Hall of Fame Inductee: Wendi Ritcher
Over the years I haven't spent enough time giving the lady wrestlers the spotlight and the chance to be included in the Hall of Fame, but we will begin changing that step by step. Much like the tag team division the women's division have gone through a dark age and at some points the women's division was nothing more then the bathroom break match. Flashback thirty years ago when the Women's division was filled to the brim with extremely talented performers flying under the radar. Wendi Richter was one of the many female performers trained by Fabulous Moolah. Early on, Wendi Richter would begin teaming with Joyce Grable as the Texas Cowgirls, the duo would have a long standing rivalry with Velvet McIntyre and Judy Martin that would transcend three different promotions.
As Fabulous Moolah aged the WWE needed a replacement for the women's division that spot was taken by Wendi Richter who saw her popularity skyrocket as the Rock N Wrestling era began to take shape. On July 23, 1984 at the Brawl to End it All the title change took place that some thought they'd never see Fabulous Moolah lost her Women's championship to Wendi Richter the match lead to MTV's highest ratings for the channel in history. Wendi would drop her title to long time rival Leilani Kai in late 1984 prior to winning the gold again at the first Wrestlemania.
As Fabulous Moolah aged the WWE needed a replacement for the women's division that spot was taken by Wendi Richter who saw her popularity skyrocket as the Rock N Wrestling era began to take shape. On July 23, 1984 at the Brawl to End it All the title change took place that some thought they'd never see Fabulous Moolah lost her Women's championship to Wendi Richter the match lead to MTV's highest ratings for the channel in history. Wendi would drop her title to long time rival Leilani Kai in late 1984 prior to winning the gold again at the first Wrestlemania.
The first screw job flew under the radar as it happened very early in the national expansion of WWE and it happened to Wendi Richter when Fabulous Moolah defeated her for the women's title in the same fashion that Sting defeated Jeff Hardy at Victory Road. Moolah was instructed by Vince McMahon to force a finish to the match and win taking the title away from the champion. Richter was screwed by the WWE because she wanted more comparable compensation to what she had been paid due to her rise in popularity from being associated with Cyndi Lauper (who managed her at Wrestlemania 1). In my opinion, next to Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper, Wendi Richter was at the forefront of the Rock N Wrestling era making media appearances and helping gain more eyes for the WWE even appearing Cyndi Lauper's music video for "She Bop."
Shifting to more positive memories Wendi and the WWE would leave the past in the past nearly thirty years after her departure when Wendi accepted entrance into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2010. Following her departure from WWE, Wendi would spend time in various territories including a return to the AWA. Few women reached the level of success and popularity that Wendi had during her career and that is why it is with great pleasure I welcome Wendi Richter into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
Shifting to more positive memories Wendi and the WWE would leave the past in the past nearly thirty years after her departure when Wendi accepted entrance into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2010. Following her departure from WWE, Wendi would spend time in various territories including a return to the AWA. Few women reached the level of success and popularity that Wendi had during her career and that is why it is with great pleasure I welcome Wendi Richter into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
Hall of Fame Inductee: Bruno Sammartino
Much like the time it took for the "Living Legend" to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this is in some cases long overdo. In April 1963, the former Capitol Wrestling Corporation became the World Wide Wrestling Federation and for the next two decades one name carried the company on his back and that man was Bruno Sammartino. Bruno was the one man who was a perfect fit in the North East and Vince McMahon Sr. put in place his format that made truck loads of money for all parties involved. Prior to arriving in New York Sammartino was just another name up in Canada and would become a major name in not just one area in the world of wrestling.
Historical moments would build the stuff of lure with Ivan Koloff leaving Madison Square Garden in a silence the moment that the "Russian Bear" won the World Title from Bruno Sammartino ending his first run with the championship. Stan Hansen would have his moment when he would become the man known for breaking the leg of the legend himself Bruno Sammartino. Bruno would step back from the spotlight at the start of the 1980's retiring from the ring for a few years before reappearing for a short run teaming with his son David in the middle of the decade. In later years Bruno would admit it was a mistake returning to the ring even though it was for his son and soon after this would lead to falling out between him and Vince McMahon for many years.
Vince McMahon turned his back on his father's cash cow as he was beginning to transform the reputation of his father's company which stepped up the tension and prevented Bruno Sammartino from appearing in the WWF for nearly 20 years. Bruno would finally enter the Hall of Fame in 2013 alongside fellow long standing World Champion Bob Backlund. Like it has been for many other names Bruno's Hall of Fame induction led to a reconciliation between the "Living Legend" and his former employer. Five years later we lost Bruno Sammartino at 83 years old. Bruno's legacy is someone who became one of the most consistent draws in wrestling history giving the WWE sell out after sell out in the Garden and all over the North East. Hogan might've led the charge for the 1980's and helped with national expansion, but there would be nothing to expand without Bruno Sammartino building the foundation and making it into a stable place to build. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Bruno Sammartino into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
Historical moments would build the stuff of lure with Ivan Koloff leaving Madison Square Garden in a silence the moment that the "Russian Bear" won the World Title from Bruno Sammartino ending his first run with the championship. Stan Hansen would have his moment when he would become the man known for breaking the leg of the legend himself Bruno Sammartino. Bruno would step back from the spotlight at the start of the 1980's retiring from the ring for a few years before reappearing for a short run teaming with his son David in the middle of the decade. In later years Bruno would admit it was a mistake returning to the ring even though it was for his son and soon after this would lead to falling out between him and Vince McMahon for many years.
Vince McMahon turned his back on his father's cash cow as he was beginning to transform the reputation of his father's company which stepped up the tension and prevented Bruno Sammartino from appearing in the WWF for nearly 20 years. Bruno would finally enter the Hall of Fame in 2013 alongside fellow long standing World Champion Bob Backlund. Like it has been for many other names Bruno's Hall of Fame induction led to a reconciliation between the "Living Legend" and his former employer. Five years later we lost Bruno Sammartino at 83 years old. Bruno's legacy is someone who became one of the most consistent draws in wrestling history giving the WWE sell out after sell out in the Garden and all over the North East. Hogan might've led the charge for the 1980's and helped with national expansion, but there would be nothing to expand without Bruno Sammartino building the foundation and making it into a stable place to build. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Bruno Sammartino into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
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Hall of Fame Inductee: Ricky Steamboat
One of the most well known stars of the territory era Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat is one of only a handful of stars that for his entire career as a babyface. Ricky Steamboat never actually spent time as a heel even after twenty years in the wrestling business the thought of turning him heel was never taken seriously. From the little bit of research I've done it seems like Steamboat has spent a bit of time every territory known to man. It wasn't until he arrived in Jim Crockett Promotions or Mid-Atlantic Wrestling that his stock began to rise and began his feud with Ric Flair over the United States Championship. Feuding with Flair wasn't only legendary feud of the era as with partner Jay Youngblood the two had the hottest feud of the year in 1983 against Sgt. Slaughter and Don Kernodle.
Following his departure from the NWA "The Dragon" would make his way to the World Wrestling Federation and make the step over from superstar to legend thanks in part to a rivalry with Randy Savage. One of my favorite matches of all time and one of the greatest matches in wrestling history Savage & Steamboat left it all on the table at Wrestlemania 3 in 1987. This match would gain Steamboat his only Intercontinental Championship victory, but it would be short lived after asking for time off to spend time with his family. It was his WWE run that would give birth to the nickname that fans would known him most for that being "The Dragon."
In 1989, we saw one of the greatest rivalries take place between Flair & Steamboat over the NWA World's Championship starting at the Chi-Town Rumble which saw Steamboat dethrone Flair as World Champion. Steamboat's run wasn't built to last this time around as he would be gone by early 1990, only to then return in 1991 for his final run with the promotion that gave him his big break. This time around Steamboat was the veteran around to help youngsters get over teaming with Dustin Rhodes winning tag team gold fairly quickly in his run with the promotion. Steamboat would also capture the United States and Television Championships during the run with his best feud by far during this run being against a young Steve Austin. In September 1994, Ricky Steamboat would retire from active competition with a back injury playing a part in his decision to retire.
Following his retirement, Steamboat would become one of the most respected agents doing his partner to help the future of wrestling working with both TNA Wrestling and Ring of Honor very early on. Ricky would make his return to the ring in 2009 as a part of the legends team against Chris Jericho and after showing that he could still go it lead to a PPV match the following month against Chris Jericho showing that he does in fact still have it. In 2009, we also saw Ric Flair induct his long time rival into the Hall of Fame and it is with great pleasure that I welcome Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2022!!
Following his departure from the NWA "The Dragon" would make his way to the World Wrestling Federation and make the step over from superstar to legend thanks in part to a rivalry with Randy Savage. One of my favorite matches of all time and one of the greatest matches in wrestling history Savage & Steamboat left it all on the table at Wrestlemania 3 in 1987. This match would gain Steamboat his only Intercontinental Championship victory, but it would be short lived after asking for time off to spend time with his family. It was his WWE run that would give birth to the nickname that fans would known him most for that being "The Dragon."
In 1989, we saw one of the greatest rivalries take place between Flair & Steamboat over the NWA World's Championship starting at the Chi-Town Rumble which saw Steamboat dethrone Flair as World Champion. Steamboat's run wasn't built to last this time around as he would be gone by early 1990, only to then return in 1991 for his final run with the promotion that gave him his big break. This time around Steamboat was the veteran around to help youngsters get over teaming with Dustin Rhodes winning tag team gold fairly quickly in his run with the promotion. Steamboat would also capture the United States and Television Championships during the run with his best feud by far during this run being against a young Steve Austin. In September 1994, Ricky Steamboat would retire from active competition with a back injury playing a part in his decision to retire.
Following his retirement, Steamboat would become one of the most respected agents doing his partner to help the future of wrestling working with both TNA Wrestling and Ring of Honor very early on. Ricky would make his return to the ring in 2009 as a part of the legends team against Chris Jericho and after showing that he could still go it lead to a PPV match the following month against Chris Jericho showing that he does in fact still have it. In 2009, we also saw Ric Flair induct his long time rival into the Hall of Fame and it is with great pleasure that I welcome Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2022!!
Hall of Fame Induction: Giant Baba
Starting in 1955, Baba would begin a professional baseball career playing for the Yomiuri Giants and Taiyo Whales during what would be a four year career. Baba would make his debut in the ring for Japanese Wrestling Association after being trained partially trained by Japanese wrestling "Icon" Rikidozan, he would train in the JWA dojo alongside Antonio Inoki and the pair would debut on the same show on September 30, 1960. In 1961, Rikidozan would pull some strings to get Baba to work in the United States for a few months and he would become a villain on the East Coast in New York to be exact and a good guy on the West Coast during his stay in America. While in America, Baba would fight legends like Buddy Rogers, The Destroyer (Dick Beyer) and Bruno Sammartino on various occasions.
Fast forward to 1972 when Baba's contract expired with JWA and he decided not to renew with the promotion that had been struggling the last few years. It is from there when Baba made the decision to begin his own promotion called All Japan Pro-Wrestling and the rest as they say is history. After a few years of struggling the former leader of wrestling Japan would close it's doors as JWA went out of business, this left the door open for two new companies to fight for fans as both New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Japan Pro-Wrestling would be established at around the same time. All Japan would develop a reputation for using foreign talent more often then New Japan the likes of the Funk Brothers, Bruiser Brody, Vader, Stan Hansen, Terry Gordy, Steve Williams and others would become legends in Japan due to All Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Starting in 1985, Baba would step back from the main event level allowing Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu to take the lead for the promotion and it would pay-off as the two would produce legendary match-ups through the years. Baba also would train future pillars of the promotion in Mitsuharu Misawa, Toshiaki Kawada, Akira Taue and Kenta Kobashi who would lead the promotion in the 1990's to the peak of success for AJPW. Once he stepped back from the Main Event scene Baba would begin to work the undercard helping other talent in the earlier portion of the show working in tag team matches instead of high profile matches. His final match took place December 5, 1998 at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, where he teamed with Rusher Kimura and Mitsuo Momota to take on Masanobu Fuchi, Haruka Eigen, and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, bringing his career total to 5769 matches.
Baba tragically passed away on January 31, 1999, passing away due to liver failure which was the result of colon cancer. Without Giant Baba the wrestling world wouldn't be as it is, because the promotional battle between All Japan and New Japan wouldn't have happened and a lot of talent that became big names wouldn't have been given such an opportunity. Also without Baba names mentioned above wouldn't have been a part of the world of wrestling and had their legacy. Specifically, Mitsuharu Misawa who founded Pro-Wrestling NOAH wouldn't have had the opportunity to open his own promotion without his mentor. It is with great pleasure I would like to welcome Giant Baba in to the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
Fast forward to 1972 when Baba's contract expired with JWA and he decided not to renew with the promotion that had been struggling the last few years. It is from there when Baba made the decision to begin his own promotion called All Japan Pro-Wrestling and the rest as they say is history. After a few years of struggling the former leader of wrestling Japan would close it's doors as JWA went out of business, this left the door open for two new companies to fight for fans as both New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Japan Pro-Wrestling would be established at around the same time. All Japan would develop a reputation for using foreign talent more often then New Japan the likes of the Funk Brothers, Bruiser Brody, Vader, Stan Hansen, Terry Gordy, Steve Williams and others would become legends in Japan due to All Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Starting in 1985, Baba would step back from the main event level allowing Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu to take the lead for the promotion and it would pay-off as the two would produce legendary match-ups through the years. Baba also would train future pillars of the promotion in Mitsuharu Misawa, Toshiaki Kawada, Akira Taue and Kenta Kobashi who would lead the promotion in the 1990's to the peak of success for AJPW. Once he stepped back from the Main Event scene Baba would begin to work the undercard helping other talent in the earlier portion of the show working in tag team matches instead of high profile matches. His final match took place December 5, 1998 at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, where he teamed with Rusher Kimura and Mitsuo Momota to take on Masanobu Fuchi, Haruka Eigen, and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, bringing his career total to 5769 matches.
Baba tragically passed away on January 31, 1999, passing away due to liver failure which was the result of colon cancer. Without Giant Baba the wrestling world wouldn't be as it is, because the promotional battle between All Japan and New Japan wouldn't have happened and a lot of talent that became big names wouldn't have been given such an opportunity. Also without Baba names mentioned above wouldn't have been a part of the world of wrestling and had their legacy. Specifically, Mitsuharu Misawa who founded Pro-Wrestling NOAH wouldn't have had the opportunity to open his own promotion without his mentor. It is with great pleasure I would like to welcome Giant Baba in to the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
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Hall of Fame Induction: Dory Funk Jr
Starting his career in his father's Amarillo territory at the same time he was in the college football program at West Texas State University. Dory would hone his craft in Florida expanding his in ring moves set to include suplexs, leg locks, upper cuts, and a variety of moves. Six years into his wrestling career Dory would be crowned NWA Worlds Champion after defeating Gene Kiniski for the gold. Even though Dory only would have one run with the gold he was able to keep hold of the gold for over 1,500 days. Dory would become one of the biggest stars in the wrestling world and one of the most stable pieces of any territory. Dory would lose the World title to Harley Race in May 1973, the number of legendary clashes that Dory had during his reign with Jack Brisco is stuff of legend. Undoubtedly, the Funk family is the most respected name in the world of wrestling with legacy extending back to the 1930's thanks to Dory Funk Sr. and going forward to modern times thanks to Dory and Terry Funk.
Dory and Terry would then move to another classic feud across the south with fellow brother duo the Brisco Brothers. They would compete in matches in Florida and then would have a rematch in Texas. Dory would head to Japan for the first time following his title loss and would become a major star in both Japan both with and without his brother. One thing that doesn't normally get much note is the time that Dory spent booking, because most fans aren't aware of that part of his career. Dory had two stints as booker in Jim Crockett Promotions following the departure of George Scott the first time and prior to the arrival Dusty Rhodes in the mid 1980's.
As pertains to his active wrestling career Dory has not officially retired, but at this point he hasn't competed in ring since 2017 for All Japan in an eight man tag match. His in ring career aside Dory is considered one of the most respected trainers in wrestling having a part in training or completely training names like The Hardy Boys, Edge, Kurt Angle, Jumbo Tsuruta, Rhino and various other legends. Dory has been inducted into the WWE, NWA, Wrestling Observer, and Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame's in the past and now he is also a member of the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
Dory and Terry would then move to another classic feud across the south with fellow brother duo the Brisco Brothers. They would compete in matches in Florida and then would have a rematch in Texas. Dory would head to Japan for the first time following his title loss and would become a major star in both Japan both with and without his brother. One thing that doesn't normally get much note is the time that Dory spent booking, because most fans aren't aware of that part of his career. Dory had two stints as booker in Jim Crockett Promotions following the departure of George Scott the first time and prior to the arrival Dusty Rhodes in the mid 1980's.
As pertains to his active wrestling career Dory has not officially retired, but at this point he hasn't competed in ring since 2017 for All Japan in an eight man tag match. His in ring career aside Dory is considered one of the most respected trainers in wrestling having a part in training or completely training names like The Hardy Boys, Edge, Kurt Angle, Jumbo Tsuruta, Rhino and various other legends. Dory has been inducted into the WWE, NWA, Wrestling Observer, and Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame's in the past and now he is also a member of the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
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Hall of Fame Induction: Roddy Piper
To finish out this years class for the Hall of Fame and for this we switch from written retrospective to a video retrospective. The "Hot Rod" is one of the few names in wrestling crossed over the barrier to become an "Icon." Roddy Piper might not have won a World Title during his active wrestling career, but that doesn't takeaway from what was an incredible career for Piper. For once I will not let the written word do the talking for me instead I will let the spoken word do the talking for me this time. Take a look at my career retrospective of the "Hot Rod" and it is my pleasure to welcome Roddy Piper into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2020!!
Express Hall of Fame: Mil Mascaras
Every country has there table setters in Japan there was Antonio Inoki and Giant Baba, America had Lou Thesz, and Mexico had Blue Demon, Mil Mascaras, and El Santo. The main difference between Mil Mascaras and his fellow luchadores is that he became the first International luchadore as El Santo & Blue Demon would mostly remain in Mexico. In his travels Mil would become the first non-heel masked wrestler in the international market as during the height of his career for the most part heels wore masks. Mascaras would make his debut in 1963 and quickly became a popular member of the heavyweight division in Mexico. Mascaras made his first appearance in America at the Olympic Auditorium for Mike Labelle in Los Angeles and then would make his debut in Japan for All Japan Pro-Wrestling in February 1971.
It was a busy decade for Mil Mascaras in the 1970's with Mil debuting in WWE and becoming the first person to appear in Madison Square Garden with a mask. For the longest time Madison Square Garden didn't allow wrestlers to wear masks in the arena, but lifted the ban for Mil Mascaras likely, because of how seriously luchadores take wearing there masks. His first and only appearance for World Championship Wrestling would come at Clash of Champions X in a match against Cactus Jack. This match is famous, because Cactus would take a massive bump backward off the apron to the floor hitting his head on the concrete. Mil Mascaras would then make his return to WWE as entrant in the 1997 Royal Rumble match, but would eliminate himself from the match. At this point Mil has long retired and is family carries on the legacy he helped begin so long ago with his nephews Alberto El Patron, El Hijo Del Dos Caras Sicodelico Jr, and Hijo Del Sicodelico. After paving the way for the luchadores of today Mil Mascaras has earned his place in wrestling history and in turn more than deserves his place in the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame.
It was a busy decade for Mil Mascaras in the 1970's with Mil debuting in WWE and becoming the first person to appear in Madison Square Garden with a mask. For the longest time Madison Square Garden didn't allow wrestlers to wear masks in the arena, but lifted the ban for Mil Mascaras likely, because of how seriously luchadores take wearing there masks. His first and only appearance for World Championship Wrestling would come at Clash of Champions X in a match against Cactus Jack. This match is famous, because Cactus would take a massive bump backward off the apron to the floor hitting his head on the concrete. Mil Mascaras would then make his return to WWE as entrant in the 1997 Royal Rumble match, but would eliminate himself from the match. At this point Mil has long retired and is family carries on the legacy he helped begin so long ago with his nephews Alberto El Patron, El Hijo Del Dos Caras Sicodelico Jr, and Hijo Del Sicodelico. After paving the way for the luchadores of today Mil Mascaras has earned his place in wrestling history and in turn more than deserves his place in the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame.
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Express Hall of Fame: Harley Race
This year I've chosen to inducted one of the toughest son of guns ever to lace up a pair of boots. Haley Race is one of the few names that actually worked for each of the original big three that being the WWF, AWA, and NWA (specifically Jim Crockett Promotions) his big success though came in his own of Missouri. Harley started his career in 1960 and though a severe car accident almost ended his career before it started he fought back and became a legend in this great business.
After his father told him he should never work to make anyone else's name famous Harley began using the one name he is known for that being Harley Race upon his arrival in the Amarillo territory. His first major success came as one of half of a tag team with Larry Hennig in the AWA where they were the top heel team against the likes of The Crusher & Dick The Bruiser or Verne Gagne & his random assortment of partners. His singles career though wouldn't flourish until he made the move back to the NWA and it would take a few years for his foundation to become solid enough, but he would capture the Worlds Heavyweight title.
Harley in many ways was the embodiment of a territorial wrestler as he fought to the top of many territories before getting the big win in his hometown of Kansas City. In 1973, Harley was able to secure a pin-fall victory over then champion Dory Funk Jr to become the NWA World Champion for the very first time. Many thought it was a shocking upset mostly based on how short of a time it had been that Harley was a singles star either way though the new leader of the NWA was embraced as a top star on a national scale, because even though he only held the title a few months he would earn the reputation of being a top contender for the gold.
Over the years it is incredible to realize the part that Harley had in making names like Ric Flair, Vader and others a more recognizable talent, Flair has even credited Race for igniting his career which is very telling in my opinion. Following his departure from the NWA his in-ring career was drawing to a close, but not before he visited the WWF for a run in the one place he had never been before. While in the WWF he was able to work with top stars like Junkyard Dog, Jim Duggan, and of course Hulk Hogan, but injuries started to mount and Harley needed time away. Race would return to the WCW this time in a managerial role first managing Lex Luger and then would manage Vader leading both men to the WCW World Title.
Overall there is no doubt in my mind that Harley Race has had a legendary career in the world of wrestling and putting that together with the fact that he has had, and still has hand in training the future stars of the industry with his training school in Missouri his presence will never not be felt in this great business. It is for this reason and various others that I am proud to induct "Handsome" Harley Race into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2019.
After his father told him he should never work to make anyone else's name famous Harley began using the one name he is known for that being Harley Race upon his arrival in the Amarillo territory. His first major success came as one of half of a tag team with Larry Hennig in the AWA where they were the top heel team against the likes of The Crusher & Dick The Bruiser or Verne Gagne & his random assortment of partners. His singles career though wouldn't flourish until he made the move back to the NWA and it would take a few years for his foundation to become solid enough, but he would capture the Worlds Heavyweight title.
Harley in many ways was the embodiment of a territorial wrestler as he fought to the top of many territories before getting the big win in his hometown of Kansas City. In 1973, Harley was able to secure a pin-fall victory over then champion Dory Funk Jr to become the NWA World Champion for the very first time. Many thought it was a shocking upset mostly based on how short of a time it had been that Harley was a singles star either way though the new leader of the NWA was embraced as a top star on a national scale, because even though he only held the title a few months he would earn the reputation of being a top contender for the gold.
Over the years it is incredible to realize the part that Harley had in making names like Ric Flair, Vader and others a more recognizable talent, Flair has even credited Race for igniting his career which is very telling in my opinion. Following his departure from the NWA his in-ring career was drawing to a close, but not before he visited the WWF for a run in the one place he had never been before. While in the WWF he was able to work with top stars like Junkyard Dog, Jim Duggan, and of course Hulk Hogan, but injuries started to mount and Harley needed time away. Race would return to the WCW this time in a managerial role first managing Lex Luger and then would manage Vader leading both men to the WCW World Title.
Overall there is no doubt in my mind that Harley Race has had a legendary career in the world of wrestling and putting that together with the fact that he has had, and still has hand in training the future stars of the industry with his training school in Missouri his presence will never not be felt in this great business. It is for this reason and various others that I am proud to induct "Handsome" Harley Race into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2019.
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Express Hall of Fame: Dusty Rhodes
In the world of wrestling there are very few names that have iconic moments that transcends time. Fact of the matter is that "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes is one of those stars that were very much a part of various iconic moments during his career and is one of the few names that established also iconic ideas & talent. Most people may not know that the when Dusty first debuted he wasn't a good guy he was actually a heel partnered with Dick Murdoch as the Texas Outlaws. It was actually way back in 1974 when Dusty would actually turn baby face and would stay that way pretty much for the rest of his life. On the night Dusty turned good he would be a part of his first iconic moment cutting his "Get a Dream" promo. Following the closure of Florida he would move on to the Carolina territory with Jim Crockett Promotions to book the territory and really begin to become a national star. In October 1985, the "Dream" would have yet another magical promo that over the years has been imitated by various fans & fellow performers over the years; this promo has become known as the "Hard Times" promo.
At the height of the territory system and the resistance against Vince McMahon the wrestling world had both Dusty & Ric leading the charge which really helped the company as these two were among the best ever in the ring in all walks of the wrestling world. Following the end of his in ring career Dusty would be a three time NWA World Champion & among one of the most iconic talents even before his stay in the booking off once he left the ring. Over the years, Dusty helped both create certain matches and gave talent their start in the wrestling business and really gave them a chance to succeed. Dusty would have a hand in creating and giving the start to Diamond Dallas Page, Ray "Big Bossman" Traylor, Nikita Koloff, and various others. Sometimes the phrase "Wrestling mind" gets thrown around and I think that phrase fits nobody as good as it fits the American Dream; as Dusty absolutely had a mind for this business and was truly born to be a member of the wrestling industry.
Even all these years after his in ring career ended he had still had a hand in training the new generation with him handling promo class down in NXT & just being in the territory to help lend the future stars of tomorrow a hand in perfecting the characters they wanted to portray on camera. There is no doubt that losing the "Dream" left a big whole in the world of wrestling and that his impact will be felt forever and always in the world of wrestling and it is for this reason that I have chosen to induct the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2018.
At the height of the territory system and the resistance against Vince McMahon the wrestling world had both Dusty & Ric leading the charge which really helped the company as these two were among the best ever in the ring in all walks of the wrestling world. Following the end of his in ring career Dusty would be a three time NWA World Champion & among one of the most iconic talents even before his stay in the booking off once he left the ring. Over the years, Dusty helped both create certain matches and gave talent their start in the wrestling business and really gave them a chance to succeed. Dusty would have a hand in creating and giving the start to Diamond Dallas Page, Ray "Big Bossman" Traylor, Nikita Koloff, and various others. Sometimes the phrase "Wrestling mind" gets thrown around and I think that phrase fits nobody as good as it fits the American Dream; as Dusty absolutely had a mind for this business and was truly born to be a member of the wrestling industry.
Even all these years after his in ring career ended he had still had a hand in training the new generation with him handling promo class down in NXT & just being in the territory to help lend the future stars of tomorrow a hand in perfecting the characters they wanted to portray on camera. There is no doubt that losing the "Dream" left a big whole in the world of wrestling and that his impact will be felt forever and always in the world of wrestling and it is for this reason that I have chosen to induct the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame Class of 2018.
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Express Hall of Fame Induction: Hulk Hogan
After a year of training under Hiro Matsuda, the man known as Terry Bollea first working under the name as The Super Destroyer. Within a year of starting in wrestling Terry actually took a short hiatus from the profession until late 1978. Terry would return to the wrestling world with Ed Leslie as his partner they worked under the names of Terry & Ed Boulder. The two would work in the Alabama territory at first before being signed by Jerry Jarrett to move into the Memphis territory.
In 1979, Terry Funk would introduce Hulk to Vince McMahon Sr. and open the door to bring Terry into the WWWF territory for the first time and the rest they say is history. During his first run in the WWE he was a heel and on his way to being one of the top heels in the company and even fighting Bob Backlund for the WWF World Champion in 1979. This would be the final time under the WWF banner, because upon his return to the company in 1983 he would become the biggest name in the business. Following his departure from the WWE after 10 years of Hulkamania he would move onto the WCW in the summer of 1994 though the first few years of his run were incredibly rough it was at Bash at the Beach 1996 that everything thing changed. The reason everything is because it was at Bash at the Beach when the New World Order of Wrestling was born after Hulk Hogan was reveled as the elusive third man for the NWO. From this point the "Hulkster" would become "Mr. Hollywood" and the top heel in the wrestling world.
In 2002, Hogan would make his return to the WWE with the other members of the NWO and would later challenge The Rock at WrestleMania 18 giving us a dream match for the show. After the shocking crowd reaction for Hogan from the Toronto audience at the event that not only influenced the WWE to turn Hogan baby face for the first time since 1995, but they also would put the WWE World Championship at the following PPV. Though in modern wrestling we have been left to wonder when the "Immortal One" will be making his return to the company after being excommunicated by WWE two years ago following a rough leaked news story. But there is no doubt that after almost 40 years in the wrestling business that Hulk is one of the biggest names in the history of the wrestling business and will always be exactly what his nicknames provides immortal. Welcome to the Hall of Fame Hulk Hogan!!
In 1979, Terry Funk would introduce Hulk to Vince McMahon Sr. and open the door to bring Terry into the WWWF territory for the first time and the rest they say is history. During his first run in the WWE he was a heel and on his way to being one of the top heels in the company and even fighting Bob Backlund for the WWF World Champion in 1979. This would be the final time under the WWF banner, because upon his return to the company in 1983 he would become the biggest name in the business. Following his departure from the WWE after 10 years of Hulkamania he would move onto the WCW in the summer of 1994 though the first few years of his run were incredibly rough it was at Bash at the Beach 1996 that everything thing changed. The reason everything is because it was at Bash at the Beach when the New World Order of Wrestling was born after Hulk Hogan was reveled as the elusive third man for the NWO. From this point the "Hulkster" would become "Mr. Hollywood" and the top heel in the wrestling world.
In 2002, Hogan would make his return to the WWE with the other members of the NWO and would later challenge The Rock at WrestleMania 18 giving us a dream match for the show. After the shocking crowd reaction for Hogan from the Toronto audience at the event that not only influenced the WWE to turn Hogan baby face for the first time since 1995, but they also would put the WWE World Championship at the following PPV. Though in modern wrestling we have been left to wonder when the "Immortal One" will be making his return to the company after being excommunicated by WWE two years ago following a rough leaked news story. But there is no doubt that after almost 40 years in the wrestling business that Hulk is one of the biggest names in the history of the wrestling business and will always be exactly what his nicknames provides immortal. Welcome to the Hall of Fame Hulk Hogan!!
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Express Hall of Fame Induction: Andre The Giant
The first inductee into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame is the Eighth Wonder of the World and an Icon of the wrestling industry. Recently I posted a poll on Twitter for you all to select who you thought should be the first inductee into the Hall of Fame and Andre was selected. Though the voting ended in a tie I allowed an unbiased party to select who they believed should go in first and the party selected Andre. One of the reasons I actually like the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal is because it will make sure that Andre's legacy never disappears and he will always be talked about by fans.
Though Andre would become a national treasure with the help of Vince Sr. his career didn't begin in New York. Andre's career began in his native land of France before he would make his way to the United States in 1972 with the AWA and would actually debut in Japan first in 1970 as Monster Roussimoff. During this time he would also become a fixture in Montreal through his connection with promoter Frank Valois who would also be the man that contact Vince Sr. and got Andre to New York.
Andre was a very special talent as he was moveable Giant and couldn't work with basically anyway having great matches all over the world with talent of all shapes and sizes. He would become in my opinion the first International Icon, because during his career he would become legend in Japan as well as in the States. This is one of the major reason that I have decided to make Andre The Giant the First inductee into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame. Welcome Andre!!
Though Andre would become a national treasure with the help of Vince Sr. his career didn't begin in New York. Andre's career began in his native land of France before he would make his way to the United States in 1972 with the AWA and would actually debut in Japan first in 1970 as Monster Roussimoff. During this time he would also become a fixture in Montreal through his connection with promoter Frank Valois who would also be the man that contact Vince Sr. and got Andre to New York.
Andre was a very special talent as he was moveable Giant and couldn't work with basically anyway having great matches all over the world with talent of all shapes and sizes. He would become in my opinion the first International Icon, because during his career he would become legend in Japan as well as in the States. This is one of the major reason that I have decided to make Andre The Giant the First inductee into the Wrestling Express Hall of Fame. Welcome Andre!!
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