This has to be considered a surprise induction, considering that Gordon Solie never worked for the WWE.  Solie was an announcer who was dubbed the “Dean” of Wrestling Announcers.  This was due to his complete professionalism on the microphone and his complete command of the English language.  When he spoke, you were compelled to listen as he just sounded important.  His talents made the long time broadcasts in Florida and Georgia sound better than they ever could without him.  He truly was the Walter Cronkite of the business.

A multi time regional champion in various NWA promtoions, Eddie Graham was a despised rulebreaker and one of the tougher men in the industry.  Graham was a very good wrestler, but this induction was based on his work behind the scenes with the NWA; as he not only served as president of the organization, he was the promoter for the Florida territory for decades.  It was under Graham’s watch, that the Championship Wrestling from Florida became must watch television and one of the hottest regions in the country.  This induction is a great testament to the days of the territories.

Afa and Sika were the first ever three time WWE World Tag Team Champions and are the heads of the Samoan wrestling clan.  They were agile big men who played the role of ruthless savages flawlessly.  Although the Wild Samoans did compete individually, their greatest success was clearly as a duo, and we can argue that this was the first Tag Team that deserved to be inducted together.  Afa would later go on to train many future wrestling superstars and sons of both Samoans have gone on to success in the WWE.

A major star in multiple promotions, the Sheik was one of the original hardcore wrestlers.  His in ring persona was sadistic and violent and was the master of the foreign object.  The Sheik was a major draw in many arenas and his feuds with various fan favorites sold out arenas in Detroit, Toronto and New York City on many occasions.  Behind the Wildman exterior was a savvy promoter, as he was the main promoter for the Detroit territory for many years.  His induction to the Hall was a pleasant surprise.