169. Hans Schmidt

The evil German was a staple for decades in Professional Wrestling, but the first to really make money with it and terrorize opponents and fans was Hans Schmidt. The gimmick was money, and Schmidt played it perfectly (he was really a Quebecer) and was arguably the first great villain in the televised wrestling era. He hit opponents with his helmet, was hated by everybody and set the blueprint for the “foreign villain” that exists to this day. That should be worth something right?

Should Hans Schmidt be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 55.6%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 33.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%

No opinion. - 5.6%

No way! - 5.6%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Guy LaRose (Real Name)
Billed From: Germany
Key Championships Held: NWA United States (Detroit)
NWA Florida Television
NWA World Tag Team (Los Angeles) w/Hans Herman
BTW United States (3)
NWA United States (Chicago)
IWA International Heavyweight (Montreal) (4)
NWA Georgia Southern Tag Team w/El Mongol
Why they will get in: If Gorgeous George went in, why not Schmidt?.
Why they won't get in: He never competed in the WWE.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1.   Challenged Lou Thesz multiple times for the NWA World Heavyweight Title (1954 & 1955)
2.   Sold out multiple arenas in the Midwest against Buddy Rogers (1954 & 1955)
3.   Won his first championship (NWA United States) in Detroit (10/19/56)
4.   Defeated Edouard Carpentier for the IWA Title in Montreal (7/20/61)
5.   Beat Carpentier again to regain the IWA Title in Montreal (7/6/66)