WWE Hall of Fame

Last night the WWE took a step towards giving their Hall of Fame some credence in the eyes of fans, by announcing that at this years Wrestlemania Randy Savage will finally be inducted.  Ignoring the fact it took his death for this to finally come about, it is a relief to fans who have known that Savage was a man who was truly worthy of such a spot.  However, it doesn’t change the fact that the Hall of Fame still has some major issues, most of which stem from who is included.

Now, it is fair to say everyone has their thoughts about who should be in the Hall of Fame.  To some, people like Goldberg are an obvious choice, to others he was a flash in the pan, who didn’t do enough over a long period of time to be worthy of the honour.  However, there are also some who it is pretty much universally accepted deserve a spot and yet have yet to get their nice gold ring.

Some of these are for political reasons.  The likes of Kurt Angle probably deserve a spot, but while he works for TNA, that is unlikely to happen.  Others are more baffling, why someone like Lou Thesz isn’t in the hall is a genuine head scratcher.  The man may have done most of his work before the birth of ‘sports entertainment’, but his influence on the sport is there, whether you are aware of it or not.

Another issue, is those that are already in the Hall.  It’s been said a million times but the fact the likes of Koko B. Ware made it into the hall before people like Bruiser Brody, is a genuine disgrace.  I have nothing against B. Ware, but a career spent as a glamorous jobber is not Hall of Fame worthy.  Someone like Brody may have burnt a lot of bridges, but to put his career next to people like Koko and claim Koko is more deserving of the honour, would be a genuinely insane thing to do.

WWE’s biggest problem with their Hall of Fame is that they still don’t seem entirely sure what it is.  Is it a kayfabe hall?  In which case WWE can essentially choose who they want to honour themselves.  Careers outside of WWE don’t matter.  Yet, if that is the case, why induct the likes of Mil Mascaras, who’s best work was not in a WWE ring.  If that isn’t the case, then it is just a Wrestling Hall of Fame and all ego and issues should be left at the door when nominations come around.  I am delighted that Randy Savage is finally getting the nod, it gives a chance for fans and performers to pay tribute to him.  But, until the day WWE decides to take the Hall of Fame business seriously, it is hard to see it than anything more than a pat on the back from Vince McMahon and not a real indication of your achievements in the world of professional wrestling.