gold star for USAHOF
 
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Site Admin

276. William Muldoon

We have to WAY BACK for this one.  In the late 1800s, William Muldoon was recognized as the World’s Greco-Roman Champion.  He would defend that championship against all comers and retired undefeated.  While his work in the ring bared little resemblance to what it would become this is a bona fide pioneer and more than worthy of Legacy Wing consideration.

245. Minoru Suzuki

We like to think of Minoru Suzuki as the Chuck Norris of professional wrestling.  The older he gets, the more the legend of his toughness grows.

Wrestling can be a bit of a freak show, and some of the cast of characters actually can be described as freaks.  One of the earliest men in that category was "The French Angel," Maurice Tillet who stood at only 5'9" but developed acromegaly in his early 20's causing his bones to grow and his features to alter.  He got into wrestling late and was built up as an attraction and title contender where he would win the Boston version of the AWA World Title.  Tillet did not have a long run, but he was known and struck fear among fans.  Allegedly, he was the inspiration for Shrek.

174. Jess McMahon

Before there was Vince McMahon Jr., there was Vince McMahon Sr.  Before Vince Sr., there was his father, Roderick Jess McMahon.  Along with Toots Mondt, the patriarch of the McMahon family founded Capitol Sports, the precursor to the WWE, which promoted wrestling in the New York City area.