There are few wrestlers who have more legendary heel lore than Killer Kowalski.  From the time (though accidentally) he ripped the ear off Yukon Eric to terrorizing fan favorites across North America with his vicious demeanor and imposing size, few were feared more than Walter “Killer” Kowalski.   He was a constant contender for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, and though he never captured it, his legend was secure with out it.  Late in his career, he did capture the WWF World Tag Team Title with his student, Big John Studd, though few knew it was them as they were masked as the “Executioners”.  Kowalski continued training wrestlers after his in ring career was over; in fact Triple H was first trained by the imposing Polish-Canadian legend.

Do not go by won/loss records when judging this induction.  “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz was with the WWE as an in ring competitor for almost twenty years, and though he was almost always in opening matches, he was an excellent measuring stick to see if up and coming talent had what it took to make it in the North East.  Rodz also trained many future stars (including the Dudley Boys and Taz) and certainly gave back to the business after he ceased competing in it.  This was an exceptional talent who knew his role and did it well.

The “Superfly” never won a championship of any kind in the WWE, but he never had to.  In fact, Jimmy Snuka is still best known for his “Superfly” leap off the top of a Steel Cage onto the Magnificent Muraco in Madison Square Gardens; a match in which he lost!   Snuka did many have many wins in wrestling, but he was best known for his classic moments than classic matches.  This could be why Jimmy Snuka is still considered a legend today, and remains a revered figure among up and coming wrestlers.

If it only takes critical love from music magazines to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame we can sign Wilco up in 2020.  This group rose from the demise of Alt Country band, Uncle Tupelo and raised the bar thereafter for Alt Country and Alternative music in general.  It isn’t just critics who love them as Wilco has developed a very sizable core audience and much love among those who love Indie music.  The latter is especially impressive considering Wilco has been part of a major label for the bulk of their career.  They may never had a major hit, but this is one of those rare bands that will never have to.