Just reading through the new WON about the major candidates for the Hall this year, and none of the ones profiled really jump out as someone who deserves to get in. I'd say that the Rock N Rolls and Midnights are long overdue, and Eddie Guerrero will probably make it, but others like the Assassins and Andersons are just filling out the ballot. Can anyone seriously make a case for Booker T, for instance?
If Booker headlines a Wrestlemania in the future, I think you have to consider him. He has more pure hardware than anyone in modern mainstream North American history, and has proven to be a draw as both a face and a heel.
ReplyDeleteI feel the only thing holding Book back is that one headlining, star studded, WM main event level program. If he gets that, then I think we can make a case for him.
The Andersons headlined for a ton of territories. I don't think they are as cut and dry out of the running as you may believe, Scott. In a recent WON Live, both Meltz and Cornette acknowledge that they're gonna give Arn and Ole the thumbs up. I wouldn't vote for them, but they were big timers. R&R and Midnights have to be in.
Also, and I plead ignorance (and sheer laziness) on this one, but isn't Orndorff on the ballot? If he is, that's a VERY interesting option.
ReplyDeletePaul was an absolute top flight heel draw in the 80s. He headlined for Florida and Mid South, and sold out literally dozens of 15,000 seat arenas around the country against Hogan. He doesn't have much hardware, if that's important, but as a draw, I think you HAVE to give Paul a long, hard look.
flip, I agree with both those points, but I think right now a case could me made for Booker T when you combine tag skills with singles skills.
ReplyDelete6 times, 6 times, 6 times, 6 times World Heavyweight Champion!!!
ReplyDeleteAja is on the ballot, right? She NEEDS to go in this year. Dave already pimped Toyota through ahead of her, which is absurd.
ReplyDeleteAnother world championship or not, I can't see Booker going in under the criteria.
There's no way Booker T should be in the WON HOF. He's not a proven draw, and his title reigns are pretty much meaningless.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't realize that "5-time" catchphrase is now obsolete and dead.
ReplyDeleteI think he should've kept it over a title reign that's just waiting for Batista to end it.
First WWE African-American world champ is a worthless reign?
ReplyDeleteHoly cow!! I'm surprised this announcement hasn't gotten more press.
ReplyDeleteYes. But actually, I think that distinction belongs to the Rock.
ReplyDeleteIf Orndorff is on the ballot, then it's harder to argue against him than for him. Beyond the regional headlining he did, he was Hogan's heel, plain and simple.
ReplyDeleteRock is African-Samoan-something else, etc., Booker is first African-American.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the Rock half African-American and half Samoan?
ReplyDeleteYes, the Rock's mother is Samoan and father is African-American.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the ballot goes, was the Andersons referring to Gene and Ole or the original team of Gene and Lars? (Ole came into the picture about two years after the team formed.)
The Andersons pretty much perfected what became the NWA style of tag team wrestling. The "tag and block" maneuver and focusing on one body part of their opponent became staples of tag team wrestling thanks to the Andersons.
As far as the Assassins go, they were champions all over the world including Australia, Japan, Vancouver, California, and Georgia. They could wrestle any style and managed to draw heat despite wearing full masks that blocked all facial expressions.
And while Booker T had more title reigns then anyone in WCW, it may not be enough to get him in the Hall.