The WWE Hall of Fame. Like other Halls, it was established to honour individuals of noteworthy achievement. For the fourth year in a row there will be new inductions into the Hall of Fame. This will take place on March 31, the night before Wrestlemania 23, as eight deserving men who gave their blood, sweat and tears to the business will be granted immortality and be given their rightful place in the Hall. The WWE Hall of Fame began in 1993 with the induction of Andre the Giant, and has since honoured those wrestlers who have offered underlying dedication to the company and have left an indelible mark on the sport as a wrestler, commentator, manager or even in some cases as a celebrity.
“The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes is a three-time World’s Champion. His story is truly one of “rags-to-riches” as he went from being born the son of a plumber to becoming a household name after reaching wrestling stardom. After 40 years in the business, Rhodes will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2007. “It’s a great honour, it’s a lifetime achievement,” said Rhodes to WWE.com. “The fans are the ones that brought me to the dance. A chubby plumber’s son from Austin, Texas that didn’t look like a bodybuilder, just handsome as the day is long though with a tremendous smile… I talked to them [the wrestling fans] personally in interviews and they really responded to it.” Rhodes is also an asset behind the scenes, having booked and been on the creative team for WCW, TNA, Smackdown and presently being the head writer of ECW.
Jim Ross, one of the most prolific announcers in the history of wrestling, is also slated to be inducted. He began his career in 1986, as a part of Bill Watt’s mid-south territory. He later joined the NWA/WCW, hosting countless events, television programs and eventually becoming the lead play-by-play man. Ross worked his way up the career ladder to become Executive Vice President of Broadcasting for WCW. He later jumped to the WWE and by 1996 became their premiere announcer and Head of Talent Relations. In 1998, Ross was faced with a setback and was forced to indefinitely leave the WWE when he was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. He returned better than ever at Wrestlemania 15, and has since been the host of countless episodes of Monday Night Raw, alongside his broadcast partner, and fellow inductee in 2007, Jerry “the King” Lawler. Jerry Lawler will be recognized for his achievements in and outside of the ring. His most memorable feud was against comedian Andy Kaufman, whom he attacked live on the set of Late Night with David Letterman. This year the legendary broadcast team will be at the Hall of Fame, not as inducters but as the inductees as they go to their rightful place as members of the WWE Hall of Fame.
Nick Bockwinkel began a career spanning four decades from the mid-1950s until his retirement in 1987. Unlike most wrestlers, who peak in their early 30s, Bockwinkel reached his peak, both professionally and in ability, well into his 40s. Bockwinkel had notable feuds with the likes of Verne Gagne, Billy Robinson, Dick the Bruiser, The Crusher, Mad Dog Vachon and Hulk Hogan. He always showed an extraordinary level of class and dignity, reaching the upper-echelon of our business as a six-time American Wrestling Association champion. Bockwinkel was known as a true technician, a master of ring psychology, and a man’s man.
Mr. Fuji is another name being inducted this year. Along with Professor Toru Tanaka and Mr. Saito, he won tag team gold on numerous occasions. His biggest success came as a manager, grooming Yokozuna to become WWE champion, Demolition to become tag team champions and helping other prot
