One of the most popular wrestlers of his day, Antonino Rocca was a spectacular athlete and one of the first to really utilize acrobatics in the ring.  Rocca was a big reason for the wrestling boom in the Northeast and his following among the Italian and Hispanic audiences was especially high. He is one of the few WWE Hall of Famers form the first televised era of wrestling.

The first African American to manage a sports arena (Turner’s Arena in Washington D.C.), James Dudley served as an on screen manager of Bobo Brazil.  He was also a long time executive and close associate of Vince McMahon Sr.   Many have called this induction as one of the more bizarre entries to the Hall, as it has often been criticized that he is only in due to his relationship with the McMahons and not necessarily for his overall contributions to wrestling.  We have to admit, this isn’t our favorite induction either.

As one of the great Super Heavyweights of all time, Gorilla Monsoon used his size and skill to be an upper card attraction for years.  A loyal ally of Vince McMahon Sr., Monsoon would continue that role with the junior McMahon when he bought the company.  Monsoon was given a lifetime job with the company and was the lead announcer throughout the 80’s.  Few were respected in and out of the ring more than Gorilla Monsoon.

Best known to current fans as the sequined clad manager who threatened to whack “pencil neck geeks” with his cane, Freddie Blassie was actually one of the most vicious competitors in his day.  He was especially notorious in the Los Angeles territory and had many of his best matches there.  Blassie would later become one of the top managers for the WWE and was in the corner of some of the greatest heels who ever passed through there.