dd23beatlesfan1
Getting Noticed By Management
*DISCLAIMER*
This thread has nothing to do with the thread about who should headline next year's HOF. This thread is about who is now the biggest snub of the WWE Hall of Fame. Two completely different topics. Posters are welcome to discuss who should go in next year, but at the same time, please keep to the original subject about who are now the biggest snubs of the WWE HOF.
So in the last three years, the WWE, and particularly Triple H, have done an outstanding job at getting the biggest snubs into the WWE HOF. In 2013, Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund, finally got their spots in the WWE HOF. Mick Foley as well. In 2014, the Ultimate Warrior and Jake Roberts, two of the three biggest snubs of the Hulkamania Era were rightfully inducted. And this year, the other of the "Big Three" snubs of the Hulkamania Era, Macho Man Randy Savage, was rightfully inducted.
With the inductions of Sammartino, Backlund, Warrior, Roberts, and now Savage, the majority of wrestlers that fans complained the most about not getting in have now been inducted. The question now is, who is the biggest snub of the HOF?
To me that question is very difficult to answer at this point. As pretty much all of the iconic, era-defining figures have been inducted. Buddy Rogers, Verne Gagne, and Bruno Sammartino of the 1960's are in. Pedro Morales, Billy Graham, Harley Race, and Bob Backlund of the 1970's are in. Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Roddy Piper, and Macho Man of the 1980's are in. Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and even Stone Cold Steve Austin of the 1990's are in. In addition to the top era-defining wrestlers, many of the top mid-card guys from the 1960's, 1970's, and especially 1980's are in.
We are now getting to the point where the big headlining wrestlers worthy of induction are now guys that are still active. Like the Undertaker, Triple H, the Rock, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Sting, Randy Orton, etc.
Obviously those previously mentioned wrestlers are not ready to go into the HOF, as they are still active, so you can't really call them snubs.
So with all of that being said, who is now the biggest snub of the WWE HOF?
While WWE now has the 1960's, 1970's, and 1980's rosters of WWE stars virtually almost completely done, and has made a pretty good headway on the 1990's, there are still worthy inductees from the 1980's and 1990's. And beings the WWE HOF has become more than just a WWE HOF, and more of a pro wrestling HOF, there are still plenty of wrestlers from Japan, Mexico, the NWA, the pre 1980 territories, and even ECW that deserve induction.
So with all of that being said, this would be my list of the biggest WWE snubs of the HOF, at this point. My first list will focus on wrestlers/managers, etc that built most of their HOF careers in the WWE. My second list will be on wrestlers whose greatest accomplishments were outside of WWE, either via Japan, Mexico, WCW, ECW, the NWA, other territories, and pre-NWA (1890's-1948)
WWE List
1. "Ravishing" Rick Rude
Probably the biggest name of the Hulkamania Era not inducted. One of the greatest heels ever, and one of the biggest stars of his era. Also had a great career in WCW as arguably the best wrestler in America during 1991-1993 (I'd give that nod to Bret Hart and a few others, but he was definitely up there). He's one of the most respected wrestlers ever, and definitely worthy. Things that have held him back, IMO are the fact that he is deceased, and I'm sure Vince is still bitter over him leaving for WCW after the Montreal Screwjob. Even so, I think all political bets are off when it comes to people getting in the HOF, so it's only a matter of time. If Madusa can get in, then Rick Rude certainly can.
2. Demolition (Ax and Smash)
Probably the most successful WWE tag team of all-time, as they're still the longest reigning WWE tag team champions ever. The late 1980's were the best era in WWE history for tag teams, and Demolition were the top team of this era. They are by far the biggest tag team snub for the WWE HOF at this point. They also don't have guy in the team that went on to have a HOF solo career like the Hart Foundation and the Rockers, so there should be no hesitation to get them in on that front. Obviously what has held them back has been their issues with Vince over the years. But like with Rude, I don't think anyone will be held back from this point on for political reasons (except for Chyna, Punk, and Benoit)
3. Miss Elizabeth
There has never been a female in the history of WWE that was more over than Miss Elizabeth at her peak. Not even Trish Stratus and/or Lita. She's the most famous female manager probably of all-time, and was one of the biggest stars of WWE during the golden age of the 1980's. She is definitely the biggest female snub of the HOF at this point, even more than Chyna.
4. The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith
Probably the biggest International Star (not counting Canadians) that WWE has ever had, the Bulldog was a huge draw in the 1990's and arguably the most consistent mid-card star of the 1990's, who was very capable of getting involved in the main events as his main event feuds with Bret and Shawn in 95/96 proved. He's probably the biggest star of the 1990's not yet in, not counting Attitude Era wrestlers that are still active (ie: The Rock, Kane, Taker, and Triple H). Long overdue. What hurts him is his death, as well his stints with other wrestlers that have little chance of getting in. I don't see him getting inducted with Dynamite Kid as the British Bulldogs, due to Dynamite Kid burning his bridges with just about everyone in the wrestling industry, and being crippled. And he won't be able to get in via an induction with the Hart Foundation stable, as that won't even happen until Owen Hart's widow allows Owen to get inducted. The Bulldog's best chances are definitely for his solo career, which is what he should get in for anyway. If Wrestlemania ever comes to England though, definitely count on Bulldog headlining (even though he should be a secondary headliner).
5. Vader
Vader is an example of someone who is one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all-time, especially for his accomplishments outside of WWE, particularly for his stints in Japan and WCW. But he was a big enough star in WWE, that he can still be a major focal point of a WWE HOF class. He's still alive and is still somewhat active with WWE (he was even at the HOF Saturday night), so he'd be a great person to be a secondary headliner, or even a headliner if WWE is short on people to headline a class (kind of like Dusty Rhodes, Ted Dibiase, or Kevin Nash). As the greatest super-heavyweight wrestler of all-time, I think Vader's time will come in the next three years, maybe even next year.
6. Owen Hart
Owen Hart has become somewhat of a polarizing figure among the IWC, as some fans still praise him as one of the greatest wrestlers ever, while others claim him to be vastly overrated thanks to his tragic death in 1999. Wherever people stand on Owen's legacy, most can't deny that especially compared to those that have gotten into the WWE HOF (Koko B. Ware, Bushwhackers, Johnny Rodz, James Dudley, half of the celebrities in the Celebrity wing), Owen deserves a spot in the HOF. Owen may have never won the world title, but he was still one of the premiere mid-card talents of the 1990's, much like Davey Boy Smith, and present HOFer, Scott Hall. Owen was along with Shawn Michaels, the most all-around talented in-ring performer in WWE during the 1990's, and he was a cornerstone of the tag team division from 1995-1997, and had a great main event run in 1994. Owen accomplished a lot during his prime years from 1994-1997. He's clearly worthy. Even if they don't want to induct him on his own, he could be inducted as a member of either the Hart Family, or the Hart Foundation stable from 1997. Personally, he should go in on his own, IMO. Will it happen? I have my doubts, but I guess anything is possible. If Triple H could get Bruno and Warrior to return to the fold, and get Lanny Poffo to against Randy Savage's wishes, maybe he can convince Martha to allow Owen to be honored for his lifetime of work. Who knows?
7. The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott)
What the Road Warriors were for the 1980's, the Steiners were for the 1990's, an absolute machine of a tag team that dominated wherever they went. The Steiners were absolute innovators in the ring, especially in the early 90's, and the Steiners dominated WCW, shot straight to the top of WWE, and won titles in Japan as well. They were the preeminent tag team of the early 1990's, and their run is legendary. Both went on to have successful solo careers, especially Scott Steiner. They're one of the greatest tag teams ever, and because they managed to have a good run in WWE, they have a better shot of making it in compared to teams like the Rock N' Roll Express, the Midnight Express, the Fabulous Ones who built their reputations as legendary teams outside of WWE. The biggest thing holding them back is how much of a loose cannon Scott Steiner is, and you never know what he'll do. He's had longstanding feuds with Vince, Triple H, and other wrestlers close to WWE today like Ric Flair, and Diamond Dallas Page. I even read a rumor that Scott was actually on the "Don't Allow In" list at the HOF the other night. Probably a false rumor, but who knows? Plus Rick, himself, has no involvement in the wrestling business today, so I imagine WWE is not in a hurry to get the Steiners in. They'll probably be waiting quite awhile.
8. The Honky Tonk Man
Other than Rick Rude, he is the biggest heel and wrestler overall of the WWE Hulkamania Era not yet inducted. He is the longest reigning I-C champion of all-time, and his run from 1987-1988 was legendary. He's an essential part of WWE history and definitely deserves induction. WWE has tried to induct him, but he ultimately turn down an invitation for induction for reasons I'm not sure about. He's had an on and off again relationship with WWE for many years, even appearing at the 2009 ceremony to induct Koko B. Ware. My guess is he will go in at some point soon.
9. Bam Bam Bigelow
To me he is No. 2 on the list of greatest super-heavyweight wrestlers of all-time as a worker, behind Vader. He's also, IMO, the most underrated and under-utilized wrestlers in the history of WWE. He should've been a monster world champion at some point, and if he were around today, he would've been. How many mid-card wrestlers ended up headlining a WM? Bam Bam, and arguably the Miz are about the only ones. That's how much Vince trusted Bam Bam to carry Lawrence Taylor to a good match, which he did. I may be biased, but I'm glad he got to headline WM over Nash and HBK. Cause Bam Bam was 10X the worker Nash ever was. But despite all of that, he was one of the most talented in-ring performers of his era, and I feel he deserves induction. What holds him back is his death, and like I said, he's vastly underrated and overlooked. I don't think his death has held him back, as much as WWE just kind of forgets about him. And he did have issues with the Kliq back in the day, so maybe that might have something to do with it. Even so, I think he'll get in eventually. He should've went in in New Jersey a few years back though, either taking Booker's place, or just being added to the class. As amazing as the 2013 class was, they only had 6 inductees. Bam Bam could've easily made it an even better 7 inductee class. Either way, he should go in at some point.
10. Haystacks Calhoun
As I alluded to earlier, WWE has done a good job of getting the majority of their big stars from the 1960's and 1970's in. Stars like Andre the Giant, Buddy Rogers, Bruno Sammartino, Gorilla Monsoon, Baron Mikel Scicluna, Bob Backlund, Pedro Morales, Superstar Billy Graham, Mr. Fuji, Chief Jay Strongbow, Freddie Blassie, The Grand Wizard, Captain Lou Albano, The Valiant Brothers, the Blackjacks, the Wild Samoans, Peter Maivia, Tony Atlas, and now Larry Zybskzo etc. But one of the biggest stars from the 60's and 70's that the HOF is shockingly missing is Haystacks Calhoun. Andre is seen as the biggest superhuman-like attraction of the 70's and 80's, which he most certainly was. But before the world came to know Andre the Giant, there was Haytstacks Calhoun who was a major star and attraction in the 1960's and early 1970's. He also won some tag titles in the then WWWF during the early 1970's. His drawing power and status as one of the first major stars to emerge in the WWWF territory definitely warrants him a spot in the WWE HOF.
Runners-Up: Dynamite Kid, Lex Luger, Sid, "The Model" Rick Martel, Ray Stevens, Ivan Koloff, Chyna, the Big Boss Man, X-Pac
Non-WWE List
1. Lou Thesz
Lou Thesz is, IMO, the greatest professional wrestler of all-time, and is probably the first name that would go in any credible pro wrestling HOF. If WWE stayed to just strictly WWE, than Lou Thesz would not really warrant a spot as he didn't even wrestle in the northeast all that much during his days as NWA champion. And he had a small amount of appearances in WWE once it was an establish wrestling company. Even so, the moment that Verne Gagne was inducted in 2006 and all bets were off on who could be inducted, Lou Thesz instantly shot up the lists of biggest snubs of the HOF. There is no name in pro wrestling the WWE could induct into their HOF and legitimize it more than Lou Thesz. Simple as that. If you're gonna have a pro wrestling HOF, you cannot not have the greatest pro wrestler ever in there. Even though he was never a star in WWE, to me his now heads and shoulders the biggest snub of the WWE HOF.
2. Rikidozan
What Frank Gotch (he'll be on here later) is to American pro wrestling, Rikidozan is to Japanese pro wrestling. There would be no pro wrestling in Japan without Rikidozan (and Lou Thesz actually) as helped make pro wrestling a popular sport or form of entertainment in Japan. No New Japan Pro Wrestling, No All Japan Pro Wrestling, no Pro Wrestling NOAH, no nothing without Rikidozan. He's among the 5 most important figures in the entire history of pro wrestling. WWE has done well with Japanese pro wrestling by inducting Antonio Inoki (No. 2 on the Japanese wrestling totem pole) and now Tatsumi Fujinami. But as huge of stars as they are, their inductions are kind of irrelevant until Rikidozan is in.
3. El Santo
And now the "Father of Lucha Libre." There is no pro wrestling in Mexico without El Santo who is the Frank Gotch and Rikidozan of Mexico. Mil Mascaras is probably the No. 2 star to emerge out of Mexico, but again his induction is kind of meaningless without El Santo being in there first.
4. Ed "Strangler" Lewis
Lewis is probably the most important wrestler in the history of pro wrestling, as he laid the foundation for just about everything that pro wrestling as we know it is. "Worked" matches, storyline feuds, touring groups of wrestlers, the modern wrestling company. Pro wrestling was a legitimate shoot sport with matches lasting upwards to 2-4 hours at times. Pro wrestling went from sport to art-form thanks to the Goldust Trio of wrestler Ed "Strangler" Lewis, manager Billy Sandow, and promoter Toots Mondt. Obviously he is EXTREMELY old school, and the WWE HOF has yet to go back this far in time with their inductees, but if the WWE HOF wants to be a legitimate pro wrestling HOF, it definitely should start looking at pre-1950's era wrestlers.
5. Frank Gotch
Frank Gotch goes even further back than Ed "Strangler" Lewis, but Frank Gotch's legend is absolutely immortal. He was the first star of American professional wrestling, and he's another one of the first people that should go in any pro wrestling HOF
6. Jim Londos
This will be my last pre-NWA person on the list, but his achievements during his peak in the 1930's are absolutely extraordinary. Just like almost every type of business, the pro wrestling business almost died during the Great Depression in the 1930's. Attendance was at a record low, many of the companies that had popped up during the wrestling boom of the 1920's, closed shop and wrestling was left for dead. Entered Jim Londos who brought the crowds back to wrestling, got it mainstream attention in the newspapers again, and the man who largely saved the pro wrestling industry in the 1930's. Steve Austin saved the biggest wrestling company in the late 1990's, but Londos saved the entire industry in the 1930's. He's another one of the most important stars in the history of pro wrestling. Very deserving.
7. Stan Hansen
I mentioned Stan Hansen as someone I think should go into the HOF next year, with the HOF taking place in Texas, and I definitely think he's a pretty big snub at this point. Stan is probably the most successful American pro wrestler in the history of Japan, and arguably the greatest brawling wrestler of all-time. He definitely should go in at some point.
8. Bruiser Brody
But if anyone can challenge the throne of "brawling style" wrestling from Stan Hansen, it's this legendary outlaw wrestler. Brody was one of the last major stars of the territory area who went everywhere, never becoming a one company-type star, although he was probably most successful, like Hansen, in Japan. WWE has gotten the two major pioneers of "hardcore" wrestling in the Sheik and Abdullah the Butcher. But there's a difference between "hardcore" wrestling and brawling wrestling. And Hansen and Brody are the greatest ever at this style of wrestling, not to mention being icons in Japan. Both Brody and Hansen should be inducted at some point.
9. Sam Muchnick
Muchnick is probably the most famous and successful American pro wrestling promoter ever that isn't one of the McMahons. He was the major figure-head of the NWA at it's peak for many years and thus he was the figurehead of basically the pro wrestling industry during the height of the Territories Era. If Wrestlemania ever comes to St. Louis, Thesz and Muchnick will be absolutely essential inductees for that class. Even if both are long deceased.
10. Gene Kiniski
WWE has actually, surprisingly, done a fine job of getting all of the classic NWA champions inducted, from 1970 on at least. Terry and Dory Funk Jr., Jack Brisco, Harley Race, Ric Flair, Kerry Von Erich, and Ricky Steamboat are all in. Just about every major NWA champion from before 1970, however, is not inducted with Lou Thesz obviously being the biggest. After Thesz, though I would say the next big NWA champion that should go in is the man that Dory Funk Jr. beat to become NWA champion, one Gene Kiniski. Kiniski was probably the most successful NWA champion of the 1960's and really was the bridge from the Thesz era of champions to the 1970's and beyond era. He was the link between both eras that could worth the styles of both. He'd be a great inclusion to the HOF.
Runners-Up: George Hackenschmidt, "Whipper" Billy Watson, Mildred Burke, "Wild" Bill Longson, Wahoo McDaniel, The Destroyer, Johnny Valentine, Dick the Bruiser and Crusher (either as singles stars or as a tag team), the Fabulous Kangaroos, Perro Aguyao, Canek, Tiger Mask, Jumbo Tsuruta, Jushin "Thunder" Liger, Gary Hart, Jim Cornette, Paul Boesch, Jim Barnett, Eric Bischoff
So at this point, who do all of you think is the biggest snub of the WWE HOF?
This thread has nothing to do with the thread about who should headline next year's HOF. This thread is about who is now the biggest snub of the WWE Hall of Fame. Two completely different topics. Posters are welcome to discuss who should go in next year, but at the same time, please keep to the original subject about who are now the biggest snubs of the WWE HOF.
So in the last three years, the WWE, and particularly Triple H, have done an outstanding job at getting the biggest snubs into the WWE HOF. In 2013, Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund, finally got their spots in the WWE HOF. Mick Foley as well. In 2014, the Ultimate Warrior and Jake Roberts, two of the three biggest snubs of the Hulkamania Era were rightfully inducted. And this year, the other of the "Big Three" snubs of the Hulkamania Era, Macho Man Randy Savage, was rightfully inducted.
With the inductions of Sammartino, Backlund, Warrior, Roberts, and now Savage, the majority of wrestlers that fans complained the most about not getting in have now been inducted. The question now is, who is the biggest snub of the HOF?
To me that question is very difficult to answer at this point. As pretty much all of the iconic, era-defining figures have been inducted. Buddy Rogers, Verne Gagne, and Bruno Sammartino of the 1960's are in. Pedro Morales, Billy Graham, Harley Race, and Bob Backlund of the 1970's are in. Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Roddy Piper, and Macho Man of the 1980's are in. Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and even Stone Cold Steve Austin of the 1990's are in. In addition to the top era-defining wrestlers, many of the top mid-card guys from the 1960's, 1970's, and especially 1980's are in.
We are now getting to the point where the big headlining wrestlers worthy of induction are now guys that are still active. Like the Undertaker, Triple H, the Rock, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Sting, Randy Orton, etc.
Obviously those previously mentioned wrestlers are not ready to go into the HOF, as they are still active, so you can't really call them snubs.
So with all of that being said, who is now the biggest snub of the WWE HOF?
While WWE now has the 1960's, 1970's, and 1980's rosters of WWE stars virtually almost completely done, and has made a pretty good headway on the 1990's, there are still worthy inductees from the 1980's and 1990's. And beings the WWE HOF has become more than just a WWE HOF, and more of a pro wrestling HOF, there are still plenty of wrestlers from Japan, Mexico, the NWA, the pre 1980 territories, and even ECW that deserve induction.
So with all of that being said, this would be my list of the biggest WWE snubs of the HOF, at this point. My first list will focus on wrestlers/managers, etc that built most of their HOF careers in the WWE. My second list will be on wrestlers whose greatest accomplishments were outside of WWE, either via Japan, Mexico, WCW, ECW, the NWA, other territories, and pre-NWA (1890's-1948)
WWE List
1. "Ravishing" Rick Rude
Probably the biggest name of the Hulkamania Era not inducted. One of the greatest heels ever, and one of the biggest stars of his era. Also had a great career in WCW as arguably the best wrestler in America during 1991-1993 (I'd give that nod to Bret Hart and a few others, but he was definitely up there). He's one of the most respected wrestlers ever, and definitely worthy. Things that have held him back, IMO are the fact that he is deceased, and I'm sure Vince is still bitter over him leaving for WCW after the Montreal Screwjob. Even so, I think all political bets are off when it comes to people getting in the HOF, so it's only a matter of time. If Madusa can get in, then Rick Rude certainly can.
2. Demolition (Ax and Smash)
Probably the most successful WWE tag team of all-time, as they're still the longest reigning WWE tag team champions ever. The late 1980's were the best era in WWE history for tag teams, and Demolition were the top team of this era. They are by far the biggest tag team snub for the WWE HOF at this point. They also don't have guy in the team that went on to have a HOF solo career like the Hart Foundation and the Rockers, so there should be no hesitation to get them in on that front. Obviously what has held them back has been their issues with Vince over the years. But like with Rude, I don't think anyone will be held back from this point on for political reasons (except for Chyna, Punk, and Benoit)
3. Miss Elizabeth
There has never been a female in the history of WWE that was more over than Miss Elizabeth at her peak. Not even Trish Stratus and/or Lita. She's the most famous female manager probably of all-time, and was one of the biggest stars of WWE during the golden age of the 1980's. She is definitely the biggest female snub of the HOF at this point, even more than Chyna.
4. The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith
Probably the biggest International Star (not counting Canadians) that WWE has ever had, the Bulldog was a huge draw in the 1990's and arguably the most consistent mid-card star of the 1990's, who was very capable of getting involved in the main events as his main event feuds with Bret and Shawn in 95/96 proved. He's probably the biggest star of the 1990's not yet in, not counting Attitude Era wrestlers that are still active (ie: The Rock, Kane, Taker, and Triple H). Long overdue. What hurts him is his death, as well his stints with other wrestlers that have little chance of getting in. I don't see him getting inducted with Dynamite Kid as the British Bulldogs, due to Dynamite Kid burning his bridges with just about everyone in the wrestling industry, and being crippled. And he won't be able to get in via an induction with the Hart Foundation stable, as that won't even happen until Owen Hart's widow allows Owen to get inducted. The Bulldog's best chances are definitely for his solo career, which is what he should get in for anyway. If Wrestlemania ever comes to England though, definitely count on Bulldog headlining (even though he should be a secondary headliner).
5. Vader
Vader is an example of someone who is one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all-time, especially for his accomplishments outside of WWE, particularly for his stints in Japan and WCW. But he was a big enough star in WWE, that he can still be a major focal point of a WWE HOF class. He's still alive and is still somewhat active with WWE (he was even at the HOF Saturday night), so he'd be a great person to be a secondary headliner, or even a headliner if WWE is short on people to headline a class (kind of like Dusty Rhodes, Ted Dibiase, or Kevin Nash). As the greatest super-heavyweight wrestler of all-time, I think Vader's time will come in the next three years, maybe even next year.
6. Owen Hart
Owen Hart has become somewhat of a polarizing figure among the IWC, as some fans still praise him as one of the greatest wrestlers ever, while others claim him to be vastly overrated thanks to his tragic death in 1999. Wherever people stand on Owen's legacy, most can't deny that especially compared to those that have gotten into the WWE HOF (Koko B. Ware, Bushwhackers, Johnny Rodz, James Dudley, half of the celebrities in the Celebrity wing), Owen deserves a spot in the HOF. Owen may have never won the world title, but he was still one of the premiere mid-card talents of the 1990's, much like Davey Boy Smith, and present HOFer, Scott Hall. Owen was along with Shawn Michaels, the most all-around talented in-ring performer in WWE during the 1990's, and he was a cornerstone of the tag team division from 1995-1997, and had a great main event run in 1994. Owen accomplished a lot during his prime years from 1994-1997. He's clearly worthy. Even if they don't want to induct him on his own, he could be inducted as a member of either the Hart Family, or the Hart Foundation stable from 1997. Personally, he should go in on his own, IMO. Will it happen? I have my doubts, but I guess anything is possible. If Triple H could get Bruno and Warrior to return to the fold, and get Lanny Poffo to against Randy Savage's wishes, maybe he can convince Martha to allow Owen to be honored for his lifetime of work. Who knows?
7. The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott)
What the Road Warriors were for the 1980's, the Steiners were for the 1990's, an absolute machine of a tag team that dominated wherever they went. The Steiners were absolute innovators in the ring, especially in the early 90's, and the Steiners dominated WCW, shot straight to the top of WWE, and won titles in Japan as well. They were the preeminent tag team of the early 1990's, and their run is legendary. Both went on to have successful solo careers, especially Scott Steiner. They're one of the greatest tag teams ever, and because they managed to have a good run in WWE, they have a better shot of making it in compared to teams like the Rock N' Roll Express, the Midnight Express, the Fabulous Ones who built their reputations as legendary teams outside of WWE. The biggest thing holding them back is how much of a loose cannon Scott Steiner is, and you never know what he'll do. He's had longstanding feuds with Vince, Triple H, and other wrestlers close to WWE today like Ric Flair, and Diamond Dallas Page. I even read a rumor that Scott was actually on the "Don't Allow In" list at the HOF the other night. Probably a false rumor, but who knows? Plus Rick, himself, has no involvement in the wrestling business today, so I imagine WWE is not in a hurry to get the Steiners in. They'll probably be waiting quite awhile.
8. The Honky Tonk Man
Other than Rick Rude, he is the biggest heel and wrestler overall of the WWE Hulkamania Era not yet inducted. He is the longest reigning I-C champion of all-time, and his run from 1987-1988 was legendary. He's an essential part of WWE history and definitely deserves induction. WWE has tried to induct him, but he ultimately turn down an invitation for induction for reasons I'm not sure about. He's had an on and off again relationship with WWE for many years, even appearing at the 2009 ceremony to induct Koko B. Ware. My guess is he will go in at some point soon.
9. Bam Bam Bigelow
To me he is No. 2 on the list of greatest super-heavyweight wrestlers of all-time as a worker, behind Vader. He's also, IMO, the most underrated and under-utilized wrestlers in the history of WWE. He should've been a monster world champion at some point, and if he were around today, he would've been. How many mid-card wrestlers ended up headlining a WM? Bam Bam, and arguably the Miz are about the only ones. That's how much Vince trusted Bam Bam to carry Lawrence Taylor to a good match, which he did. I may be biased, but I'm glad he got to headline WM over Nash and HBK. Cause Bam Bam was 10X the worker Nash ever was. But despite all of that, he was one of the most talented in-ring performers of his era, and I feel he deserves induction. What holds him back is his death, and like I said, he's vastly underrated and overlooked. I don't think his death has held him back, as much as WWE just kind of forgets about him. And he did have issues with the Kliq back in the day, so maybe that might have something to do with it. Even so, I think he'll get in eventually. He should've went in in New Jersey a few years back though, either taking Booker's place, or just being added to the class. As amazing as the 2013 class was, they only had 6 inductees. Bam Bam could've easily made it an even better 7 inductee class. Either way, he should go in at some point.
10. Haystacks Calhoun
As I alluded to earlier, WWE has done a good job of getting the majority of their big stars from the 1960's and 1970's in. Stars like Andre the Giant, Buddy Rogers, Bruno Sammartino, Gorilla Monsoon, Baron Mikel Scicluna, Bob Backlund, Pedro Morales, Superstar Billy Graham, Mr. Fuji, Chief Jay Strongbow, Freddie Blassie, The Grand Wizard, Captain Lou Albano, The Valiant Brothers, the Blackjacks, the Wild Samoans, Peter Maivia, Tony Atlas, and now Larry Zybskzo etc. But one of the biggest stars from the 60's and 70's that the HOF is shockingly missing is Haystacks Calhoun. Andre is seen as the biggest superhuman-like attraction of the 70's and 80's, which he most certainly was. But before the world came to know Andre the Giant, there was Haytstacks Calhoun who was a major star and attraction in the 1960's and early 1970's. He also won some tag titles in the then WWWF during the early 1970's. His drawing power and status as one of the first major stars to emerge in the WWWF territory definitely warrants him a spot in the WWE HOF.
Runners-Up: Dynamite Kid, Lex Luger, Sid, "The Model" Rick Martel, Ray Stevens, Ivan Koloff, Chyna, the Big Boss Man, X-Pac
Non-WWE List
1. Lou Thesz
Lou Thesz is, IMO, the greatest professional wrestler of all-time, and is probably the first name that would go in any credible pro wrestling HOF. If WWE stayed to just strictly WWE, than Lou Thesz would not really warrant a spot as he didn't even wrestle in the northeast all that much during his days as NWA champion. And he had a small amount of appearances in WWE once it was an establish wrestling company. Even so, the moment that Verne Gagne was inducted in 2006 and all bets were off on who could be inducted, Lou Thesz instantly shot up the lists of biggest snubs of the HOF. There is no name in pro wrestling the WWE could induct into their HOF and legitimize it more than Lou Thesz. Simple as that. If you're gonna have a pro wrestling HOF, you cannot not have the greatest pro wrestler ever in there. Even though he was never a star in WWE, to me his now heads and shoulders the biggest snub of the WWE HOF.
2. Rikidozan
What Frank Gotch (he'll be on here later) is to American pro wrestling, Rikidozan is to Japanese pro wrestling. There would be no pro wrestling in Japan without Rikidozan (and Lou Thesz actually) as helped make pro wrestling a popular sport or form of entertainment in Japan. No New Japan Pro Wrestling, No All Japan Pro Wrestling, no Pro Wrestling NOAH, no nothing without Rikidozan. He's among the 5 most important figures in the entire history of pro wrestling. WWE has done well with Japanese pro wrestling by inducting Antonio Inoki (No. 2 on the Japanese wrestling totem pole) and now Tatsumi Fujinami. But as huge of stars as they are, their inductions are kind of irrelevant until Rikidozan is in.
3. El Santo
And now the "Father of Lucha Libre." There is no pro wrestling in Mexico without El Santo who is the Frank Gotch and Rikidozan of Mexico. Mil Mascaras is probably the No. 2 star to emerge out of Mexico, but again his induction is kind of meaningless without El Santo being in there first.
4. Ed "Strangler" Lewis
Lewis is probably the most important wrestler in the history of pro wrestling, as he laid the foundation for just about everything that pro wrestling as we know it is. "Worked" matches, storyline feuds, touring groups of wrestlers, the modern wrestling company. Pro wrestling was a legitimate shoot sport with matches lasting upwards to 2-4 hours at times. Pro wrestling went from sport to art-form thanks to the Goldust Trio of wrestler Ed "Strangler" Lewis, manager Billy Sandow, and promoter Toots Mondt. Obviously he is EXTREMELY old school, and the WWE HOF has yet to go back this far in time with their inductees, but if the WWE HOF wants to be a legitimate pro wrestling HOF, it definitely should start looking at pre-1950's era wrestlers.
5. Frank Gotch
Frank Gotch goes even further back than Ed "Strangler" Lewis, but Frank Gotch's legend is absolutely immortal. He was the first star of American professional wrestling, and he's another one of the first people that should go in any pro wrestling HOF
6. Jim Londos
This will be my last pre-NWA person on the list, but his achievements during his peak in the 1930's are absolutely extraordinary. Just like almost every type of business, the pro wrestling business almost died during the Great Depression in the 1930's. Attendance was at a record low, many of the companies that had popped up during the wrestling boom of the 1920's, closed shop and wrestling was left for dead. Entered Jim Londos who brought the crowds back to wrestling, got it mainstream attention in the newspapers again, and the man who largely saved the pro wrestling industry in the 1930's. Steve Austin saved the biggest wrestling company in the late 1990's, but Londos saved the entire industry in the 1930's. He's another one of the most important stars in the history of pro wrestling. Very deserving.
7. Stan Hansen
I mentioned Stan Hansen as someone I think should go into the HOF next year, with the HOF taking place in Texas, and I definitely think he's a pretty big snub at this point. Stan is probably the most successful American pro wrestler in the history of Japan, and arguably the greatest brawling wrestler of all-time. He definitely should go in at some point.
8. Bruiser Brody
But if anyone can challenge the throne of "brawling style" wrestling from Stan Hansen, it's this legendary outlaw wrestler. Brody was one of the last major stars of the territory area who went everywhere, never becoming a one company-type star, although he was probably most successful, like Hansen, in Japan. WWE has gotten the two major pioneers of "hardcore" wrestling in the Sheik and Abdullah the Butcher. But there's a difference between "hardcore" wrestling and brawling wrestling. And Hansen and Brody are the greatest ever at this style of wrestling, not to mention being icons in Japan. Both Brody and Hansen should be inducted at some point.
9. Sam Muchnick
Muchnick is probably the most famous and successful American pro wrestling promoter ever that isn't one of the McMahons. He was the major figure-head of the NWA at it's peak for many years and thus he was the figurehead of basically the pro wrestling industry during the height of the Territories Era. If Wrestlemania ever comes to St. Louis, Thesz and Muchnick will be absolutely essential inductees for that class. Even if both are long deceased.
10. Gene Kiniski
WWE has actually, surprisingly, done a fine job of getting all of the classic NWA champions inducted, from 1970 on at least. Terry and Dory Funk Jr., Jack Brisco, Harley Race, Ric Flair, Kerry Von Erich, and Ricky Steamboat are all in. Just about every major NWA champion from before 1970, however, is not inducted with Lou Thesz obviously being the biggest. After Thesz, though I would say the next big NWA champion that should go in is the man that Dory Funk Jr. beat to become NWA champion, one Gene Kiniski. Kiniski was probably the most successful NWA champion of the 1960's and really was the bridge from the Thesz era of champions to the 1970's and beyond era. He was the link between both eras that could worth the styles of both. He'd be a great inclusion to the HOF.
Runners-Up: George Hackenschmidt, "Whipper" Billy Watson, Mildred Burke, "Wild" Bill Longson, Wahoo McDaniel, The Destroyer, Johnny Valentine, Dick the Bruiser and Crusher (either as singles stars or as a tag team), the Fabulous Kangaroos, Perro Aguyao, Canek, Tiger Mask, Jumbo Tsuruta, Jushin "Thunder" Liger, Gary Hart, Jim Cornette, Paul Boesch, Jim Barnett, Eric Bischoff
So at this point, who do all of you think is the biggest snub of the WWE HOF?
