We are weeks away from Wrestlemania, but for us, the bigger component is that it is Hall of Fame season.  Last night, on WWE Smackdown, Rey Mysterio, 49, who is an active competitor and looks to be in a major Wrestlemania match with his son, Dominik, was announced as the first member of the 2023 Class.

From San Diego, Mysterio was born Oscar Gutierrez, and first wrestled at the age of 14.  Taking the name of Rey Mysterio Jr., after his uncle, Rey Mysterio, he joined the leading Mexican promotion, AAA in 1992.  He was an instant sensation with his high-flying skills, but at well under 150 pounds, and 5’ 2”, it was highly improbably that Mysterio could make it in the United States, but shattering glass ceilings would become his specialty.

After appearing briefly in ECW in 1995, Eric Bischoff of WCW signed Mysterio, and he was the face of the Cruiserweight division, winning that title five times and the WCW World Tag Team Title three times.  After WCW folded, he would join the WWE in 2002, where he won that version of the Cruiserweight Title multiple times. 

Following the death of Eddie Guerrero, Mysterio, who was his on-screen rival, but off-screen best friend was vaulted into the Heavyweight Title scene, winning the 2006 Royal Rumble, and the World Title at Wrestlemania 22.  His title reign was poorly booked, but remained a top-to-middle name performer on the cards for the next nine years, winning other titles and dazzling fans.

Mysterio left the WWE in 2015, but returned three years later, with his most recent success coming in a Smackdown Tag Team Title win with his son, Dominik.  The father and son match could be a show stealer at Wrestlemania.

Mysterio was not ranked on our list of those to consider for the WWE Hall of Fame, as we only rank those who are inactive or over 50.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to extend our congratulate Rey Mysterio for this impending honor.

As of this writing, Brandon Nimmo is set to enter his tenth MLB Season, all of which have been as a Met.

The Outfielder may not feel like a superstar, but he has been very productive, and was a highly-touted First Round Pick in 2011.  Nimmo debuted for the Mets in 2016, but was not a regular until 2018.  He only had 114 Hits, but had an OBP of .404 that year, and the led the NL in Hit by Pitch (22), showcasing his ability to get to First. 

Nimmo had numerous ailments from 2019 to 2021, but when healthy was consistently able to draw free passes, and display moderate power.  In 2022, Nimmo led the NL in Triples (7), and had his first 150-plus HIt year.  In 2023, Nimmo set personal bests in Hits (162), Home Runs (24) and Runs Batted In (68).  Last season, he only had 23 Home Runs and 128 Hits, but he helped the Mets reach the National League Championship. Nimmo could have an All-Star in him.

The Kansas City Chiefs lost one of their greats, with the passing of Otis Taylor, who died at the age of 80.  He had been battling Dementia and Parkinson’s.

A member of the Chiefs for all of his 11 NFL Seasons, Taylor was the player when Hall of Fame Quarterback Len Dawson was looking for a deep threat.  In fact, it was Taylor who caught half of the passes for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Super Bowl IV victory.

Taylor was a star in the AFL, and a big reason that the Chiefs were good.  He was their top receiver and rewarded them with a 1,297 yard season in 1966.  He was still productive after the NFL/AFL merger and the league in receiving yards in 1971. 

Taylor amassed 7,306 Receiving Yards and 57 Touchdowns, and was ranked #17 on our most recent list of those to consider for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  He is also a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to extend our condolences as the friends, family and fans of Otis Taylor.

Jeff McNeil is still with the New York Mets as of this writing, where his orthodox style (he competes with a knobless bat) is considered a throwback of sorts, as he is a contact hitter who rarely strikes out.

McNeil has played multiple positions for the Mets (mostly between Second and Leftfield) after debuting in the Majors in 2018, and only needed one season to become an All-Star off a 23 Home Run/.318 Season.  McNeil batted .311 in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, and after battling injuries in 2021, exploded in 2022, with his second All-Star season and his first Batting Title (.326).  He also had career-highs in Hits (179), Doubles (39), and won his first Silver Slugger.

If McNeil wins another Batting Title, he could vault again up this list, but he is coming off his worst year with only 12 taters and a sub .240 Batting Average.