WWE Hall of Fame 2008

[hammondegger3]

I'm only going to put the in-ring talent because The Fink and/or Elizabeth should be going in soon. I think you should take 1 great main-eventer, 1 great tagteam, and 1 great who spent a majority of their career in WWE, 1 from NWA/WCW and 1 from the AWA. I know my suggestions will be impossible inductees because they don't fit Vince McMahon's revisionist history, but here they are any way.
1 Ric Flair if he retires, otherwise Sting whom I believe to be retired
2 The Road Warriors. It's a no-brainer, they dominated the tag team rankings for years.
3 Bob Backlund. He was at the RAW 15th anniversery, so maybe
4 Lex Luger. Love him or hate him this guy was pushed heavily in the 80s & 90's
5 Greg Gagne. He was not as good as Verne, but he was in the AWA for years and was 1 of their top stars.
I'm giving these suggestions based on what we where given to watch, not an (oh this guy was so good even though he was never given a title or in the main event).

 

[Grymes]

I've heard that Flair is suppose to be enducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Hense the angle of Flair retiring.. But I don't know. I agree with hammondegger3 in having the Road Warriors in there cuz they were a great team that paved the way for great teams after them. I think they should induct Owen Hart at some point cuz he simply was one of the greatest and he was very underrated before he died. Even tho I don't see it happening any time soon, Randy Savage has had great enough matches for him to be in. I also wouldn't mind seeing The Fink & maybe Paul Bearer in there as well.

 

[Scrapyard Ape]

Who to put in the HoF? Tough call. There are many who deserve the honor, and many who I would like to see in. I'm just going to name a bunch of names and what I see as their chances of getting in this year....

Jake Roberts: Highly unlikely for this year. He is still in rehab and I think the company wants to see how well he does after leaving rehab before making an induction.

Ted DiBiase: Likely. He is on very good terms with Vince McMahon and the WWE. His induction would be an excellent choice IMO.

Ric Flair: Take it to the bank... he is going in this year. No more need be said.

Gordon Solie: Possible. Dusty Rhodes and Jim Ross are pushing hard for Solie's induction. The festivities being in Florida would make this a strong choice too. Two big obstacles though... Solie never spoke well of Vince and the WWE wants to limit the number of posthumous inductions to one per year.

Eddie Graham: Possible. A good alternate to Solie for a Florida connected induction. Biggest plus on his side is he collaborated closely with Vince Sr. many times on joint promotions and talent loans. Biggest drawback is once again the "one posthumous induction per year" guideline that the WWE wants to follow.

Percy Pringle/Paul Bearer: Possible. One of the most prominent WWE managers not yet in the HoF. On good terms with the company too, which is a plus.

Bob Backlund: Unlikely. He has had differences with WWE for some time and refused offers of induction. His recent appearance on RAW signals a thawing of relations though... Maybe next year is his time.

Rick Steamboat: Likely. On good terms with WWE and putting him in alongside Flair would be an excellent move.

Owen Hart: Highly unlikely. His widow won't allow this for the foreseeable future. But if Bret and Vince could mend their differences, perhaps someday Vince and Owen's wife can too.

Randy Savage: Highly unlikely. Still a lot of bad blood here. I don't see this changing anytime soon.

Bruno Sammartino: Not going to happen. He has refused induction several times already and I don't see him and Vince coming to terms... ever.

Rocky Johnson and Pete Maivia: Very Likely. This was supposed to happen last year. Scheduling conflicts prevented The Rock from inducting his father and grandfather into the Hall and it was postponed until this year. Again the only thing holding this up is Dwayne's schedule.


There are so many more... just don't have the time to get to them all right now.

 

[carbondioxide830]

For the main attraction, alongside Ric Flair (if he is indeed inducted) I would like to see Jake the Snake Roberts; at one time he was top 3 in the business imo.

Miss Elizabeth deserves to be in it as a manager (and it would also take care of the female inductee as they usually have one a year).

The entire Von Erich family needs to be inducted as well.

As far as announcers, since I'm not all that familiar with Gordon Solie, I'll have to say Todd Petengale (jk).

The Million Dollar Man needs to be inducted and what about the greatest IC Champion of all time, the Honky Tonk Man?

 

[Lord Maniax]

I do not think that Rick Flair should be in the Hall of fame yet... They have been talking about the qualifications for induction. One of the first ones that they talked about was that they should not have been in the ring as a wrestling entertainer for 2 years. This was the sugect of a debate a couple years ago for a candidate that was suggested. (I forget who it was.) They had to postpone for a year because he had just retired and would have to wait a year.. I 'm sure i could remeber if I looked but that is not the point. Flair is still on the active roster if not in a modified timetable. The Hall of Fame is for the RETIRED and semi-retired.

Actually I think it was the induction of Eddie Guerrero. He had just died and the debate was if they should wait the 2 years.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Everyone knew that Flair was going to be inducted. But because of the storyline it doesn't make any sense. Vince introduced the if you lose you retire angle. So why would he reward whim with a HOF spot? It doesn't make any sense at all. It's Vinces company, and he doesn't like Flair. Anyway because of the storyline it is stupid.

As for real life. Meh. He's deserving. Without a doubt. But he isn't going to retire. So it won't be as big a deal as it should be. Bret Hart's induction was a big deal, even Hogan's was. But within a few months Flair will probably be back wrestling full time again. He isn't evene a special attraction like Hogan.

 

[realchamp22]

It's Vinces company, and he doesn't like Flair

where the hell did you get that from, Vince would have fired him a long time ago if he didn't like him

i think its awesome that Flair is being inducted this year (the first active wrestlers in history) and he will definately retire after WM hes so injured he can barely stand and this way he goes out with a bang

 

[hbk19881]

there is talk that Rocky johnson (the father of the rock ) will be inducted and the rock's grandfather 2 but im not sure

 

[Curry Man]

Yeah, the Rock and his father are supposedly in for HoF, but they don't want to dwell on the dead wrestlers (Rocky Johnson being dead now, RIP), and make the HoF grim....

As for Randy Savage, he's never gonna be inducted. I think his rap CD killed his chances.

 

[Scrapyard Ape]

Yeah, the Rock and his father are supposedly in for HoF, but they don't want to dwell on the dead wrestlers (Rocky Johnson being dead now, RIP), and make the HoF grim....

Rocky Johnson and Pete Maivia were both slated for induction last year. The plan was to have the Rock do the honors, but his schedule was in conflict with the ceremony.... so everything was postponed.

As for Randy Savage, he's never gonna be inducted. I think his rap CD killed his chances.

Not anytime soon, that is for sure... but I'll not say "never" in Savage's case. Yeah, there is bad blood here, but if Vince and Bret can come to terms on the HoF, then a thawing of relations with Savage is not out of the question. The only person I'll say will NEVER get in is Bruno Sammartino. He has turned down numerous offers to go into the HoF and I don't see him ever accepting any in the future.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

where the hell did you get that from, Vince would have fired him a long time ago if he didn't like him

Storyline obviously. Why did Vince impose the you lose you retire thing to Flair? I'm not talking about in real life you dumb twat.

Not that it would matter. If somebody made money for Vince he'd keep them anyway. It wouldn't matter if he didn't get on with them. I can hardly imagine him and Hogan are best friends, yet they always work together. See?

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Peter Maivia & Rocky Johnson. Deserving? Sure, I guess. But it's all but a ploy to get The Rock on WWE TV again. If anybody thinks differently then they are naive. WWE probably think ''Hey if he's in town for the HOF, then maybe we can get him involved at Mania''

 

[TheOneBigWill]

Peter Maivia & Rocky Johnson. Deserving? Sure, I guess. But it's all but a ploy to get The Rock on WWE TV again. If anybody thinks differently then they are naive. WWE probably think ''Hey if he's in town for the HOF, then maybe we can get him involved at Mania''

This was a pathetic move, in my opinion. What are they deserving of? Rocky Johnson along with Atlas were the first African American Tag Team Champions. Pssh.. it was a nice hill to climb, but I don't know. And Peter Maivia.. whats he even getting put in for? Because of his background?

I guess next year Doink will end up being inducted for following his dream of being a circus act. And Duke "The Dumpster" will follow after that for being the first Garbage man to wrestle.

You hit the nail on the head, and the second I seen them pop up.. I asked myself.. "Would The Rock induct them?" then my question was answered at the very end. This is likely going to be the biggest moment in Hall of Fame history where the guy inducting the Superstars gets more airtime to speak, and more fan ovation then the actual inductees.

 

[blackhart07]

Agreed the WWE is way to biased when it comes to this. Look at the legends who havnt been inducted. The Funks, Briscos, Stu Hart, Rick Rude, none of the Von Erics, Howard Finkel. I mean come even guys like Eric Bishoff and Paul Heyman should be inducted look what they did when they were in wrestling. I think the WWE is missing the point of the HOF it should be people that deserve to be in no matter if there on bad terms or not.

 

[Steamboat Ricky]

I think the WWE is missing the point of the HOF it should be people that deserve to be in no matter if there on bad terms or not.

Really? Last I checked, the most famous sports hall of fame in the world, The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, has practiced this for years.

It started in 1919 with the banning of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson who was part of the Chicago Black Sox scandal. He was charged with cooperating with those who conspired to lose the 1919 World Series on purpose. Because of his banning from baseball, Joe Jackson has never been inducted to the Hall, despite being regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

The most popular Hall of Fame "snub" goes to WWE Hall of Famer Pete Rose. Despite being arguably the best hitter and hustler (hard worker) of all-time, Rose was banned from baseball because he gambled on games during his tenure as manager of the Cincinnati Reds. Subsequently, he was left out of the Hall.

Mark McGwire - He'll probably never get in because of his responses to steroid accusations at a Congressional hearing.

Rafael Palmiero - He definitely has the numbers to make the Hall, but his involvement in the steroid scandal will likely keep him out.

Sammy Sosa - See Rafael Palmiero.

Barry Bonds - The most prolific home run hitter of all time and the most hated player in baseball history (arguably), Bonds has about a 0% chance of making the Hall. He has the most home runs of all time, but his involvement in the steroid scandal trumps that feat.

Roger Clemens - See Barry Bonds (replace home runs with pitching stats).


So, the Hall of Fame, according to Vince's design, doesn't really differ much from the benchmark for Halls of Fame. The most statistically deserving individuals are often left out for more "acceptable" names. Although, Vince inducted Bret Hart. And Jesse Ventura. And Hogan. All of which had heat with Vince in the past. So, don't get so bent out of shape about certain guys not getting in. They will at some point, if history repeats itself.

 

[Canadian Knight]

The WWE HOF should respect all those who impacted the WWE. But let's face it they put in only those that are on top. They put Eddie Guerro (sorry I spelt it wrong) in the first year! I mean he was a great wrestler but to put him in the first year? We will be lucky to see Warrior or Benoit years from now. I mean twenty years.

 

[Freedom 35]

what the WWE fucked up with was inducting Dusty Rhodes last year instead of this year. Dusty Rhodes probably the biggest draw in Florida in wrestling history gets inducted in Detroit? when they could induct him in Florida, that would be epic and hed get a tremendous reception and would make the HOF induction a big deal around there when really its just seen as a half assed pre Wrestlemania ceremony. but meh the HOF hardly means anything anyways

 

[Scrapyard Ape]

what the WWE fucked up with was inducting Dusty Rhodes last year instead of this year. Dusty Rhodes probably the biggest draw in Florida in wrestling history gets inducted in Detroit? when they could induct him in Florida, that would be epic and hed get a tremendous reception and would make the HOF induction a big deal around there when really its just seen as a half assed pre Wrestlemania ceremony. but meh the HOF hardly means anything anyways

No "probably" about it... Rhodes was THE biggest draw in Florida. He owned this state. The only ones who approached him in terms of drawing power were the Briscoes in the 70's and Kevin Sullivan in the early to mid 80's.

Should the WWE have waited till this year? Yeah. But that is in the past and nothing can change it. I'm still hoping that Solie gets in this year, but am not very optimistic.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Jake Roberts is apparently gong to be onducted this year. He's deserving. But do WWE really want to draw attention to somebody like him?

On the other hand I can't wait to see him in a crusty suit doing a pissed up acceptance speech. It'll be awesome. especially if he comes with Scott Hall. Those two will have a right ol' good time.

 

[mark4life]

I understand that Mania is gonna be in the sunshine state & along with the HOF, some of the inductees will be Florida themed( Eddie Graham, Brisco, Solie). Those are good choices along with Rocky Johnson & Peter Maivia & Mae Young. Personally I would like to see Owen Hart, British Bulldog, & Brian Pillman in there. As well as Ricky Steamboat. One I would like to see in there but God knows its a long shot and that is Randy Savage. Hell, if Bret can get in there, why can't lightning strike twice!

 

[Agrex]

So far the wrestlers that are getting inducted are Ric Falir, Peter Maiva, Rocky Johnson, and Mae Young. This looks to be a desrving group of people for the hall of Fame this year. The one thing that really bothers me, and had been said before is that Dusty Rhodes should have been inducted this year, not the previous one. It would make much more sense, but what do I know.

I would love to see Chris Benoit in the HOF, but it will not happen. WWE would get very bad feedback. That's the problem, Benoit the wrestler should be put in the HOF, Benoit the person should burn in hell. Anyway, I would like to see it happen, but with WWE I'm almost 100% sure it won't.

 

[Toliettroll90210]

uhhh My thinkin I think Miss elizabeth should be for the Dead Inductee. Jake the Snake Needs to be Sober and Clean a few years before the WWE even thinks about letting him into the HOF. JUST MY OWN OPTION!

THANKS!

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Have Mark and Jay Briscoe really done enough in wrestling to deserve a spot in the HOF? I find them entertaining, but how long have they really been wrestling for? Since about 2002 or something. Undeserving in my opinion.

I keed.

Jack and Jerry are deserving. But most WWE fans will remember one as a stooge. I doubt they'll get much of a reaction. People will be waiting for the real inductees, and The Rock. Deserving, but filler.

 

[matman8540]

If anyone deserves to be in the announcer's wing of the Hall of Fame, it's Gordon Solie. Besides, so far, the WWE Hall of Famers are almost in the comedy category. Namely because most people will remember Jerry Brisco and Mae Young as "mr. mcmahon's" personal jesters. But, the main eventer who should get in, is Randy Savage.

 

[wrestlingfreak_21]

Benoit is a murderer and was also one of the greatest wrestlers in the WWE and unfortunately, he will probably be remembered as the former instead of the latter. But that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve to be inducted (though chances of it happening are microscopic). He does derserve to be in there, a true fucking wrestling would know that. Despite what he did, I'm a Benoit fan and will probably be one till the day I die.

I think Benoit has a better chance of being inducted into the Hall of Fame someday now that the study on his brain came out. With Vince's reaction on t.v., though, I doubt it will ever happen.