Who else should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year?
As expected, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has been announced as the first member of the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame class. Who will join the “Texas Rattlesnake” on the podium in April? With the ceremony and WrestleMania 25 taking place in Houston, the class figures to be largely composed of wrestlers with ties to Texas. Here are some educated guesses:
Bill Watts: According to reports, the cowboy wrestler, promoter and executive will be announced as the second inductee. His impact on the business cannot be denied, but he is a polarizing figure. As a wrestler, he was a top star in several territories in the 1960s, including the WWWF, where he had a famous feud with world champion Bruno Sammartino. In the late ’70s and the ’80s, Watts was the promoter of Mid-South Wrestling (later renamed the Universal Wrestling Federation), which was known for its entertaining episodic weekly TV show. In the ’90s, Watts held high-ranking positions in both WCW and WWE, although his run in WCW was not a success and his WWE stint was short-lived. He was fired from WCW for reportedly making racial remarks.
The Von Erichs (Fritz, David, Kerry and Kevin): The famous wrestling family is known as much for its tragedies as it is for its successes — Kevin would be the only living inductee of the four. Patriarch Fritz was one of the top heels of the ’60s and wrestled in a number of NWA territories. He later became the owner of World Class Championship Wrestling, the Dallas-based promotion that was thriving in the early-to-mid ’80s. WCCW’s TV show was ground-breaking in terms of its slick production. Five of Fritz’s sons wrestled, and three of them made it big. David, Kerry and Kevin were treated like rock stars in Dallas, and they also made their mark in other parts of the country as well as outside the U.S. David was believed to be on his way to becoming NWA world champion before his death in 1984. Kerry ended up having a brief run as NWA world champ in 1984 and was WWF Intercontinental champion for three months in 1990.
The Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts): It would be fitting if The Freebirds and Von Erichs were inducted together, as they are almost always mentioned in the same sentence because of their legendary feud in WCCW in the ’80s. Hayes, the late Gordy and Roberts were as hated as the Von Erichs were loved. The Freebirds also were big box-office draws in Georgia and the Mid-South among other territories. They are often given credit for introducing entrance music into pro wrestling, as they initially came out to “Freebird” and then “Badstreet USA,” which was written and sung by Hayes. After his in-ring career ended, Hayes got into the creative side of the business and is currently the head writer on Smackdown. Gordy was also a big star in Japan.
Paul Boesch: His name may not be familiar to younger fans, but you can’t have a Hall of Fame ceremony take place in Houston and not induct the legendary promoter. Boesch, who died at 76 in 1989, was a wrestler and longtime wrestling commentator, but he made his biggest impact in the business as the promoter of the highly successful Houston territory in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. He had a working relationship with promoters from other territories and was known for bringing in top stars from other promotions to work shows in Houston. Boesch was briefly affiliated with WWE in the late ’80s.
Terry and Dory Funk Jr.: Jack and Jerry Brisco were inducted last year when the ceremony was in their home state of Florida, so it seems only right that their rivals, Texans Terry and Dory Funk, should be inducted in Houston. The Funks’ resume speaks for itself. Both brothers had reigns as NWA world champion, Dory from 1969 to 1973, and Terry from 1975 to 1977. Both Funks were legends in Japan and they wrestled in five decades, with Terry re-inventing himself in the ’90s as a hardcore wrestler in ECW. Dory and Jack Brisco engaged in a classic series of matches in the ’70s. Dory also had a stint as the booker for Florida Championship Wrestling, and he runs a wrestling school whose graduates include Kurt Angle among other top stars.
Wahoo McDaniel: The late McDaniel was a top star in a number of promotions from the late '60s through the mid-’80s, including the Houston territory. McDaniel, who also was a football star in the AFL, was a frequent challenger to the NWA world title, although he never won it. He engaged in a number of money-drawing feuds against wrestlers such as Ric Flair, Dory Funk Jr., Superstar Billy Graham, Greg Valentine, Roddy Piper and Ricky Steamboat. McDaniel had a reputation for being a legitimate tough guy and one of wrestling’s wildest characters outside the ring.
Ted DiBiase: Whether or not he gets inducted this year, DiBiase is a lock for the Hall of Fame at some point. DiBiase was a star in several NWA territories and in Japan, but he is best known for his run as “The Million Dollar Man” in WWE. He was one of the top heels in the business in the ’80s and early ’90s, and also is regarded as one of the top workers in his prime.
Ricky Steamboat: Like DiBiase, “The Dragon” is a lock for the Hall of Fame but this might not be his year. Steamboat is considered one of the best workers of his era (late ’70s to early ’90s) and one of the greatest babyfaces of all time. He was a star in both the NWA (and later WCW) and WWE. His rivalry with Ric Flair, which spanned three different decades, produced matches that are regarded as some of the best ever. Steamboat’s match with Randy Savage at WrestleMania III is one of the most critically acclaimed matches of the past 20 years.
Stan Hansen: “The Bad Man from Borger, Texas” perhaps is best known in the U.S. for breaking Bruno Sammartino’s neck in 1976 when Sammartino was WWWF champion. After challenging Bob Backlund for the title in 1981, Hansen never worked for WWE again. He went on to become the most popular American wrestler ever in Japan. Hansen held the AWA world title for six months in the mid-’80s and also had successful stints in Georgia and WCW.
Dick Murdoch: The native of Waxahachie, Texas first rose to prominence in the early ’70s as one half of The Texas Outlaws along with Dusty Rhodes. The late Murdoch, considered one of the top workers of his era, went on to become a singles star in territories all over the country, including Georgia, Mid-South, St. Louis and Jim Crockett Promotions. He went to WWE in 1984 and won the tag team title with Adrian Adonis. Perhaps Rhodes, who works for WWE, will put in a good word for his old partner.
Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson: Blanchard was born in San Antonio and was the star of his father Joe Blanchard’s Southwest Championship Wrestling promotion. He later became one of the original Four Horsemen (along with Ric Flair and Ole and Arn Anderson) with Jim Crockett Promotions in the mid-to-late ’80s. During that time, he formed a highly regarded tag team with Arn, and the duo later had a run in WWE. Arn also had success as a singles wrestler. He currently works as a producer for WWE.
Mr. T: Pete Rose and William “Refrigerator” Perry are both in the “celebrity wing” of the WWE Hall of Fame, but Mr. T is far more deserving than either of them. Without the A-Team star’s participation in the main event at the first WrestleMania in 1985, the show would not have been the huge success that it was. In fact, there might not have been any more WrestleManias, and WWE would have been in serious financial trouble because Vince McMahon risked everything he had on the show. It would have been fitting if Mr. T had been inducted in 2004 (instead of Rose) when WrestleMania XX was at Madison Square Garden, the site of the inaugural WrestleMania.
Comments
Doesn't it seem to be really early for the WWE to already announce that Stone Cold is getting inducted?
It makes me think they may be having some problems selling tickets for Mania and the HoF ceremony.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I think that is a distinct possibility.
Posted by: Elevation | January 13, 2009 10:33 PM
What about the Rock? I know WWE has a habit of inducting rivals together as they did with Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper, and I can think of no more fitting rival of Stone Cold's to be inducted at the same time as him. It's probably only a matter of time before Rock gets inducted anyways, as they've basically been inducting every other member of his family that came before him.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: WWE likes to have one really big name to headline the event each year. They wouldn't want to have Austin and Rock in the same year because of that reason. There are only so many big names that can headline, and Rock is one of them. Think about it: Hogan, Flair, Hart and Rhodes have all been done.
Posted by: Mr. E. | January 13, 2009 10:39 PM
Did Macho Man Randy Savage step on any ones toes? Or does he have the same feelings towards the WWE as Bruno Sammartino?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: There is definitely some underlying issue between Savage and McMahon.
Posted by: wrzesien | January 13, 2009 10:45 PM
Kev, love your column. Here's a few guys I'd like your thoughts about as to whether they're going to make it in the Hall of Fame one day: Ravishing Rick Rude, The Rock & Roll Express & Dean Malenko. Malenko may be a bit of a stretch, but technically, he's one of the best ever to step foot in the squared circle. Rude and the Express, I have to think it's a matter of when they'll get in, not if.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Rude definitely; Express probably; Malenko unlikely.
Posted by: Rob | January 13, 2009 11:59 PM
Whatever is between Savage and McMahon—and I'm skeptical about the rumors—we all know that Savage, like Sting, is an eventual lock for the WWE's Hall of Fame. They are too important to the industry, and to the WWE (where WWE owns the rights to WCW's old programming, in Sting's case), to be ignored if the Hall is going to be the gold standard.
When Ted DiBiase is inducted, I hope it's a big deal. He was one of the best heels in the business. I think Chris Jericho's character, currently the most effective heel in wrestling, is modeled directly on the Million Dollar Man. Ted DiBiase deserves to headline, not be overshadowed by Stone Cold's ceremony.
How about inducting the Four Horsemen as an institution? I know it's not likely this year, with Ric's recent departure and Barry Windham being released. But it could be an opportunity for Ric to come back to the fold—and for WWE to give Sid Vicious one last shot, which I hope they do.
The Freebirds are a good choice. I'd like to see more focus on tag-team wrestling in today's WWE, and one way to help is to revisit classic tag teams. The Road Warriors, the Steiner Brothers...back when tag-team wrestling was good, it was great. (And Arn Anderson definitely belongs in that conversation.)
Posted by: Stephen | January 14, 2009 12:38 AM
When are the Road Warriors going to get in? They are far more deserving than the Rock N Roll Express.
Posted by: Greg | January 14, 2009 1:12 AM
Savage . Period .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | January 14, 2009 6:41 AM
I think DiBiase gets in next year, when he can be involved in a WM storyline with his son. The most fitting would be for the Von Erichs and Freebirds to induct each other, which just makes sense.
Inducting Dick Murdoch might be tough, since his now-released son would probably be the one giving the speech.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Trevor Murdoch was actually no relation to Dick.
Posted by: Bob | January 14, 2009 8:28 AM
Texas Born, Texas Bred,
Texan 'til the Day I'm Dead.
Texas Is & Will Always Be
V O N E R I C H C O U N T R Y!
If they can't give it to the Von Erichs this year, don't bother ever. Stone Cold was great, but possibly wouldn't be where he is if not for the Von Erichs. 'Nuff said.
Posted by: Jaymes Reed | January 14, 2009 8:59 AM
Love to see Macho Man in there, but as we all know, and was mentioned already in the comments, I don't think it'll ever happen.
Posted by: Glen | January 14, 2009 11:06 AM
Elizabeth Hulette - PKA "Miss Elizabeth".
It find it interesting how this beautiful woman ushered in an entire generation of ladies into professional wrestling/sports entertainment, yet her name is seldom mentioned when talking about the HOF,
IMO, nobody is more deserving than Liz.
Posted by: DS | January 14, 2009 12:15 PM
Not sure about the Hall of Fame Ceremony, but I bet Jake the Snake could find his way around the open bar at the reception.
Posted by: Lee | January 14, 2009 12:52 PM
I think Arn Anderson, should go in by himself... And then induct the Horsemen later on. Unfortunately, I think that, that's the only way Tully & Ole will see it. Ole may never as he hates Vince with a strong passion.
Since Texas is strong in this one, go with the Von Erichs, Freebirds, etc.
I like the ideas you have, minus a few.
Let Texas be represented, WCCW, old promoters, etc.
Hold Arn off for the Mid Atlantic era going in. Although losing Flair to last year, may hinder that for a bit. He would've been the ideal choice other than Dusty, to headline that.
Think about it, the Road Warriors could headline, with Arn, Rock N Roll, Midnight w/ Cornette, and Barry Windham... or could they be waiting for Sting to retire,? As you know he has enough of a legacy stuffed away in Titan Towers to go in on... Either way, I grew up in the NWA, Mid Atlantic era, and can't wait for it to be represented.
Rock N Roll Express are my favorite team of all time, and it would be a dream to see them on the big stage accepting the honors....
I actually just found a Dusty Rhodes cardboard stand up, with all the late 80's Mello Yello cans, starring Flair, Sting, Road Warriors, etc. He has the trademark Dusty Smile, wearing the US Title. I can 't imagine what store would've wanted a grown man in a satin jacket in underwear, smiling at the customers. But I insantly bought it!!
Posted by: Jimmy Street | January 14, 2009 1:36 PM
What are your thoughts about Owen Hart being inducted? I think it would be great if he were to be inducted by his brother Brett.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Owen going in is tricky. There is a lot of bad blood between Owen's widow and WWE.
Posted by: Dwayne Doerr | January 14, 2009 2:11 PM
How about Howard Finkel? He never announces anymore but growing up I always remember him as the best ring announcer.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Finkel should and most likely will get in at some point.
Posted by: Mr S. | January 14, 2009 2:15 PM
Insightful comments by all. I think for someone to be in the hall of fame, if you're going to take it seriously, it should be a no-brainer. Savage - yes
Steamboat - yes Malenko - no - You'd have to put Eddie in there before Dean, and I'm not sure even he deserves it.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Eddie is in.
Posted by: Mike S | January 14, 2009 5:33 PM
The Von Erichs are a lock - its in Texas, not inducting them at this time would be an insult.
Posted by: Ultimate Toronto | January 14, 2009 5:47 PM
I thought that Watts resigned from WCW due in part to the heat that he had generated backstage (although I suppose that making racial remarks would be one way to generate heat).
Posted by: Christopher | January 14, 2009 8:04 PM
Of all people I kinda see JBL more similar to Million Dollar Man than Jericho.
Tag team: LOD, Freebirds, Von Erichs
Promoter: Vince McMahon Jr or Ted Turner
Singles: British Bulldog, Lex Luger
Manager: Harvey Whippleman, Paul Elering, or Paul Heyman
Posted by: Zack | January 14, 2009 10:53 PM
Since when did the Hall of Fame become Themed around the state that Mania is being held in?
Last year Flair was inducted... was Mania in North or South Carolina? No. It was in Orlando.
Year before, Bret Hart was inducted... was Mania in Canada? Nope.
I do see the sense in a couple of the Von Erichs going in, as Von Erich Was Wrestling in Texas for many years. But I'd hope that Steamboat and even Terry Funk would go in the HOF before The Freebirds and Rock n Roll Express
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: In 2006 in Chicago (an AWA city), AWA stars Verne Gagne, Gene Okerlind, Sherri Martel and The Blackjacks were inducted; in 2007 in Detroit, The Sheik (a legend in that city) was inducted; in 2008 in Orlando, Florida legends The Brisco, Eddie Graham and Gordon Solie were inducted.
Posted by: Stashy | January 15, 2009 1:27 AM
The Hall of Fame has typically had it's star (this year is Austin) and then it's "undercard," so to speak, of other stars. I don't think any of the bigger names will get in this year. I could see Dick Murdoch getting in (Eck, you forgot to mention his 1996 Royal Rumble cameo), Stan Hansen, and Wahoo (Flair would probably come back to induct him; he speaks very fondly of him in his book). I think Bill Watts has already been "unofficially confirmed," the same way Austin was for a few weeks. I'd like to see the Von Erichs & Freebirds go in the same year; it would be nice.
One thing WWE needs to work on is the Celebrity Wing. They inducted Pete Rose back in 2004 b/c there was a possibility of him finally getting into the baseball hall. People they need to induct to "legitamize" it: Mr. T, Mike Tyson, Regis Philbin, and Pam Anderson. Others could include: Jenny McCarthy, Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, Gennifer Flowers, etc...
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Mike Tyson deserves it because he did for Steve Austin the same thing Mr. T did for Hogan. Tyson's appearance at WrestleMania was a major factor in WWE overtaking WCW in the Monday ratings war.
Posted by: Chris Slater | January 15, 2009 1:50 AM
what bout nash and hall the outsiders
Posted by: gavin lee | January 15, 2009 3:01 AM
What about :Adorable' Adrian Adonis? The guy had his own show the "Flower Shop" with Jimmy Hart and was co-holder of the tag team belts with Murdoch in early 1984. Adonis was also involved in a big match with Roddy Piper at WM III.
Years ago I heard Vince forced him into the 'Adorable' character when he was either late for or FTA'd at a house show somewhere in Maryland. He did play that role well.
Posted by: Mr. Eli | January 15, 2009 8:29 AM
Even with all the crap between them, the Ultimate Warrior deserves it. McMahon is still making money off of him.
What would be cool is when Sting is inducted, maybe do them together, at least on the same night. McMahon could make even more money finally being the person to "bring them together".
Ya love him, and ya hate him, but he was a BIG impact.
Now, Bastian Booger on the other hand... not so much... :)
Posted by: Brad | January 15, 2009 9:06 AM
I feel that 10 years is enough. Owen Hart should be inducted this year, but it hasn't been anounced. Most of the time they leave the bigger anouncements for the last days and hopfuly this will be the case. I think Austin Deserves it, but I think that it could have waited another year or two. Michaels will be retiring very soon I think but the Undertaker will for sure this year. Look for him to be an 2010 HOF inductee with out delay. Will the W.W.E ever get past the tragady of Chris Benoit and induct him down the road? He deserves it, and I think there is more to the story and it will come out in time. I am not saying a conspiracy but something just dosn't make sence. Thank you...
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: You know how they say never say never in wrestling. Well, I'm pretty confident that Chris Benoit will NEVER be inducted.
Posted by: John Allen | January 15, 2009 2:40 PM
More possible Inductees:
The Rock
Triple H
Shawn Micheals
Kane
UNDERTAKER
Also, i bet that when Mr. McMahon returns next week on RAW he may invite Ric Flair to come back to WWE To wrestle again...I can see it now, UNDERTAKER vs Ric Flair at WM25! That would be awesome. Alot of people are saying the WM25 will have Shawn Micheals vs The Undertaker...IDK tho... My uncle works for WWE and he heard that one of the scripts for WWE is for HBK to quit JBL's Company and take Triple H up on his offer that he gave Shawn a few weeks ago.
Posted by: AJ Skewes | January 16, 2009 1:07 AM
AJ Styles?
Posted by: AJ Skewes | January 16, 2009 1:19 AM
If Tony Garea isn't in, he really should be. Garea held the title numerous times with many different partners like Larry Zbyszko, Dean Ho, Haystacks Calhoun and Rick Martel and has been a very loyal employee. He set a standard for tag team wrestling in this company.
Posted by: Gary Williams | January 16, 2009 10:01 AM
If Garea were to make it in , shouldn't Rene Goulet ?
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | January 16, 2009 11:00 AM
Truthfully I'm rather surprised no one has mentioned Trish Stratus yet. Is that because of the potential she has to return to the ring for a few more years (ala Chris Jericho) or just because she's a woman in a male-focused business?
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | January 16, 2009 3:55 PM
How 'bout "Woman" . (Nancy SULLIVAN)
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | January 16, 2009 6:03 PM
alot of good wresters have been stated here. the horsemen changed wrestling forever so all at 1 time. frrebirds,lod,and as much as i hated the dragon,he was a great performer. today love me or mostly hate him,edge may be the best entertainer of all time. cept for flair who noone will ever replace
Posted by: andy vehec | January 17, 2009 3:07 PM
I forget whose book I was reading about him in, but they mentioned his work in World Class and while he's more of a stretch to the whole "Texas" theme, Paul Bearer (aka Percy Pringle) did pass through on his way to being one of the best managers in WWE history. As I was thinking about whether he was that good or I was just that much of a biased mark for the Undertaker (I'm not ashamed to admit I still get goosebumps from the gong), WWE posted their top 25 managers list and PB came in at #4 in some pretty amazing company (most of which are already inducted).
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I am working on my own top managers list. Should be up soon.
Posted by: James C | January 17, 2009 10:38 PM
Do you think the undertaker will lose at WM25
Posted by: will | January 18, 2009 10:32 AM
Abdullah the Butcher basically created the hardcore genre with Bruiser Brody. Even though he never wrestled for Vince or his dad, he should get the recognition he deserves.
Posted by: king | January 19, 2009 1:49 PM
how about the hart fondatiion cause they were one of the solid tag team that are over look as one greatest team. an maybe owen hart cause he gave his life for this business.
Posted by: jonas cruz | January 20, 2009 12:46 PM
As per your blog post, how about Mike Adamle?
Posted by: Jake Elwood | January 20, 2009 1:42 PM
1. Macho Man Randy Savage
2. Ricky Steamboat (would be cool to see him go in with Savage)
3. Ted Dibiase
4. Owen Hart
5. Terry and Dory Funk Jr.
6. The Von Erichs
7. The Freebirds
8. Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson
Posted by: Ernie | January 23, 2009 9:14 AM
Several people have made comments about the celebrity wing of the HOF but no one has mentioned Bob Eucker who was a big part of both Wrestlemania's 3 and 4.
Posted by: Frank Zappia | February 10, 2009 3:30 PM
Macho Man apparently slept with Linda McMahon back in the day
Posted by: Jake "Slick" Webster | October 15, 2009 5:29 PM