The WWE Hall of Fame has come a long way hasn’t it?
While they have yet to create a physical Hall of Fame, the profile has been raised immensely and has been a tool to mend fences with past performers. As part of Wrestlemania weekend, the Hall of Fame ceremony has become not just a huge part of the festivities but a vital part of the Wrestlemania experience. Seriously, can you imagine a Wrestlemania without it?
Last night gave us another great Hall of Fame night, and considering that many felt (including us) that it was an underwhelming class, it was a magical night.
The Usos gave a humorous tribute their father, Rikishi, who was a former Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion in the WWE. Rikishi spoke of being part of the legendary Anoi’a family and the legacy that the Samoans have had in wrestling. Fittingly, Rikishi danced his way off the stage.
Larry Zbyszko was inducted by Bruno Sammartino, his mentor and friend who he headlined Shea Stadium with 1980. “The Living Legend” was a former WWWF Tag Team Champion, AWA World Heavyweight Champion and WCW Tag Team and Television Champion. Zbyszko, who for years had been open about his hatred towards Vince McMahon in the past, gave a great speck and summed up how he was happy to be just a wrestling fan again.
Alundra Blayze was inducted by Natalya, which was not a bad choice as she is arguably the most talented female performer on the WWE roster. Blayze addressed the elephant in the room about how she threw away the WWE Championship in a trashcan on an episode on WCW Nitro. It was a fun speech and definitely one signifying female empowerment.
Dana Warrior, the widow of the Ultimate Warrior came out to present the “Warrior Award”, the first inductee of which was Connor Michalak, an eight year old superfan of the WWE who died of paediatric brain cancer. Michalak touched the hearts of the WWE roster and especially Daniel Bryan, who thanked him immediately in the stands after he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania last year. Bryan was then brought out and after his speech he introduced Connor’s father, Steve Michalak who did a great job considering he had never spoke publically before.
John Laurinatis came out to introduce the Luke Williams and Butch Miller, The Bushwhackers. The New Zealand tag team had a relatively speaking short speech, but touched comically on how they felt they would not be considered good looking enough to be good guys in the WWF.
Ric Flair came out to induct former WWF Junior Heavyweight Champion, NWA Champion and IWGP Champion, Tatsumi Fujinami. Fujinami, who has limited english, gave a brief speech, but considering how the WWE views themselves as a global brand, this was a nice way to continue that evolution.
Hulk Hogan came out next to induct Randy “Macho Man” Savage. Considering how the acrimonious relationship that the two had for over ten years, it was a bit of a curious choice, but considering that the two were at one time great friends and great in ring rivals, the two are intertwined. Lanny Poffo, Randy’s brother came out to accept the award and gave a nice speech honouring his late sibling.
Triple H inducted Arnold Schwarzenegger, this year’s celebrity inductee. The “Governator” spoke about the bond between bodybuilders and wrestlers and it was clear the affection and respect he had for the WWE.
The final inductee of the night was former WWF and WCW World Champion, Kevin Nash, who was inducted by Shawn Michaels, the man who he acted as a bodyguard for two years for when he debuted in the WWF. As expected, Nash gave a very entertaining speech and as was also expected, the fellow members of the clique (Sean Waltman, Scott Hall and Triple H) came out to close the show.
As you can expect, we here at Notinhalloffame.com will be updating our WWE list shortly.
We have already made the internal revisions and will be unveiling the next list in roughly three to four weeks.
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