The small in stature French Canadian was a legitimate amateur athlete, and even more legitimate tough guy.  Although Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon was often the shorter combatant, he always looked the toughest.  Vachon was a classic heel, with his shaved head, missing teeth and vicious growl.  Like so many, Vachon did his job so well that he earned major respect and has become one of the most beloved figures in wrestling and is considered a legend in many circles.

This was another induction that shocked us, as the career of Gorgeous George predated the WWE completely.  With that said, there was NOBODY else who was made for televised wrestling in the 1950’s than Gorgeous George.  He wrestled under his real name, George Wagner, for the first decade of his career to limited success.  It was when he donned a character of an effeminate nature that he truly drew monster heat and became one of the biggest draws of the country.  Considering that wrestling is basically called “Sports Entertainment” by the powers that be in the WWE, it stands to reason that the industry’s first real Sports Entertainer is inducted.  We wonder though, if this induction means that other stars of the 50’s and before could be headed towards the WWE Hall of Fame?

The third Celebrity Inductee, Bob Uecker was actually one of the more entertaining celebrity guests in Wrestlemania history.  His self deprecating humor played well on WWE TV and many people still remember his failed interview with Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania IV.  If only other celebrity guests would give a solid effort like Bob Uecker did.  This would not have been our first celebrity induction, but this is not exactly a travesty either.

We have to admit that we loved this induction!  Although Antonio Inoki did have a solid relationship with the WWE, wrestling many times for them in the late 70’s and early 80’s, it was in Japan that he was a true star.  In fact, Inoki could very well be the most popular wrestler in Japan of all time and his influence there is still far reaching.  Inoki’s induction showed that the WWE was truly looking to make their Hall of Fame International in scope and it could raise a new series of possible inductions.  Time will tell if it will or not.