Some have argued that Chris Adams’ greatest contribution to wrestling was training a young Steve Austin. We will argue against it as the “Gentleman” was a major star in World Class and a part of the some of the most memorable angles of that promotion’s history. With his spectacular “superkick” and ability to work as a pure baby face or despicable heel, Chris Adams did well in both Dallas and Memphis. Adams however he was basically a jobber in WCW and had many personal demons that would eventually do him in. A posthumous induction seems unlikely at this stage.
A legitimate Olympian who competed for the United States in the 1968 Olympics, Bob Roop translated amateur credibility to a professional one. Roop competed for the Grahams in Florida for the bulk of his career and though he held their Heavyweight Championship three times and was a technical marvel, he may have achieved his greatest notoriety as Kevin Sullivan’s crazy henchman in his Army of Darkness stable. If the WWE Hall of Fame was just based on wrestling workrate, Roop would be in, but we know that this is not the primary criteria for it.
Say what you want about the win loss record of S.D. “Special Delivery” Jones, but it was his job to be a baby face enhancement worker who always put up a good fight before eventually going down to defeat. Jones did this job admirably for years and it was because of selfless people like him, stars were made. He remained popular despite his multiple losses and considering Johnny Rodz is in the Hall, a face equivalent is not out of the question.
Many mean Texas cowboys have populated the world of professional wrestling. Chances are fans of the WWF of the late 80’s, may remember “The Outlaw” Ron Bass who was one of the few heels in the large promotion to go without a manager at a time when even the best heel talkers were accompanied to the ring by somebody. Bass played the ornery cowboy gimmick perfectly and with solid wrestling skills, a thick frame and a vicious snarl he didn’t need anyone doing his talking for him. Like other “cowboys” on this list, Bass may find himself well behind others who wore the same “hat” that he did.