191. Matt Borne

It may be forgotten that Matt Borne was at the first Wrestlemania in a losing effort to Ricky Steamboat, but his first WWE run was largely forgettable anyway. Borne had previously competed in Pacific Northwest Wrestling and would later do well in World Class and the USWA but he would later prove his worth on a National scale as Big Josh, a loveable woodsman from Oregon. The gimmick was silly, but he got it over, though it would be his return to the WWE that would see one of the most unique characters of all time, Doink the Clown. Borne portrayed the first incarnation; the evil Doink which remains a favorite of wrestling fans. When Evil Doink gave way to the good version, Borne left the WWE, and though the Doink character remained (and still shows up) in the WWE, it was Borne’s portrayal that stood out. If they ever induct Doink to the WWE, it has to be the Matt Borne version.

Should Matt Borne be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 56.5%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 17.4%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 17.4%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 8.7%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Matt Osborne (Real Name)
“Maniac” Matt Borne
Big Josh
Doink the Clown
Borne Again
Billed From: U.S.A. (Portland, Oregon)
Key Championships Held: NWA Mid Atlantic Tag Team w/Buzz Sawyer
NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight
NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team (4) 2w/Steve Regal, 2w/Rip Oliver
Mid South Tag Team w/Ted DiBiase
WCWA Tag Team (2) 1w/Buzz Sawyer, 1w/Jeff Jarrett
USWA Tag Team (2) w/Jeff Jarrett
USWA Texas Heavyweight
WCW Six Man Tag Team w/Dustin Rhodes & The Junkyard Dog
WCW United States Tag Team w/Ron Simmons
Why they will get in: He MADE the Doink character work, and he has a solid body of work
Why they won't get in: A solid body of work is not a spectacular body of work
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Beat Buddy Rose for the NWA Pacific Northwest Title (4/29/81)
2. Won the Mid South Tag Team Title with Ted DiBiase (10/27/82)
3. Successfully defended the Texas Title against the Iron Sheik at World Class Christmas Star Wars (12/25/87)
4. As Doink the Clown, pinned Crush at Wrestlemania (4/4/93)
5. Lost to Bret Hart in a very good match at Summer Slam (8/30/93)