The co-founder of the American Wrestling Association and its multi-time World Heavyweight Champion, Verne Gagne ran one of the most successful promotions of all time.  Gagne was the trainer of future legends and was himself one of the most technically proficient wrestlers ever.  This was the first induction that showed that Vince McMahon was willing to induct stars from other promotions and was looking to establish the WWE Hall of Fame as a complete Professional Wrestling Hall.