The long time announcer for the UWF, NWA, WCW and the WWE is considered by many (us included) to be the finest announcer in wrestling history.  Why Jim Ross isn’t announcing on a regular basis now is a crime to us and a multitude of other wrestling fans.  This is one of our favorite inductions.

A legend in Memphis wrestling, Jerry “The King” Lawler did it all in the Mid South Coliseum.  Finally entering the WWF in 1993, Lawler continued to wrestle and would eventually become the main color commentator for the company.  Lawler was not the most athletic wrestler, but he was a master of storytelling in the ring and could manipulate a crowd like few others could.  He is still a somewhat active in ring competitor and is still the main color analyst on WWE broadcasts.  He has a lot more contributions to make to the WWE before his time is over.

Hugely popular in his rookie season in Chicago, William Perry participated in the 20 Man Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 2.  Perry’s wrestling career after that match was….well….non existent.  He was never seen again on WWE television until his Hall of Fame induction which begs the question as to why he was selected as the second Celebrity Wing inductee.  Much like the Pete Rose induction, William Perry doesn’t seem to belong here.

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.