by It was a puzzling class for this year’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, however any skepticism was quickly erased with some amazing speeches to highlight the night. On a personal note, it is also nice to see everyone dressed and looking classy on a night to truly celebrate. I enjoy this show each year, and as I’ve said in weeks past, there is still a list of about 25 men and women each that still need to go in, but I feel as though HHH is on the right path to righting a lot of wrongs over the next few years or so. This night was FANTASTIC, so let’s get right to the grades.
Paul Heyman
Grade – A++
Wow, you had to know this was coming. After pretending to be shy in the beginning, he went for 45 minutes straight of pure and classic Paul E! It was fantastic as he touched almost every aspect of his amazing career, and despite some potty mouth and weed references at times, this was the kind of speech that could motivate and inspire anyone who heard it. Heyman showed tonight exactly why he was the greatest talker and motivator of all time.
From Haku and Dusty Rhodes, to Steph and HHH, everyone who deserved some love, got it! I was also happy to see RVD, Tommy Dreamer and Bully Ray get some touches as they were to celebrate the big moment as well.
Bull Nakano
Grade – A
Wow, I never would have thought that Bull Nakano could have brought me to tears as she did tonight. This woman was a trailblazer in women’s wrestling, and the WWE ( Vince McMahon ) put her memory on the shelf for 30 years. It was easy to tell how much this induction meant to her.
Also, I will just go ahead and say it, she was drop dead beautiful. Who the Hell saw that coming? Bull Nakano was one of the scariest women to ever grace the ring, no one could have expected this dainty beautiful woman to get up there, speak in clear English and give an amazing speech. Again, I’ll say it again, she blew me away with her honesty and genuine love of the business. God Bless her!
Muhamad Ali
Grade – A
A lot of people think that Ali was only around for WrestleMania I, but when you do your research you will see that Ali had several memorable moments for several promotions over the years, including the WWWF, WCCW, UWF, WCW and Mid-South.
As for The Rock interrupting his widow’s speech, to accept a belt in his own honor, that was PERFECT! No one is funnier when trying to be hated and love all at the same time like The Rock. It was a bit clunky for a moment, until it started to make sense. It was cool to see The Undertaker as well. I didn’t realize that was happening.
The US Express
Grade – B
I would have loved to hear from Barry Windham about his days in the Four Horsemen and also winning the NWA Championship in the mid 90’s. Oh well, I guess they figured he already got to talk about that a few years ago when he went in during the 2011 weekend. It was nice to hear from “IRS” and certainly touching all of the tributes to Bray Wyatt his son. Real name, Windham Rotunda.
Thunderbolt Patterson
Grade – A
This was fantastic. He reminded me of listening to my grandpa at Christmas Eve dinner each and every year. Some times these “old guys” are the smartest men in the room, just shut up and listen to them and you will learn something. Stop playing the race card, YEP! That x 1,000!
Lia Maivia
Grade – C
What a mess this was. The actress who played her on the show “Young Rock” did a tremendous job with her tribute and she nailed it. However, because it was so late at night, The Rock just needed to end the night as quickly as he could and spent most of his speech, talking trash to Cody which wasn’t needed. They need to do this differently next year, have it on Thursday night or something, it just doesn’t work when it starts at 10:30 at night.
Yea my thoughts on Lia Maivia getting inducted are the same as Nick Gilbert in the rafters at the Field house. Both are really cool and Deserving, however when its family doing it, it takes away a bit of the specialness. The Rock gets added to the board of directors and then she gets in.. kind of less special. same for Nick with me if it was the next Cavs owner yes really cool but it was his parents so its not the same in my eyes. still really cool for both and their family’s but not the same.