Greatest Hall of Fame Classes

With the WWE Hall of Fame approaching, we would like to celebrate the best Hall of Fame Classes of all-time:

2005

Class: H. Hogan, Piper, Iron Sheik, Jimmy Hart, Bob Orton, Jr., Paul Orndorff, Nikolai Volkoff
This Class was Special because these were the stars of the first WrestleMania. I always call it the "WrestleMania I Crew". The Class was headlined by none other than H. Hogan himself, the focal point of the "Rock & Wrestling" Golden Era from the 80's. Along with him would be his friend Jimmy Hart, rivals Roddy Piper, Iron Sheik, Paul Orndorff, Nikolai Volkoff, and "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Jr. The induction took place the night before WM 21 in Los Angeles, CA.

2006
Class: Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, The Blackjacks, Sensational Sherri, William Perry, Tony Atlas, Verne Gagne

The Headliner for this Class was "The Hitman" Bret Hart with his presenter being Stone Cold Steve Austin. Bret and Austin had their Iconic WM 13 match in Chicago, so it was fitting that Bret chose him given their history. As a long time fan of Bret, this was very special for me. I also believe that the seeds were slowly being planted for Bret to be eased back into WWE one step at a time even though he finally made his return to WWE Television four years later. Bret still had his grudge with HBK, as that explains why Shawn was not present that night. This was also done to promote Bret's DVD "Best There Is, Was and Ever Will Be." The impact of Bret's appearance in years since the "Montreal Screwjob" was enough to boost the credibility of this class. Eddie Guerrero was inducted posthumously following his death in November 2005. His induction was very emotional and pulled the heartstrings of the fans that night.

2014
Class: Ultimate Warrior, Razor Ramon, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Lita, Mr. T, Paul Bearer, Carlos Colon

This was a fantastic HOF Class for the 30th Anniversary of WrestleMania. It was significant because it presented closure as The Ultimate Warrior was the Headliner for this Class. Warrior just made amends with WWE thanks to Triple H in order to break the ice between himself and Vince McMahon. Before his death, The Ultimate Warrior signed a Legends Contract that would allow him to be an Ambassador for the WWE. This also included Warrior's commercial promoting WWE 2K14. Warrior was the marquee attraction during HOF Weekend and gave the best speech in my view. This was also a night to welcome back Jake Roberts and Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) after they were cleaned up thanks to DDP Yoga. The quote that stuck out the most in Hall's speech was "Bad Times don't last, but Bad Guys do." Lita was presented by her arch rival Trish Stratus. Mr. T had one of the best speeches of the night, as he was a huge part of the first WrestleMania. Paul Bearer was inducted by Kane and Undertaker while his sons accepted on his behalf. Carlos Colon (World Wrestling Council) was inducted by his sons.

2015

Class: "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Kevin Nash, Tatsumi Fujinami, Madusa/Alundra Blayze, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Larry Zbysko, The Bushwhackers, Rikishi
This Class was special because there were inductions that were LONG overdue. This was an HOF that represented closure. However, it was also bittersweet because the Headliner for this HOF Class was not alive to accept this honor. "Macho Man" Randy Savage passed away in a Car Accident four years earlier. His brother Lanny Poffo accepted on his behalf. Madusa was finally welcomed back to WWE after 20 years of bad blood for her infamous act of dropping the Women's Title in the trash can at the start of the Monday Night Wars. Natalya was her presenter. Madusa made a light-hearted joke of the situation by bringing a trash can to the stage with the Title. Arnold Schwarzenegger was the Celebrity Choice with Triple H as his presenter. At WM 31, Triple H paid tribute with his Terminator Entrance. Larry Zbysko took his place in the HOF as well. Japanese legend Tatsumi Fujinami was honored. The head scratching choices for this class were The Bushwhackers and Rikishi. Fans did not understand because they were mostly comedy acts in WWE, and that is all that was shown in their video packages. Meanwhile, their body of work was stronger outside of WWE for the most part. Kevin Nash closed out the night with Shawn Michaels as his presenter. The Kliq ended things on a high note as they celebrated together.

2012
Class: Edge, Four Horsemen, Mike Tyson, Yokozuna, Ron Simmons, Mil Mascaras

This HOF Class had great quality. What helped to make it special for me was that it took place on the weekend of WM 28, one of the best of recent memory. The headliner for this class was Edge because of how his career was sadly cut short due to injury. The Four Horsemen and Mike Tyson were the next big names for induction. Yokozuna was the posthumous induction presented by Rikishi. Ron Simmons was inducted by JBL and Mil Mascaras was the International pick presented by Alberto Del Rio.

2011
Class: Shawn Michaels, LOD, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, Sunny, Abdullah The Butcher, Bob Armstrong, Drew Carey

In 2011, Shawn Michaels added another moniker to his resume: "Mr. Hall Of Fame". HBK was the Marquee Headliner for the Class of 2011 and it was special for his best friend Triple H to present him into the HOF. Shawn is highly regarded as the Greatest In-Ring Performer of all-time. This came off the heels of his retirement after his finale with Undertaker at WM 26 as well as WWE naming him the Greatest of All-Time on their Top 50 "Superstars" list. HBK is one of the most decorated stars in history. Along with Shawn, The Road Warriors/LOD were inducted. According to many fans, LOD is the Greatest Tag-Team of all-time. So it was rather fitting that they were inducted with HBK. Plus, The Road Warriors enjoyed some of their best success in the NWA along with WWE and other promotions. Abdullah The Butcher and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan were also inducted along with Bob Armstrong, Sunny and the most head scratching induction, Drew Carey.



2004
Class: Harley Race, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Sgt. Slaughter, Junkyard Dog, Pete Rose, Jesse Ventura, Tito Santana, Big John Studd, Greg Valentine, Don Muraco

On the 20th Anniversary of WrestleMania, WWE brought back the Hall of Fame in a huge way. In 2004, WWE inducted their largest class in HOF History with 11 Inductees. The names included were former NWA Champion Harley Race, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Bobby Heenan, Sgt. Slaughter, JYD, Jesse Ventura, Tito Santana, Big John Studd, Greg Valentine, Don Muraco, and the first celebrity induction Pete Rose. Much of this class consists of stars that were part of the late 70's/early 80's and midcard/upper main eventers. Harley was essentially the headliner because of his body of work even though he was a huge star outside of WWE. It was similar to how Ric Flair was the headliner for 2008 although he was a major star outside of WWE as well. Superstar was a huge attraction for MSG in the late 70's as WWWF Champion. Sgt. Slaughter was also a mainstay in the Garden with his feuds with Tito Santana, Bob Backlund, etc. Muraco, Valentine and Santana were all mainstays as IC Champion during their time. JYD and Studd were both supporting cast members during the Rock & Wrestling Boom Period. Jesse and Bobby were star commentators during the 80's.

2009
Class: Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, The Von Erichs, Terry and Dory Funk, Howard Finkel, Koko B. Ware, Bill Watts

During the 25th Anniversary of the Grandest Stage of them All, WrestleMania took place at the Astrodome in Houston, TX. This was certainly a Texas based HOF Class with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the Headliner with his best friend Jim Ross inducting him. Ricky Steamboat was inducted by his arch rival Ric Flair. Texas Legends and WCCW headliners The Von Erichs were inducted by Michael Hayes. Terry and Dory Funk were also inducted along with "Cowboy" Bill Watts. Legendary Ring Announcer Howard Finkel joined the HOF as well as Koko B. Ware.

2008
Class: Ric Flair, Rocky Johnson, High Chief Peter Maivia, Briscoe Brothers, Mae Young, Eddie Graham, Gordon Solie

In his farewell, Ric Flair was the Center of Attention for WrestleMania Weekend in 2008. Flair was the headliner for the class of 2008 as Triple H was his presenter. Meanwhile, The Rock inducted his father Rocky Johnson and grandfather "High Chief" Peter Maivia. The Briscoe Brothers, legendary Women's wrestler Mae Young, Florida Championship Wrestling Legend Eddie Graham and NWA Announcer Gordon Solie were also inducted.




2013
Class: Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, Mick Foley, Booker T, Trish Stratus, Donald Trump

This HOF weekend took place in the New York/New Jersey area. So naturally, it would be a NY themed HOF with Bruno Sammartino as the headliner along with other NYC mainstays like Bob Backlund and Mick Foley. Sammartino and Backlund were two of the longest-reigning WWWF Champions before the explosion of business during the Golden-Era. This was also a sense of closure for Bruno and Backlund, especially in the case for Sammartino. Booker T was also inducted with his brother Stevie Ray. Booker entertained the crowd with a Spinarooni as well. During Foley's speech, he mentioned that he never defeated Chris Jericho. Y2J and CM Punk joined Mick on stage. Foley gives Jericho the elbow drop as Punk counts to 3. Trish Stratus was the staple of the Women's Division during the 2000's and it was great to witness her induction. Finally, Donald Trump was the celebrity involved considering that it was in NYC. I don't agree, but WWE loves publicity.

What If Sgt. Slaughter never left the WWF?

Today, I would like to take the time to examine one of the glaring issues that I have had as a fan that has covered the history of wrestling even dating back to a time slightly before I was even born. I would like to take a trip back to the mid-80's scene of wrestling. By 1984, Hulk Hogan had taken the world by storm as he dethroned the Iron Sheik to become the new WWF Champion. The Revolution of Hulkamania had officially been born the night of January 23, 1984, in Madison Square Garden. Hogan had become the top babyface of wrestling, but the man that was right behind him in second place for popularity was another proud Patriot: Sgt. Slaughter. Sarge had gained great momentum himself in February of 1984 when he waged war on the Iron Sheik after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. From that moment, Slaughter had surpassed Andre The Giant and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka in Popularity as he battled Sheik across the Northeast region of the WWF. Business was exploding, and Slaughter was at the ground floor while defending his country against the villainous Sheik. The Stars had aligned for the wrestling world, as the mainstream exposure was quickly catching on. Slaughter's popularity garnered the attention of Hasbro to promote their GI Joe Action Figure line.

Suddenly, Slaughter was gone after a falling out with Vince McMahon from a dispute concerning his appearances with the GI Joe Series. Once 1985 came around, Slaughter was a featured character in the highly popular GI Joe Animated Series that clashed with WWF's own feature Cartoon, Hulk Hogan's Rock & Wrestling. The mainstream recognition reached a fever pitch with the Rock & Wrestling Connection as Hulk Hogan & Roddy Piper were in the Main Event for The War To Settle The Score as it was broadcast by MTV. Mr. T, Cyndi Lauper, Muhammad Ali and others would also join the WWF explosion for the launch of the first WrestleMania. WWF would continue their wave of success from that Inaugural WrestleMania for the rest of the decade. Hogan & Co. would change the face of our culture like never before in their own way. On the other side, even though Sarge enjoyed his own mainstream success with GI Joe, his wrestling career fell into the background while he wrestled for the AWA. Slaughter missed the first six WrestleManias. At the time, it might not have mattered that much. However, as we look back through history, I believe that his wrestling legacy has taken a strong blow because of his absence. I see a void in Slaughter's legacy as a result of his absence.



That begs the question: What if Sgt. Slaughter never left the WWF?  With that said, let us travel back to the point where Slaughter was at the peak of his WWF career. Instead of a dispute, let's say that Vince and Sarge can come to a mutual agreement where they can work out some kind of merchandising deal or join venture with GI Joe. That way, Sarge does not have to leave an entree of great opportunities behind that include storylines and title shots. Now, here we are in 1985. Slaughter can start the year out by defeating Greg Valentine for the Intercontinental Championship. That could be a fresh new idea to see Sarge as the IC Champion since he had been the US Champion in the NWA. That way, he could feud with the Junkyard Dog going into the first WrestleMania as he successfully defends the title against JYD. As IC Champion, Slaughter would transition into a feud with Tito Santana for the title, as Tito would defeat him to regain the gold. The Sarge would then have the last laugh by the end of the year as he would win the title back from Santana.

During the Summer of 1985, we introduce a character that would change the wrestling landscape forever, "Macho Man" Randy Savage. As Savage quickly makes his rise among the top stars in the WWF, he sets his sights on the Intercontinental Championship. After Slaughter narrowly escapes by a few disqualification victories, Macho Man would finally dethrone him in February 1986 at the Boston Garden to start his legendary reign as Champion. At WrestleMania 2, Slaughter would defeat Nikolai Volkoff in a Flag Match because Corporal Kirchner would not be needed. Kirchner was their way of trying to fill the void that Slaughter left behind as the military hero. Either that or he could have lost to Savage in the IC Title match at WrestleMania 2 to signal the official end of the feud.

Or better yet, he could be in the main event with Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship instead of King Kong Bundy. I am just throwing out scenarios people. Slaughter could move into a feud with Hulk Hogan for the World Title, instead of waiting until WrestleMania VII.

By the fall of 1986, Slaughter could work in a storyline with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper following Piper's return at the time. Instead of feuding with Adrian Adonis, Piper could have a vicious war with the Sarge as he does everything that they do everything that they could to tear each other apart. Their feud would culminate at WrestleMania III, with Piper winning with the Sleeper Hold in his "farewell match" at the time. He could possibly be one of the challengers for Ricky Steamboat's title. Slaughter could have a rivalry with Hogan similar to the feud that the Hulkster had with Paul Orndorff. He  could even participate in the WWF Title Tournament at WrestleMania IV. Can you imagine a match between Sarge and Bam Bam Bigelow? He could even be the transitional IC Champion for Ultimate Warrior.

Through 1989 heading into 1990, Sarge could collide with the likes of Ted DiBiase, Jake Roberts, Rick Rude or Mr. Perfect. He would be a great fit to create nice storylines for each of them at some point or another. I am sure that you have noticed a pattern in this hypothetical timeline. I have put Sarge in a lot of scenarios involving the IC Title. That is because while he was gone, that title gained greater prestige and popularity. This means that if Slaughter was not in the hunt for the WWF Title, he could find a spot somewhere in the mid card.

As for his heel turn as an Iraqi Supporter, I believe that Vince could still find a way to make it work. Sarge could simply be written off only to resurface as the classic villain persona that helped him win his only World Title. Things can still stay the same from this point moving forward. I just wanted to present different scenarios where Slaughter could fit in during his absence. We can only imagine and say to ourselves, "What If?".

Impact of Verne Gagne

The World of Wrestling lost one of its Giants recently with the passing of Legendary Promoter and Wrestler, Mr. Verne Gagne. Verne was the founder of the Minnesota based Promotion the American Wrestling Association (AWA).

After one year of college, Verne joined the United States Marine Corps. He decided to return to the University of Minnesota, where he captured two NCAA Titles. Gagne also spent some brief time as a football player in the NFL when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1947. However, that time would not last as wrestling was a deeper calling for him.

Verne Gagne started his professional wrestling career with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1949. During his time there, Gagne won the NWA Junior Heavyweight Title in a tournament. Verne also won the Chicago Territory version of the NWA United States Championship twice, along with the Tag Team Titles. Gagne became very well known in wrestling thanks to the golden age of television, thanks to his exposure on the Dumont Network, where he amazed crowds with his savvy as an in-ring technician.

In 1960, Verne Gagne formed his own promotion known as the AWA out of his hometown of Minnesota. Naturally, Gagne would become the company's top star since he was the promoter. During his time as a wrestler, Verne's biggest feuds were with Gene Kiniski, Dr. Bill Miller, Fritz Von Erich, Dr. X, The Crusher, Ray Stevens, Mad Dog Vachon, Larry Hennig, and his biggest rival, Nick Bockwinkel. Gagne would be a 10-time AWA World Champion, the most in the company's history. He also had one of the longest World Title reigns in Wrestling History, holding the AWA title from August 31, 1968 to November 8, 1975 (7 years, 3 months) before losing it to Bockwinkel.

Legacy as a Promoter & Trainer:
Besides his in-ring career, Verne Gagne's biggest impact came as a promoter & trainer. The AWA has showcased a lineage of Hall of Fame Talent:
Hulk Hogan
Ric Flair
Ricky Steamboat
Sgt. Slaughter
Curt Hennig
The Iron Sheik
The Rockers
Jerry Lawler
"Mean" Gene Okerlund
Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
The Road Warriors (LOD)

As a promoter, Verne was known for putting on an "old school" show that was counter culture of Vince McMahon's emerging cutting edge production of "sports entertainment" wrestling in the World Wrestling Federation. A bright, young 6'7" 300 pound, standout star received a huge break in Minnesota before running wild for the rest of the decade. Even though Gagne preferred amateur-style wrestlers over the muscle bound monsters of the 1980's, he still gave a young Hulk Hogan an opportunity to shine after his falling out with Vince McMahon, Sr. Hogan would soon become the top draw for the AWA, which led to Verne giving him the spotlight to feud with AWA mainstay Nick Bockwinkel. Hogan made a name for himself in the AWA, which helped to create leverage for him in the WWF. The rest is history. Two of Hogan's rivals were also AWA alums. The Iron Sheik and Sgt. Slaughter.

Iron Sheik:

On January 23, 1984 Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik to win his first WWF Championship to catapult a four year run as champion.

Sgt. Slaughter:

On March 24, 1991 (WrestleMania VII), Hogan defeated Sgt. Slaughter to win his third WWF Championship.

Slaughter and Sheik would feud with each other during the summer of 1984.

Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat reached the greatest heights of their career when they feuded with each other in the NWA/WCW.

Curt Hennig would become one of the AWA's greatest champions before making the jump to the WWF where he would be one of the most significant Intercontinental Champions in history.

The Road Warriors were the biggest draw as a Tag Team in the history of the AWA. This was one of the many territories that Hawk and Animal conquered in their journey to legendary status.

Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty would enjoy their greatest success as a Tag Team in the AWA as the "Midnight" Rockers before making the move to Connecticut/New York.

The AWA was a platform that gave opportunities to many up and comers before they made their mark on the larger, national platform of WWF. The AWA was critical in the growth of future legends, immortal icons, and showstoppers. Verne Gagne will forever be a staple in the wrestling industry, because of his overall contributions. Wrestling has never been the same, because of the impact of Mr. Verne Gagne. Rest in Peace.

Painting Courtesty of: Rob Schamberger
Twitter: @RobSchamberger
www.robschamberger.com