A long time announcer for the AWA, WWF and WCW, Gene Okerlund was the favorite broadcaster of many a wrestling fan.  His smooth delivery and signature voice was only matched by his likable nature.  Few can debate the legitimacy of this induction.

A very successful manager in the Memphis area, Jimmy Hart entered the WWF in early 1985 and quickly became one of the top managers there guiding a unique stable of wrestlers for years.  With his loud suits, obnoxious megaphone and willingness to do anything to entertain the fans, Jimmy Hart was a great addition to the WWE and wrestling in general.

One of the most popular draws ever for Bill Watts’ Mid South Promotion, The Junkyard Dog migrated North to the WWF and was equally popular.  He was not a wrestler with a spectacular move set, but was one with unequalled charisma and was a fan favorite that transcended through age and race.  His induction was posthumous, but was not charitable.  He earned is slot in the Hall.

“Superstar” Billy Graham was not the first rulebreaking WWF World Heavyweight Champion, but he was the first who was held an extended reign as the champion.  Graham’s autobiography was titled “Twenty years too soon” and that wasn’t too far off as he certainly predated many of the other muscle bound grapplers who would follow.  Countless wrestlers cited him as an influence in terms of look, in ring skill and style and if the WWE Hall of Fame was based on influence, Graham can’t help but belong.  Sadly, he has had many disputes with the WWE in the past and it appears that he his not on good terms with them now.