WWE Hall of Fame
WWE Hall of Fame logo, used since 2015 | |
Established | March 22, 1993 |
---|---|
Founder | WWE |
Members |
110 individuals 12 groups (33 members) 10 celebrities 4 Warrior Award recipients 26 Legacy inductees (183 total inductees) |
The WWE Hall of Fame is a hall of fame for professional wrestlers and professional wrestling personalities maintained by WWE. The 1994 and 1995 ceremonies were held in conjunction with the annual King of the Ring pay-per-view events. In 1996, the ceremony was held with the Survivor Series event, for the first time in front of a paying audience as well as the wrestlers, after which, the Hall of Fame went on hiatus.
In 2004, WWE relaunched the Hall of Fame to coincide with WrestleMania XX.[1] This ceremony, like its predecessors, was not broadcast on television. However, it was released on DVD on June 1, 2004.[2] Beginning with the 2005 ceremony, an edited version of the Hall of Fame was broadcast on Spike TV (2005)[3] and on the USA Network (2006[4]–present[5]); these were aired on tape delay. Since 2005, the entire Hall of Fame ceremony has been packaged as part of the annual WrestleMania DVD release,[6] and from 2014, has been broadcast live on the WWE Network.[7] In 2015, historical WWE Hall of Fame ceremonies became available on the WWE Network.
Although a building has never been built to represent the Hall of Fame, WWE has looked into constructing a facility. In 2008, Shane McMahon, then-Executive Vice President of Global Media of WWE, stated that WWE had been storing wrestling memorabilia in a warehouse for years, with all items categorized and dated in case a facility is created.[8]
As of 2018, there have been 183 inductees – with 110 wrestlers inducted individually, 12 group inductions (consisting of 33 wrestlers within those groups), ten celebrities, four Warrior Award recipients, and 26 Legacy Inductees. 46 members were inducted posthumously. Also as of 2017, Ric Flair is the only Hall of Famer to be inducted twice, first individually in 2008, then as a member of The Four Horsemen in 2012.[9]
Classes
Class of 1993
WWF Hall of Fame (1993) | |||
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Promotion | WWF | ||
WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWF Hall of Fame (1993) was the inaugural class of the WWE Hall of Fame. It was announced on the March 22, 1993 episode of Monday Night Raw where André the Giant, who had died nearly two months prior, was announced as the sole inductee.[10][11][12]
During the episode of Monday Night Raw a video package announcing his induction was shown.[12] No ceremony took place, and André was inducted posthumously. In March 2015 a condensed version of the 1994 ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[13] Due to no original ceremony, the 1993 introduction of André was discussed by Gene Okerlund and Renee Young as part of the 1994 commentary.
Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
---|---|---|---|
André the Giant (André Roussimoff) |
None | One-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion, one-time WWF World Tag Team Champion. | |
Class of 1994
WWF Hall of Fame (1994) | |||
---|---|---|---|
Promotion | WWF | ||
Date | June 9, 1994 | ||
City | Baltimore, Maryland | ||
Venue | Omni Inner Harbor International Hotel | ||
WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWF Hall of Fame (1994) was the event which featured introduction of the 2nd class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by the WWF on June 6, 1994 from the Omni Inner Harbor International Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. The event took place the same weekend as King of the Ring.
In March 2015 a condensed version of the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[13] Due to the original ceremony only being partially recorded and not originally intended to air, Gene Okerlund and Renee Young host the program with added commentary.
Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
---|---|---|---|
N/A | Arnold Skaaland | Bob Backlund | One-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion and long-time manager of Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund in WWF[14] |
N/A | Bobo Brazil (Houston Harris) |
Ernie Ladd | Seven-time WWWF United States Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion[15] |
N/A | "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers (Herman Rohde Jr.) |
Bret Hart | Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion and first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion[16] |
N/A | Chief Jay Strongbow[17] (Luke Scarpa) |
Tatanka | Four-time WWWF/WWF World Tag Team Champion[18] |
"Classy" Freddie Blassie | Shane McMahon | Held over 30 NWA regional championships. Long-time manager in WWF[19] | |
N/A | Gorilla Monsoon (Robert Marella) |
Jim Ross | Two-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion. Former WWF announcer and onscreen President[20] |
N/A | James Dudley | Vince McMahon | First African American to run a major arena in the United States[21] |
Class of 1995
WWF Hall of Fame (1995) | |||
---|---|---|---|
Promotion | WWF | ||
Date | June 24, 1995 | ||
City | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | ||
Venue | Marriott Hotel | ||
WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
WWF Hall of Fame (1995) was the event which featured the introduction of the 3rd class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by the WWF on June 24, 1995 from the Marriott Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event took place the same weekend as King of the Ring.
In March 2015 a condensed version of the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[13] Due to the original ceremony only being partially recorded and not originally intended to air, Gene Okerlund and Renee Young host the program with added commentary.
The 1995 class featured two posthumous inductees. Antonino Rocca was presented by his wife, and The Grand Wizard was represented by Bobby Harmon.
Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
---|---|---|---|
Antonino Rocca (Antonino Biasetton) |
Diesel | One-time WWF International Heavyweight Champion. Pioneer of the acrobatic wrestling style[22] | |
N/A | "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd | Bobo Brazil | Won several NWA regional titles, and was one of few professional wrestlers to have had a successful career in American football[23] |
George "The Animal" Steele (William Myers) |
Doink the Clown | One of professional wrestling's first monster heels[24] | |
N/A | Ivan Putski (Józef Bednarski) |
Scott Putski | One-time WWF Tag Team Champion[25] |
The Fabulous Moolah (Mary Ellison) |
Alundra Blayze | A four-time WWF Women's Champion prior to her induction, her first reign is recognized as lasting a record 28 years[26] | |
N/A | The Grand Wizard (Irwin Roth) |
Sgt. Slaughter | Long-time heel manager in WWF[27] |
Pedro Morales | Savio Vega | Savio Vega accepted the induction. One-time WWWF World Heavyweight Champion whose reign lasted nearly three years, and the first WWF Triple Crown Champion[28] He was also the first Latino to win the world title[29] | |
Class of 1996
WWF Hall of Fame (1996) | |||
---|---|---|---|
Promotion | WWF | ||
Date | November 16, 1996 | ||
City | New York City, New York | ||
Venue | Marriott Marquis | ||
WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
WWF Hall of Fame (1996) was the event which featured the introduction of the 4th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by the WWF on November 16, 1996 from the Marriott Marquis in New York City, New York. The event took place the same weekend as Survivor Series.
In March 2015 a condensed version of the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[13] Due to the original ceremony only being partially recorded and not originally intended to air, Gene Okerlund and Renee Young host the program with added commentary.
Due to Vincent J. McMahon's passing in 1984, he was posthumously inducted by the McMahon family.
Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
---|---|---|---|
N/A | "Baron" Mikel Scicluna | Gorilla Monsoon | One-time WWWF World Tag Team Champion and one-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion[30] |
"Captain" Lou Albano | Joe Franklin | One-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion. As a manager, he led 13 different tag teams to a record 17 tag team titles,[31] and four singles wrestlers to various championships. His association with Cyndi Lauper was pivotal in turning professional wrestling into a mainstream phenomenon[32] | |
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka | Don Muraco | One-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, two-time NWA World Tag Team Champion, two-time ECW Heavyweight Champion[33] | |
Johnny Rodz (Johnny Rodriguez) |
Arnold Skaaland | Wrestled in WWF for nearly two decades[34] | |
Killer Kowalski (Walter Kowalski) |
Triple H | One-time WWWF World Tag Team Champion, held seventeen NWA regional championships[35] | |
Pat Patterson[36] | Bret Hart | One-time and first WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, one-time AWA World Tag Team Champion and held over 20 NWA regional championships. Credited as the creator of the Royal Rumble match[37] | |
N/A | Vincent J. McMahon | Shane McMahon | Founder and longtime promoter of the World (Wide) Wrestling Federation[38] |
Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
---|---|---|
The Valiant Brothers | British Bulldog and Owen Hart | One-time WWWF World Tag Team Champions, first tag team to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame[39] |
Jimmy Valiant (James Fanning) – four-time NWA Television Champion Johnny Valiant (John Sullivan) – became a manager in the WWF and AWA during the 1980s | ||
Class of 2004
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Big John Studd[40] | Big Show |
Don Muraco[41] | Mick Foley | |
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine[42] | Jimmy Hart | |
Harley Race[43] | Ric Flair | |
Jesse "The Body" Ventura[44] | Tyrel Ventura | |
Junkyard Dog[45] | Ernie Ladd | |
Sgt. Slaughter[46] | Pat Patterson | |
Superstar Billy Graham[47] | Triple H | |
Tito Santana[48] | Shawn Michaels | |
Bobby "The Brain" Heenan[49][50] [51] |
Blackjack Lanza | |
Celebrity | Pete Rose[52] | Kane |
Class of 2005
Class of 2006
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Bret "Hit Man" Hart[62] | Stone Cold Steve Austin |
Eddie Guerrero[63] | Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio, and Chavo Guerrero | |
"Mean" Gene Okerlund[64] | Hulk Hogan | |
Sensational Sherri[65] | Ted DiBiase | |
Verne Gagne[66][67][68] | Greg Gagne | |
"Mr. USA" Tony Atlas[69][70] | S.D. Jones | |
Group | The Blackjacks (Blackjack Mulligan and Blackjack Lanza)[71] |
Bobby Heenan |
Celebrity | William "The Refrigerator" Perry[72] | John Cena |
Class of 2007
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes[73][74][75] | Cody Runnels and Dustin Rhodes |
"Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig[76] | Wade Boggs | |
Jerry "The King" Lawler[77][78] | William Shatner | |
Nick Bockwinkel[79][80][81] | Bobby Heenan | |
Mr. Fuji[82] | Don Muraco | |
The Sheik[83] | Rob Van Dam and Sabu | |
Jim Ross[84] | Stone Cold Steve Austin | |
Group | The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika)[85] |
Samu and Matt Anoaʻi |
Class of 2008
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | "Nature Boy" Ric Flair,[86][87][88] | Triple H |
"High Chief" Peter Maivia[89] | The Rock | |
"Soulman" Rocky Johnson[90] | The Rock | |
Mae Young[91][92] | Pat Patterson | |
Eddie Graham[93] | Dusty Rhodes | |
Gordon Solie[94] | Jim Ross | |
Group | The Brisco Brothers (Jack Brisco[95] and Gerald Brisco[96]) |
John "Bradshaw" Layfield |
Class of 2009
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Stone Cold Steve Austin[97][98] | Vince McMahon |
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat[99] | Ric Flair | |
"Cowboy" Bill Watts[100] | Jim Ross | |
Howard Finkel[101] | Gene Okerlund | |
Koko B. Ware[102] | The Honky Tonk Man | |
Group | The Funks[103] (Terry Funk and Dory Funk Jr.) |
Dusty Rhodes |
The Von Erichs (Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, David Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Mike Von Erich and Chris Von Erich) |
Michael Hayes | |
Class of 2010
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Ted DiBiase[104] | Ted DiBiase Jr. and Brett DiBiase |
Antonio Inoki[105] | Stan Hansen | |
Wendi Richter[106] | Roddy Piper | |
Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon[107] | Pat Patterson | |
Gorgeous George[108][109] | Dick Beyer | |
Stu Hart[110] | Bret Hart | |
Celebrity | Bob Uecker[111] | Dick Ebersol |
Class of 2011
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Shawn Michaels[112] | Triple H |
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan[113][114] | Ted DiBiase | |
"Bullet" Bob Armstrong[115] | Scott, Brad, and Brian Armstrong | |
Sunny[116][117] | WWE Divas | |
Abdullah the Butcher[118] | Terry Funk | |
Group | The Road Warriors[119] (Road Warrior Hawk, Road Warrior Animal, and "Precious" Paul Ellering[120]) |
Dusty Rhodes |
Celebrity | Drew Carey[121] | Kane |
Class of 2012
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Edge[122] | Christian |
Mil Máscaras[118] | Alberto Del Rio | |
Ron Simmons[123] | John "Bradshaw" Layfield | |
Yokozuna[124] | Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso | |
Group | The Four Horsemen[125] ("Nature Boy" Ric Flair, Barry Windham, "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard and James J. Dillon) |
Dusty Rhodes |
Celebrity | Mike Tyson[126] | D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels and Triple H) |
Class of 2013
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Mick Foley[127] | Terry Funk |
Bob Backlund[128] | Maria Menounos | |
Trish Stratus[129] | Stephanie McMahon | |
Bruno Sammartino[130] | Arnold Schwarzenegger | |
Booker T[131] | Stevie Ray | |
Celebrity | Donald Trump[132] | Vince McMahon |
Class of 2014
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | The Ultimate Warrior[133] | Linda McMahon |
Jake Roberts[134] | Diamond Dallas Page | |
Lita[135] | Trish Stratus | |
Paul Bearer[136] | Kane | |
Carlos Colón Sr.[137] | Carlito, Eddie, and Orlando Colón | |
Razor Ramon[138] | Kevin Nash | |
Celebrity | Mr. T[139] | Gene Okerlund |
Class of 2015
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Randy Savage[140] | Hulk Hogan |
Rikishi[141] | The Usos | |
Alundra Blayze[142] | Natalya Neidhart | |
Larry Zbyszko[143] | Bruno Sammartino | |
Tatsumi Fujinami[144] | Ric Flair | |
Kevin Nash[145] | Shawn Michaels | |
Group | The Bushwhackers[146] (Luke Williams and Butch Miller) |
John Laurinaitis |
Celebrity | Arnold Schwarzenegger[147] | Triple H |
Warrior Award | Connor "The Crusher" Michalek | Dana Warrior and Daniel Bryan |
Class of 2016
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Sting[148] | Ric Flair |
The Godfather[149] | The Acolytes Protection Agency | |
Big Boss Man[150] | Slick | |
Jacqueline | The Dudley Boyz | |
Stan Hansen[151] | Vader | |
Group | The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts, and Jimmy Garvin) |
The New Day |
Celebrity | Snoop Dogg[152] | John Cena |
Warrior Award | Joan Lunden | Dana Warrior |
Legacy | Mildred Burke | N/A |
Frank Gotch | ||
George Hackenschmidt | ||
Ed "Strangler" Lewis | ||
Pat O'Connor | ||
Lou Thesz | ||
"Sailor" Art Thomas | ||
Class of 2017
Class of 2018
Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
---|---|---|
Individual | Goldberg[165] | Paul Heyman[166] |
Ivory[167] | Molly Holly[168] | |
Jeff Jarrett[169] | Road Dogg[170] | |
Hillbilly Jim[171] | Jimmy Hart[172] | |
Mark Henry[173] | Big Show[174] | |
Group | The Dudley Boyz[175] (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) |
Edge and Christian[176] |
Warrior Award | Jarrius "JJ" Robertson[177] | Dana Warrior |
Celebrity | Kid Rock[178] | Triple H |
Legacy | Stan Stasiak | N/A |
Lord Alfred Hayes | ||
Dara Singh | ||
Cora Combs | ||
El Santo | ||
Jim Londos | ||
Rufus R. Jones | ||
Sputnik Monroe | ||
Boris Malenko | ||
Hiro Matsuda |
Specialty inductees
Celebrity wing
The "celebrity wing" of the Hall of Fame is dedicated to celebrities that have made memorable appearances on WWE programming, and/or have had longtime associations with WWE.
Warrior Award
In 2015, WWE introduced the Warrior Award for those who have "exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior."[179]
While WWE promotes Warrior Award recipients as Hall of Fame inductees,[180][181] they are not included in the Hall of Fame section at WWE.com.[182] and an image gallery which shows "every WWE Hall of Famer ever" does not contain any recipient.[183]
The award was created following The Ultimate Warrior's death. During his April 2014 Hall of Fame speech shortly before his death, he proposed that there be a special category called the "Jimmy Miranda Award" for WWE's behind-the-scenes employees.[184][185] Miranda, who died in 2002, was part of the WWE merchandise department for more than 20 years[186] Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts expressed disappointment at how WWE used portions of Warrior's Hall of Fame speech to promote the award, but left out Warrior's intentions of honoring WWE's off-screen employees[187][188] WWE responded, "It is offensive to suggest that WWE and its executives had anything but altruistic intentions in honoring Connor and his legacy with The Warrior Award", adding that "moving forward the award will be given annually to acknowledge other unsung heroes among WWE's employees and fans".[189]
Traditionally, Dana Warrior (widow of The Ultimate Warrior) presents the award.
Legacy inductees
In 2016, WWE introduced a new category for the Hall of Fame called the "Legacy" wing. Inductees under this new category feature wrestlers from the early years of professional wrestling, primarily during the early part of the 20th century.[190] All inductees thus far have been inducted posthumously and were recognized with a video package at the ceremony.[191]
Ceremony dates and locations
Reception
In 2012, The Post and Courier noted that the Hall has garnered criticism due to the inductions of questionable performers, and the omissions of major names within the industry.[207] Bob Backlund declined induction multiple times,[208] and The Ultimate Warrior wrote that he refused the honor in 2010;[209] they were eventually inducted in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Randy Savage was recognized as being noticeably absent;[210] Chris Jericho said that the Hall achieved a level of legitimacy by inducting him in 2015.[211] Slam Wrestling questioned how Koko B. Ware, who primarily wrestled in the undercard, was inducted but former WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff never was before his 2017 death.[212]
Bruno Sammartino, the longest reigning WWWF World Heavyweight Champion, was once critical of the Hall of Fame. Sammartino disapproved of celebrity inductees such as Pete Rose and William Perry, and said of the ceremony: "What's the point to a Hall of Fame? Is it a building I can actually go to? No. Give me a break".[213] Sammartino declined previous induction offers, before accepting in 2013. Paul "Triple H" Levesque said that it was important for Sammartino to be inducted from a "legitimacy standpoint" and ESPN said that his induction is an opportunity to legitimize the Hall of Fame.[214] After being announced as an inductee, Sammartino said he considers the Hall to be legitimate.[215]
Superstar Billy Graham publicly slammed the hall and demanded that WWE remove him from it, due to the 2011 induction of Abdullah the Butcher. Graham wrote: "It is a shameless organization to induct a bloodthirsty animal such as Abdullah the Butcher into their worthless and embarrassing Hall of Fame and I want the name of Superstar Billy Graham to be no part of it".[216] Sabu also criticized the Hall of Fame, saying "I'd only do it because I need the money... I don't consider it a real Hall of Fame."[217]
2015 Hall of Fame headliner Kevin Nash stated that two things in the professional wrestling business are real: "When you win your first championship and when you get inducted into the Hall of Fame." Nash claimed this is a sentiment to which colleague Ric Flair also subscribes.[218] During his 2013 induction, future U.S. president Donald Trump said that the honor meant more than "having the highest ratings in TV, being a best-selling author or getting a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame."[219]
Dave Scherer of PWInsider has questioned how WWE can sustain the 2004–present Hall of Fame model, due to legends being rapidly inducted. He wrote: "There are only so many people that they can have headline a class. They really need to make more new stars to ensure that they can keep filling arenas for the ceremony".[220]
See also
References
- 1 2 "Pete Rose to Be Inducted Into Hall Of Fame.World Wrestling Entertainment Hall Of Fame". World Wrestling Entertainment Corporate. March 2, 2004. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
- ↑ "WWE Hall of Fame 2004 Induction Ceremony". For Your Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
- 1 2 "World Wrestling Entertainment Invades Los Angeles Starting Tuesday, March 29, With Series of Public Events As Part of WrestleMania 21 Week". World Wrestling Entertainment Corporate. March 23, 2005. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
- ↑ "World Wrestling Entertainment Blows "Big Time" Into Chicago Starting Tuesday, March 28, With A Series of Public Events As Part of WrestleMania 22 Week". World Wrestling Entertainment Corporate. March 22, 2006. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
- ↑ Martin, Adam (March 29, 2008). "2008 WWE Hall of Fame airs live on WWE.com & USA tonight and more". WrestleView.com. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
- ↑ WrestleMania 21, 22, 23, and XXIV DVD's
- ↑ "Triple H reveals the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be broadcast on WWE Network". WWE. February 12, 2014. Archived from the original on March 8, 2014. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
- ↑ Scherer, Dave (April 8, 2008). "SmackDown Rating, WWE Looking For A Location to Create A Hall of Fame, The Bash, and more". PWInsider. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
- ↑ "WWE Hall of Fame". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ 1993 WWF results, from TheHistoryOfWWE.com
- ↑ World Wrestling Federation employees (1993-03-22). "WWF Monday Night Raw (March 22, 1993)". WWF Monday Night Raw. Season 1. USA Network.
- 1 2 "Andre the Giant". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
- 1 2 3 4 "The WWE Hall of Fame 1994, 1995, and 1996 ceremonies are up on the WWE Network - Wrestling News". 20 March 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
- ↑ "Arnold Skaaland". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Bobo Brazil". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Pro wrestling great Chief Jay Strongbow dead at 83". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "Chief Jay Strongbow". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""Classy" Freddie Blassie". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Gorilla Monsoon". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "James Dudley". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Antonino Rocca". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""Big Cat" Ernie Ladd". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "George "The Animal" Steele". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Ivan Putski". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "The Fabulous Moolah". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "The Grand Wizard". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Pedro Morales". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ A. Version 2.0 (September 1, 2010). "John Cena The Greatest Champion Ever? Ranking All 46 WWE World Champions −10. Pedro Morales". BleacherReport.com. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
- ↑ ""Baron" Mikel Scicluna". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ The Wrestler magazine, various X-ray panels
- ↑ ""Captain" Lou Albano". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Johnny Rodz". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Killer Kowalski". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Darren Young: American WWE star comes out as gay". the Guardian. 15 August 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "Pat Patterson". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Vincent J. McMahon". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved May 10, 2007.
- ↑ "The Valiant Brothers". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Big John Studd". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Don Muraco". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Greg "The Hammer" Valentine". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Harley Race". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Jesse "The Body" Ventura". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Junkyard Dog". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Sgt. Slaughter". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""Superstar" Billy Graham". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Tito Santana". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "WWE Hall of Fame manager, commentator Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan dies at 73". ABC News. 18 September 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "WWE Hall of Fame manager Bobby (The Brain) Heenan dies at age 73". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "Bobby "The Brain" Heenan". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Pete Rose". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Hulk Hogan". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper dies at 61". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper has died at the age of 61". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ ""Rowdy" Roddy Piper". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""Cowboy" Bob Orton". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Nikolai Volkoff". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "The Iron Sheik". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Bret "The Hitman" Hart". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Eddie Guerrero". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""Mean" Gene Okerlund". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""Sensational" Sherri". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Extremely sad news for fans of WWE, as a veteran Hall of Famer passes away". 28 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "Wrestling icon Verne Gagne dead at 89". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "Verne Gagne". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "WWE Hall of Famer -- I Pay Women to Smash My Face with Their Boots ... AND I LOVE IT!!!". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ ""Mr. USA" Tony Atlas". WWE. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
- ↑ "The Blackjacks". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "William "The Refrigerator" Perry". WWE. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler Dusty Rhodes Dies at 69". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "WWE wrestler Dusty Rhodes dies at 69". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ ""The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ ""Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Jerry 'The King' Lawler in stable condition - CNN". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "Jerry "The King" Lawler". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ↑ "Hall of Fame pro wrestler Nick Bockwinkel dead at 80". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "Nick Bockwinkel -- WWE Legend Dead at 80". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ "Nick Bockwinkel". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
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- ↑ "Sunny". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
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- ↑ "Ron Simmons". WWE. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
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- ↑ "Mike Tyson". WWE. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
- ↑ "Mick Foley". WWE. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
- ↑ "Bob Backlund". WWE. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ↑ "Trish Stratus". WWE. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
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- ↑ "Booker T". WWE. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
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- ↑ "Paul Bearer". WWE. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
- ↑ "Carlos Colon". WWE. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
- ↑ "Razor Ramon". WWE. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
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- ↑ "Savage to be inducted into HOF". WWE. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
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- ↑ "Larry Zbyszko to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame's Class of 2015". WWE.
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- ↑ "Arnold Schwarzenegger to be Celebrity Inductee in WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2015".
- ↑ "Sting to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame's Class of 2016". WWE. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
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- ↑ Pappolla, Ryan. "Big Boss Man to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame's Class of 2016". WWE. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Stan Hansen to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame's Class of 2016". WWE. Retrieved March 21, 2016.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Snoop Dogg to be Celebrity Inductee in WWE Hall of Fame's Class of 2016". WWE. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Kurt Angle to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017". WWE. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
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- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Theodore Long to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017". WWE. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "JBL & Ron Simmons to induct Teddy Long into the WWE Hall of Fame". WWE. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Diamond Dallas Page to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017". WWE. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Eric Bischoff to induct Diamond Dallas Page into the WWE Hall of Fame". WWE. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Beth Phoenix to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017". WWE. Retrieved February 27, 2017.
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- ↑ Melok, Bobby. ""Ravishing" Rick Rude to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017". WWE. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat to induct "Ravishing" Rick Rude into WWE Hall of Fame". WWE. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
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- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Jim Cornette to induct The Rock 'n' Roll Express into the WWE Hall of Fame". WWE. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Goldberg to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018". WWE. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
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- ↑ Melok, Bobby. "Hillbilly Jim to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018". WWE. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
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- ↑ "Kid Rock To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame During WrestleMania 34 Weekend: Exclusive". Retrieved 12 March 2018.
- ↑ "WWE fan Connor Michalek to receive first-ever Warrior Award at 2015 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony". WWE. March 9, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
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- ↑ Powell, Jason. "2014 WWE Hall of Fame live coverage: Ultimate Warrior, Jake Roberts, Lita, Razor Ramon, Paul Bearer, and Carlos Colon". prowrestling.net. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
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- ↑ Martin, Adam. "WWE Raw Results (July 15, 2002)". wrestleview.com. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
- ↑ Johnson, Mike. "[Updated with WWE statement] former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts blogs on Connor induction to WWE Hall of Fame, WWE's usage of Conner". pwinsider.com. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
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- ↑ "Congratulations to the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Legacy inductees". WWE. April 2, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
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- ↑ "A Blast From The Past—The Federation Hall Of Fame". World Wrestling Federation Magazine. 13 (9): 54–57. September 1994. 8756-7792.
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- ↑ Oliver, Greg (April 2, 2006). "Hall of Fame inductions sincere and entertaining". SLAM! Sports — Wrestling. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
- ↑ Martin, Adam (April 1, 2007). "WWE Hall of Fame — Class of 2007 Ceremony on USA Network". WrestleView.com. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
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- ↑ Schoolcraft, Lisa R. (September 25, 2009). "Atlanta is bidding for WrestleMania". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
- ↑ "WWE Magazine". August 2010: 69.
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The WWE Hall has been criticized in the past for a number of questionable selections as well as notable omissions.
- ↑ Kevin Eck, Baltimore Sun
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- ↑ Guzzel, Paul (March 31, 2014). "WWE Hall of Fame again spurns Macho Man". The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved August 22, 2016.
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- ↑ Smith, Caleb. "Mat Matters: WWE Hall of Fame's unforgiveable shunning of Ivan Koloff". SLAM! Wrestling. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved March 4, 2017.
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- ↑ "WWE to induct Bruno Sammartino into HOF". ESPN. February 4, 2013.
- ↑ Caldwell, James (February 9, 2013). "WWE News: Update on physical Hall of Fame building". PWTorch. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
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- ↑ Barrasso, Justin (January 23, 2017). "At 52 and coming off a hip replacement, Sabu just wants to keep wrestling". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
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