This is a discussion on 2009 Wrestling Observer HoF within the General Pro Wrestling : Classic & General forums, part of the Wrestling Forums category; ...
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I don't know wether anyone else here is interested in the ramblings of the Observer, but I always find their stuff interesting most of the time. They are currently doing their Hall Of Fame balloting for this year, I had forgotten Slaughter and Murdoch weren't already in (which is criminal). Anyway here is the breakdown of this year's nominees if anyone is interested:
Quote:
All ballots are in for the 2009 Hall of Fame election, although have not been looked and at won’t be tabulated for a few more days, leading to what is usually our biggest issue of the year, coming out in two weeks. It’s an interesting year, including the debut of several U.K. candidates, a number of candidates who have come close in recent elections, and the debut on the ballot of Edge, as well as an interesting year for Chris Jericho, who has never gotten strong support, but is coming off winning Wrestler of the Year last year as well as being one of last year’s biggest U.S. draws.
Jericho, Mistico and John Cena are the only Wrestler of the Year award winners in history not to be in the Hall of Fame, and Mistico and Cena are both ineligible because they haven’t turned 35 and finished ten years with a major league company, or finished 15 years with a major company. Last year, there was one person voted in, CMLL promoter Paco Alonso. To get in, you need 60% of the votes from your region. Coming in between 50 and 59% last year, making them the favorites for this year, were Fabulous Moolah, The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane), Bill Miller, Roy Shire, The Assassins (Joe Hamilton & Tom Renesto) and Seiji Sakaguchi.
Those who were dropped off the ballot from last year due to not getting enough support were Hector Garza, Jun Akiyama and Fit Finlay.
Everyone on the list is a worthy candidate, or they wouldn’t be on the list to begin with. We’ll look at the wrestling candidates in alphabetical order this week. Next week we’ll finish our look at the wrestling candidates, as well as look at the non-wrestling candidates (many of whom were name wrestlers but are being considered more for work outside the ring).
*Gene & Ole Anderson
Strengths: Consistent headliners as a tag team in the Carolinas and Georgia territories throughout the 70s during a period when they more often than not worked main events. Generally considered the legendary tag team in the Carolinas, which when they started teaming was a tag team territory, and remained the veteran top heel team when the big stars came in and it became a singles territory. Ole Anderson, in particular, was one of the greatest heels and talkers of his era. One of the few tag team in history who were at one point top ten draws (9th place, 1977).
Weaknesses: Never “in demand” wrestlers outside of their territory, when it came to being brought in for the hot spot cities like New York, St. Louis, Toronto, Tokyo or Houston like most Hall of Famers from that era were. When it comes to worldwide star power and drawing power, not among the top candidates on the ballot and have never come close in recent elections.
Strengths: Not unlike The Andersons but they were the 60s version of the tag team that dominated Georgia. Headlined and drew well in a number of territories including, wrestling as the Bolos, setting records in the Carolinas that stood until the Ric Flair era. Generally considered the best working heel team of their era. Jody Hamilton was one of the best talkers of his era. Very well respected by their peers, as they have done Hall of Fame numbers among wrestlers of their era, but don’t fare as well with historians.
Weaknesses: Similar to the Andersons as there are bigger stars, international stars and bigger draws on the ballot, and The Assassins were not “in demand” in the hot spots like most of the Hall of Fame wrestlers historically have been. Previous results: 2008 - 51%; 2007 - 42%; 2006 - 34%; 2005 -19%
*Atlantis
Strengths: A consistent main eventer in CMLL for more than 20 years, starting out as one of the first of the new superstars created by Mexico City television in the late 80s. Evolved his game from being a great high flyer in his youth, to being a well respected heel star in recent years. Not a draw on his own, but has been a hot performer on top during boom periods.
Weaknesses: Never “the man” in his promotion nor a big draw working independent shows except in the post-television boom, and even then, was not one of the top five draws. A solid headliner, but not a Hall of Fame worker.
Previous results: 2008 - 35%
*Red Bastien
Strengths - Considered at times the best high flyer, and among the best workers of his era. Great longevity, with 25 years of being generally regarded as a top worker. Considered one of the great babyface tag team wrestlers, both at setting the heat and making comebacks, with major partners including “brother” Lou Bastien (Lou Klein), The Crusher, Hercules Cortez, Mario Milano and Billy “Red” Lyons. The master of the flying head scissors. Does Hall of Fame numbers among peers.
Weaknesses - Not a strong record book wrestler. Although held many regional titles, he was never a singles wrestler who carried a promotion nor was he a great draw. Worked on top in some territories and in the middle in others. Generally ignored in balloting by historians for that reason.
Strengths: The legend of pro wrestling in Puerto Rico. When you talk wrestling on the Island, where pro wrestling has been popular since the early 70s and was a hotbed from the mid-70s until the late-80s, he is their Bruno Sammartino. Genuine great drawing power during his peak years. Had matches on the islands against most of the biggest stars of his era like Ric Flair, Harley Race, The Funks, Bruiser Brody, Stan Hansen, and all-time greatest rival Abdullah the Butcher. Has fared consistently well in balloting but never enough to get in.
Weaknesses: Leap-frogged the more popular Miguel Perez Sr. as the top star in the early years due to having points in the company, although eventually surpassed anything locally Perez Sr. had ever done. As a promoter, had a bad reputation when it came to paying. Was never a Hall of Fame level performer or major draw except in a promotion that he owned, and flopped when the NWA tried to build around him in New York. He was a prelim wrestler in the Northeast, and a star in Canada, but not a superstar, before hitting it big, but even then was not strong when trying to translate his legendary status in Puerto Rico into being an ethnic draw in the U.S. Certainly one of the stronger candidates on the ballot in any year.
Strengths - The most famous wrestler of his era in the U.K. A genuine household name in the culture.
Weaknesses - Poor worker. Some blame him with the death of British wrestling on television and few of his peers have much good to say about him. Never in demand outside the U.K., and many see him as an untalented guy who was always pushed as the focal point of the company by a promotion owned by his family.
First year on ballot
*Edge
Strengths - Nine major world titles in another era would make someone a given, but in today’s watered down world title era, it’s not a given. Still, carried a national promotion (Smackdown brand) for a lengthy period of time. Tons of great matches on PPV shows, and as far as being a performer, one of the best workers and talkers of his era, with several Match of the Year candidates to his credit. Earned a consistent top spot when delivering well above usual ratings in his first championship reign. Placed second for Wrestler of the Year in 2006 (to Mistico) and 2008 (to Chris Jericho). Tremendous acting ability during an era when that is paramount. Fares very well when it comes to the Murdoch comparisons. He was more of a national star, carried and headlined bigger territories, held more major championships, was closer to the pinnacle of the profession and even if he wasn’t a better worker (and you could have a great argument he was), was a more effective and consistent worker and did more with his talent. Tag team with Christian was also one of the best of its era.
Weaknesses - Difficult to get in on the first ballot, few in history have. His world title reigns were all short. Injury prone, killing momentum and career may not have been long enough at this point to be one of the strongest candidates on a strong ballot.
First year on ballot
*George Gordienko
Strengths: Renowned shooter, some say he was the toughest of all the wrestlers of the 50s and 60s as he combined the size and strength of a powerlifter with the technical wrestling ability in a package similar to a modern Brock Lesnar. A star in more places in the world than almost anyone of his era. Matches with Billy Robinson were legendary in England, Canada and most notably Japan.
Weaknesses: His affiliation with the communist party snuffed out his career and kept him from wrestling in the U.S. during his prime years, including keeping him away from the NWA world heavyweight title, as Lou Thesz wanted to drop the title to him but his inability to work in the U.S. killed any chances. More legendary among wrestlers than fans.
Previous finishes: 2008 - 28%
*Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero
Strengths: Mexico’s top regular tag team over a several year period, with a long run as headliners, as well as good matches and a history of drawing on top. Would probably be considered the top tag team of the decade, since they were together longer than most, were headliners the entire time except the period they split and feuded, and were two of the best workers in the company.
Weaknesses: Bigger legends in Mexico being on the ballot hurt them. While one of the better modern tag teams, they are not the level of the great tag teams of other eras. On the ballot once before, in 2007, and got no support.
*Gran Hamada
Strengths: Great longevity as a top worker, particularly impressive in his ability to change his style in the late 40s to keep up with wrestlers 20 years younger. One of the first guys of his size to be a genuine name in Japan. Was a headliner for years in Mexico, where he was one of Perro Aguayo Sr.’s major rivals.
Weaknesses: Never a draw nor over like a top guy anywhere in the world and lacked big-time charisma. Was brought to Japan in 1990 to carry the Lucha Libre banner and nobody cared, and the venture was only saved by the popularity of Yoshihiro Asai. A great worker in both Japan and Mexico, but not a Hall of Famer caliber star in either country. Like most great workers, they usually don’t fare well in the balloting after their prime, while when on the ballot when their great matches are fresh in people’s minds, they seem to do better. Hamada came close to getting in during the late 90s and early 00s, when he was in his late 40s and still one of the best workers in the business, but fell off the ballot in 2004 and since being put back on, hasn’t gotten much support.
Previous finishes: 2008 - 22%; 2007 - 11%; 2006
*Volk Han
Strengths: One of the two or three greatest submission style pro wrestlers of all- time. An incredible worker considering just how little training and how few matches he had. A strong headliner, as the top foreign star for years with a promotion that did strong business. The kind of a worker who is memorable to anyone who saw him, in the sense he stands out.
Weaknesses: When a style dies, the leading proponents of the style have a difficult time. Plus, he didn’t have the longevity on top of most people on the list. Had RINGS survived in its original form, he’d be one of the pioneers of the group and there would be a strong case. Has always gotten votes but has never come close to getting in. There are also questions about a guy who really didn’t have very many matches in his career, since he had a relatively short career working about ten times a year. Likely to remain on the ballot for a long time.
Strengths: One of the most talented wrestlers of his generation. That, and sympathy due to the nature of his death, and because he is so well liked, are his strongest points. Carried the Stampede Wrestling promotion early in his career and resulted in the promotion getting more national and international publicity than at any time in its existence, even when it was more successful locally. Feud with brother Bret very well remembered. In the late 80s, was one of the most popular foreign wrestlers in Japan and top junior heavyweights in an era when that was a big deal.
Weaknesses: Really only had one great singles program on a national basis, and that was with Bret Hart. From a career standpoint, doesn’t fare as well as most on the ballot, although his talent takes a back seat to no one. Always gets a consistent level of support, but unlikely to breakthrough on a tough ballot.
Strengths: During his prime years (1987-91), was one of the top five workers in the business. Also got a great gimmick that made him memorable. Carried himself like a real superstar and was the type of wrestler who in another era, at least before his back got so bad, that could have been a world champion because he had the complete package.
Weaknesses: While he had a long career, he was really only a top worker for a few years and lived for years off reputation for being great. Never a Hall of Fame draw, nor Hall of Fame longevity. Was he Hall of Fame caliber overall over five years? As purely a worker, yes, but not as a draw. Most in were bigger stars longer, and the few that weren’t, were more historically important.
Strengths: While having a good long career, the question if he’s over the top depends largely on the last two years. Two absolute Hall of Fame years, being a headliner, world champion, and arguably the best talker in the business, and plenty of great PPV matches. But aside from his hiatus, has been a headliner pretty consistently since 2001. On the Murdoch scale, bigger star, more effective draw on top, not quite as long as a main eventer but closer to the top rung in the business when he was. Realistically, one of the best promo guys in the history of the business.
Weaknesses: His still being active will work against him. Although a very good wrestler with potential, was never pushed as a big star in the 90s and it wasn’t until 2007 that he consistently broke through as the top tier guy, even though headlined frequently this entire decade and was undisputed champion at a time when there was really only one major world title in the U.S. Never had strong support in the past, although many have remarked the past 18 months have made him a far stronger candidate. Almost surely will do a lot better than the past because of the past 18 months, but it’s tough for an active wrestler to get 60%
Strengths: Headliner and champion in nearly every territory he worked from the late 60s into the early 80s, particularly big in the 70s when he had incredible agility and speed. In particular, is the best wrestler of the past 40 years when it comes to doing a dropkick series, and that’s considering he was a 255 pound powerlifter type with a boxing background. One of the business’ top athletes of the 70s with a career record that is far more impressive than most realize.
Weaknesses: Because he traveled so much, was not an area legend anywhere, with his most fame probably coming in San Francisco. Was never considered top ten in the world at any point, while many on the ballot were. Few have researched his record, which is surprisingly impressive. Still, is unlikely to ever be a major candidate.
Previous finishes: 2008 - 12%
*Ivan Koloff
Strengths: One of the top heels of the 70s, worked on top and drew in numerous territories. Win over Bruno Sammartino still one of the biggest matches in wrestling history. Of modern era wrestlers, only Konnan is as big a draw and not in. Considered a top level worker as well, and a main eventer from 1967 through the mid-80s. Both strong work and drawing power in many territories and over a long period of time. Now a blow away candidate but you can make a stronger case for him than most on the ballot.
Weaknesses: Many people most remember him for his run in the late 80s in Crockett Promotions when he was already in his late 40s, where he was no longer a headliner. Even though he was one of Sammartino and Gagne’s top rivals at different points, and Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff vs. Dusty Rhodes with a variety of partners was legendary in Georgia, his legacy doesn’t match his production.
Strengths: Drawing power. Biggest draw in wrestling in 1993 and 1994, and biggest draw historically over a period of many years who isn’t already in. Helped create AAA, helped book the rise of smaller wrestlers, and helped book during the heyday of the promotion, plus the person most responsible for opening up the U.S./Mexico borders that had been closed for talent since the 70s. Is as big a long- time draw as anyone who isn’t in.
Weakness: Not a Hall of Famer in the U.S., where he spent much of his career. Not a Hall of Fame worker at any point. His candidacy solely based on drawing power and historical importance. Polarizing figure, some feel his changes have been negative for business in Mexico by moving away from so much of the traditional style and bringing in U.S. extreme style.
Strengths: One of Mexico’s top villains of the 60s and 70s, and Rene Guajardo & Karloff Lagarde are among Mexico’s most famous tag teams.
Weaknesses: His track record is no stronger than the other Mexican stars on the ballot, and in particular his stardom doesn’t match that of Dr. Wagner or his son.
Previous finishes: 2008 - 19%; 2007 - 52%
*Mark Lewin
Strengths: Long career as a star all over the world from the late 50s well into the mid-80s. Reinvented himself many times, starting as the clean-cut young babyface in the tag team with Don Curtis, to playing the maniacal older bodybuilder role. Big star in Japan and even bigger star in Australia. Drew well in a lot of places. Always a headliner and worked almost every territory at one point or another.
Weaknesses: Lewin and cohort King Curtis Iaukea garnered a reputation for going into territories all over the world, turning them into blood circuses and drawing big at first, but the blood burned out the territory and left them worse off then when they got there in the first place. Has never done well in the past so it’s hard to see him as a serious candidate to get in.
Strengths: Headliner in every territory he worked in the 60s and 70s. He and Wahoo McDaniel were the top babyfaces in Houston during the 70s. Strong fiery comebacks and great sense of timing. Understood how to work his gimmick of being a former boxer into pro wrestling. Carried Houston and San Antonio in particular which were strong drawing cities. Regular opponent of Gene Kiniski, Dory Funk, Harley Race, Terry Funk and Jack Brisco as world champions.
Weaknesses: Never a national headliner and his credentials as a regional star are no better than dozens of people who are not in.
Strengths: Generally considered the best working tag team of the 80s era that was filled with high profile tag teams, including Tag Team of the Year 1986, 1987 and 1988. Very strong as draws in Mid South and Jim Crockett Promotions, getting over on a national basis with that group. Feuds with Rock & Roll Express and The Fantastics produced some of the era’s best matches. Because it’s not been 20 years and there hasn’t been an American tag team as good since, their candidacy seems to have grown over the years.
Weaknesses: Were not the top act in any promotion they were in except for a brief period during the Last Stampede Feud in Mid South. While 1984-1990 would be considered unbelievable longevity for a team today, it was not great longevity for Hall of Famers of the 80s era. None of the three were Hall of Famer caliber performers before or after their runs with the team, even though you could argue that on a regional basis, The Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane & Steve Keirn) were one of the hottest tag team acts of all.
Strengths: One of the U.K.’s most well-known wrestlers of the 60s, best known for his feud with Jackie Pallo. Top heel, whose most famous match drew 11 million viewers on television, believed to be the largest audience ever for a pro wrestling match in that country.
Weaknesses: Don’t know enough about him to fairly judge.
First year on the ballot
*Bill Miller
Strengths: A headliner his entire career. A great athlete, being an All-American in track and wrestling and a college football star at Ohio State before turning down an NFL offer to go directly into pro wrestling, where he was a star from day one in his career, working in Ohio off his legit sports fame, but became a big enough wrestling star that his sports fame was no longer the reason he was pushed. Continued to attend college while wrestling and got his degree in Veterinary Science. Between the degree, and being 6-4 (billed anywhere from 6-6 to 6-8) and 250 to 320 pounds, he was known as Dr. Big Bill Miller. Respected as one of the real tough guys of his era, but drew well under a mask in Omaha. Left wrestling as a full-time occupation to work for the state of Ohio because of the government pension plan, but still did part-time wrestling in major cities like Detroit and St. Louis for a number of years. His votes have grown every year.
Weaknesses: No bigger of a star in any territory he was in than many people who aren’t in. Almost the classic example of a borderline pick. Has the longevity as a star, working ability is there, drawing power is neither an asset nor a detriment when it comes to a Hall of Fame case.
Strengths: A legendary name in the U.S. in particular. Held a version of the women’s world title, which in time became the most recognized version in the U.S., most of the period from 1956-1987 when she was retired full-time as champion at the age of 64. Booked and trained the majority of women wrestlers from 1963-84 after ending her marriage with Buddy Lee (who ran women’s wrestling with her after Billy Wolfe’s reign ended as leading promoter) and getting the rights to the wrestling business in the divorce. Considered by many as the ultimate female wrestling legend due to her longevity in top.
Weaknesses: Women’s wrestling didn’t flourish during her reign, and the quality was world’s behind that in Japan and Mexico. Some blame her keeping herself champion well into her 50s for part of the decline, although the system and culture probably had more to do with it. Still, from a standpoint of headlining, great matches, drawing and longevity, she only has the longevity. But was still a major player in a male-dominated business and lasted. Her candidacy has gotten stronger in recent years, as she gets judged less by her work and drawing power and more by the fact she was a major name and was champion for so long.
Strengths: Top star in the late 60s, notably in California, who held the To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 20 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. championship for three years and sold out 21 of 30 main events in 1971-73. Also was the key babyface in the establishment of the IC title from 1980-83. Of modern era wrestlers, only Konnan has a better record as a multi-year top drawing card as a singles wrestler who isn’t already in.
Weaknesses: If you take 1971-73 out, he wouldn’t even be under consideration, and while his MSG drawing power speaks for itself, he was largely an ethnic draw to Puerto Rican fans and was not an overall successful champion. In 1973, Vince McMahon Sr. replaced him as champion with Sammartino, who was a bigger draw in all the other cities on the circuit, even though Sammartino would not work a full schedule as champion. With the exception of his run as IC champion, his post-1973 career wasn’t noteworthy, working mid-card or lower in several territories. Has been on the ballot in the past and was eliminated when failing to get 10% of the vote.
*Dick Murdoch
Strengths: Universally considered an elite worker during the 70s and 80s, and was a major star and consistent headliner worldwide for more than 20 years. Tag team with Dusty Rhodes in the late 60s and early 70s was considered one of the top heel teams in the world. After they split, whether babyface or heel, Murdoch was always a top star. Cult favorite in Japan where he enjoyed status just below Bruiser Brody, Stan Hansen, Hulk Hogan, The Funks, Mil Mascaras and Andre the Giant as the top foreign star from the mid-70s until late 80s. Has enormous respect from his peers, where he is almost always the top vote getter. Was one of the “in demand” wrestlers who would be brought in from other territories in places like St. Louis.
Weaknesses: While always a headliner and a solid draw, was never a super draw. And while as physically talented as almost anyone in his prime, he could light the world on fire or stink the place out, depending on his mood. When compared to wrestlers like Chris Jericho and Edge, while he may have been as talented, if not more talented than either, both of them produced far more because they wouldn’t stink the joint out when they were in a bad mood. Also, because of his Japan commitments, was always having short territorial runs, thus outside of Mid South, where he was the top babyface in the late 70s, he was never built around. Has done well, always among the top vote getters and came only three votes shy in 2006, and was close many other years, but his time seems to be running out. As his peers die off, they are the only ones who vote for him en masse. He doesn’t have the “paper” credentials for historians and his name didn’t last because the territories he was strongest in died early in the game.
Strengths: Revolutionary high flier and one of the best workers of the past 15 years. Overcame a lack of size to first make it as a big star in Mexico, than the U.S., and even win the WWE world heavyweight championship, the smallest man by far ever to do so. As popular as any pro wrestler in Mexico of the last 20 years, and a significant Hispanic ratings and live event draw in the U.S. In many countries where WWE has hit it big with children, he is the biggest star and top merchandise draw. Perhaps more important is he changed the business in the U.S., as it was difficult for people who weren’t a certain size to get a job, and he opened it up to where there was a place in the business for super talented people of any size.
Weaknesses: Never dominated a territory as its main star. While a top star in WWE, he was usually around the No. 3 babyface on his brand for the past several years and his world title reign was really a prop for a storyline involving the memory of Eddie Guerrero. And even when he got the title, even though he did draw as champion, he was never booked like a champion and the only reason he didn’t lose the title immediately is because JBL, garnered to win, had injured his back so badly he had to retire. For work he’s a no brainer, drawing power is there as much as it could be for a guy who isn’t pushed to the top, but the lack of being the dominant face at any time in his career hurts him in balloting. His historical significance is higher than most, but in some circles people don’t take that seriously, citing others of his size with great talent haven’t gotten breaks and rather than opening a door, he was just a unique person who got over as a star because of his unique ability, and has maintained star status because most wrestlers love working with him.
Previous finishes: 2008 - 42%; 2007 - 41%
*Kendo Nagasaki
Strengths: Born Peter Thornley, one of the U.K.’s biggest draws from the mid-70s to mid-80s. Was awarded a Wrestler of the Millennium award in the U.K. His unmasking on World of Sport in 1977 was believed to be one of the highest rated episodes of a wrestling television show in the U.K. Was one of the three most famous wrestlers of the 60s and early 70s with Mick McManus and Jackie Pallo before the Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks era.
Weaknesses: Didn’t get over as a major star when he was brought to North America during the 70s.
First year on ballot
*Jackie Pallo
Strengths: England’s version of Gorgeous George, Jackie “Mr. TV” Pallo was the first star created when ITV began broadcasting wrestling in the U.K. in 1955. He was a household name in the culture like only a handful of wrestlers in history. Served as the technical advisor to announcer Kent Walton when the show started. His heel vs. heel feud with McManus was the U.K.’s biggest rivalry of the era, when Pallo kissed McManus’ wife at ringside, and they later worked a Jerry Lawler/Andy Kaufman angle on the Eamon Andrews TV talk show. Their 1963 television match drew 11 million viewers on television, triple the usual weekly wrestling audience at the time, although the stories that the match outdrew the FA Cup later that same day is misleading as the FA Cup was on two networks at the same time and the BBC broadcast drew significantly more viewers, but the ITV broadcast did draw less viewers.
Weaknesses: Many regard him as just being lucky, in the sense that on an early TV broadcast, he crotched himself on the top rope and the scene created such a star that he was water cooler talk and became an instant star. He was not respected as being a good worker and in his entire career, only held one major title, and that for three weeks. Generally disliked by other wrestlers, but part of that was because after he retired, he wrote a book exposing wrestling of being fake long before that was considered acceptable.
First year on ballot
*Blue Panther
Strengths: Major star of the 80s and 90s and top level worker who still works either on top or second from the top today. Noted as one of the great mat technicians of his era. Although never the key guy, was a regular main eventer during a number of boom periods. Probably his hottest period was the early 90s when he feuded with Love Machine. Worked constantly with all the top wrestlers of the last 30 years.
Weaknesses: Always in the mix with the top guys but never the top babyface or top heel. In that sense, his role is probably similar to that of a peak Arn Anderson, although holding that role for decades as opposed to a few years.
Strengths: Many consider him the best worker of the late 70s and early 80s in the U.K. Favored a fast paced brawling style that also included a lot of wrestling. Helped put the jr. heavyweight division on the map in Japan as one of the top opponents for the original Tiger Mask. Dominated the World heavy middleweight title in the U.K. from 1981-91. Also feuded with a pre-Jushin Liger Keiichi Yamada, then known as Flying Fuji Yamada, in the U.K.
Weaknesses: Great worker but not a great draw. While pushed as Sayama’s top opponent given the Black Tiger gimmick, which came from Japanese cartoons, when most people talk about the original Tiger Mask, the name linked to him is Dynamite Kid, who became a far bigger star in the same time period, and secondarily, Kuniaki Kobayashi, so he would really be Sayama’s third most famous opponent and he always spoke of his time in New Japan as his career highlight. that’s generally considered his career highlight.
First year on ballot
*Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson)
Strengths: Top babyface tag team during the high point of both Bill Watts’ and Jim Crockett’s promotion. Although the Fabulous Ones were really the ones that sparked the genre in Memphis, it was the success of the Rock & Roll Express in 1984 in Mid South that caused numerous territories to come up with copies. While the gimmick made them stars, Morton is lauded as one of the great workers of his era, who turned the babyface in peril role into an art form. Not the top, but one of the stronger drawing tag teams in history and in their heyday had consistently good matches with anyone, and great matches when given top heel workers. For years, Rock & Roll Express vs. Midnight Express tapes were used to teach younger wrestlers how to work a tag team match.
Weaknesses: While the two started teaming in 1983, and still team on occasion on the independent scene, the reality was they were the kind of an act that would be super hot for a year or two in a territory and start to burn out, similar to a teen heartthrob. They were together a long time, but longevity at the big-time level was relatively short, one year with Watts and a couple of years with Crockett. While they carried Smoky Mountain Wrestling for two years in the 90s, that was a small promotion. Their act was better for the territorial era where they probably would have been a hot act everywhere they went for years, and then could double back later in their career. They had the working ability and the influence, were draws, but the longevity as a top act is their main stumbling block. Some argue that because they were around during JCP’s national television era, they are remembered as the best babyface team, but arguments are they were never hotter nor lasted as long on top as Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood.
Strengths: Awesome natural heel. Had the ability to project arrogance and disdain for the audience equal to the best heels in history. At his peak, a great bump taking worker who with his size and physique could get over as a threat to top faces but sold their comebacks to get them over. Generally considered the wrestler who got the most out of the limited Ultimate Warrior, who some of the great workers of the era couldn’t do a thing with. During his WCW run when he feuded with Sting, was the best heel in the business. People still remember his WWF feud with Jake Roberts as one of the great feuds of all-time. Although he came back to headline for a few more years, was never the same after serious injuries in 1992 and had to retire in 1994 after breaking his back catching Sting on a dive in a match at the Fukuoka Dome.
Weaknesses: Never had the run as a top draw. In WWF, never worked on top with Hulk Hogan and his feud with Roberts headlined shows, but did no special business. Did feud on top with Sting, but WCW was a weak promotion at the time. Feud with Warrior for the title was disappointing at the box office, although that was partially because it was a rerun feud and his first feud with him, over the IC title, helped make Warrior. Career as an active wrestler was already over during the Monday Night Wars era. Strength is he was the kind of performer who made a lasting impression, and at his peak was a Hall of Famer, but due to injuries, didn’t have the longevity, which has hurt him when it comes to being a top candidate to get in. Has struggled to stay on the ballot.
Strengths: The real pioneer of a new style of wrestling, most notably the popularity of breaking tables as a prop which is still a staple of wrestling today with the “We Want Tables” chants. He was the top star in ECW when the company rose and at his peak, was easily the most influential and important independent wrestler of the past 20 years.
Weaknesses: His style led to numerous injuries and his true peak years were relatively short. Not a great, or even good technical worker. During the era of national promotions, was never a major star on that stage. Had a different kind of great match, great because he came up with new ideas that blew people away. The matches don’t look as good in hindsight. His main claim to fame is his influence on the game, and while many will argue it’s been a negative, it also can’t be denied. His candidacy really rests on being an innovator.
Strengths: 1964 Olympian who had a 35 year career, most of it as a headliner. Great worker, actually top ten in the world at his peak. Never a super drawing card, but had more success in the U.S. than almost any Japanese wrestler except Giant Baba, and even without being able to speak English, was a star in every territory he worked. In particular, he was still among the best in the business after the age of 40, and was 47 when he won the AWA world heavyweight title. Mentor to Riki Choshu and held 19 major tag team titles during his career.
Weaknesses: Perennial underrated wrestler. While a noted tough guy and one of the best workers, his lack of English hurt him since most of his career was spent in the U.S. He was better as a worker than most of the Japanese legends but as a U.S. citizen, never got the real push except in his feud with Antonio Inoki, which was one of Inoki’s last great programs. While he had longevity, his real credential is his work and those type of wrestlers end up hurt in balloting as years go by. Probably no wrestler has varied as much as he and Chavo Guerrero, who both came a few votes from election years ago and later ballots got under 10% and was off the ballot for several years.
Strengths: 1965 Japanese heavyweight champion in judo who spent much of his career as No. 2 babyface to Antonio Inoki in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Was president of New Japan during its boom period as well as serving as president of the NWA for two years when WCW and New Japan controlled the group. Genuine legend in the culture, whose son is one of the country’s most famous actors. Behind-the-scenes, because he went to college with many major television executives, his connections were key in New Japan’s heyday as a prime-time network show.
Weaknesses: A huge man for his era at 6-5, 275 pounds, but not a top level worker. His name itself sounds like Hall of Fame because he’s remembered so well in Japan for his years of television prime time exposure and his son’s popularity, but aside from tag matches with Inoki, was never a big draw on his own nor a great worker.
Strengths: A headliner for two decades in Japan who headlined six Tokyo Dome sellouts, including famous matches with Toshiaki Kawada and Kenta Kobashi. A five-time IWGP heavyweight champion, second most in history behind Tatsumi Fujinami, two G-1 tournament wins. He is the biggest star of the last 20 years in Japan who is not in. Good worker. Holds an MMA win over former UFC fighter Christian Wellisch, although since it was on his own show, you have the right to be suspicious. Able to maintain status as one of the biggest stars in Japanese pro wrestling today as a free agent, running his own gym.
Weaknesses: Clearly a guy on the borderline but of the guys from his era who are in, Masahiro Chono, Keiji Muto, Jushin Liger, Shinya Hashimoto, Hiroshi Hase, Kenta Kobashi, Toshiaki Kawada and Mitsuharu Misawa, he was arguably a bigger star than Hase or Liger, but they both trumped him as a worker.
Strengths: One of the top heels of the early 50s doing the post-World War II Nazi act. Became a national star who worked and was booked like a superstar by Fred Kohler during the original TV era, and was one of the highest paid wrestlers of the time. Got NWA world title shots in more different territories than all but the biggest names in the era, indicating his ability to get over in many different places. Top ten draw in 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957 and 1959. Historically, nearly everyone with those kind of drawing power credentials is in and as a pure draw, is among the strongest on the ballot.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t get votes among his peers, which indicate not being regarded as a top tier worker. Was never a star as Guy LaRose, before taking the German gimmick. Even wrestlers who worked on top with him haven’t seen him as a Hall of Famer. It’s a drawing power case, and some feel that the German gimmick in the 50s easy, noting plenty of people drew with it, and he was simply the guy doing it who had the national television. Pushed hard by historians, in earlier tries on the ballot got no support and fell off.
Previous finishes: 2008 - 34%; 2007 - 38%
*Sgt. Slaughter
Strengths: One of the most recognizable names and gimmicks of the modern era. Slaughter was one of the best workers of the 300-pounders in wrestling before becoming almost a mainstream name in 1984 as the WWF went national. Garnered a huge name as the No. 3 babyface (behind Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant). But had been a top heel for years, tremendous at his role, strong promo, with strong runs in WWF as an opponent for Bob Backlund and in the Carolinas as U.S. champion and tag team champion with Don Kernodle. After being fired in 1984, became a big money free agent where he was able to get by just on cheerleading and his babyface gimmick, before returning for a controversial heel run with Hulk Hogan in 1991. After that gimmick ran its course, he was turned back face, but never regained the popularity he previously had.
Weaknesses: Only a few years as a top worker and draw. Was a disappointment as a draw from 1985-90 when working independents and the AWA, particularly in the AWA when everything was built around him as an unbeatable babyface and it didn’t click. His main claim is simply the fame of the great name and gimmick, which is still remembered today. Has never fared well in elections, with the idea there are stronger candidates out there.
Strengths: The most popular wrestler in the WWF, and maybe in all of wrestling in 1983, who reinvented high flying in the main events. While the splash off the top is something a lot of guys do today, it was a huge deal and the hottest move in wrestling when Snuka did in various territories in the 70s, and in big money markets like the Carolinas, Georgia and WWF in the 80s. A main eventer for almost his entire career until age and drug issues ruined him. Very distinctive style. Former competition bodybuilder. Brody & Jimmy Snuka were also a top tag team in Japan. As a worker he’s right there. As far as being a star at his peak, absolutely. Promos, not really, but his character shouldn’t have done great promos. Also had an intangible of being able to project out of control danger that few had. Big memorable feuds with Ric Flair, Don Muraco, Bob Backlund and Roddy Piper.
Weaknesses: Although a headliner for a long time if you take out 1983 and 1984, he probably wouldn’t even be considered. If he didn’t have his personal issues in 1984, he could have been the No. 2 babyface to Hulk Hogan for several more years because he had that kind of charisma. Also hurt because he wrestled so long after his prime, still working indies today. People who grew up and were fans of WWF during his prime are strong supporters, but it’s so-so elsewhere.
Strengths: Probably the most respected star of the 50s and 60s who isn’t in. His career record from the 50s showed him as an “in-demand” star who only worked with the top attractions. Reputedly, had Dory Funk-Jack Brisco type feuds with Verne Gagne and Lou Thesz, that drew sellouts in major arenas and were some of the best matches of the era. No. 2 draw in wrestling in 1955 as he went nationwide with big matches as Thesz’s leading contender. Remained a top national draw for several more years before he and Dick the Bruiser pulled a power play to take over Indianapolis from Jim Barnett. He didn’t travel much in the 60s, but remained the Magnum T.A. to Bruiser’s Dusty Rhodes for the next decade. Former Canadian football player who played the clean-cut babyface almost his entire career. A big, agile athlete who garnered the nickname “The World’s Most Scientific Wrestler,” for years. Was a consistent main eventer or second from the top guy for more than 20 years.
Weaknesses: More voters remember him from the 70s when he was long past his prime and mostly worked Indiana, aside from Chicago and St. Louis and was always pushed as a protected star, but was no bigger a star than many others. Even wrestlers from his era who worked with him categorized him as someone with great athletic ability, but didn’t have the drive, in the sense he could always be a big star based on having made such a big name in the 50s, but never went the extra mile to be a top ten wrestler in the 60s. His drawing power in the 50s is largely forgotten and underrated. Has never finished below 10%, but has hovered at that level,
Strengths: If a star the level of Sting had come along in any other era, they’d be in for certain. He was considered one of the top ten stars in the business for most of the 90s, with six WCW titles and three TNA titles when both were the No. 2 promotion in the country. Headlined more PPV events than all but a few men of the era. Never a top ten worker, but far better in the ring than many wrestlers who are in, and who didn’t have the international fame. While drawing power is not a plus, his 1997 Starrcade match with Hulk Hogan did 650,000 buys, more than any non-WWE match in history.
Weaknesses: Was never a success in the top position. He was famous, but when he was champion the promotion did pathetic business most of the time. Even his TNA comeback, doing the best interviews of his career, saw him unable to draw in major markets on PPV. He did well during the Monday Night Wars era, but everyone did, and Bill Goldberg was a far bigger draw and more well-known star and he’s never getting in. It comes down largely to historical significance, and he was never the guy who carried on top a successful promotion, as much as he did have great charisma and star power. Most feel his TNA run, where he was pushed as the top guy with Kurt Angle and did at least solidify the company to where it became economically viable, wasn’t that big of a deal. And Angle was really the guy carrying the company.
Strengths: One of the greatest workers of his era. Probably the single greatest worker of modern times, if not all-time, in making matches look legitimate. Did draw on top with the right opponent, including one Tokyo Dome sellout with Nobuhiko Takada. Had success as an MMA fighter, but not a world beater, with wins over Kazushi Sakuraba, Masakatsu Funaki, Ikuhisa Minowa, Pat Miletich, Jeremy Horn, Maurice Smith, Renzo Gracie and Patrick Smith and a draw with a prime Frank Shamrock. But the Funaki and Sakuraba wins were when both were long past their prime, although to be fair, all were about the same age, so he was as well.
Weaknesses: Timing and longevity. Tamura was the No. 2 Japanese guy in UWFI and was being groomed for the top spot when the company fell into financial disarray. He refused to participate in the New Japan feud and put over New Japan wrestlers, where he could have had some of the most high profile matches of his career, but would have to lose. In RINGS, was also being groomed to replace Akira Maeda on top, but the rise of MMA killed the style Tamura was the best in the world at. As with Han, when the style dies, your records largely die with it. His case is purely that of being an awesome worker, in many ways the equal of Chris Benoit, but as time goes on, his promotions are forgotten, as are his matches. Had he been born a few years earlier, he easily could have been a slam dunk like Takada, and wouldn’t have had to have been protected in the early days of Pride (although they’d have killed him off by making him fight heavyweights as a guy who was 190 without cutting). And he doesn’t have the influence factor of a Sakuraba, Maeda, Takada or Funaki. Five years ago the memories were strong enough to almost put him in, but today he’s forgotten.
Strengths: The Tolos Brothers were one of the great tag teams of the 50s and 60s, but John is most remembered for his early 70s feud with Freddie Blassie in Los Angeles. Tolos’ drawing power from 1970-73 in Los Angeles ranks with some of the best territorial draws of all-time and was even “in-demand” to a degree during that period. Strong promo guy and was a main event caliber wrestler everywhere he went for a quarter-century. Working ability was adequate, but not top level, but was one of the hardest trainers and best conditioned guys, even into his early 50s. Blassie-Tolos was one of the great historical rivalries and probably the most famous feud of the past 50 years in Southern California. One of the few people to score a clean pin on Antonio Inoki in Inoki’s heyday.
Weaknesses: There were a ton of territorial stars with similar resumes to Tolos who are not considered candidates. The Tolos Brothers were draws as a team, but not top ten. His death did put more focus on his career and in an examination, he’s got credentials, but because he was never a Hall of Famer outside Southern California, unlikely he could ever get close to enough support. His main claim to fame is those glory years, and there are many wrestlers not in the Hall of Fame with just as impressive drawing stats.
Strengths: World champion in Los Angeles when wrestling hit it big on network television and a major tag team star around North America. Pushed from day one due to being an amateur star and a great high flyer, winning a major world championship from George Becker in 1946 after only six months as a pro and was one of the few wrestlers who it can be said was a main eventer from virtually the start of his career until the finish. During his heyday, he worked all over the country as one of the top stars, and faced Lou Thesz in 11 different promotions in world title matches, and set some business records in California for that match-up. The only wrestlers who received NWA world title matches in so many different promotions were Thesz, Johnny Valentine, Pat O’Connor, Buddy Rogers, Hans Schmidt and Killer Kowalski, so that’s company of all sure-fire Hall of Famers and one contender. Held the West Coast version of the NWA tag team titles eight times and Pacific Coast tag team titles six times, often partnered with Leo Nomellini. The Torres Brothers were the dominant babyface tag team in Georgia during the 60s as well. Well remembered in Japan for two high profile draws with Rikidozan. As far as being on a national basis, he was the biggest drawing card of Mexican heritage (while billed as the Panther from Sonora, Mexico, the family was actually from Santa Ana) until the days of Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero, as Mil Mascaras didn’t work in nearly as many territories on top.
Weaknesses: Even though he was world champion, Gorgeous George was the one credited with drawing all the sellouts in Los Angeles during his heyday. Even though he had a long career, headlining from almost day one and remaining on top until his retirement in 1968, is not that well remembered historically. Ended his career because his father died and it was decided one of the brothers needed to return home to take care of his mother, so brothers Alberto & Ramon stayed in Georgia.
Previous finishes: 2008 - 36%; 2007 - 11%
*Vampiro
Strengths: When he first hit it big in Mexico, with his rock star appeal to women, his crowd reactions blew away anyone in wrestling including Hulk Hogan. At one time the most popular wrestler in the country. Even in recent years when making comebacks, remained a big drawing card as the aging legend.
Weaknesses: Never a great wrestler, and like Konnan, his North American campaign in WCW hurts his cause. He doesn’t have the big attendance marks Konnan had because he wasn’t the guy on top in the big matches as often in the heyday of CMLL, nor in AAA during the first few years. Candidacy is based on being over huge for a few years, and being a drawing card and star on-and-off for two decades from it.
Previous finishes: 2008 - 15%; 2007 - 11%
*Villano III
Strengths: One of Mexico’s big singles stars in the 80s, one of its best workers, and a seven-time holder of the WWF light heavyweight title. The Villanos trio also headlined as one of the major trios in Mexico. Career climaxed with one of the best matches ever in Mexico where he lost his mask to Atlantis.
Weaknesses: Villano III’s career is interesting. The feeling is the first half he was probably a Hall of Famer, as he did draw as a headliner at El Toreo. His vote totals show him as a viable candidate. But in the 90s in AAA, the Villanos were more of a mid-card trio and that hurts his case.
Strengths: One of the real tenured superstars in Mexico today and probably the closest thing to an active full-timer who is considered a true legend. Current world champion in AAA who had headlined for two decades. During the boom period where Mistico was on top, Wagner Jr. was generally considered the No. 2 draw in CMLL and was one of the top draws in the world in 2006.
Weaknesses: Unlike his father, has never gotten major support. Long period as a headliner but probably not as good as Blue Panther, even though more charismatic, and seen along the same lines until he really broke through in the Mistico era. On the ballot once in 2004 and got no support, but has had five years of headlining and a couple of years as a top draw since then.
*Dr. Wagner Sr. Strengths: A 70s legend both as a single, tag team (with Angel Blanco) and trio (with El Solitario). The trio was compared to The Freebirds in the U.S. as heels that had a lot of popularity, although Solitario was the big star of the three. In a trivia note, the auto accident that killed Blanco and ended his career came the day he and his son were going to tag team for the first time in 1986.
Weaknesses: Not as much a weakness, but very much like a Dick Murdoch in the sense you can make a great case for him, but he’s not a slam dunk. Came five votes from being elected in 2006.
Strengths: Has been called the wrestler who won the vicious Atlanta wrestling war for the NWA in the early 70s and went on to become the most popular wrestler in the state for the decade. Strong babyface promos. Ironically, almost all his fame came after the age of 40 and past his physical prime, when he became a masked wrestler as the protege of Tim “Mr. Wrestling” Woods. Actually a great worker in the 60s and 70s under his real name, but really was more of a journeyman type mid- carder as Johnny “Rubberman” Walker, known for his flexibility. Well known as the favorite wrestler of former President Jimmy Carter and mother Lillian Carter, the latter a big fan. Was invited to the presidential inauguration, but couldn’t attend because he refused to take off his mask.
Weaknesses: While he was a star as Wrestling II outside of Georgia, he was not by any means Hall of Fame caliber except for the Georgia run. Plus, the first two- thirds of his career he was not a major star.
Strengths: Tremendous amateur, AAU national champion, Olympic hopeful and two-time NCAA runner-up with only two losses in his collegiate career and one of the best pinning percentages in college wrestling history. Hit it big in Omaha as the white masked babyface Mr. Wrestling, as a time when most masked men were heels. He became a big local draw, and then brought to Georgia and his success was considered the hallmark of Leo Garibaldi’s booking. Georgia’s biggest draw for several years, headlining memorable matches with Gene Kiniski and Dory Funk Jr., as well as the first pro wrestling sellout of the Omni in 1973 against Harley Race. Became a main eventer during a boom period in Florida in his feud with Jack Brisco. Great technical wrestler as a pro. Didn’t have the fiery interviews and comebacks of Wrestling II, but his popularity spawned that of Wrestling II. Was a headliner for about 15 years.
Weaknesses: Although great at the gimmick, wasn’t super charismatic. Was a star in almost every territory he worked (San Francisco run was a disappointment but part of that was because he wasn’t given much of a chance) but never the level of national superstar most from the 70s that are in were.
1. A ton of wrestling promoters from the regional era that I've never even heard of. I just dont see why people should be inducted into the H.O.F for promotion some shitty little promotion decades and decades ago. Honestly, there isnt many promoters at all that deserve to be in the H.O.F
2. A bazillion luchadore wrestlers that I've never heard of and when I research them it seems very undeserving for them to be in the H.O.F when guys like Curt Hennig, Rick Rude, and Sting arent. I mean...what's so special about winning a luchadore middleweight title one time?
There's also a lot of womens wrestlers that I've never heard of. I'm sure most of you have never either. Just to be honest there shouldnt be many women in the H.O.F. Wanna know why? Because womens wrestling is shit and it always has been. So why should someone be inducted for being involved in shit? There is certain cases though where an induction would be okay. People like Fabulous Moolah, Trish Stratus, or Lita would be fine in the H.O.F
I honestly think that H.O.F induction should be judged on 3 things. Legacy, Fame, and ability. The first two meaning more than the third. I dont know what The Observers standards are, but they obviously are nothing like mine. So their H.O.F means nothing to me.
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1. A ton of wrestling promoters from the regional era that I've never even heard of. I just dont see why people should be inducted into the H.O.F for promotion some shitty little promotion decades and decades ago. Honestly, there isnt many promoters at all that deserve to be in the H.O.F
2. A bazillion luchadore wrestlers that I've never heard of and when I research them it seems very undeserving for them to be in the H.O.F when guys like Curt Hennig, Rick Rude, and Sting arent. I mean...what's so special about winning a luchadore middleweight title one time?
There's also a lot of womens wrestlers that I've never heard of. I'm sure most of you have never either. Just to be honest there shouldnt be many women in the H.O.F. Wanna know why? Because womens wrestling is shit and it always has been. So why should someone be inducted for being involved in shit? There is certain cases though where an induction would be okay. People like Fabulous Moolah, Trish Stratus, or Lita would be fine in the H.O.F
I honestly think that H.O.F induction should be judged on 3 things. Legacy, Fame, and ability. The first two meaning more than the third. I dont know what The Observers standards are, but they obviously are nothing like mine. So their H.O.F means nothing to me.
Moral of the story: If this guy hasn't heard of them, they must be undeserving. It is very possible for someone to be well-known by the wrestling industry without passing by you in particular.
And Rude, Hennig and Sting are on that list.
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I love this Hall of Fame. Just the requirement to get in alone makes it look so much better than the WWE. Instead of just going for big names like the WWE does, they focus on history and talent. A HOF should focus on generations ago and slowly work their way up until newer stars get in.
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1. A ton of wrestling promoters from the regional era that I've never even heard of. I just dont see why people should be inducted into the H.O.F for promotion some shitty little promotion decades and decades ago. Honestly, there isnt many promoters at all that deserve to be in the H.O.F
2. A bazillion luchadore wrestlers that I've never heard of and when I research them it seems very undeserving for them to be in the H.O.F when guys like Curt Hennig, Rick Rude, and Sting arent. I mean...what's so special about winning a luchadore middleweight title one time?
There's also a lot of womens wrestlers that I've never heard of. I'm sure most of you have never either. Just to be honest there shouldnt be many women in the H.O.F. Wanna know why? Because womens wrestling is shit and it always has been. So why should someone be inducted for being involved in shit? There is certain cases though where an induction would be okay. People like Fabulous Moolah, Trish Stratus, or Lita would be fine in the H.O.F
I honestly think that H.O.F induction should be judged on 3 things. Legacy, Fame, and ability. The first two meaning more than the third. I dont know what The Observers standards are, but they obviously are nothing like mine. So their H.O.F means nothing to me.
Who do you disagree with in their HoF? They account for all the wrestling world, not just the WWE and their mark fanbase, so its not their fault if you havent heard of, say, El Hijo Del Santo.
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1. A ton of wrestling promoters from the regional era that I've never even heard of. I just dont see why people should be inducted into the H.O.F for promotion some shitty little promotion decades and decades ago. Honestly, there isnt many promoters at all that deserve to be in the H.O.F
2. A bazillion luchadore wrestlers that I've never heard of and when I research them it seems very undeserving for them to be in the H.O.F when guys like Curt Hennig, Rick Rude, and Sting arent. I mean...what's so special about winning a luchadore middleweight title one time?
There's also a lot of womens wrestlers that I've never heard of. I'm sure most of you have never either. Just to be honest there shouldnt be many women in the H.O.F. Wanna know why? Because womens wrestling is shit and it always has been. So why should someone be inducted for being involved in shit? There is certain cases though where an induction would be okay. People like Fabulous Moolah, Trish Stratus, or Lita would be fine in the H.O.F
I honestly think that H.O.F induction should be judged on 3 things. Legacy, Fame, and ability. The first two meaning more than the third. I dont know what The Observers standards are, but they obviously are nothing like mine. So their H.O.F means nothing to me.
1. If it wasn't for those "shitty little promotion decades and decades ago"", then pro wrestling as we know it today wouldn't exist. And that includes the WWE. There was a time when it was basically a "shittly little regional promotion". These are the promoters and wrestlers who helped build the business as a whole.
2. Again, just because you aren't familiar with the lucha world of 30 years ago doesn't mean that a name wasn't important. And winning one mid-level title meant a lot more back in the day than it does now. Its like comparing stats from the NFL 30 years ago to now.
Like Steve says, I think the WWE HOF seems more your flavor.
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