Causion's Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: 2nd Class
Tomorrow is WWE Extreme Rules, therefore it is time to unveil the next class of my Hall of Fame. As stated last last month when we unveiled our inaugural class, Causion's Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Inaugural Class of 2015, each month, the day before the monthly WWE PPV, we will reveal our inductees.
This will continue until I have announced all the performers I feel are worthy. I chose not to do one class a year because a Hall of Fame should include all those who are really Hall of Fame worthy and those performers should not have to wait years if they are worthy now.
Just for a refresher, here is the criteria.
Criteria
This will continue until I have announced all the performers I feel are worthy. I chose not to do one class a year because a Hall of Fame should include all those who are really Hall of Fame worthy and those performers should not have to wait years if they are worthy now.
Just for a refresher, here is the criteria.
Criteria
- No more than 10 U.S pro wrestlers will enter each class
- Must be at least 40 years old and not a current full time in ring performer
- Wrestlers must have been an attraction and drew money
- 1 Manager, 2 Promoters/Booker's and 2 foreign stars must be inducted
Causion Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame 2015
2nd Tier Platinum Club
2nd Tier Platinum Club
Pro Wrestlers
Jack Brisco - Former NCAA champion who held the NWA title twice from 1973-75. One of the elite pure wrestlers of all-time. The country's leading upcoming babyface of the early 70s, best known for a classic feud chasing Dory Funk Jr.'s NWA title.
Dory Funk Jr - NWA champion from 1969-73, considered as one of the greatest champions in the history of the organization and top workers of his era. Second generation wrestler, son of Dory Funk Sr., around wrestling his entire life as a main event wrestler, promoter, booker and trainer.
Trained most of the top wrestlers appearing in All Japan.
Trained most of the top wrestlers appearing in All Japan.
Jerry Lawler - Biggest star in his hometown of Memphis for nearly 25 years. Tremendous ring psychologist and among the greatest interviews in history. Mostly known today for being a comedic WWE broadcaster, but in his prime he was huge star within his area and the biggest local celebrity of any wrestler and had classic matches against some of the greats and more impressively, not so greats and had a consistent weekly drawing power unmatched by any of today's wrestlers.
Nick Bockwinkel - One of the great workers of the 60s and 70s, four-time AWA champion as Verne Gagne's classic rival. Formed a legendary tag team with Ray Stevens. Known for giving some of the best and articulate interviews.
Roddy Piper - The top heel of the 1980s in the United States. Along with Hogan, probably as singularly responsible as any wrestlers for the WWF going mainstream in 1984-85. One of the greatest interviews ever. A top heel in every territory he appeared in from the mid-70s until his babyface turns and eventually for the most part leaving wrestling for the movies.
Superstar Billy Graham - Perhaps the top heel of the 70s, the charismatic former bodybuilder was the predecessor and boyhood hero to Hulk Hogan.
Certainly not a hall of fmaer for his in ring ability, but he was a tremendous interview and personality and a top drawing card. WWWF champ 1977-78.
Certainly not a hall of fmaer for his in ring ability, but he was a tremendous interview and personality and a top drawing card. WWWF champ 1977-78.
Harley Race - Seven-time NWA champion from 1973-83 and one of the best workers of his era. True tough guy who took holding the NWA title as seriously as any. Huge star in his home Kansas City territory.
The Undertaker - Legendary performer who was able to adapt and change with the times of wrestling. Taker held the WWE/World title 7 times and is known for his 21 straight victories at Wrestlemania. Without question, the most famous mythical gimmick in wrestling history.
Dusty Rhodes - One of the top babyfaces and biggest drawing cards in wrestling from the mid-70s through mid-80s and the biggest star in the Florida and Georgia area during his prime. One of the most charismatic wrestlers of all time, who also booked the Carolina and Florida territories.
Terry Funk - Considered one of the greatest workers, interviews and all-around performers of all-time. NWA champion from 1975-77.
Became one of the biggest foreign babyfaces ever in Japan and is widely considered the king of Hardcore wrestling. Former ECW champion as well.
Became one of the biggest foreign babyfaces ever in Japan and is widely considered the king of Hardcore wrestling. Former ECW champion as well.
Managers
Jim Cornette - With the possible exception of Bobby Heenan, the greatest manager in the history of wrestling and among the top five interviews ever. Also a great booker and promoter wherever he has gone.
Promoters
Verne Gagne - President, leading promoter, top star, trainer and more often than not, world champion of the AWA. One of the country's all-time great amateur wrestlers, winning NCAA titles in 1948 and 1949 at the University of Minnesota. One of the country's most influential promoters through the mid-80s. Vince McMahon took many of the talent Gagne molded like Hulk Hogan, and built his National campaign.
Eddie Graham - A top wrestler more important as perhaps the most progressive wrestling promoter of the 70s with Championship Wrestling from Florida. Promoted and booked some of the biggest names in wrestling.
Foreign Stars
Kenta Kobashi - Arguably the best in-ring performer in the entire business in 90's and 00's. Some would argue he was the best ever in the business. Kobashi only knew one speed. All out. I can’t say anyone was better at their peak. A few were bigger stars, but really you’re only talking the elite in that category. And of them, none had as many great matches.
Mitsuharu Misawa - Legendary star in All Japan Pro Wrestling and among the greatest workers in history when it comes to combining stiffness, athletic and psychological aspects. Misawa was an eight time World Champion in Japanese promotions, having won the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship five times and the GHC Heavyweight Championship three times. Died after an in ring accident in 2009.