This Saturday evening at Phillips Arena in Atlanta, a group of WWE superstars (and a game show host) will be inducted into the WWE's Hall of Fame. For those not attending the live event, the ceremony will be televised Monday, April 4, at 8/7c on the USA Network.
If there is one thing wrestling is known for, it would be Internet rumors. This year's big rumor for the Hall of Fame was that since it is taking place in Atlanta, it would have a WCW theme, as WCW was based in Atlanta before being swallowed up by the big WWE fish.
But for the first time in the history of the universe, something written on the internet turned out to be incorrect. Instead, the honors will go to one obvious choice, a few middle of the roaders, and one ho-hum. Now, on to the inductees.
Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels, "HBK," "the Heart Break Kid," "the Showstopper," "the Main Event," "the Icon," "Mr. Wrestlemania" himself gets inducted in to the Hall of Fame only one year after retiring. The man whose Boyhood Dream lead him to the top of the WWE and the entire wrestling world will be honored. Shawn is often mentioned as one of the greatest of all time; he had athleticism, charisma, and he even sang his own theme song (which was about how cute and sexy he was... his words, not mine)!
Anyone who has watched the WWE at any point during the past 20 years is familiar with Shawn and has likely been entertained by one of HBK's memorable moments or feuds. There was the Montreal Screwjob, the time he threw Marty Jannetty through the glass, all of the classic DX moments, the first ladder match, the Iron Man match, the Kliq, the HHH matches, and on and on and on.
Shawn could carry the worst Tough Enough wannabe to a great match, and there is no doubt Shawn will be the main event Saturday evening. I am ready for the deafening "ONE MORE MATCH" chant that will obviously start up as soon as they cut the music.
The Road Warriors
Road Warrior Animal and Hawk made up one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history. They spent time destroying opposing tag teams in the WWE, WCW, NWA, and many other federations in the U.S. and abroad. The Road Warriors, also known as the Legion of Doom, were an intimidating duo with amazing haircuts, big spiked shoulder pads, and a destructive streak.
Both members were pure power wrestlers, which helped them continuously rack up impressive victories throughout their career. I used to think the Road Warriors were awesome, especially when I was seven. WHAAAAAAAT A RUSH.
Abdullah the Butcher
Abdullah the Butcher was a large man who liked to get violent. Abdullah was one of the early hardcore wrestlers in the industry. My one memory of Abdullah was when Cactus Jack had Abdullah wrapped in a box and gave him to Sting for his birthday.
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
Last time I checked, Hacksaw was still an active competitor in the WWE... well, at least once every six months or so. The two-by-four-carrying, Popeye-tongue-wagging patriot is finally recognized for being a staple in professional wrestling. What was it about Duggan's gimmick that made him have such a lengthy career? I have no idea. But, he did win the first ever Royal Rumble match so... HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
"Bullet" Bob Armstrong
Bob Armstrong was a wrester who spent most of his time in the NWA and wrestled before my time. What I do know, is that he had a lot of wrestling sons, including the Road Dogg Jesse (B.G.) James of DX fame. In fact, in 2008, the then-68-year-old tagged up with the Road Dogg for a tag match in TNA. They lost. TNA knows how to book a show.
Sunny
Sunny was a "Diva" before they were called "Divas." Either way, I never paid her any attention.
Drew Carey
I will not dignify this inductee with a comment.
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