The WWE Hall of Fame is always one of the highlights of Wrestlemania season. It’s a time to honor the legends of the business and celebrate the legacies they’ve left behind. For the most part, I’m on board with a lot of the inductions. But, there are some names that have been left out so far that are complete head-scratchers. Especially when you consider some of the names that have been inducted (I’m choosing not to mention Koko B. Ware or The Bushwhackers here out of respect for their careers and because I know how much Brandon and Poppa Bear love Koko B. Ware and The Bushwhackers).
There’s a strong cohort of guys who are still active on WWE programming that should probably be inducted, too. Talkin’ guys like Kane, Goldust, and William Regal. I’m not talking about these guys. There’s also a cohort of guys who aren’t active, but we don’t know that they’re retired. Legends like The Rock, Batista, RVD, and Rey Mysterio who fall in the “never say never” category regarding a return to the ring. Guess what – I ain’t talkin’ about them either.
I’m talking about the people who the WWE has no excuse for excluding up to this point. Wrestlers that have left longstanding legacies in the business, but have yet to truly be recognized for it.
Wrestlers Overdue for the WWE Hall of Fame
Bruiser Brody – The fact that Bruiser Brody isn’t in already is an outright joke. The man was one of the most influential pro wrestlers of all time. Known for his brutal style, he was one of the staples of 70s and 80s era wrestling.
Owen Hart – Yeah, this one’s a little touchy. I get it. I’m not sure his family wants anything to do with the WWE anymore. And, to the WWE’s credit, maybe that’s why he isn’t already in. Regardless, he was one of the greatest of all time. He was a two-time Intercontinental Champion, European Champion, four-time Tag Team Champion, King of the Ring winner, and of course, a three-time Slammy Award winner.
Vader – He’s often overlooked among the big men in wrestling history, but he’s one of the best there’s ever been. So athletic for a dude of his stature. He never won the big one in WWE (which is a shame), but he does have three WCW Championships and a United States Championship run under his belt.
Bam Bam Bigelow – He was one of the meanest, nastiest, toughest characters in wrestling history. But, much like Vader, could absolutely float for a man his size. “The Beast from the East” also had one of pro wrestling’s most iconic looks. There were some rumors he’d be going in this year, but it looks like those plans have changed. They could be saving him for next year in Jersey.
Christian – I’m surprised that they’ve waited so long to put Christian in considering Edge was what amounts to a first-ballot honoree. I know Edge has a lot more main events under his belt. But, to me, Christian has just as impressive a resume as almost anyone in WWE history.
The British Bulldog – I still remember Bulldog and Bret Hart from Summerslam as one of the greatest matches of all time. He never seemed to really find his place in the Attitude Era, but Davey Boy Smith should’ve been called to the Hall a long time ago.
John “Bradshaw” Layfield – How do you have Ron Simmons in without JBL? That’s just wild. JBL was one of the greatest WWE Champions of all time, and is a prime example of how to willingly reinvent yourself to stay at your best.
Chyna – She deserves it. Plain and simple. We don’t have to get into all of her demons. I’m sure y’all know about them. She absolutely revolutionized what being a woman in professional wrestling meant at a time when women’s wrestling may have been at its worst.
King Kong Bundy – WTF!? KING KONG BUNDY’S NOT IN THE HALL OF FAME!?!? He was one of the biggest rivals of Hulk Hogan during the early years of Hulkamania. And, he was on Married With Children.
Honky Tonk Man – Honky Tonk Man was one of those icons of early 90s era WWE, and is best remembered for his epic run as Intercontinental Champion.
Demolition – Up until the New Day just a couple of years ago, Demolition were the longest reigning tag team champions in history. They were simply dominant. One of the greatest tag teams of all time.
Miss Elizabeth – She was the First Lady of Wrestling. Enough said.
The Steiner Brothers – Y’all might laugh at this…and maybe it’s just because I want to see more of Scott Steiner with a mic in his hand. But, Rick and Scott have quite the legacy in the wrestling business. From their days as a tag team to their singles runs in WCW.
Who did I miss, Internet? I’m sure you’ll tell me.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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