59. Mr. Wrestling II

As we entered the information age, the mask in American Professional Wrestling doesn’t hold the same power it used to. Thankfully, it held power when Johnny Walker donned it in 1971 entering the NWA Florida promotion when he became Mr. Wrestling II where nobody knew his previous identity. This allowed Walker, who was already in his mid 30’s (and looked considerable older) to become one of the most popular wrestlers in the South. Some have argued that Mr. Wrestling II was the top American masked face wrestler in history. They might be right.

Should Mr. Wrestling II be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 95.5%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2.5%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 1%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Johnny Walker (Real Name)
Johnny “Rubberman” Walker
The Grappler
Billed From: Parts Unknown
Key Championships Held: NWA Texas Tag Team w/Amazing Zuma
NWA Mid America Tag Team (4) 2w/Len Rossi, 2w/Bearcat Brown
NWA Mid America Southern Tag Team (9) 2w/Ken Lucas, 1w/Bob Ramstead, 1w/Sundown Kid, 1w/Dennis Brown, 3w/Tojo Yamamoto, 1w/Bearcat Brown
NWA Mid America Junior Heavyweight (4)
NWA Florida Southern Heavyweight
NWA Georgia Heavyweight (10)
NWA Georgia Tag Team (5) 1w/Bob Orton, 3w/Mr. Wrestling I, 1w/Tony Atlas
Mid South North American Heavyweight (2)
NWA Florida Heavyweight (2)
Mid South Tag Team (2) 1w/Tiger Conway, 1w/Magnum T.A.
Why they will get in: He was one of the biggest stars of the Georgia territory for years
Why they won't get in: His legacy does not include that much in the WWE
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Wins his first of many NWA Georgia Heavyweight Titles, taking the region by storm (1/22/73)
2. Defeats Tim Woods in a mask vs hair match (1973)
3. Wins the NWA Georgia Tag Team Belts with Mr. Wrestling I for the first of three times (8/2/74)
4. Beats Ernie Ladd for the Mid South North American Belt (2/16/79)
5. As a heel recaptures the Mid South belt over the Junkyard Dog (3/12/84)