock 'n Roll Express Rivalry (A tag team clinic)
Rookie HBK learning from the veterans (Shawn Michaels 1st territory)
Terry Taylor's quest to beat Ric Flair for the NWA Title (underrated rivalry)
Muhammad Ali in Mid South (The "Greatest" created a lifetime of memories in a week)
DiBiase become a fan favorite (The more one is hated, the more one can be loved)
Mid South goes National (It wasn't for long but it was memorable)
Hacksaw Jim Duggan (Carried the territory after JYD left..legit stud..serious, ass kicker)
The Fabulous Freebirds (Loved to be detested..no 3 man unit ever better)
Terry 'Bam Bam' Gordy (Greatest teenage wrestler I ever saw..a prodigy)
The One Man Gang (HUGE star w/ General Scandor Akbar..HOF level Super Heavyweight)
Dr Death (Doc grew up in Mid South..became a beast...was like family to many of us)


The beginnings will probably discuss the likes of Leroy McGuirk, Danny Hodge, Bill Watts and so on. Muhammad Ali getting his own chapter might be telling. Then there's the second to last chapter.... :shifty:

[chatty]

To be fair to Koko back in the 80s he was probably more famous than someone like Dolph Ziggler is now, maybes even a guy like Orton.

[El_Dandy]

No... no he wasnt...

[chatty]

No... no he wasnt...

Sure he was, nearly all the mid carders of the 80s were more famous than most of the top carders of today. Wrestling was just way more popular back then. Other than the attitude era, wrestling has never even come close to what it was like in the 80s for popularity.

[Jacknife]

Is Lord Alfred Hayes in? If not then him. And Sid.

[The Law]

This would be a good year to put One Man Gang in. Probably the only time they're ever going to be in Mid-South territory (never going to be a Wrestlemania in Arkansas or Oklahoma). Rock N Roll Express and Midnight Express started their feud in Mid-South, so I'd like to see them go in this year as well. Actually, I'd like to see them go in any year.

[JRSlim21]

Do shit loads of wrestlers (and by shit loads, I mean the WWE roster) still live in Florida? I can imagine some influence on the logic of making the Hall of Fame there since it's already on the brain.


D-X could be the big headliner, since that was the rumored backup plan for Bruno. Rather prefer someone like Savage and a secondary guy like maybe Sting.

[JP]

Do shit loads of wrestlers (and by shit loads, I mean the WWE roster) still live in Florida? I can imagine some influence on the logic of making the Hall of Fame there since it's already on the brain.


D-X could be the big headliner, since that was the rumored backup plan for Bruno. Rather prefer someone like Savage and a secondary guy like maybe Sting.

Sting, secondary?

When Sting goes in, he'll be the marquee name.

[The Rogerer]

Honestly, the answer to that depends on what happens to them over that time. I wouldn't be surprised if Jeff died, high out of his mind, and gets a Benoit-lite-ish stigma.What on earth? Why would he have anything resembling a Benoit stigma?

And what is the Benoit text message controversy?

[One Man Gang]

Pretty much. Jake the Snake Roberts, The Ultimate Warrior, Lou Thesz, Ivan Koloff, Paul Bearer, The Fabulous Freebirds, Muhammad Ali (or Cyndi Lauper) and some super heavyweight like Kamala, King Kong Bundy, OMG, or Vader.



Vader or Bundy. Does Kamala or OMG really deserve to be in the HOF?

If you ask certain people about OMG, then yes. I've heard guys like Jim Ross and Chavo Sr directly say OMG should be in the WWE Hall of Fame. He was on the short list for the 2009 class and on the back cover of the recent Mid-South dvd which they devoted a chapter to him.

Kamala was a popular enough act. Wrestled in main events against Hogan and Andre back in the day. God knows he could use the money since his legs are gone.

[The Law]

So unless Jake fucks up between now and then, he's going in this year. Warrior seems pretty likely assuming they can come to terms. Is Jake and Warrior as the big two big enough for Wrestlemania 30? Nobody else really big is jumping out at me for this year. DDP would be nice. Totally deserving and also has done great work with Jake and Scott Hall lately.

I hope we get One Man Gang and the Midnight Express with Cornette. Just Cornette's speech would be worth the price of admission there.

[One Man Gang]

The Midnight Express would be good but I wonder about Bobby Eatons health. I think he went back in the hospital the other day. Though they might be a better pick than the Freebirds because their theme music is being held up in court. It would suck inducting them without Badstreet USA.

[Defrost]

The Midnight Express would be good but I wonder about Bobby Eatons health. I think he went back in the hospital the other day. Though they might be a better pick than the Freebirds because their theme music is being held up in court. It would suck inducting them without Badstreet USA.

You can't put the Midnights in without Cornette and I doubt they do business with him

And the Freebirds theme will forever be Freebird

[mr sabu]

jim johnston

the man deserves it

[One Man Gang]

You can't put the Midnights in without Cornette and I doubt they do business with him

And the Freebirds theme will forever be Freebird

I suppose they could use Freebird if they want to pay for it. They'll probably induct Jimmy Garvin with them too.

As for Cornette, as we know, things can change. So many superstars have been on the shit list only to return later for some event.






jim johnston

the man deserves it




Jim Johnston might actually have a shot this year. There's a dvd about the music of WWE coming out in March. If nothing else, the WWE Hall of Fame is a marketing tool.

EDIT: That said, Jim Neidhart might have a shot because of Natalya being on Total Divas. I could see them writing that into the script.

[The Law]

They just did a retrospective on Smoky Mountain Wrestling on WWE.com with Cornette last week. And I'm pretty sure he was on the Mid-South DVD (I think it was an old interview with him, but regardless). He's ripped on Vince a decent amount over the years, but I feel like there's a very good shot Vince isn't even aware of that. According to Cornette when they brought him in to manage Yokozuna he met Vince and it quickly became apparent that Vince had no idea who he was. Probably fair to assume that Vince isn't trolling the internet for Cornette shoot interviews.

[Tom B. Stone]

I wouldn't be shocked to see Cornette in the Hall.

[Freebird]

Cornette has also said good things about Vince. The thing about Corny is he is brutally honest, for good or ill. The heat with WWE and Jimmy is centered on Corny and Kevin Dunn. Dunn is the person Jimmy hates. And Dunn isn't too fond of Jimmy either.

[Freebird]

If you ask certain people about OMG, then yes. I've heard guys like Jim Ross and Chavo Sr directly say OMG should be in the WWE Hall of Fame. He was on the short list for the 2009 class and on the back cover of the recent Mid-South dvd which they devoted a chapter to him.

Kamala was a popular enough act. Wrestled in main events against Hogan and Andre back in the day. God knows he could use the money since his legs are gone.

One Man Gang was a great big man. If Cowboy Bill Watts put his main title on him that makes him a made man. He is entirely deserving. And from a WWE standard too as he and Bossman feuded with the Mega Powers at the top of the card.

[Freebird]

So unless Jake fucks up between now and then, he's going in this year. Warrior seems pretty likely assuming they can come to terms. Is Jake and Warrior as the big two big enough for Wrestlemania 30? Nobody else really big is jumping out at me for this year. DDP would be nice. Totally deserving and also has done great work with Jake and Scott Hall lately.

I hope we get One Man Gang and the Midnight Express with Cornette. Just Cornette's speech would be worth the price of admission there.

What's the story on the music? I noted the generic music they had on the Mid South discs. (and the entire absence of the JYD/Freebirds feud.)

No surprise that I hope the Freebirds finally make it in. But I would sacrifice that if they for sure would get in when they go to Dallas hopefully soon to hold Wrestlemania in Cowboys stadium, if they will induct the Midnights with Corny and The Rock and Roll Express all together.

[One Man Gang]

Congrats to the first announced inductee of the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame



The Ultimate Warrior

[Bluegunn]

What are the odds Sting inducts him? Since I doubt he wants Hogan to do it and Hogan might be getting another ring anyway.

[One Man Gang]

If Sting doesn't sign with TNA again then that could possibly happen. But that would also mean they'd need to get him under a year long contract to ensure he's around to be inducted next year.

Hogan has actually been changing his tune about Warrior lately. Not sure if HHH is helping to mend that fence or not.

In the end though I think Warrior might want Vince to do it.

[Tom B. Stone]

Warrior has insisted on only dealing with Vince for negotiations so that might also include having the boss induct him.

[The Law]

There's a decent chance Vince is the only guy willing to induct that prick. It's hard to think of anyone more universally loathed in wrestling. People have better things to say about Chris Benoit than Warrior.

[JRSlim21]

Trips could induct him, especially if DX doesn't get inducted.

[Kyle_242]

I couldn't be more excited for Warrior's HOF speech. It's like handing a kid with ADHD a jar of pixie sticks.

[Nash Diesel]

In a perfect world, Hogan would be the guy to call upon, but Warrior despises him. It'd be like Jim Cornette being asked to induct Vince Russo. I think I said it before but if Rick Rude was still alive, that'd be the guy to do it. It's weird, going back, Warrior really did walk alone and the only guy I remember him being paired up with on a frequent basis was Macho Man and obviously he can't induct Warrior. Maybe Vince McMahon, maybe a wrestler that idolized Warrior, maybe Warrior has someone in mind since there are times where a non-wrestling personality inducts someone.

I'm excited to see who else is going to be inducted. I know Jake the Snake had some negative views on Warrior being inducted, but their beef goes back to when Warrior supposedly didn't want to work with Jake during the whole Warrior-Undertaker-Jake the Snake program. So seeing Jake and Warrior being inducted together would be pretty interesting.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Honky Tonk Man has been inducted. I googled it and only found that he inducted Koko B Ware, so I may have missed the year he was inducted. But if this guy isn't in it, add him to the list of guys from that era who should be either this year or next year. You could pretty much get the entire late 80's IC title scene in the 2014 HoF: Warrior, Honky Tonk Man, Jake the Snake, and Rick Rude.

[chatty]

Honky Tonk got offered but turned it down as he had to do an indy show or something.

[chatty]

I couldn't be more excited for Warrior's HOF speech. It's like handing a kid with ADHD a jar of pixie sticks.

It would be great if he goes on a tangent and it wouldn't be surprising.

[Nash Diesel]

Have you any of you taken the time out of your lives to read that letter Warrior wrote to Vince back in 1991? They have an article on the main page about it, but holy shit, I thought the Warrior just spiraled into his state of mind, living the character too much, but naw, he was Violent J insane even during his peak. Talking about how he should be getting Hogan money, can't say I don't agree with that, but the way he went about it, very Warrior-ish lol.

[Atty]

Really curious if Rock goes in this year. He seems done wrestling now and could really highlight an all star class for their milestone show. Rock, Warrior, Jake—right there you have an epic class. Sneak in a tag team or two, a manager and a less high profile name and it's really a great class.

[One Man Gang]

I suspect the Rock will go in next year when they're in California.

[chatty]

Demolition should go in.

[chatty]

Anyway, kaitlyn to induct Warrior dressed as Warrior:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/6f6b9066f80c42a3f9de5a22425d41a6/tumblr_mi1apuxtm61s57b8po1_1280.jpg

[Nash Diesel]

Hell yes for Demolition and damn Kaitlyn looks good, she will be missed.

Tag-teams are seriously lacking in the Hall of Fame. British Bulldogs, Rockers, Hart Foundation, Demolition, those 4 teams should be in soon. I know Shawn and Bret already have rings, but their tag-work is just as respected imo.

Another superstar I was thinking of was Haku. A staple of the midcard for WWF and WCW (as Meng).

[One Man Gang]

If they ever do anything with Camacho, I'm sure Haku's chances would go up. I know he attended the 2012 ceremony when they were in Orlando.

[Tom B. Stone]

The Rock could go in by himself! He could easily headline any year - no rush.

Dynamite Kid couldn't travel to the US and Bill "Ax" Eadie once sued WWE. I know Warrior and Ventura did, too .

[DarkStranger]

I heard a rumor they are thinking of putting in a wrestling match into the Hall of Fame this year. That match being the main event of Wrestlemania 1. Am I the only one out there who doesn't want to see this happen? I think Hulk Hogan main evented a bunch of the early Wrestlemania's does that mean he will be a 7 time Hall of Famer? I would much rather they use Hogan to induct him as part of the NWO with Nash and Hall. Thoughts?

[One Man Gang]

Inducting a match is ridiculous. Last year I think it was said they were considering inducting Madison Square Garden.

[DarkStranger]

Inducting Madison Square Garden is about as ridiculous as inducting Drew Carey

[DarkStranger]

Id rather see the NWO or The Freebirds inducted over DX

[The Law]

So far Flair is the only guy to be inducted more than once, as he was inducted both as an individual and as part of the Four Horsemen. Who else could go in multiple times? Hogan is an obvious candidate, as I think the NWO will be inducted at some point. I think Michaels has a chance to go in three times, as he could go in as part of DX and for The Rockers. Bret could go in a few more times: part of The Hart Foundation with Neidhart and Jimmy Hart, and then they might just do the whole Hart family at some point.

I can't think of anyone who could get in more than three times without being really silly. Though if they start inducting matches all bets are off.

[One Man Gang]

Triple H can probably be inducted as a headliner first, then with the rest of DX.

But match inductions are just not necessary.

[DarkStranger]

Triple H can probably be inducted as a headliner first, then with the rest of DX.

But match inductions are just not necessary.

I completely agree Triple H would be the Headliner Of The Year. I was surprised last year the rumor about the Clique going in. HHH being inducted in a group before solo feels unlikely

[DarkStranger]

So unless Jake fucks up between now and then, he's going in this year. Warrior seems pretty likely assuming they can come to terms. Is Jake and Warrior as the big two big enough for Wrestlemania 30? Nobody else really big is jumping out at me for this year. DDP would be nice. Totally deserving and also has done great work with Jake and Scott Hall lately.

I hope we get One Man Gang and the Midnight Express with Cornette. Just Cornette's speech would be worth the price of admission there.

NWO, SAVAGE, MOHAMMAD ALI FOR CELEB.

[JRSlim21]

So far Flair is the only guy to be inducted more than once, as he was inducted both as an individual and as part of the Four Horsemen. Who else could go in multiple times? Hogan is an obvious candidate, as I think the NWO will be inducted at some point. I think Michaels has a chance to go in three times, as he could go in as part of DX and for The Rockers. Bret could go in a few more times: part of The Hart Foundation with Neidhart and Jimmy Hart, and then they might just do the whole Hart family at some point.

I can't think of anyone who could get in more than three times without being really silly. Though if they start inducting matches all bets are off.

Nash could go in at least twice for himself and the Outsiders/nWo. By that token, Hall and maybe X-Pac. Now before people jump on me, remember this: Trips is gaining power and has affluence for his Kliq. The Outsiders, in terms of mainstream recognition if not anything else, could be rated among the greatest of all-time. And 123 Kid/Syxx/whichever you choose is considered a pioneer among American cruiserweights, seeing as how they love to play up historical figures big or small. Whether or not they "deserve" to be in there can be debated all day, but I can at least "see" them getting consideration.

[Version 6]

Inducting stables is ridiculous. I mean, if you induct the nWo for instance, does that mean that Scott Norton is technically a Hall of Famer?

Tag teams are fair enough, because for a tag team to be successful, both guys have contributed a significant amount. But inducting stables gets messy. I hope we don't see any more of it.

[The Law]

Inducting stables is ridiculous. I mean, if you induct the nWo for instance, does that mean that Scott Norton is technically a Hall of Famer?

Tag teams are fair enough, because for a tag team to be successful, both guys have contributed a significant amount. But inducting stables gets messy. I hope we don't see any more of it.

With the Four Horsemen they seemed to specifically limit it to Flair, Arn, Ole, Tully, Windham, and J.J. Dillon. Otherwise, it would include Benoit, Sid, Luger, Sting, Jarrett, Malenko, and Steve McMichael. I can honestly say it's a tough call whether I'd be more offended by the murderer or Mongo going into the HoF.

[Mills]

The answer is of course Paul Roma

[JRSlim21]

The answer will always be Paul Roma. And if you had to induct the nWo, then it's Hogan, Hall and Nash. They're the ones most synonymous with the group. By that token, when DX gets inducted (not even gonna debate this) do you actually include everyone? And on a related sidenote: WHY IS RUDE NOT IN THE HALL OF FAME

[Kneeneighbor]

Well when he left and appeared on Nitro and RaW the same night and then ripped Vince that probably created some issues. I know he was pretty pissed about Montreal.

[One Man Gang]

Rudes son recently tried out for WWE. Not sure how that went. He's just on a long list of dead guys they have yet to induct or would consider inducting.

"Macho Man" Randy Savage
Lou Thesz
Owen Hart
"Ravishing" Rick Rude
"The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith
Miss Elizabeth
Ray "the Crippler" Stevens
Paul Bearer
Bam Bam Bigelow
Haystacks Calhoun
The Big Boss Man
Jack Tunney
The Fabulous Freebirds
Bruiser Brody
John "Earthquake" Tenta
"Flyin" Brian Pillman
Lord Alfred Hayes
Stan "the Man" Stasiak
Shohei "Giant" Baba
Andy Kaufman
Dick The Bruiser
The Crusher Lisowski
Johnny Valentine
Chief Wahoo McDaniel
"Toots" Mondt
Gene Kiniski
Karl Gotch
Pat O'Connor
Dick Murdoch
"Dr Death" Steve Williams
Edouard Carpentier
Adrian Adonis
King Curtis Iaukea
Dr Jerry Graham
Professor Toru Tanaka
"Crazy" Luke Graham
Big Bill Miller
Waldo Von Erich
Dino Bravo
Angelo Savoldi
Paul Boesch
"Playboy" Gary Hart
"Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert
Matt Borne
Luna Vachon
Ray Morgan
Willie Gilzenberg
The Fabulous Kangaroos
Leroy McGuirk
Sam Muchnick


and so on and so on

[The Law]

Great list. I'm kind of shocked Jerry Graham isn't in, as I've heard he was one of Vince's favorites as a kid.

Lou Thesz not being in is truly mind-boggling. They've inducted all sorts of other guys who never worked for WWE, so I'm not sure why not him. Maybe there's an issue with the family.

Unfortunately they decided at some point to stop acknowledging that Toots Mondt existed. The story now is that Vince Sr. owned WWE outright from the beginning. It's sad, because Mondt is one of the most important people in the history of wrestling.

Savage will go in eventually. They'll figure it out with the family. So sad that they couldn't make a deal with him before he died. The relationship was definitely thawing towards the end.

Not sure why Bulldog hasn't gone in yet. He's in the video games, so apparently things aren't that bad with the family.

Kiniski, O'Connor, and The Kangaroos all fall into the "really?" category. Obviously, most modern fans don't know them, but they could still spare a quick five minutes to explain who they are and have someone induct them at the Hall of Fame ceremony.

They should do Andy Kaufman this year after the news stories about his death possibly being faked. Obviously, Lawler would be the guy to induct him. Or maybe they could get Jim Carrey to do it.

We all know the story with Owen. That's a wound that isn't going to heal anytime soon. Can't really blame his wife for being bitter.

[One Man Gang]

I am surprised Vince didn't induct Dr Jerry Graham in the 1990s when the classes were more intimate. Jerry was still alive then. I did read something about Vince hiring Jerry during the mid 80s to be a manager but he was so overweight and such an alcoholic that it didn't work out. But even still, Vince name dropped him at the 2001 Survivor Series alongside Gorilla Monsoon and Nature Boy Buddy Rogers as WWE legends that had passed. They always say that this Hall of Fame exists in the mind of Vince, so would anyone really begrudge him adding Dr Jerry to a class?

It wouldn't at all shock me if Lou Thesz went in this year. Lou wasn't too impressed with the WWE Attitude era and his estate might have been honoring that, but I think money talks and Bruno being inducted might help open that door. Plus they kept mentioning him during the build up to the unification match.

Pat O'Connor got name dropped last month on RAW with the likes of Lou Thesz too. So he's at least somewhat on their radar even if he didn't have a WWE career.

I can only suspect the reason why Toots hasn't been inducted is because of the lack of footage they could show of him. Or even pictures for that matter. Well, that's the nicest reason I could think of besides WWE just painting Vince Sr as a solo act.



But I think the induction that hasn't happened that baffles me the most is Lord Alfred Hayes. The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame is inducting him this year. How in the hell did they beat Vince to this? When he died in 2005, WWE gave him a ten bell salute and had Jim Ross call him part of the WWE family before introducing a video memorial. Not many are granted that honor. It's clear he was beloved within the company.

[chatty]

I think with stables they have to just induct the main members that made the stable great. I dunno why they have to be inducted twice though, they should just say for example. Ric Flair for his achievements as a solo competitor and as part of the stable The Four Horsemen. If your in your in, you don't have to go in twice, fair enough go up and get involved in the ceremony and enjoy the adulation but still if your already in then you don't need inducting again.

I don't think many Stables could get in to be honest. Four Horsemen, NWO, DX - I'm not sure many others, you could maybes make a case for Evolution even though they saw in one of the worst periods of the company but teams like the Nation, Legacy, the millions of spin off NWO stables etc aint even worth looking at. Even with those big oes it should just be the main members -NWO - Hogan, Nash & Hall. DX - Michaels and HHH (& Chyna although I don't expect her to ever go in) etc.

Would the Rockers get in. They were a good team but tbh as a tag team they weren't that great, never won the titles, weren't really a team for a long period of time, weren't in many big feuds. There are a long list of tag teams that should go in before them thats for sure.

[One Man Gang]

Congrats to...



Jake the Snake Roberts. Should make for another great speech.



1993
Andre The Giant


1994
"Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers
"Classy" Freddie Blassie
Gorilla Monsoon
Chief Jay Strongbow
Bobo Brazil
Arnold Skaaland
James Dudley


1995
Antonino Rocca
The Fabulous Moolah
George "the Animal" Steele
Pedro Morales
The Grand Wizard
"Big Cat" Ernie Ladd
Ivan Putski


1996
Vincent J. McMahon
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka
Captain Lou Albano
Killer Kowalski
Pat Patterson
"Handsome" Jimmy Valiant
"Luscious" Johnny Valiant
Baron Mikel Scicluna
Johnny Rodz


2004
"Superstar" Billy Graham
Bobby "the Brain" Heenan
Harley Race
Jesse "the Body" Ventura
Sgt. Slaughter
Junkyard Dog
Greg "the Hammer" Valentine
"The Magnificent" Don Muraco
Tito Santana
Big John Studd
Pete Rose


2005
Hulk Hogan
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper
The Iron Sheik
Nikolai Volkoff
Jimmy Hart
"Mr Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
"Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr


2006
Bret "Hitman" Hart
Verne Gagne
Eddie Guerrero
"Sensational" Sherri Martel
"Mean" Gene Okerlund
Blackjack Lanza
Blackjack Mulligan
Tony Atlas
William "the Refrigerator" Perry


2007
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes
Nick Bockwinkel
Jerry "the King" Lawler
"Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig
Jim Ross
Mr. Fuji
The Sheik
Wild Samoan Afa
Wild Samoan Sika


2008
"Nature Boy" Ric Flair
Jack Brisco
Gerald Brisco
"Soulman" Rocky Johnson
High Chief Peter Maivia
Eddie Graham
Gordon Solie
Mae Young


2009
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Terry Funk
Dory Funk Jr
Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat
Fritz Von Erich
Kerry Von Erich
David Von Erich
Kevin Von Erich
Mike Von Erich
Chris Von Erich
"Cowboy" Bill Watts
Howard Finkel
Koko B. Ware


2010
"Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase
Antonio Inoki
Gorgeous George
Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon
Stu Hart
Wendi Richter
Bob Uecker


2011
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels
Road Warrior Animal
Road Warrior Hawk
Paul Ellering
Abdullah The Butcher
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
"Bullet" Bob Armstrong
Sunny
Drew Carey


2012
Edge
Mil Mascaras
"Nature Boy" Ric Flair
Arn Anderson
Tully Blanchard
Barry Windham
J.J. Dillon
Yokozuna
Ron Simmons
"Iron" Mike Tyson


2013
Bruno Sammartino
Mick Foley
Bob Backlund
Trish Stratus
Booker T.
Donald Trump


2014
The Ultimate Warrior
Jake "the Snake" Roberts

[Tom B. Stone]

Excellent news. Jake has worked very hard to sort his life out and is deserving of going into the HOF.

[MikeHunt]

Yeah I really really can't wait to hear these speeches.

Ddp to induct jake?

[The Law]

I think DDP inducts Jake. Austin and Punk are two others I could see them using, but DDP is probably the right choice. Only thing that might stop that is if they are also going to induct DDP this year.

[chatty]

Would it be a good idea to get Hall in as well whilst he's in good shape. Hopefully he wont fall off the wagon but maybes be worth striking while its a sure thing (well nearest to)?

[MikeHunt]

Hogan inducting the outsiders would be great.

[Tom B. Stone]

Apparently it's just a matter of time before Paul Bearer is announced for the HOF this year.

[thesamuelcooke]

Think an out of character Taker will do it? Or will they go the safe route and have Kane do it?

[Nash Diesel]

I think that Scott Hall and Kevin Nash deserve seperate inductions first, then induct the nWo down the road. Hall and Nash individually have done a lot that should be recognized. Hall for being I believe the first guy to win the IC title more than twice, his amazing matches with Bret, Shawn, Goldust, Diesel, etc. plus the whole nWo thing. Nash for his accomplishments as Diesel and his work in WCW. It'd just seem a little lackluster as a fan to see them inducted together as the Outsiders when that wasn't all they are known for.

[chatty]

I think that Scott Hall and Kevin Nash deserve seperate inductions first, then induct the nWo down the road. Hall and Nash individually have done a lot that should be recognized. Hall for being I believe the first guy to win the IC title more than twice, his amazing matches with Bret, Shawn, Goldust, Diesel, etc. plus the whole nWo thing. Nash for his accomplishments as Diesel and his work in WCW. It'd just seem a little lackluster as a fan to see them inducted together as the Outsiders when that wasn't all they are known for.

See,t hats why I dont like this multiple induction thing, they should be inducted for their whole body of work. These could go in together and be very good, they go in as singles and as part of the NWO/Outsiders but they can do a double speech. Theres a good chance they will be inducting each other anyway. I mean I suppose the alternatives are having HHH, Shawn, XPac or Hogan but I think the obvious is for them to induct each other - who would you put in first then? Nash?

[Atty]

Think an out of character Taker will do it? Or will they go the safe route and have Kane do it?

Taker.

It doesn't matter at all if he breaks character for something like this. He's there one month a year and there's no reason to worry about seeing someone like that out of character.

[Nash Diesel]

Honestly I'd induct them the same year as I feel their history is so intertwined, kind of like when they inducted Hogan and Piper the same year. Dating back to the stuff they did with DDP in WCW as Diamond Stud and Vinnie Vegas, to the stuff with Shawn and the IC title picture in the mid 90's, etc. If I had a gun to my head I would say Diesel/Nash deserves the nod as he accomplished more in his career and is the more well known of the 2 (in my opinion), but again, I'd like to see them go in the same year.

[Atty]

Taker going in at 30 would be perfect, really. He's who I want my lil bastards to see when they're looking through the WM XXX blu ray in a decade.


My other thing with this year's class, as I say every year, is it's time to put a number of dead people in. Have a larger class for 30 and get Savage and Liz in when they're less of the focus.

[Tom B. Stone]

Taker will not go until after he's officially retired.

[Tom B. Stone]

Observer newsletter reports that Lita and Danny Hodge have been discussed for the HOF this year. If Hodge doesn't go in this year, it may never happen.

[chatty]

Both deserving and would be good editions to the 30 line up imo

[One Man Gang]

Jim Ross did say in his blog last week that he got wind of a name that would be joining Warrior and Roberts in the HoF. Of course he wouldn't say who. But if anyone outside of WWE would be notified of Hodge going in, it would be Ross.

[One Man Gang]

Congrats to the third inductee...



Lita





1993
Andre The Giant


1994
"Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers
"Classy" Freddie Blassie
Gorilla Monsoon
Chief Jay Strongbow
Bobo Brazil
Arnold Skaaland
James Dudley


1995
Antonino Rocca
The Fabulous Moolah
George "the Animal" Steele
Pedro Morales
The Grand Wizard
"Big Cat" Ernie Ladd
Ivan Putski


1996
Vincent J. McMahon
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka
Captain Lou Albano
Killer Kowalski
Pat Patterson
"Handsome" Jimmy Valiant
"Luscious" Johnny Valiant
Baron Mikel Scicluna
Johnny Rodz


2004
"Superstar" Billy Graham
Bobby "the Brain" Heenan
Harley Race
Jesse "the Body" Ventura
Sgt. Slaughter
Junkyard Dog
Greg "the Hammer" Valentine
"The Magnificent" Don Muraco
Tito Santana
Big John Studd
Pete Rose


2005
Hulk Hogan
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper
The Iron Sheik
Nikolai Volkoff
Jimmy Hart
"Mr Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
"Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr


2006
Bret "Hitman" Hart
Verne Gagne
Eddie Guerrero
"Sensational" Sherri Martel
"Mean" Gene Okerlund
Blackjack Lanza
Blackjack Mulligan
Tony Atlas
William "the Refrigerator" Perry


2007
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes
Nick Bockwinkel
Jerry "the King" Lawler
"Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig
Jim Ross
Mr. Fuji
The Sheik
Wild Samoan Afa
Wild Samoan Sika


2008
"Nature Boy" Ric Flair
Jack Brisco
Gerald Brisco
"Soulman" Rocky Johnson
High Chief Peter Maivia
Eddie Graham
Gordon Solie
Mae Young


2009
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Terry Funk
Dory Funk Jr
Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat
Fritz Von Erich
Kerry Von Erich
David Von Erich
Kevin Von Erich
Mike Von Erich
Chris Von Erich
"Cowboy" Bill Watts
Howard Finkel
Koko B. Ware


2010
"Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase
Antonio Inoki
Gorgeous George
Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon
Stu Hart
Wendi Richter
Bob Uecker


2011
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels
Road Warrior Animal
Road Warrior Hawk
Paul Ellering
Abdullah The Butcher
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
"Bullet" Bob Armstrong
Sunny
Drew Carey


2012
Edge
Mil Mascaras
"Nature Boy" Ric Flair
Arn Anderson
Tully Blanchard
Barry Windham
J.J. Dillon
Yokozuna
Ron Simmons
"Iron" Mike Tyson


2013
Bruno Sammartino
Mick Foley
Bob Backlund
Trish Stratus
Booker T.
Donald Trump


2014
The Ultimate Warrior
Jake "the Snake" Roberts
Lita

[Tom B. Stone]

I read that Jake Roberts will reveal his inductor on Twitter soon, adding that it "should be obvious". That pretty much confirms it'll be Dallas Page.

EDIT: Observer newsletter confirms Mr T has agreed to go in this year and Cyndi Lauper is still being discussed.

[Merchant4Ever]

As far as Taker breaking character to induct Paul Bearer, I don't think it's a big deal at this point. I just watched the 50 Year History of WWE DVD last night and Taker broke character for the entire thing.

[Kimura Kid]

.

[Tom B. Stone]

There are rumblings that Scott Hall may be going in this year, too. Personally, I wouldhold off on him and maybe put him in next year along with Kevin Nash. I am aware that Nash has previously said he doesn't want to go in, but I would say he's deserving. If they choose to induct a group like the nWo, I expect he would be there.

[Eddie Brock]

He's one of my all time favorites, and I always feel like he never gets the deserved recognition that he should.

[Kimura Kid]

There are rumblings that Scott Hall may be going in this year, too. Personally, I wouldhold off on him and maybe put him in next year along with Kevin Nash. I am aware that Nash has previously said he doesn't want to go in, but I would say he's deserving. If they choose to induct a group like the nWo, I expect he would be there.

Why doesn't he want to go in?? WTF is that all about? Makes no sense.

[chatty]

There are rumblings that Scott Hall may be going in this year, too. Personally, I wouldhold off on him and maybe put him in next year along with Kevin Nash. I am aware that Nash has previously said he doesn't want to go in, but I would say he's deserving. If they choose to induct a group like the nWo, I expect he would be there.

As I said earlier in the thread, they maybe thinking strike while he is in a good place. He's got himself healthy and sober and hopefully he stays that way but if not he may miss out as they don't want him turning up a mess or even worse not being able to turn up at all.

[Tom B. Stone]

Why doesn't he want to go in?? WTF is that all about? Makes no sense.

I remember Nash saying he wouldn't want to go in the Hall but I can't recall his reason/explanation.

[Kimura Kid]

I believe you but I just can't fathom why someone wouldn't want to go in. Especially someone like Nash that has been in good with WWE.

[Merchant4Ever]

Yea I agree. He just appeared at the Rumble and is on good terms.

I vaguely recall him saying something a couple years back like "Until a certain few guys go in, I don't want to…" Guys like Randy, Jake, etc…but I may be confusing that with someone else's interview.

[Nash Diesel]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1162797-kevin-nash-wwe-hall-of-fame-means-nothing-to-me#articles/1162797-kevin-nash-wwe-hall-of-fame-means-nothing-to-me

Here's the piece where he talks about it.

Edit: Trust me, if they offer it to him, which they will, he'll accept and go in. I think that some wrestlers put out that vibe that it doesn't matter to them for various reasons but I think deep down inside, they like to be acknowledged for their work later on life. But Nash is a different cat, he's one of those guys that kind of ushered in the whole "who gives a shit about kayfabe, it's just acting" type vibes. I remember he said that if you care about wins and losses in wrestling you're a mark, as it pertained to Goldberg and the way Goldberg acted after he became a big name. He just doesn't take it as serious as some.

But again, if they asked, he'd be in it.

[Newf]

Yup, I was just gonna link to that...

But then you also have a story from a year after:
https://www.wrestlingrumors.net/kevin-nash-wants-inducted-wwe-hall-fame-scott-hall/11818/

I imagine he's probably a take-it-or-leave-it guy. Like he said, he doesn't need it for the validation. Probably more recently though with Scott's turn around (or, at the time he gave both statements, when Scott wasn't doing so well) he sees what it could mean for others and has softened a bit.

[Tom B. Stone]

Yes, it could be that - Nash doesn't feel the need to get a HOF ring as acknowledgment of his career; his millions in the bank is probably enough recognition :)

But if he was offered it, I think he would accept as he's on great terms with Vince McMahon and HHH. I think he'd be even more likely to do it if he was going in along with Scott Hall.

[Nash Diesel]

I just feel like they've accomplished more individually than together. They have spent pretty much the majority of their careers either feuding with each other or teaming up together, but they're not Demolition or the New Age Outlaws. Nash should be recognized for his dominance in the mid-late 90's in the WWF and WCW, and Razor should be acknowledged for what he's done outside of the Outsiders and Wolfpac/nWo/Klik. Either way I'm down, Nash is my favorite of all time and Hall is top 10, I'd be happy either way.

[Tom B. Stone]

I do agree they would be better going in together but I think as a kind of "support" (for lack of a better word) for all that Scott Hall has gone through, his friends from the nWo/Clique/DX might go in with him.

Remember, Nash was the one campaigning for Hall to be given his 469th "second chance" in WCW for several months :D

[Newf]

I think individual inductions (rather than as the nWo or Outsiders) but same year would be awesome.

[Nash Diesel]

I think individual inductions (rather than as the nWo or Outsiders) but same year would be awesome.

Exactly!

[Tom B. Stone]

That's a better idea.

[Tom B. Stone]

I believe these need to go in tags so, also confirmed for the 2014 HOF:

Paul Bearer.

Other than the Undertaker, it's possible Kane or Mick Foley could induct him. I hope they acknowledge his previous career as Percy Pringle III and allow his real sons to accept on his behalf.

[StoneColdChris]

Ultimate Warrior sent out a tweet that says Linda McMahon would be inducting him in the Hall of Fame

[Tom B. Stone]

I don't believe that for a microsecond.

[StoneColdChris]

The Ultimate Warrior ‏@UltimateWarrior 1h
Fortunetelling pundits lack the integrity it takes to figure me out. I'm honored @Linda_McMahon accepts my request to introduce #wwehof2014.

https://twitter.com/UltimateWarrior

[Tom B. Stone]

I didn't dispute he said it - but I just cannot believe it will actually happen.

[chatty]

Warriors gonna induct himself like he is inducting and being inducted by another person. I would say Jim Helwig will introduce the Warrior but they basically are the same character, he'll have to invent a new gimmick for the induction. Its gonna be the best induction ever.

Hopefully Godfather comes out half way through and puts a Voodoo curse on him.

[One Man Gang]

New inductee revealed on primerahora.com and the smackdown taping tonight.


Carlos Colon Sr

[MikeHunt]

OLÉ!!!!!!!

[Tom B. Stone]

Confirmed by WWE today, the newest entrant to the HOF is Mr T.

I assume either Hogan or Piper inducts him.

[mth]

Awesome. I bloody love Mr. T. What a man.

[MMH]

Confirmed by WWE today, the newest entrant to the HOF is Mr T.

I assume either Hogan or Piper inducts him.

T and Piper hate each other dont they?

Hogan would make most sense.

[One Man Gang]

I have no doubt that Hogan will induct Mr T.

Thankfully they decided to just induct T and not the entire main event of WrestleMania 1 like rumored.

[The Rick]

T and Piper hate each other dont they?

Hogan would make most sense.

Yes they do. Listen to part two of the Piper interview with Steve Austin... Then go back and listen to the first part

http://podcastone.com/Steve-Austin-Show-Clean

[Tom B. Stone]

I didn't realise Piper and T hated each other so much.

[firewall]

So, is this final or is Scott Hall definately being added to the class this year? Quite happy with the class, though there are plenty of deserving people not yet in there. Should be a good watch.

[Tom B. Stone]

I believe there are still plans to announce Scott Hall. Oddly, Kevin Nash has said he will not be there in person.

[Tom B. Stone]

Last year's HOF went over three hours. This year's starts at 9 pm Eastern so could go well over midnight.

[mr sabu]

I didn't realise Piper and T hated each other so much.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFRJOg3LWfo

[Tom B. Stone]

The Observer newsletter notes there's a lot of negativity among "some veterans" (and what a vague phrase that is!) due to the Warrior going in the Hall this year.

[chatty]

Whether you like him or not he definitely deserves to be in.

[Kimura Kid]

So I just saw this weeks Line up for the Network and The Hall of Fame is scheduled for 2 1/2 hours. And on WWE's little preview of the HOF they say "for the 1st time view the ceremony in it's entirety." But then only mention seeing Lita, Jake & Warrior inducted......

It just left me a bit confused

Do you guys think the we are going to watch the true entire HOF ceremony? Is is possible the whole thing is only 2 1/2 Hours? I imagined it being longer.

[Nash Diesel]

We're getting the full thing on the Network and USA is going to air I believe Mr. T, Paul Bearer, and Warrior's inductions.

I've heard the grumblings from other wrestlers, but then they shut the fuck up like Jake the Snake who talked shit about it, then Warrior called him out on it, and the next day Jake apologized lol. It's always going to be "wait that guy made more money and had more fans and a bigger impact on the sport than me? Fuck them they suck!" lol.

[Tom B. Stone]

It starts at 9 pm - with an "arrivals" show an hour earlier so they might try to ensure it finishes before midnight. I hope they don't go to the extremes like they used to when the highlights aired on USA Network the same night and people like Terry Funk got 10 minutes at best to talk about a 40 year career.

[Ringo]

I used to just wait for the DVD to watch the full show. Hopefully that won't be necessary this year with the Network probably maybe showing everything.

[Kimura Kid]

I used to just wait for the DVD to watch the full show. Hopefully that won't be necessary this year with the Network probably maybe showing everything.

Do you remember how long they ran? Cuz it's only tapped to run 2 1/2 hours.....that seems short to me.

[Ringo]

Not sure but the full 2013 hof is on youtube and it's over 3 and a half hours.

[Kimura Kid]

Not sure but the full 2013 hof is on youtube and it's over 3 and a half hours.

See that's what I thought. I'm not 100% convinced we are going to get the entire 2014 HOF Ceremony on the Network as it's been advertised. Not unless they have a much more restricted and structured schedule of speeches and such.

[Tom B. Stone]

As I said above, they may go back to imposing time limits on the speeches to keep the show under 3 hours.

[Kimura Kid]

Ahhh Gotcha, But why would they need to do that? It's not like their on someone else's network or sum shit? It's just confusing to me.....let the damn thing run as long as it has to. They wanna keep it under three hours so they don't interrupt pre recorded content on THEIR network?

[Ringo]

Yeah... hopefully they're not going to have to start ushering people off with music like the Oscars.

Also, I've found myself watching it now. Anyone know who this old woman is next to Trips? I'm sure I recognise her, just drawing a blank. I don't think it's his mother because I googled it. Or Cena's who is on her other side. Guessing she's someone of note as she's sitting front and centre between Cena and Trips.

http://i.imgur.com/GIJLhY2.jpg

[MMH]

Ahhh Gotcha, But why would they need to do that? It's not like their on someone else's network or sum shit? It's just confusing to me.....let the damn thing run as long as it has to. They wanna keep it under three hours so they don't interrupt pre recorded content on THEIR network?

They are renting the building its taking place in I assume...?

[MMH]

Yeah... hopefully they're not going to have to start ushering people off with music like the Oscars.

Also, I've found myself watching it now. Anyone know who this old woman is next to Trips? I'm sure I recognise her, just drawing a blank. I don't think it's his mother because I googled it. Or Cena's who is on her other side. Guessing she's someone of note as she's sitting front and centre between Cena and Trips.

http://i.imgur.com/GIJLhY2.jpg

Maybe Bruno's wife?

[Kimura Kid]

They are renting the building its taking place in I assume...?

C'mon.....lol

Why try and restrict the time the one year their showing it "Live in it's entirety on the WWE Network"? Because they didn't want to rent the venue it's taking place in for the same amount of time they have in the past?

[Ringo]

God, Maria Menounos' induction speech for Backlund is just hard to watch. Understandably looks on the verge of tears but she somehow makes it through. Dickheads.

Bob's speech is still the best thing I've ever seen of course.

edit: Good shout MMH, will check Bruno's speech to see if they show her then.

[MMH]

C'mon.....lol

Why try and restrict the time the one year their showing it "Live in it's entirety on the WWE Network"? Because they didn't want to rent the venue it's taking place in for the same amount of time they have in the past?

Its a valid reason. Buildings have curfews and all that. You cant just pitch up and stay as long as you want.

[Kimura Kid]

Its a valid reason. Buildings have curfews and all that. You cant just pitch up and stay as long as you want.

MMH I respect you and your opinions but that is not the reason they are restricting or reducing the HOF Ceremony.

[Peter Griffin]

Maybe Bruno's wife?

Arnold Skaalands wife, she died last year I think? Or maybe she is still alive, who knows.

[Ringo]

Yeah Backlund pointed her out in his speech.

"Skaaland's Widow Betty was embraced by John Cena as she sat ringside before Cena's Match with The Rock at Wrestlemania 28."

That's why! :yes:

[Donald]

I'm all for restricted speeches. I can only take so much of Warrior ramblings.

[MMH]

MMH I respect you and your opinions but that is not the reason they are restricting or reducing the HOF Ceremony.

Then what is the reason?

Im not saying this IS the reason, just that its as good a reason as any.

[chatty]

I'm all for restricted speeches. I can only take so much of Warrior ramblings.

Give the man as long as he wants, his ramblings are more entertaining and a little more coherant when he aint playing a character and he basically just gives everyone a load of shit.

[hitster]

I'd agree with limiting the speeches with the longer career guys maybe being given 20 mins and the younger people/celeb inductees 10 mins. Someone like Jake has had a far longer career than Lita so would have much more to say for example.

This year's inductees are all solid choices and it's good to see Jake and Scott Hall finally get in.

The WWE will have a fair few of their over 40 guys retiring in the next 3 to 5 years so there will be a steady line of guys to induct plus the company men like JBL for instance as a multiple title holder, Michael Cole now with the company 17 years so maybe when he reaches 20 years, William Regal many years in WWE as wrestler and commentator plus a previous distinguished career.

I'd love to see the Midnight Express get a deserved induction along with Jim Cornette - Cornette's speech would need a few bleeps but would be dynamite.

Bret Hart in a UK Wrestling magazine recently said that legendary UK Masked Wrestler Kendo Nagasaki should be considered, I'd echo that.

[casselmm47]

Could the time limit also be connected to how much disk space would be allocated to it in the WM DVD/BD release?

[Judas Iscariot]

Buildings have a curfew due to union labor or whoever is on stage has to pay fines. It's why Pearl Jam can play MSG as long as they want because they have the money to deal with it and smaller acts have to be right on time when their set is over.

I'd imagine WWE could pay off, but maybe they just don't want to.

[Kimura Kid]

Then what is the reason?

Im not saying this IS the reason, just that its as good a reason as any.

I obviously have no Idea...that's why I was asking. lol

But I'm almost 100% positive it isn't because they couldn't reserve enough time at the venue. That's bush league.

I wasn't knocking you for your input. I hope that's not how it was perceived. I just don't buy it as a legitimate reason.

[Tom B. Stone]

WWE is inducting Razor Ramon this year because there are plans to induct the nWo at a later date so he would go in as Scott Hall. They are also considering inducting Diesel separately from Kevin Nash.

Source: Wrestling Observer newsletter

EDIT: The latest word is that Paul Bearer's sons will induct him into the HOF. I had assumed someone else (Undertaker or Kane) would induct him and they would accept on his behalf. I assume this means they will acknowledge his career before he became Paul Bearer, as well as the fact that Kane isn't really his son.

[Kimura Kid]

It's kinda weird that they are Inducting him in as Razor Ramon but the engraving on his ring is Scott Hall.

And before someone tells me thay use the real names Lita's ring reads Lita, Not Amy Dumas.

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/photo_large/public/photo/image/2014/04/HOF_03272014lr_0509.jpg

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/photo_large/public/photo/image/2014/04/HOF_03272014lr_0538.jpg

[Tom B. Stone]

I was extremely skeptical that Linda McMahon would induct Warrior but it actually IS happening.

[Ringo]

Pretty sure they just ask them what they want it to be engraved with, so not weird really. Warrior's has a little image of his facepaint design and the words "Always Believe" - Ultimate Warrior.

[Kimura Kid]

so not weird really.

http://i62.tinypic.com/dfje9u.jpg

[Nash Diesel]

KK you have some of the most cryptic gifs and images lol.

Linda inducting Warrior is hilarious. I hope she inducts Brutus the Barber Beefcake as well since she came up with the name I believe.

[Atty]

I was extremely skeptical that Linda McMahon would induct Warrior but it actually IS happening.

The Godfather should induct him.

[Kdestiny]

As Papa Shango, his biggest adversary.

[duffbear]

Is the Hall of fame being shown in the UK? if so what time?

[hitster]

When do people think that Vince McMahon will go in the HOF, he has to go in and I'm sure his family would persuade him to. Also who would induct him - Linda, Steph, HHH, Shane maybe even Hogan or Trump.

[Tom B. Stone]

Vince will not go in until he's no longer with us. If anyone in the business deserves a HOF class all to himself, it's Vince McMahon.

[Merchant4Ever]

I would HATE for them to wait until Vince is dead! I want to hear that speech!

[mth]

E-mail sent to ticket holders:

Attention ticket holder!

The below message is being sent on behalf of the Smoothie King Center:

WWE Hall of Fame
Smoothie King Center
Saturday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m.

Welcome to WrestleMania 30 weekend and the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony!!!

Please show the proper respect to the WWE Superstars and Hall of Fame Inductees when they are on stage speaking. There will be no inappropriate behavior, cat calls, or chants of any kind tolerated at all. Violation of this policy will result in immediate ejection from The Smoothie King Center without warning.

Thank you and enjoy the 2014 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and WrestleMania 30.
'Thank you, so-and-so! Thank you, so-and-so! Thank you, so-and-so!'
BOOTED.

[Brian M.]

They wouldn't have to be so stringent about it if the fans in previous years hadn't been such assholes.

[mth]

Yup. People will bitch but they only have other fans to blame.

[Ringo]

Haha. I saw that. Not sure if it'll work but I hope so. Last year was embarrassing. There was apparently also an incident where a white fan finished Booker's "we comin' for you..." when they showed the clip in his induction video and a black couple (well doesn't matter who) made a complaint to security and I read it got a bit out of hand. So that coupled with awful treatment Maria Menounos, Backlund and to a lesser extent Donald Trump because he is actually a cunt received probably led to them doing this.

[OD50]

I hope those people will behave and show respect. I assume people will appreciate guys/gals like Warrior, Hall, Jake, Lita and Bearer. Guessing most will be quite indifferent to Colon. He only wrestled one WWF match I believe (RR '93) and not many outside of PR followed WWC back in the day. Wonder how Mr T will be received?

[turdpower]

as well as the fact that Kane isn't really his son.

WHAT? :shocked:

[turdpower]

Is the Hall of fame being shown in the UK? if so what time?

Wednesday 6pm, SS3.

[Donald]

Kane is Paul Bearer's son. They are inducting Paul Bearer, and not William Moody.

[mth]

Kane is Paul Bearer's son. They are inducting Paul Bearer, and not William Moody.
And yet Paul Bearer is being inducted by William Moody's sons. Kane's gotta be PISSED. Here's hoping he storms the stage and chokslam's those imposters.

[Tom B. Stone]

Good point. They've announced they're inducting Razor Ramon and Paul Bearer rather than Scott Hall and William Moody.

I agree with WWE warning the fans to be respectful. Not so much with Trump but the way Maria Menuous was treated was shameful.

[Ringo]

Bring on that speech...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTSc4MP5ofk

[mth]

Good point. They've announced they're inducting Razor Ramon and Paul Bearer rather than Scott Hall and William Moody.

I agree with WWE warning the fans to be respectful. Not so much with Trump but the way Maria Menuous was treated was shameful.
I'm sure that Scott Hall's career/life outside of the Razor portion will still be talked about, as will Bill Moody's previous managerial roles.

[Tom B. Stone]

Yes, I'm sure they will.

[Ringo]

Look who is backstage:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1902724_10203305827183270_1735321170_n.jpg

[Tainted Eclipse]

yeah, go christian!

[Kimura Kid]

:lol:

[mth]

Is that dude next to the post photo bombing?

[Ringo]

Michael Hayes HOF outfit reveal:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bkfq19UCUAAdeVS.jpg:large

[Kimura Kid]

Fuckin dude needs a tailor. I assume he simply rented that disgusting suit but it looks like it's for a guy 3 times his size.

Darren Young :yes:

[One Man Gang]

Darren Young and Eva win the best dressed out of those images.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Darren Young and Eva win the best dressed out of those images.

eva's boyfriendhusbandwhatever picks up worst, what a chump

[Kimura Kid]

eva's boyfriendhusbandwhatever picks up worst, what a chump

Yeah I agree, Looks like your typical suit. Looks like what I wear to work every day lol

[mth]

D-Young looks BOSS. Titus always looks sharp as hell.

[Kimura Kid]

Maria looks AMAZING!! WOW!!

[Fanny Batter]

We'd all accept Roman's cock. Sensational man.

[Kimura Kid]

Reigns isn't sure if he should or shouldn't look in the camera. lol

[JackDFC]

Renee :):yes::heart:

[Ringo]

Reigns unsurprisingly looking dapper as fuck.

[Tainted Eclipse]

not digging renee's overly done up look at all tbh

[Kimura Kid]

Fucking BULL SHIT to cut Miz off like that!!! :lol:

[Tainted Eclipse]

i have 0 idea who maria menunous is

[Ringo]

Poor Maryse!

[Fanny Batter]

It's electricity. It's electric. We've got got a wordsmith here.

[Kimura Kid]

Orton's side piece is fucking mint!! WOW!!!

[Ringo]

Sami Zayn sighting!

[Kimura Kid]

Fandango botched his own name, And got left hanging from a handshake from cole....lol

[Fanny Batter]

Fandango is the best, such a naturally funny man.