WWE Hall Of Fame: Class Of 2014

[Jack-Hammer]

The topic of halls of fame in pro wrestling, well particularly in either WWE & TNA, is something that gets hotly debated at times. The credibility of WWE's HOF is called into question with the inclusion of people who have had extremely limited roles in wrestling, namely celebrities, while TNA's has been questioned for even creating a HOF after only 10 years in existence and using it as part of a gimmick angle at Bound for Glory.

So with 2014 coming up, I'm sure it'll be no different this time around. I expect some complaints & criticisms, some warranted & some unwarranted, as to who will be inducted. Off & on over the course of the 2nd half of 2013, there've been reports of WWE reaching out to the Ultimate Warrior in order to mend fences for purposes of him headlining the Class of 2014. There've also been reports that the contingency plan if Warrior doesn't work out of having D-Generation X as the headliner for next year's show.

Personally, I think that WrestleMania's geographic location each year should play at least some part of who is invited to be part of the HOF. WrestleMania XXX takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana and Louisiana was part of the NWA Tri-State, later the Universal Wrestling Federation, territory. With WWE acquiring the NWA Tri-State/UWF tape library and putting out a DVD compilation earlier this year, I just think it'd be a lot of fun to see some big stars associated with the territory be inducted, especially some who became big stars in other promotions. The Fabulous Freebirds, the Rock n' Roll Express, Mr. Wrestling II, Jake The Snake Roberts, Terry Taylor, Magnum T.A., etc. are a handful of examples of guys who were major players in NWA Tri-Stat/UWF.

 

[HBKistheHOF]

While I couldn't agree more with you on everything you said & I would love to see many, if not all of those guys go into the WWE HOF (especially after recently watching & currently re-watching the 'Legend of Mid-South' Blu-ray which has brought back a ton of great memories & nostalgic feelings) I realistically don't expect it to happen anytime soon.

The WWE has a ton of talent that has still yet to be inducted into their HOF & the only two guys listed that I could really even see going in anytime soon would be either Jake 'The Snake' Roberts (due to his name value, the fact that he has cleaned up a lot & the fact that he has recently been working with WWE on outside projects & is lobbying for a spot in the 2014 Royal Rumble) or Terry Taylor (due to him still being employed by WWE/having a good working relationship with them & his brief tenure in the company as The Red Rooster). Besides that pretty much everyone else either never really worked for WWF/WWE (which hasn't really stopped WWE in the past), isn't a big enough name for WWE to reach out to quite yet or has some other issues like with Michael Hayes & his recent problems with Rosa Mendes/alchohol.

So while I would absolutely love to see some of my old favorites from the NWA Tri-State/Mid-South/UWF like The Freebirds or Buzz Sawyer go into the WWE Hall Of Fame, I'm not going to hold by breathe.

 

[TheHitMark-SirJoseOle]

Jack-Hammer, as always a great thread from you. In my four years posting on here, I've yet to see one where I haven't thought that. With WWE acquiring the NWA Tri-State/UWF library, a lot of those names you mentioned are great choices. One name that I want to bring up and I've seen in other threads is Rick Rude. Some people state that because he might be forgotten that he isn't a good choice. However, I have to say this, no offense to other individuals in the past that got posthumous nods, for instance Eddie Graham, a legendary promoter and he contributed greatly to the wrestling business during the territory days...however, if he has a Hall Of Fame nod, I can't see why there would be any questions of Rick Rude getting in as well.

Time will tell, but I would at least like to see Rick Rude gets his induction, and I've said it before and I'll say it again, we're well overdue for a Randy Savage induction..I know there's been the Lanny Poffo controversy on that. But hopefully something will come about soon.

 

[Headman]

If Hogan signs a deal I wouldn't be shocked if the WWE made Hogan the 2nd man to go into the HOF twice by inducting Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash (Maybe Sean Waltman) as the nWo. It would be hard to argue that the nWo isn't a HOF worthy stable and of course you don't induct the whole group because that would put Stevie Ray and Horace Hogan in the HOF, but keeping to the original 3 (maybe 4 because of Triple H's relationship with Waltman) makes sense to me.

I'd like to see the Warrior go in, but I'm not sure if that will happen if Hogan is in the building. I do however see a possibility of Savage going in and the Warrior inducting him. That could pave the way for Warrior's induction next year.

As for NWA picks, I'm just not seeing it.

 

[The Boss]

I like the idea of the Freebirds (although they could be saved for the next Texas WM), the RnR Express and Jake Roberts going in this year. Dr. Death Steve Williams and the One Man Gang would also be appropriate. I would also like to see HOLLYWOOD HULK HOGAN inducting Randy Savage. And of course I'm always open to the nWo being inducted so that HOLLYWOOD HULK HOGAN can get two HOF rings.

 

[the_peoples_adam]

MACHO MAN, NWO, D_X, JAKE ROBERTS, ULTIMATE WARRIOR,,Everybody is in linee....Also BILL GOLDBERG into hall of fame would be great..Finally can i see OWEN HART in the HALL OF FAME...

 

[Blade222]

Sean Waltman was the Syxxth member of the nWo after The Giant and DiBiase.

Nearly 30 years after his "death", I would like to see Andy Kaufman inducted into the celebrity wing by Jerry Lawler. He was huge in the South!

 

[Sid Schmid]

I'd like to see Owen Hart get inducted at the next HOF. Why Koko B Ware is in it and Owen isn't is a disgrace in my opinion.

Other inductees I'd like to see:
Jake The Snake Roberts
NWO (Hogan, Hall, Nash)
Ultimate Warrior
Rick Rude
The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith

 

[Y 2 Jake]

I'm against D-X going in anytime soon. Triple H should have his own induction first. Also, Chyna needs to find her way in with them and I think Rick Rude needs to go in alone as well. Though I think Rick could probably be left out of the eventual D-X induction.

If you're inducting one dead guy, it's gotta be Randy Savage. If his wish was that his whole family be inducted to, then so be it. It'll be about Savage regardless.

The Ultimate Warrior should be the star inductee. He's earnt it. He wasn't around for a long time, but he's iconic and he has enough about him to carry the Hall Of Fame for next year.

I'd then add some other gusy that are worthy, but who are more lower level inductees:

Sid Justice/Vicious - Multiple time world champion. Got a great reaction when he appearon on Raw a few years back.

DDP - There seems to be a great deal of support in inducting lots of wasters this year. Maybe have one, Jake Roberts, but DDP should find his way into the HOF sooner rather than later.

Lita - Add a woman. Seems like an annual thing now.

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

I wouldn't even consider having D-Generation X this year, there are plenty of others who should go in, DX can go in next year.

Ultimate Warrior needs to headline. As he seems to be on better terms with the WWE now, and Vince publically welcomed him back to the 'E family, I would say it's quite likely that we will see a Warrior induction very soon, quite possibly this year.

Jake Roberts deserves an induction and with the progress he has made in getting himself healthy and his life back on track, plus with the possible surprise Royal Rumble entry he is hoping to make, I think the Snake should get into the HOF this year. His induction speech would be great too.

Scott Hall/Razor Ramon. Another definite HOF'er, whether its from his run as Razor or his time in the Outsiders/nWo, Scott Hall needs to be inducted. As with Roberts, Hall has got his life back on track this year when it looked like he was a lost cause. The fans love "The Bad Guy", and would pop big time for a Hall induction. It just depends whether the WWE wants to induct him as a member of the nWo, as a double entry with Nash or on his own.

DDP, the man who has helped save Jake and Hall's lives is another who may go in. Not only has he done wonders for fellow wrestlers, but the guy is a former fan favourite WCW World Champion who came into the business at a late age and made it to the top. I would be happy to see Page inducted this year.

Lita. We have a woman inducted regularly now and there is noone who did more for the Womens division in the 2000s (other than maybe Trish) than Lita. She is more than worthy.

Or.....

Sable. One of THE most successful divas of all time, the first to pose for Playboy and was incredibly popular in the Attitude Era. Plus, she is married to Brock Lesnar...so maybe an induction for Sable was something he demanded in his contract?

 

[5000]

I Know people will hate me for one of my main inductee and say it's to early but I think we should have 2 first ballots 2 of the biggest legends of all time who's yet to be inducted I mean what's left for them to do but get inducted in.

1st Ballot-The Rock and John Cena (inducted by Mick Foley,Stone Cold or Randy Orton it could set up Rock vs Orton)

Stable-DX

Christian,JBL,Micheal Cole,Kevin Nash,Batista,Ken Shamrock,and Lita
remember this is my opinion not yours so don't bash me

 

[thebarber]

What about honkytonk man? He's on good terms with wwe and the longest reigning ic champ of all time. Savage and warrior are no brainers. Love to see snake Roberts and Rick Martel be inducted

 

[MattRhys20]

How has nobody brought up Paul Bearer yet? Possibly one of the greatest and well recognised managers in WWF/E history. Whether it happens this year or later (it WILL happen though). I suppose maybe they are waiting for Undertaker to retire so he can induct him 'out of character' so to speak, but I think the first Mania after his death is the ideal oppurtunity

 

[MCMG]

I mean, The Rock isn't in the Hall of Fame and I would argue he is the biggest star not yet to be inducted. It is WM30, it is going to be a massive weekend/occasion and if The Rock isn't wrestling then he simply must be inducted into the hall of fame.

If The Rock is wrestling at WM30, then I don't think there is the need to induct him. Other than Rocky, I think the Ultimate Warrior should be inducted this year. He is a massive part of wrestling history and the fact he is in WWE 2k14 suggests that he and the WWE are now on better terms.

I'd also like to see Kevin Nash inducted. I know people are split on him but Diesel is a legend of this business. In addition to Nash, I would have his friend Scott Hall. Razor Ramon and Diesel were very big and deserve a place in the Hall of Fame.

That is my main three/four depending if The Rock is in a match. Warrior, Nash, Hall. Other names could be guys like Rikishi, Lita and The New Age Outlaws (I would say X-pac but him, Nash and Hall in the same year might be overkill. I think he merits being inducted individually.)

That is a pretty strong year in my opinion. There obviously needs to be a mix between the very best (Warrior) and perhaps lesser names that are still worthy of an induction (Rikishi)

 

[JoeyJoeJoe]

If you want to have a fully loaded Hall of Fame class for WrestleMania 30, I propose Randy Savage, Jake The Snake Roberts, Paul Bearer, Demolition, Mr. T (probably one of the only celebrity entries to actually make sense), Ultimate Warrior, and last but not least The Rock (who most likely has wrestled his last match).

 

[MINISTRYrising]

With this year being the 30th anniversary of Wrestlemania, I really think WWE need to push the boat out a little as to who should be inducted into the Hall of fame and personally I would like to see the following wrestlers be inducted this year.

THE UNDERTAKER - By far the most Hall of Fame worthy wrestler around still not to be inducted, It makes sence for WWE to have The Deadman as there Headline Inductee this year. Also there has to be Question marks about how many more Wrestlemania Matches The Undertaker has left in him and It would not surprise me in the least if this year was his last. If this is the case and this is his last Wrestlemania appearance then It would make his induction even more fitting.

PAUL BEARER - If your going to inductee one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, You might as well induct the man that managed him for over 10 years.

LITA - One of the Greatest Diva's WWE has ever had and is more then worthy to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

ANDY KAUFMAN - When wwe started there celebrity wing in the Hall Of Fame, The man at the top of the list to be inducted should have been Andy Kaufman. The guy has done more for Pro Wrestling then any other Celebrity in History. His matches with Jerry The King Lawler are legendary and has not been duplicated to such a level since.

JAKE THE SNAKE - One of the greatest wrestlers of all time to never win a major Title, Jake the Snake is a legend in wrestling and with Jake turning his life around over the last year and staying clean. WWE may now be willing to induct one of the greats of all time.

 

[Pedigree1]

Wow so many names are worthy of the WWE HOF here is my list

Ultimate Warrior:Absolutely (I hate to admit it i really do)but he needs to headline the WWE HOF. Although he wasnt around for that long,his short stint and what he did is most definitely HOF worthy. Two back to back all-time great WM matches Hogan and Savage are HOF material alone. He has recently made up with Vinnie Mac and apparently isnt so much of a jackass anymore..

Jake the Snake:Name alone stands out as new and old school fans know his name. The best DDT ever no one ever kicked out of his move. A decent in-ring worker its a shame he never held any titles but nonetheless his tenure with the company cannot be denied. He has cleaned up,looks good and is lobbying for a spot in the 2014 RR

Lita:As of late the WWE is putting in women in the HOF and why not Lita. Outside of Trish,what other diva has done more for the WWE in the 2000's than lita? A great face or heel and a tremendous in-ring worker.. Loved her live sex with Edge that was cutting Edge right there pardon the pun

DDP:Bang indeed. While his run in the WWE was nothing to write home about his run in WCW was stuff of legends. A very underrated performer IMO and a multi time champion,his run cannot be denied. Plus he is credited with saving the lives of Jake the Snake and Razor Ramon that alone should be HOF worthy..

Psycho Sid Vicious:Why not add him. A multi time champion he was very agile for a man his size and a great in ring worker. The most lethal powerbomb ever plus he looked psycho did he not? Laughing at absolutely nothing talking to himself.. I enjoyed his feud with Shawn Michaels i really did! A good performer.

 

[deadman talking]

there are many that need to be inducted and some i cant believe were. my list to be inducted are RAVISHING RICK RUDE, DEMOLITION, THE BRITISH BULLDOG, RICK MARTEL, BIG BOSSMAN, BIG VAN VADER, and JIM CORNETTE.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

Taker needs to go in with Bearer this year, if anyone ever deserves the honor of being inducted before they retire it is him. The HOF event is so "troped" now that he'd retire and the crowd would chant "one more match.." so why not head that off and have him inducted and in his speech announce it will be his "one more match"... It would certainly spike last minute buys. You can't put Bearer in without him.

The news that the death of Owen is covered on the new DVD is the loudest signal that Owen will go in finally. If Martha has signed off on it at last, or even if she stays away I don't mind... I think it's important his kids are there to see what their dad actually meant to the fans of wrestling and so they can all get closure on it. the obvious way might be to induct the Foundation stable of 97, so that Owen isn't the focal point but Bret can be inducted again, Jim can show up and they can bring back Harry for the night to take the award for Davey. It also covers Pillman. Yes they all deserve their own inductions, but at this point there are 3 guys who should already be in there and they can't induct all the dead guys at the same... so do it this way and at least their recognition is there.

If they do that it means guys like Bossman and Rude have to wait one more year but to see Pillman, Owen and Davey in there it's a worthy wait.

Rick Martel is a glaring omission so far and I think we'll see him go in this year - Tito is a clear inductor for him although I could also see them going the route of a current star like Ziggler doing it.

A tag team always goes in and I see it being Demolition this time although The Rockers have a shout for it - Shawn and Bret are gonna be the 2 guys to get inducted 3 times and it would be nice to see Marty get some recognition. Like with the Hart stable, Demolition can cover Crush as well.

There is always a promoter/business type - I personally hope it's Jim Johnston. The guy has been such a major part of what WWE does it's only fair. Cornette is a good shout although I don't know how his relationship is since the Santino slap.

There is a good shout for a woman in each class and Lita is most likely this year, although Mickie James could be an outside bet as she's back in the fold. Failing that I'd go for Sable as someone said the Brock contract probably says so.

The mid carder slot - if it's not Martel then I see it being Regal they seem to be setting him up for either a final run or retirement and a HOF induction. The recent columns on WWE.com seem to me that they're gonna do something big. He's certainly a HOF calibre wrestler and has the right people onside to get the induction.


Celebrity spot - Yep gotta agree with Kaufman deserving it and of course Jerry or maybe Jerry and Letterman would induct. If it's not him then it's very likely to be Muhammed Ali as he is the most glaring omission.

 

[Redrum]

I would rather they hold off on DX til HHH gets in on his own but thats just me. We all know Macho Man needs to be in the hall but sadly i think we will have to wait til his brother kicks the bucket for it to happen.

1: Warrior i dont really think its needs much explaining.

2: NWO as they had in my opinion a much larger impact on the wrestling world then DX. I know the WWE trys revisionist history and yes DX was really fun to watch but they didn't change the face of wrestling like the NWO did. NWO allowed WCW to beat WWF in the ratings for awhile. It took the combination of Austin,Rock,Mankind,DX and mismanagement by WCW for WWF to retake the ratings lead. I would keep it simple and just induct the original three Hogan,Hall and Nash.

3: Lita or Sable both were extremely successful divas and really are splitting hairs on which one should go in first.

4: Goldberg but i dont see it happening


those are the top four of who i would like to see atm.

 

[Elchicano15]

I haven't blogged for a while. I sually post around Wresltemania season but this topic totally interests me. This is how I think the class will turn out.

Ultimate Warrior I had a feeling Warrior and the WWE were mending bridges and with it being the 30th Mania who better to lead this year's class. He defiantly will be this year's headliner. It's hard to say who would induct him but I would go with VKM to put more closure to the feud.

Jake The Snake 2nd ballot name I believe rumored to have been a part of this year's class as well. Dibiase can induct Jake.

Paul Bearer You gotta have at least 1 posthumous inductee. He was from the south as well so it ties in right. Maybe both Kane and Taker can induct him and Paul Bearer's sons will accept the ring and make the speech. It wouldn't be strange to see Taker out of character that night. He's on some WWE videos where he is out of character anyway.

I think they might have one more posthumous inductee and I believe it would either be Randy Savage or Owen Hart. Only because I've been hearing that the WWE made piece with their surviving family members. I thought I heard Lanny wouldn't have a problem to see his brother inducted and things are also apparently ok with Owen's wife and the E

NWO Our faction/Tag team of the class. If in fact Hogan is available around Mania season, and Scott Hall is getting much better I see these guys going in. They did dominate the south. I can't see DX getin in, unless Trips goes in first as one poster above had mentioned. It would make sense
for Trips to go in first. I was originally going to say Demoltion but NWO sounds more realistic. DDP I nominate to induct them.

Rhonda Shear This year's celebrity/diva inductee. She appeared as a guest at Wresltemania 10 as a time keeper and I remember 20 years ago during the summer she had a small program with Shawn Michaels. She's also from New Orleans so it might be easier to throw her in. Have the obvious HBK induct her.

Lita Diva inductee. Need I say more Have Trish induct her.

 

[WallsofZakku]

For the 2014 HOF i would like to see "The Bad Guy" Scott Hall inducted, i always felt as though he never got what he deserved with his talent. Also like a fellow poster pointed out earlier Rick Rude would also be a great choice. talk about gaining heat! Rude was king at getting heel heat not to mention he had the technical skills to match his charisma.

 

[The Brain]

I Know people will hate me for one of my main inductee and say it's to early but I think we should have 2 first ballots 2 of the biggest legends of all time who's yet to be inducted I mean what's left for them to do but get inducted in.

1st Ballot-The Rock and John Cena (inducted by Mick Foley,Stone Cold or Randy Orton it could set up Rock vs Orton)

remember this is my opinion not yours so don't bash me

Why do you say "don't bash me?" If you put your opinion out there I have the right to bash it. This opinion deserves to be bashed. You want The Rock and John Cena to go in the HOF at the same time? Why would WWE put two huge headline guys on the same show? Obviously they would want to separate them to make two huge shows instead of one. Besides, John Cena isn't even close to retiring. Why are you looking to induct him in the HOF while he's still wrestling in his prime? Sorry but stupid opinions deserve to be bashed.

Here's a more realistic class

The Ultimate Warrior: He’s back in the WWE’s good graces so the time is right. He’s a big enough name to be the headliner and now that Hogan may be working with WWE he can be the one to do the induction.

Jake Roberts: I think the only reason he’s not in already is because he hasn’t been able to stay clean. Supposedly Roberts is clean now and if that’s the case I’d say the time is right to put him in. I don’t think I need to sell anyone on his credentials. Also he's a good secondary name to satisfy those that might not buy Warrior as a headliner. The only concern is an open bar and an open mic. Ted Dibiase inducts him.

Ken Patera: He’s been my dark horse candidate for the past couple years. Most people only remember Patera from his comeback in 1987 after his prison sentence. That Patera was not very impressive. Before his prison sentence Patera was one of the most hated guys in wrestling and one of the earliest IC champions. He actually held the IC title and the NWA Missouri Heavyweight title at the same time. He was one of the strongest guys to ever wrestle and was a regular opponent of Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, and Andre The Giant. Ric Flair would be the one to induct him as Patera was Flair’s roommate and took Flair under his wing when Flair was breaking in.

Magnum TA: With mania being in New Orleans I’d like to see a Mid South star get in and Junk Yard Dog, Ted Dibiase, and Jim Duggan are already in. I think Magnum TA would be next on the list. What could have been? A car accident cut his career short and just about everybody thinks he would have been NWA world champion in the role that Sting eventually took. Maybe wrestlers shouldn’t be inducted for what they could have been but Magnum was a big enough star before the accident to warrant inductions. Dusty Rhodes inducts him.

Lita: Trish got in last year so let’s see Lita go in this year. During the early 2000s they were 1 and 1A in the Diva’s division. Trish inducts her.

Carlos Colon: I’m surprised he’s not in already. He was the biggest name in Puerto Rico for decades and his son works for WWE. Carlito and Primo induct him.

Bob Barker: There is a celebrity just about every year so there’s no reason to think there won’t be one this year. WWE seems to have a good relationship with Barker and always bring him up when discussing past celebrity appearances. I’m not really sure why they’re so high on him (no disrespect) but they are. Chris Jericho inducts him.

Every single year I say the Freebirds will get in and every single year I’m wrong. I’m done guessing them. They should get inducted in New Orleans but they didn’t even make the class for Atlanta so I give up. I’d like to say Mr. T for the celebrity wing but something tells me since he’s not in already there’s a reason. Maybe I’m wrong but I figure he would have gone in a while ago if he and WWE wanted it. Ditto Muhammad Ali.

I feel this is a realistic group. It covers different eras and different regions without WWE putting all their eggs in one basket.

 

[rge2010]

Mania 30 is the biggest of all time. If Rock cant be on the card then they should get him at the HOF and then on the stage at Mania 30 to cut a promo and maybe deliver a Rock Bottom and Peoples Elbow to someone.

Warrior looks like a given at this stage seen that he is back on decent terms with Vince and the E. Not sure on Savage, his transvestite brother looks to be the one holding it back.

 

[harrythem]

If Sables gonna go in the HOF then, as Lesnar still has a contract through to Mania, I'd say that this is the year to induct her. Sunny has gone in, Trish is in, I'd say for her 1997-99 run Sable deserves it as much as (Elizabeth aside) any other woman the WWE could think of.

Warrior going in seems like it'd be the year to do it as well.

Mr T or Muhammed Ali has to be the celebrity inductee...They were two celebs who were part of the main even of WM 1 so, to me, that'd make the most sense.

Paul Bearer can go in and you could have Kane do the induction (hell, he's in a suit now, no worry about ruining the character)

Demolition should be in there. The WWE's greatest tag team creation ever deserves their place in the HOF.

And, if they're going for an international vibe again, why not The Great Muta (can't spell his real name)? He made enough impact in his (fairly) short first run in WCW, not to mention everything he's done over in Japan, to be deserving of a spot. Plus the extra publicity they could get from having him in there this year is always nice.