A major star in multiple promotions, the Sheik was one of the original hardcore wrestlers.  His in ring persona was sadistic and violent and was the master of the foreign object.  The Sheik was a major draw in many arenas and his feuds with various fan favorites sold out arenas in Detroit, Toronto and New York City on many occasions.  Behind the Wildman exterior was a savvy promoter, as he was the main promoter for the Detroit territory for many years.  His induction to the Hall was a pleasant surprise.

Amazingly, when Dusty Rhodes reappeared in the WWF in 1989, he got over while dressed in yellow polka dots and a portly old valet.  Only the American Dream had the charisma to remain a star with those shackles.  Prior to that WWF run, Rhodes was the top baby face star for a decade in the NWA and held championships on every level and every region.  Dusty Rhodes would go down in history as one of the most popular wrestlers of all time and even though the bulk of his accomplishments took place under the National Wrestling Alliance banner, his induction to the WWE Hall of Fame is completely necessary.

With Verne Gagne inducted the year before, the stage was set for Nick Bockwinkel to enter the Hall.  The five time former AWA World Heavyweight Champion spent the bulk of his career working for Verne.  Bockwinkel was a brilliant wrestler, but he was set apart from his peers by his cerebral interview style which showcased a quiet arrogance.  A true ring general, Bockwinkel definitely deserved the accolade once the WWE Hall of Fame opened its doors to performers who competed primarily under the AWA flag.

The son of AWA stalwart, Larry “The Ax” Hennig; Curt Hennig managed to eclipse the very large shadow that his father cast over him.  Hennig captured the AWA World Title in the late 80’s, but he made his mark nationally when he joined up with the WWE and added the “Mr. Perfect” moniker.  He was a natural to fill that name, as he truly did execute every in ring move “perfectly”.  There was little he couldn’t do in the ring, and he if he couldn’t do it, it wasn’t worth seeing.  Sadly, his induction was posthumous as he passed away four years prior.