WWE Hall of Fame: A list of unlikely inductees
As we begin a new year, it means we’ve entered WrestleMania season, and with it comes speculation about who will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Rather than doing the usual “who’s going to get inducted” columns, I decided to take a different approach. I’ll look at eight wrestlers/managers who deserve to be inducted into the Hall of Fame but likely won’t be, due to outside factors. Before we start, I won’t include Owen Hart because that topic has been thoroughly discussed, and I won’t include Chris Benoit for obvious reasons.
So, without further ado, here’s my list of wrestlers who will probably never be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame:
1. Demolition
This is an induction I’ve hoped to see for years, mostly because of how big Ax and Smash were when I started watching wrestling in the late ’80s. Unfortunately, their outspoken criticism of WWE over the years, as well as their involvement in a few lawsuits against the company, makes me think they’ll never get in.
2. The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers
If there’s ever an act that might make it in, it’s the Rougeaus. However, the problem lies with Jacques Rougeau and his rocky relationship with WWE. He still believes Triple H is responsible for his son not getting an NXT contract years ago. Add to that Jacques’ reputation as a questionable promoter, and it’s easy to see why WWE might avoid him. Sadly, this association also holds back Raymond Rougeau, who truly deserves recognition as one of the best.
3. The Midnight Express
If there’s ever a team that deserves induction based on history alone, it’s the Midnight Express. While they never worked for WWE, they were widely regarded as one of the best teams in pro wrestling during the ’80s. The main obstacle is Jim Cornette. As a polarizing figure who often speaks his mind without concern for the consequences, he might be too controversial for WWE to deal with. Plus, Cornette’s reluctance to travel makes it unlikely he’d attend WrestleMania. Inducting the Midnights without him just wouldn’t feel right.
4. Sable
Like her or not, there’s no denying Sable deserves a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. However, her history with WWE—including a sexual harassment lawsuit in the late ’90s—makes her induction tricky, especially given current social climates. Additionally, Sable seems to hold a grudge against WWE and has no interest in associating with the company.
5. Chyna
Technically, Chyna is already in the Hall of Fame as part of DX. However, if fans are hoping for a solo induction, I doubt it will happen. Including her in the DX induction felt like WWE’s way of compromising, offering fans and her family closure without fully acknowledging her solo career. A solo induction would shine a light on her controversial history, which WWE likely wants to avoid.
6. Miss Elizabeth
It’s a real shame that Miss Elizabeth isn’t already in the Hall of Fame. As the “First Lady of WWE” and a pivotal part of Macho Man Randy Savage’s act, she deserves recognition. Sadly, her tragic death and the controversies surrounding it likely keep her from being inducted. While there’s a slim chance she could make it in one day, it’s doubtful.
7. Lex Luger
A few years ago, I would’ve said there was no chance Lex Luger would ever be inducted, largely due to his connection to Miss Elizabeth’s death. However, he’s now under a WWE Legends deal and has been featured in video games. This suggests WWE might be warming up to the idea. Even so, his past remains a significant hurdle, and WWE may not want to take the risk.
8. Dino Bravo
Dino Bravo was a solid heel, but his association with the mafia and the circumstances of his death make his induction nearly impossible. For those unfamiliar with his story, I recommend watching the excellent Dark Side of the Ring episode about him.
9. Dynamite Kid
I know I said eight names, but writing about the Rougeaus made me think of Dynamite Kid. While his death might make induction possible, his bitterness toward WWE and pro wrestling after his forced retirement likely hurts his chances. It’s a shame, as he was one of the most talented wrestlers of his era and an inspiration for many of today’s biggest stars.
So there you have it—my list of unlikely inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame. I’m sure there are many other names that could fit this category, but these are the most obvious to me.