56. Ken Shamrock

We are going to borrow from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which cites influence as a key criterion to get into their Hall of Fame. Mixed Marital Arts has certainly influenced professional wrestling but it was Ken Shamrock (we are not counting Kama the Supreme Fighting Machine) who was the first to truly bring MMA to the WWF.

When ABC dubbed Ken Shamrock ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man” it was hard to disagree. His entry to the WWE brought a new style that still resonates today. Shamrock had wrestled professionally before his foray to the UFC, so he was certainly able to create a successful hybrid. He looked intense, he acted intense, and the realism he brought to his wrestling matches made him a favorite of many. Despite wrestling in the attitude era, Shamrock found his no nonsense approach to be a surprise fit.

He is still in excellent shape and could likely still compete if he wanted to. We are not expecting that to happen, but if the WWE truly does look at innovation, the Hall of Fame could come calling.

Should Ken Shamrock be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 81.3%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 10.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.5%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 1.9%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Ken Kilpatrick (Real Name)
Wayne Shamrock
Vince Torelli
King Booker
Billed From: U.S.A. (Sacramento, CA)
Key Championships Held: WWF Intercontinental
WWF World Tag Team w/Ken Shamrock
NWA World Heavyweight
1998 King of the Ring
Why they will get in: He was a legitimate tough guy who has a cache outside of pro wrestling through his UFC days.
Why they won't get in: He was not always a main event talent in the WWF.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Soundly defeats and bloodies Vader in a No Holds Barred Match (5/11/97)
2. Defeats Shawn Michaels by DQ in the Main Event of the DX PPV (12/7/97)
3. Wins the King of the Ring defeating The Rock in the Finals (6/28/98)
4. Beat Owen Hart in a surprisingly good Lion’s Den Match at Summer Slam (8/30/98)
5. Wins the IC Title in a tournament final over X-Pac (10/12/98)