We have to admit that we loved this induction!  Although Antonio Inoki did have a solid relationship with the WWE, wrestling many times for them in the late 70’s and early 80’s, it was in Japan that he was a true star.  In fact, Inoki could very well be the most popular wrestler in Japan of all time and his influence there is still far reaching.  Inoki’s induction showed that the WWE was truly looking to make their Hall of Fame International in scope and it could raise a new series of possible inductions.  Time will tell if it will or not.

Okay, we are struggling with this one.  Fritz Von Erich should be in for his wrestling career and for the way he made World Class Championship Wrestling the must watch program in Dallas.  Kerry Von Erich is a former Intercontinental Champion and NWA World Champion, but had he not been inundated with drug issues, he could have been so much better.  Kevin Von Erich had a solid career, David Von Erich should have been a World Champion, and so cases can be made for the three Von Erichs.  But inducting Mike and Chris?  Mike was not much of a performer, and didn’t want to be, and Chris was way too small and fragile to really compete.  Regardless, this was a way to induct the family who gave a lot to the business but ultimately cost the bulk of them their lives.  Easily the most tragic induction period.

Although they were inducted as the Funk Brothers duo, there can be no doubt that both Terry Funk and Dory Jr. both belong on their own individual merits.  Many claim to be the pioneer of Hardcore Wrestling, but who transitioned better from a technical marvel to hardcore master better than Terry Funk.  Who was relevant to the wrestling industry longer than him?  Dory Funk Jr. may not have followed his brother along the hardcore route, but his in ring skill was stellar and as a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion he has earned his slot in the Hall.  Nobody should be able to argue this induction.

There can be no doubt that Steve Austin was the major star of wrestling in the late 90’s and the single biggest draw in that period.  In fact, with all due respect to icons like Hulk Hogan and the Rock, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin could be the biggest star ever.  This was an induction that had to happen.