Who Is The Next Obvious Hall Of Fame Choice?

[voncouch]

For years all anyone could do was bitch about Randy Savage not being in the Hall of Fame. It got to the point that it was like a punchline to an old joke. Aside from Savage, Bruno Sammartino was the other obvious choice who could never make it in.

Well, in 2013 we got Bruno and this year we're getting Savage.

So who's the next obvious shoo-in? Maybe the nWo like they did with the Horsemen? I'd say at least Nash, but after his recent legal troubles and bitter grapes, he won't be in for a few years at least.

Any thoughts?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Ravishing Rick Rude.

[VSG]

Sting and Taker together? Probably too much for a single year.

[road doggy dogg]

Does the WWE HoF have a "5 year rule" similar to actual sports... can't see Undertaker being put in since he's still considered active isn't he?


wait did Undertaker retire without me even knowing

[XL]

No such rule. Edge went in the year after he retired.

[Emperor Smeat]

The Rock

[Hanso Amore]

MY CLIENT BUHRAWK LESNAR

[loopydate]

The Rock

Yep. Rock is the definite "top guy" that's not in already. At this point, it feels like the Hall lineup doesn't have any glaring omissions other than current guys like HHH, Taker, Cena, etc.

[Tazz Dan]

Kevin Nash

[Tazz Dan]

No such rule. Edge went in the year after he retired.

And Flair went in before he retired.

[Seth82]

Crippler Ray Stevens' name has been mentioned recently.

Pat Patterson is supposed to induct him. He and Stevens were a tag team.

[Bad News Gertner]

Hopefully the Freebirds go in before Hayes dies and there's none left.

[Lock Jaw]

The Disco Inferno & Alex Wright

[Shisen Kopf]

They should induct Elizabeth too. But also Bruiser Brody and Vader.

[Shisen Kopf]

Oh and Bobby "motherfuckin" Jaggers

[Lock Jaw]

Big Van Vader is a great choice.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Hopefully the Freebirds go in before Hayes dies and there's none left.

Jimmy Jam is still kicking and manager DDP.

RIP BadStreet

[Theo Dious]

Rock, Nash, Sting, Taker, Freebirds, also is Bockwinkel in there?

[Theo Dious]

Oh and Bobby "motherfuckin" Jaggers

Christ you people still think this is funny don't you.

[Lock Jaw]

John "Bradshaw" Layfield

[Mercenary]

The Booty Man!

[Bad News Gertner]

Jimmy Jam is still kicking and manager DDP.

RIP BadStreet

Jimmy Jam was a 90's Freebird. Ugh. Was that bad.

[Innovator]

Freebirds didn't exist in the 90s, as far as I'm concerned

[Vastardikai]

Demolition

[Mercenary]

Demolition


:( Should've been in before LOD damn it!

[#1-norm-fan]

Lou Thesz

[Shisen Kopf]

Christ you people still think this is funny don't you.

No. Bobby Jaggers is 100% serious business.

[Shisen Kopf]

Tazz Don or whatever his name is should go in as a special induction. It's not everyday that you propose in a rasslin ring.

[Jaded-Dragon]

On the question of criteria, there is none but I really feel like their should be.

[Franchise]

The Rock......no idea why he hasn't been already. It's not like he wrestles that often anymore.

Sting and Taker will be in there eventually.

Sid Eudy.
Owen Hart.
Vader.
Kevin Nash.
The nWo
DDP a longshot

I would like to see Goldberg in there but in reality other than his own "streak" (which was a bit silly really) what did he do that was truly significant or groundbreaking in the wrestling business?

Arn Anderson although maybe the 4 Horsemen induction may mean he will be waiting for some time.

Beth Phoenix (assuming she has retired), Ivory, Sable and heck even Chyna but the latter won't happen any time soon. Oh Stacy Keibler too



British Bulldog

[whiteyford]

Kevin Nash

Said he won't go in before Rude but that was a year or so ago.

[Mercenary]

The Rock......no idea why he hasn't been already. It's not like he wrestles that often anymore.

Sting and Taker will be in there eventually.

Sid Eudy.
Owen Hart.
Vader.
Kevin Nash.
The nWo
DDP a longshot

I would like to see Goldberg in there but in reality other than his own "streak" (which was a bit silly really) what did he do that was truly significant or groundbreaking in the wrestling business?

Arn Anderson although maybe the 4 Horsemen induction may mean he will be waiting for some time.

Beth Phoenix (assuming she has retired), Ivory, Sable and heck even Chyna but the latter won't happen any time soon. Oh Stacy Keibler too



British Bulldog


Sable, and Stacy......yeah no

[Rammsteinmad]

Rey Mysterio is one that'll go in some day but never really gets mentioned.

[Rammsteinmad]

Oh, and now that's he's "retired", this guy needs to go in:

http://prorasslin.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/christian-with-world-heavyweight-title.jpg

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'll start off by saying I LOVE Christian. But he strikes me as the type that would go into the HOF 10 or so years down the line to round out the bottom of a class. Enough time would have passed so they could make him sound more important than he was.

I've read that E&C could get inducted as a team. Would be a bit weird to have Edge essentially in the HOF twice but whatever.</font>

[Nicky Fives]

<font color=goldenrod> Would be a bit weird to have Edge essentially in the HOF twice but whatever.</font>

Ric Flair does not have a problem with it.....

[The Condor]

Honestly, The Rock seems like the one, especially if Bikertaker is going to flip flop about taking a year off. Other than the others already mentioned, a loooooong shot, but deserving, would be the Steiner Bros.

[WinterDecay]

My votes:
Rude
Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy ... & Matilda
Freebirds
Real longshot .... Shane Douglas

[Hanso Amore]

Crippler Ray Stevens' name has been mentioned recently.

Pat Patterson is supposed to induct him. He and Stevens were a tag team.

How is that an "obvious choice"?

[Innovator]

-Vader

-Freebirds

-Lawrence Taylor

[whiteyford]

Vader and Bigelow, don't think either would be main ballot guys but based on the footage the WWE has of both they'd be easy to build up to the casual fan.

[VSG]

Paul Heyman

[Hanso Amore]

Actually I think the biggest no brainer that I cant believe no one has said....












Vince McMahon

[whiteyford]

He actually is so obvious you skip over him.

[VSG]

I thought he said sometime ago about not wanting to go anyime while he is still running the show?

[Gerard]

Be nice to see John Tenta making it in sometime soon.

[Lock Jaw]

Oh, and now that's he's "retired", this guy needs to go in:

http://prorasslin.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/christian-with-world-heavyweight-title.jpg

:y: :y: :y:

[James Steele]

Triple H

[#1-norm-fan]

Can't imagine Vince basically putting himself into the Hall of Fame. And I can't see him stepping down and "retiring" from the company ever. So basically Vince will probably go in the year after he dies.

[StarX]

Jim Johnston / Cindy Lauper (celebrity wing)
Owen Hart
Kevin Nash (as "Diesel"- same with "Razor Ramon")
Demolition
Tatanka
Ms. Elizabeth

[screech]

If they do production guys, Jim Johnston (and Kevin Dunn) for sure.

[Ruien]

Booker T

[Rammsteinmad]

Can't tell if you're being serious or not, but

http://www.ultimatesportstalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Booker-T-HOF.jpg

[Ruien]

Oh haha. Awesome.

[Franchise]

Cindy Lauper already IS NOT in the celebrity wing.

Muhammad Ali and Liberace should go in there because of their involvement in WM 1.

However I feel with Muhammad Ali there is a good reason why he may not have been inducted yet apart from the fact he might have declined. Every year the WWE tries to revolve the ceremony around one marquee superstar like last year it was Warrior, before it was HBK, one time it was Hogan etc. In other words it needs to revolve around a wrestling superstar.

Ali obviously isn't a wrestling superstar but given his legendary and iconic status, inducting him in any year would almost certainly overshadow any of the other inductees by a country mile, it would even warrant an entire night/show dedicated just for him. Perhaps WWE don't want that? And besides it's not like Ali hasn't been recognized elsewhere for his impact and legacy. He doesn't need induction into the WWE HoF to cement his legacy but it would be nice to see WWE recognize that association they had with him even if it was just for the one event.


WRT Liberace; I wonder if this is to do with some sort of underlying homophobia not necessarily on WWE's part but on what they perceive as potential homophobia amongst fans etc.? It's just speculation but again he was involved in WM 1 and would have been nice for WWE to recognize that association but then again he too is a iconic figure in American culture so it's not like a HoF induction is needed.

In contrast celebrities like Cindy Lauper, Mr T, Drew Carey aren't as iconic and aren't going to be recognised in any other HoF so it made sense to induct them.

[Franchise]

How do people feel about Doink the Clown going in? Not the greatest in terms of wrestling ability and didn't hold any titles but a popular gimmick. I think the original Doink passed away but maybe one of the others?

Someone mentioned Bam Bam Bigelow already, would be a good inductee though not an obvious choice.

British Bulldog, no idea why he hasn't been inducted already.

Harlem Heat.

The Steiner Brothers but that's a longshot as are the Dudleyz.

[Franchise]

What about Dean Malenko or did he fall under the 4 Horsemen?

[Tanawesome]

Brooklyn Brawler

[Emperor Smeat]

What about Dean Malenko or did he fall under the 4 Horsemen?

Malenko isn't in the Hall. Only the original version of the 4 Horsemen (minus Ole Anderson) and Barry Windham was inducted as a group.

[Vastardikai]

Malenko isn't in the Hall. Only the original version of the 4 Horsemen (minus Ole Anderson) and Barry Windham was inducted as a group.

Actually, the third version.

The original had Ole. The second had Lex Luger.

[Bad News Gertner]

Dean Malenko was so terribly boring

[hb2k]

Just to echo previous thoughts, nobody misses the Big Daddy Dink era of the Freebirds...

Taker to me is the next big one to do. Rock feels too current and there is possibly more left for him. Taker may well be done. Goldberg and DDP are strong candidates if they wanted to do a WCW theme with Sting and the nWo, could be quite novel.

[Bad News Gertner]

Cindy Lauper already is in the celebrity wing.

Muhammad Ali and Liberace should go in there because of their involvement in WM 1.

However I feel with Muhammad Ali there is a good reason why he may not have been inducted yet apart from the fact he might have declined. Every year the WWE tries to revolve the ceremony around one marquee superstar like last year it was Warrior, before it was HBK, one time it was Hogan etc. In other words it needs to revolve around a wrestling superstar.

Ali obviously isn't a wrestling superstar but given his legendary and iconic status, inducting him in any year would almost certainly overshadow any of the other inductees by a country mile, it would even warrant an entire night/show dedicated just for him. Perhaps WWE don't want that? And besides it's not like Ali hasn't been recognized elsewhere for his impact and legacy. He doesn't need induction into the WWE HoF to cement his legacy but it would be nice to see WWE recognize that association they had with him even if it was just for the one event.


WRT Liberace; I wonder if this is to do with some sort of underlying homophobia not necessarily on WWE's part but on what they perceive as potential homophobia amongst fans etc.? It's just speculation but again he was involved in WM 1 and would have been nice for WWE to recognize that association but then again he too is a iconic figure in American culture so it's not like a HoF induction is needed.

In contrast celebrities like Cindy Lauper, Mr T, Drew Carey aren't as iconic and aren't going to be recognised in any other HoF so it made sense to induct them.

Pretty sure Lauper isn't in

[Vastardikai]

Just thought of another VERY obvious one:

Andy Kaufman.

[BigDaddyCool]

Booker T

Can't tell if you're being serious or not, but

http://www.ultimatesportstalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Booker-T-HOF.jpg

I was going to ask if Booker T was in there.

Anyhow, Scott Stiener.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Does the WWE HoF have a "5 year rule" similar to actual sports... can't see Undertaker being put in since he's still considered active isn't he?


wait did Undertaker retire without me even knowing

Don't think so, otherwise Savage wouldn't be going in for another 2 years at least since he died 5/20/2011, and also I'm pretty sure André, the first-ever inductee was put in well before he'd been gone 5 yrs.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Just thought of another VERY obvious one:

Andy Kaufman.

Still dust off the old PS2 every once in a while just to kick people's asses with him in Legends of Wrestling II.

[Corndad]

http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/pictures/s/slick/02.jpg

The Doctor of Style... SLICK.. BAY-BAY!

Seriously, would say Freebirds need to go in and they probably will when Mania is in Texas next year.

Rock will headline a class, as will Taker but I don't see WWE putting those guys in for at least a couple years just to try and squeeze a few more matches out of both.

Is Honky Tonk Man in yet? If not, why not him. Just for his IC Title reign.

British Bulldog also should go in eventually.

Heyman and RVD are interesting cases but both will go in due time as well.

Jericho will be a lock down the line too.

[Nark Order]

king mabel

[screech]

Hasn't Honky Tonk Man declined a few times?

[whiteyford]

Legion Of Doom are in right?

[Mr. Nerfect]

2015:

Miss Elizabeth: It just seems fitting she goes in the same year as Randy Savage, doesn't it?

Kevin Nash: Scott Hall went in last year, and Nash always seemed like the bigger star. I think he goes in this year.

Stan Hansen: I'm actually shocked he's not in yet. He's still living and a bad-ass.

Demolition: Another two guys that I'm surprised they haven't put in there yet, who are still alive and kicking. They've been mentioned on the air recently, due to The Ascension's association with them.

Alundra Blayze: This is a real, real long-shot, but she was so important to the WWE at one point. They've kicked down some real barricades by having Savage go in this year, and Warrior and Sammartino before him, so it might seem too much to wish. If not her, then I could actually see them putting Bull Nakano in.

Jim Johnston: His role with the WWE seems to have lessened, as CFO$ seem to be behind a lot of the themes now. If he's stepping into retirement sometime soon, then I don't see why they wouldn't give him a Hall of Fame spot.

Giant Baba: This might seem like another weird pick, but he is important to the history of professional wrestling, and I can see them wanting to appeal to a Japanese fanbase, due to the launch of New Japan World. Hansen also covers this aspect a bit, but I can't see this happening if Bull Nakano also goes in.

Gory Guerrero: I'm surprised the WWE hasn't put him in already. They are looking to build up new Hispanic stars, but why not also focus on some of the great Hispanic stars that have helped established that culture?

Muhammad Ali: I assume the WWE has reached out to him before, but given his recent health issues, then I can't think of a more "feel-good" celebrity moment than this one.

2016:

The Undertaker: My gut feeling is that he headlines the Dallas class.

Sting: I don't think they'll ever do The Undertaker vs. Sting, but I can see them putting them into the WWE Hall of Fame the same year. A stare-down between the two at the end could be a pretty awesome moment.

Diamond Dallas Page: He could probably go in this year, as well, but I think they can trust DDP to stay happy and healthy for long enough to show up in Dallas for a Dallas induction.

The Fabulous Freebirds: They seem overdue, and their history in Texas is well-documented.

Vader: Seems like a fairly solid choice any year now.

Mildred Burke: A pioneer for women's wrestling, and someone that I can see them giving a bit of deceased spotlight to.

Hugo Savinovich and Carlos Cabrera: Sort of the Jim Ross/Jerry Lawler induction of the Spanish announce table.

Teddy Long: I think he'll go in the next couple of years as a bit of a feel-good moment and for a warm speech. He's got a good relationship with the WWE, and this would be a fairly memorable class to be a part of.

Andy Kaufman: Seems like he should already be in. Maybe they don't feel that he contributed enough to the WWE? Still, it seems like he would be a fitting story to tell and is a natural fit for the celebrity wing.

2017:

The Rock: It seems he would be included one year sometime soon. He's a headliner, so you don't really put him in this year or next; but I could see him going in the following year.

New World Order: Hogan, Hall & Nash become the next two-time Hall of Famers each.

Lou Thesz: He seems way overdue.

Owen Hart: For some reason, I can see him going in the same year as The Rock.

Rey Mysterio: By this time, Mysterio might have formally retired from the ring and mended his relationship with WWE. He may not be a headliner, but he's certainly a pretty big act.

Bam Bam Bigelow: He's another guy that could end up in there any year.

Charles Wright: I see them putting him in as the artist behind Kama, Papa Shango and The Godfather. He won't be a major attraction, but he's got a long history in professional wrestling, and I can see him giving a bit of a fun speech.

Bull Nakano: A strong female presence to induct, and someone for the Japanese market.

Lawrence Taylor: He seems like a guy who would probably already be in if he wanted to be, but maybe they convince him to go in with Bam Bam Bigelow after Triple H works some of his magic?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

You are all forgetting the most obvious choice of them all

a True American Icon!

a True bad ass!

AND a wwwwwwwrestling Gaaaaaaaaaaawd!

JBL!

[whiteyford]

Isn't LT up on charges for something though? Sure I read he was.

[whiteyford]

Yeah " His personal life came under public scrutiny in 2011 when he pled guilty to sexual misconduct involving a 16-year old girl", can't see him getting in anytime soon.

[Rammsteinmad]

Would Kurt Angle be considered an "obvious choice"? He seems quite a way off from proper retirement, but I can't see him never going in.

[Rammsteinmad]

Also, maybe not "the next" obvious choice, but this man will definitely go in, and should be marquee name of the evening.

His track record, popularity and mainstream appeal should definitely be enough.

http://midnightlogic.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/chris-jericho-undisputed-champ.gif

[Franchise]

2015:


Muhammad Ali: I assume the WWE has reached out to him before, but given his recent health issues, then I can't think of a more "feel-good" celebrity moment than this one.



They must have done. I can't imagine they wouldn't have offered it to him etc. But maybe he/WWE feels a one off brief appearance even if it was the main event of the first ever WM doesn't quite justify a celeb-wing induction. I mean what justification would he need he's Ali right?

But as I said before, any event inducting Ali would have to essentially revolve around Ali and would overshadow the other stars or the "marquee star" they had singled out for that year. To have Ali appear on stage for a few minutes sandwiched between superstars just wouldn't cut it. A man of his stature and legacy would deserve to headline the event if not an event all to himself. Besides he has so many other HoF inductions no doubt, a WWE HoF induction wouldn't be a necessity.

In contrast someone like Mr T or even Floyd Mayweather had a greater involvement i.e. appearing on programming, PPVs, actually taking part in a match.

[Franchise]

Also, maybe not "the next" obvious choice, but this man will definitely go in, and should be marquee name of the evening.

His track record, popularity and mainstream appeal should definitely be enough.

http://midnightlogic.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/chris-jericho-undisputed-champ.gif

A few more years to go with him I think.

[Clerk]

Johnathan Cena

[Nark Order]

No love for Mabel? I mean, he obviously wasn't a major star but he was a solid midcarder for decades. Dependable big man that could solidly put guys over.

[Shisen Kopf]

Do you consider Mabel a big guy or fat?

[Shisen Kopf]

I consider him to be a healthy weight.

[JimmyMess]

if koko b. ware is in, then anyone can be in.

[Nark Order]

Do you consider Mabel a big guy or fat?

Well. He was like 6'8 or something on top of being fat. So both, I suppose.