WWE Hall Of Fame: Heroes, Legends And Degenerates.

by Damon Smith · April 1, 2019

WrestleMania 35 is rapidly approaching and with the “Granddaddy of them all” comes the twentieth class of the WWE Hall Of Fame. Heroes from days gone by and Icons that changed the sport fill the halls of this elite club. From the massive Andre the Giant to the flamboyant Michael “PS” Hayes. Legendary Hulk Hogan, to “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. From “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair to the Icon Sting and Kurt Angle to “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix, we welcome a new class into the hallowed walls of pro wrestling.

Sue Aitchison to receive Warrior Award
A WWE employee for more than 30 years, Sue Aitchison is widely credited with spearheading WWE’s community outreach programs. Aitchison pioneered WWE’s WrestleMania Reading Challenge as well as a partnership with Make-A-Wish.

The Honky Tonk Man
He’s cool, he’s cocky, he’s bad, and now, he’s a WWE Hall of Famer.
The Honky Tonk Man, the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWE history. His Elvis pelvis swirl made him famous as he was the original wrestling rock star. Don’t believe me, just ask him. Defeating Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat in the summer of 1987 for the Intercontinental title Honky Tonk Man reigned supreme for 454 days before falling hard and fast to “The Ultimate Warrior” at SummerSlam 1988. That record breaking title reign still stands today.

Torrie Wilson
From a beautiful blonde fitness model to an unexpected walk to the ring with Scott Steiner to a full time role in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) Torrie quickly became a household name to the fans. While she had moments in the ring she is known more as the manager of WCW talents like David Flair, Billy Kidman, Shane Douglas and the clique “The Filthy Animals” Wilson was part of the WCW invasion against WWE and went on to partner and feud with “frenamy” Stacy Keibler as well as runs against Sable, Mickie James. Trish Stratus and Melina. The buxom blonde bombshell also appeared on the cover of Playboy a couple times as the WWE Diva’s were shown as some of the hottest women on the planet.

Harlem Heat
Brothers Booker T & Stevie Ray made a huge impact in the WCW tag team division. Winning the coveted straps 10 times as they brought fire to the roster and reeked havoc throughout the division. Sensational Sherri joined Harlem Heat as manager extraordinaire and they quickly climbed the ranks becoming WCW tag team champs defeating “Star & Stripes”. Feuds with the likes of The Nasty Boys and Sting & Lex Luger pushed them to an elite level. Harlem Heats war with Steiner Brothers was legendary. After winning WCW tag team gold 7 times the brothers separated. Flying solo for awhile Booker T became a star in his own right winning the WCW television title a few times. Stevie Ray joined the infamous NWO as muscle for hire and made his own mark. Two years apart was enough and Harlem Heat returned in force winning the WCW tag straps 3 more times.

The Hart Foundation
The late Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart & Bret “The Hitman” Hart formed one of the toughest duo’s in wrestling as The Hart Foundation. Managed by legendary Jimmy Hart, “The Hart Foundation” won their first title in 1987 against “The British Bulldogs” Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid. After dumping Jimmy Hart they regained the WWE tag team titles in 1990 at SummerSlam when they defeated “Demolition”. Feuds with British Bulldogs, Demolition, Greg Valentine & Honky Tonk Man and The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers will live forever in the memories of the fans.

D-Generation X
Are You Ready? D-Generation X was the most lewd and crude irreverent group in pro wrestling and the fans loved them. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Billy Gunn, Road Dogg, X-Pac and the ninth wonder of the world Chyna. When Bret “The Hitman” Hart called Shawn Michaels a degenerate the “Heartbreak Kid” ran with it an D-Generation X was born. While it officially started with Trip, HBK and Rick Rude it was after Hunter added Billy Gunn, X-Pac and Road Dogg that things really got crazy. From invading WCW on a tank to their feud against the McMahon’s to impersonating other WWE stars in ridiculous fashion D-Generation X always had the fans in stitches. Road Dogg’s mic skills and Billy Gunn’s ass got them over and fans still ring out their catch phrases. Shawn and Triple H won the tag team titles at one point, and have been solo icons in the industry. Now alongside Ric Flair they will be entered into the Hall Of Fame twice. X-Pac made his mark against legends such as Scott Hall (actually close friends) and Kane. Chtna was a one in a million the size the attitude the ability she could defeat man or woman inside the squared circle. (Just ask Double J) She also appeared on the cover of Playboy along with the beauty queens of WWE.

Great class going in this year with many memories for myself and my family over the years. From having floor seats in Houston at WrestleMania 17 to being at a celebrity watch party for WrestleMania 19 to having friends over for beer and pizza and watching it on the 65″ inch 4k Mania and the HOF weekend never disappoints!