Is Anyone From ECW Hall of Fame Worthy?

[Hollywood Naitch]

I know WWE are making a big deal out of the Hall of Fame each year now (as they should, as it's a time for legends to be remembered and celebrated by the fans and peers), but they WILL soon run out of worthy candidates while they continue to induct so many people each year. I know they make the ceremony into an "event", fill arenas each year, but I'd rather see each "class" cut down to perhaps 3 candidates- with each person given more time talk to the fans about their career, tell more stories and perhaps have other wrestlers come out and talk with the inductee about important matches and memories they have- sort of a "this is your life" style event.

Look at the wrestlers who have gone into the Hall of Fame in the last 4 ceremonies:
(I know there are other inductees, but I'm focusing on the BIG names- the main top stars)

Shawn Michaels
The Road Warriors
Jim Duggan
Sunny
Edge
Ron Simmons
Yokozuna
Mil Mascaras
The Four Horsemen
Bruno Sammartino
Mick Foley
Bob Backlund
Trish Stratus
Booker T
Mike Tyson
Lita
Ultimate Warrior
Paul Bearer
Jake Roberts
Scott Hall
Lita
Carlos Colon

All of the above names are worthy additions into the WWE Hall of Fame, but that is 22 worthy inductees in a 4 year period- soon there won't be anybody left who is deserving of induction. I certainly think WWE are inducting too many people each year. By inducting a maximum of 3 people a year, WWE could have made 7 years worth of classes out of the 22 people listed above- and give a more in-depth ceremony for each wrestler.

 

[rmp0012002]

Jericho was an ECW guy and is a lock for the HOF but the three from ECW that were able to crossover and grow their popularity and will get in are Heyman, RVD and The Dudley's. If Vince had issues with Bubba being at TNA then he wouldn't have been in the Rumble and I think they will return before they call it a day.

 

[BigBombB]

I know WWE are making a big deal out of the Hall of Fame each year now (as they should, as it's a time for legends to be remembered and celebrated by the fans and peers), but they WILL soon run out of worthy candidates while they continue to induct so many people each year. I know they make the ceremony into an "event", fill arenas each year, but I'd rather see each "class" cut down to perhaps 3 candidates- with each person given more time talk to the fans about their career, tell more stories and perhaps have other wrestlers come out and talk with the inductee about important matches and memories they have- sort of a "this is your life" style event.

Look at the wrestlers who have gone into the Hall of Fame in the last 4 ceremonies:
(I know there are other inductees, but I'm focusing on the BIG names- the main top stars)

Shawn Michaels
The Road Warriors
Jim Duggan
Sunny
Edge
Ron Simmons
Yokozuna
Mil Mascaras
The Four Horsemen
Bruno Sammartino
Mick Foley
Bob Backlund
Trish Stratus
Booker T
Mike Tyson
Lita
Ultimate Warrior
Paul Bearer
Jake Roberts
Scott Hall
Lita
Carlos Colon

All of the above names are worthy additions into the WWE Hall of Fame, but that is 22 worthy inductees in a 4 year period- soon there won't be anybody left who is deserving of induction. I certainly think WWE are inducting too many people each year. By inducting a maximum of 3 people a year, WWE could have made 7 years worth of classes out of the 22 people listed above- and give a more in-depth ceremony for each wrestler.

I think the reason is to get as many people in while they're alive as possible. Ultimate Warrior unfortunately became the biggest example of this. Plus there are tons, and I mean TONS, of old school wrestlers that helped make wrestling a viable business long before the name McMahon ever touched it who have yet to make it into the Hall Of Fame.

Certain wrestlers like Austin, Foley, and Michaels were so big during the hottest period in history that they entered at a fairly early age but many of the entries (take, for example, Antonio Inoki) aren't getting any younger and deserve to be recognized for their accomplishments during their lifetimes if at all possible.

 

[Wrestlingaholic]

If Philadelphia ever gets it's wish and gets a Wrestlemania to host, expect to see AT A MINIMUM Paul Heyman and Tommy Dreamer inducted that year. Won't be until 2018 at the earliest though IMO (I'm pretty sure Vince will push hard for WM33 to be at the new Vikings stadium in Minneapolis, before it hosts the Super Bowl - and where local boy Eric Bischoff will enter the HOF)

The short answer is this regarding ECW wrestlers in the hall: forget Koko B. Ware. If Abdullah the Butcher, a guy who NEVER wrestled for WWE, can be inducted, literally anyone can.

 

[Just Do It]

RVD and Dudleys without any doubt whatsoever because they made it BIG in the WWE and made a lot of money with and for them. Heyman also obviously.

Sabu is worthy. Although he didn't do much in WWE, his impact on wrestling in general more than deserves him a spot. Just watch out for one of the worst speeches of all time.

People like Shane Douglas and Raven deserve it, but won't go near it.

 

[Logisticalbooker86]

Tommy Dreamer will likely get in because he is basically a lifer in the business along with being popular with the right people. Raven deserves it for his mind for the business and wrestling ability when he was motivated.

RVD and Dudleys are obvious choices. Sandman was an entrance and not much else, other guys like Bigelow and Funk (I think he is already a WWE HOFER) could get in with their contributions to wrestling as a whole.

Shane Douglas won't get in because he won't play nice with WWE higher-ups long enough to be inducted.

Maybe Rhyno? He is well liked in the back, it may depend on how well this run in NXT goes.

 

[Doctor Awesome]

I think you have several guys HOF worthy by the WWE HOF standard. Many inductions are unpopular to some because of all they saw of them on WWf/E tv or never stepping foot in the company bothers some fans. From an entertainment perspective they use that ceremony as a way to honor who they see fit for their contributions to the industry as a whole, so YES, there are many ECW talents that would be worthy of the HOF

The Dudleys- They've been on top of every company they were a part of and are now contributing to the business with their school. Even if you base it off of their time in ECW alone, they could get in.

Tommy Dreamer- Lifetime achievement award for his contributions to ECW and his work in the office w/WWE.

Paul Heyman- Does he really need an explanation? Wrestling lifer working in the biz one way or another since he was 14 years old; photographer, manager, booker, ECW's Papa and greatest promo of all time!

RVD- One of the most popular stars of the 90's and 00's with titles to back it up, plus one of the most unique in-ring styles ever (though it got stale).

Sabu- One of a kind, legitimized ECW in the early days

Raven- Near 30 year career and was the first guy to really put together a memorable title run and program in ECW (Dreamer, Sandman), multiple WCW runs, manager, great mind for the biz.

I could make many arguments for Shane Douglas, Taz, Bam Bam and others but because of certain prerogative-laden reasons I believe they stand less chance than those listed above

 

[JerichoStreet]

Rob Van Dam, Taz, Dudley Boys and Paul Heyman. I don't see Dreamer in it because he didn't have any impact like them.

It's these 4 guys.

 

[ShinobiMusashi]

The entire ECW should be inducted into the hall of fame for the influence they had on wrestling. Make a stipulation that anyone who was with the company for at least 2 years from the period of 1993 up to Barely Legal should be part of the group that goes in together collectively.

 

[NSL]

For a WrestleZone Hall of Fame, the only 2 that come to mind are RVD and the Dudley Boyz. Paul Heyman is obviously a choice, but he was famous before ECW, and has continued to stay relevant since ECW, something that 98% of the roster failed to do. I'm not going to beat the dead horse on any of those guys. Also, lump Mick Foley/Cactus Jack in with the Heyman argument.

I, personally, would vote for Sabu, as an "innovator", but if you stick around here long enough, you'll learn he's absolutely abhorred by the posters. Sandman falls under this same problem.

The bWo might have a slim chance of making it in, based on comedy and nostalgia alone. I loved them, and I know there's not much reason to really hate them.

Someone mentioned putting ECW in as a group, which is honestly the most accurate way to do it. Besides a handful of true stars during their run, the biggest contribution was they helped develop and introduce some of the all-time greats (Mysterio, Jericho, etc.) and were a big part of wrestling getting as huge as it was (whether you agree they triggered the Monday Night Wars or not).

 

[RIPbossman]

Dreamer doesn't have a shot, he didn't have much of an impact in WWE.

For guys who still have strong ECW colors, RVD and the Dudleys have the best shot.

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

Dreamer doesn't have a shot, he didn't have much of an impact in WWE.

For guys who still have strong ECW colors, RVD and the Dudleys have the best shot.

Rob Van Dam and The Dudley Boyz don't have a "shot" at getting into the Hall of Fame, they are both certainties. They WILL be inducted in time, they have a huge list of accomplishments in WWE.

I understand what you are saying about Dreamer not having much of an impact in WWE, but the HOF is for the entire wrestling business, not just WWE- which is why Sting and Abdullah The Butcher have been inducted despire never wrestling in WWE beforehand. Tommy Dreamer is an iconic persona from ECW, it's well known he gave more for that company than pretty much anyone else. He's done alot of work in the office for WWE, and is well respected within the industry. I wouldn't be at all surprised if one year there is a "class of ECW" and Dreamer is one of the guys inducted, probably by Heyman.

 

[Perseus]

Dudley Boyz, RVD, Taz, Heyman, Dreamer, Raven, and Sabu.

Raven was one of the top heels of the modern era (90's to now) in my opinion.

Wyatt and Ambrose can only try to imitate him.

I'm sure they watched a few of his promos. Great mind for the business by Raven.

ECW needs to go in as a group and then highlight some guys.

But yes, ECW as a group, because we all know WCW and WWE were taking notes from ECW on how to better their products.

 

[FromGlasgow]

I would say at least Paul Heyman, Joey Styles, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, Tazz, Rob Van Dam and the Dudley Boyz from ECW all deffinently deserve an induction some day.
The company was so innovative and went from being small time in a local bingo hall to having world wide fame and actually competing with the big 2 companies at the time WWF and WCW. I also believe ECW changed all of wrestling having WCW and WWF steal their ideas and without ECW I don't believe we would have the attitude era. So in my opinion their as deserving as anyone else who is currently in the hall of fame.

 

[Hyorinmaru]

Paul Heyman, RVD, The Dudleys, Taz & Tommy Dreamer are shoe ins eventually.

All have contributed to the WWE a lot be it as a manager, in the ring or behind the announce table. Putting people over (Dreamer) counts for something.

Each & every single one of these men have had a huge impact on the business as a whole. Without ECW, Without these men we wouldn't have had the hardcore attitude in WCW or WWE when we did. I'm not saying it wouldn't have happened but because of ECW it happened at just the right time and we have these guys to thank (as well as countless ithers.)

 

[sikkbones]

i want to see shane douglas's reaction to anyone from ECW going into the hall of fame....

does anyone remeber how Extreme championship Wrestling started in 1994 anymore?

 

[Hyorinmaru]

i want to see shane Douglas' reaction to anyone from ECW going into the hall of fame....

does anyone remember how Extreme championship Wrestling started in 1994 anymore?

Douglas is a hack who will never get into the HoF.

If someone even bothered to interview him he would more than likely say it should be him getting in and how it's everyone else's fault he's being kept out because he can't admit he's never been good or worth a damn in any promotion.

And ECW started when Douglas threw down the NWA Championship right after winning it.

 

[ghost94]

The Sandman. Just too fucking over not to be HOFer.

 

[King Patrick Star]

When I think of ECW, I now think of it in three parts. Each part has at least four Legends that should be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Paul Heyman's ECW

Shane Douglas
The Sandman
Raven
Taz

These are the 4 Faces of ECW. They were on top of the Extreme mountain the longest.

Stephanie McMahon's ECW

Rhyno
Rob Van Dam
Bubba Ray Dudley
D-Von Dudley

These are the 4 standouts on the Extreme side of the Alliance. Rhyno made more of an impact in the beginning of the Alliance, while RVD and Team 3D made more of an impact in the end, but carried that momentum right into the transition of becoming WWE SuperStars.

Vince McMahon's WWECW

Christian
Big Show
CM Punk
Matt Hardy

These are the 4 SuperStats who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but more for their accomplishments while they were on the WWE (Raw, Smackdown) roster. I guess you could say that they were the Face of WWECW.

I can name a few more that should be inducted as well, but these 12 are the first 12 that should be inducted.

 

[Just Do It]

You are acting like the HOF is the real deal my friend. It isn't, so this debate is pretty pointless.

For one: what on earth is the criteria to get in? They don't say so (not in specific terms) therefore ANYONE can get in, and they are, Drew Carrey, Coco etc.

Of course if we go by their hyperbole of "leaving an impact" blah blah blah, every single person you mentioned deserves a spot. Whether they will or not is another story.

 

[Piss Bucket]

I realize there is a lot of room for interpretation here.

It can be argued that Steve Austin's run as Stone Cold was based off his character in ECW and he definitely went THROUGH ECW though was already well known from his Hollywood Blond run in WCW so there is a definite grey area. Then there is someone like Rey Mysterio who started in ECW, was only there for a short time, may never have been discovered by a top two promotion without ECW, but is basically wholly known for his time in WCW. What about Terry Funk, who already had a Hall of Fame career well before his time in ECW but was an integral part to the rise of the company, are we counting him as an ECW guy? And to this I answer: I leave that up to your own interpretation.

The real question here is: Does time in ECW count? Should it count? Should it count in some instances and not in others?

Rob Van Dam: Former WWE World Champion, no small feat, but otherwise a midcarder and mainly known for his Television title run in ECW. Has been a top draw for a long time but big enough to warrant the Hall of Fame?

Raven: A legend by ECW standards, a beast in WCW's midcard with his Flock until he met the glass ceiling (as so many did), then transitioning into a staple of the Hardcore division in WWE. Will his contributions to wrestling as a whole be honored one day in the Hall of Fame?

Tommy Dreamer: Synonymous with ECW, he carried the flag not only for the original promotion but for the WWE reboot. He is known for little outside of ECW but was often an agent and well respected within the business. But is he respected enough?

Taz: Arguably the top singles star outside of Rob Van Dam to have grown up in ECW, debuting on WWE with a victory over the then undefeated Kurt Angle only to quickly fizzle out. Will his legendary matches in ECW and long commentary career put him among the great Hall?

Tajiri: A long time player in ECW and WWE, with a kicking style that no one has been able to duplicate to an American audience. Does his unique ability, long run, and consistently strong performances warrant a place on the walk of Fame?

Rhino: The last ECW champion, debuting as friends of HoF Edge and likely future HoFer Christian, having the best spear in the business, including the infamous spear on Lita. Is his run worthy of Hall of Fame credentials?

The Dudley Boys: The most decorated tag team in history, winning tag titles everywhere they went and being a staple of the WWE Tag Team renaissance, these guys are definitely going to be in the Hall of Fame...right?

Sabu: Outside of ECW he was never much, but within ECW he was the equivalent of a Sting or Undertaker, being part of some of the biggest angles in ECW history. Will his time at the top of the rebellious organization, infamous toughness, and daredevil style land him in the Hall of Fame among the other greats of his family?

If there is anyone else you think is
worthy of discussion, go ahead and bring them up!

Rhino has the best Spear? Bill Goldberg would like a word in your shell-like.