Causion's Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: 6th Class
Tomorrow is WWE Summerslam PPV, therefore it is time to unveil the next class of my Hall of Fame. Each month, the day before the monthly WWE PPV, we will reveal our inductees for the next class.
Be sure you have checked out Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5.
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. Once I feel all who are currently deserving are in, that will be my complete Hall of Fame, until future performers meet the needed criteria.
Just for a refresher, here is the criteria.
Be sure you have checked out Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5.
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. Once I feel all who are currently deserving are in, that will be my complete Hall of Fame, until future performers meet the needed criteria.
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, 1 Promoters/Booker's and 2 foreign stars must be inducted
Causion Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame 2015
Gold Club Members
Gold Club Members
Pro Wrestlers
The Crusher - The most popular wrestler and perhaps biggest consistent draw in the Midwest during the 70s. Three-time AWA champion, tag champ five times with Bruiser. More famous as a gimmick character performer than for any kind of wrestling or working ability, but as a powerhouse for his time, was a headliner everywhere he appeared.
Ernie Ladd - A former AFL football star in the 60s who wrestled in the off-season, and quit football while still a top name because he could make more money as a heel wrestler. At 6-9 and 315 pounds during a time when there was nobody except Andre the Giant in wrestling anywhere near that size.
Although he was an agile big man, it was his size, football reputation as a killer combined with being a large black man in a white man's world that made him one of the top heels and biggest drawing cards anywhere during the 70s.
Although he was an agile big man, it was his size, football reputation as a killer combined with being a large black man in a white man's world that made him one of the top heels and biggest drawing cards anywhere during the 70s.
Dory Funk SR. - Former NWA jr. heavyweight champion and the biggest wrestling star ever in Amarillo. Noteworthy both as a headline babyface locally and long-time local promoter with national influence and also for helping start many of the next generation's biggest wrestling stars and for being known as King of the Texas Death matches.
The Rock 'n' Roll Express - Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson were a key part of two strong periods, the high point of Mid South Wrestling in 1984-85, and the most successful period of Jim Crockett Promotions in 1985-86. They also anchored Smoky Mountain Wrestling in the 90s. Morton, in particular, was considered one of the best babyfaces at selling during the modern era. But as a team, Morton & Gibson had the most longevity together of any major tag team in pro wrestling history.
The Ultimate Warrior - Though never the best worker in the ring, he was an iconic superstar that main evented during the late 80's and early 90's. Warrior was known for his bright colors and crazy energetic promos. Huge star with children and brought high energy to his performances.
Owen Hart - One of the best in ring performers and high flyers of the 90's. Had classic matches with his brother Bret, whom many thought he was actually a better all around performer than. Tragically died in the wrestling arena in Kansas City when an accident occurred with his repelling device. Career was cut short and there is no telling just how great he would have been.
Edge - Career ended early due to neck injury, but he was one of the best combinations of in ring workers and talkers of the modern era. World tag team champion multiple times over with multiple partners, most notably Christian. WWE champion on several occasions, and got over huge when he was supposed to simply be a transition champion.
Batista - Drew 3 consecutive big buyrates on PPV with his series of title matches with HHH in 2005. Was on track to be the star of the company until a shoulder injury sidelined him. Popular star who was able to transition into a star in the movies. Powerhouse performer, who while he wasn't the best in ring technician, was very agile and brought intensity to his matches.
C.M. Punk - Even though he ended his career early, he was still one of the best performer this industry has ever seen. Excellent promo. Held the WWE title over a year and on multiple other occasions. Great worker who headlined where ever he went. Unique character that rivaled the popularity of John Cena on top.
The Midnight Express - Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton, and later Eaton & Stan Lane, managed by Jim Cornette, had a run as a tag team from 1983-1990, during which they placed in the top six for Tag Team of the Year every year of their existence, when being in the top ten was a major accomplishment in the industry. The first Express was actually involved in more huge business feuds, but the second Express is better remembered because they spent more years on national television and had big matches on Crockett and WCW major national shows, although rarely as headliners.
Managers
Lou Albano - The premiere manager in the history of pro wrestling in the Northeast, and perhaps the most important performer in the company with the exception of arch-rival Bruno Sammartino. Later, his connection rock star Cyndi Lauper opened the door that led to pro wrestling getting on MTV, and spawned the first WrestleMania. His legacy was made when he was in the corner of Ivan Koloff, when he ended Sammartino's seven-and-a-half year title run on January 18, 1971, in Madison Square Garden.
Promoters
Antonio Pena - Changed the face of Mexican wrestling with the formation of AAA, including building up the biggest show in the history of Mexico, TripleMania I in 1993 which drew 50,000 fans. Booked EMLL into its hottest period ever in the early 90s before forming AAA and quickly turning it into the hottest drawing promotion in the country.
Foreign Stars
Mil Mascaras - The one wrestler out of Mexico who became the biggest export name his country ever produced. A tremendous drawing card in parts of the United States, in particular Southern California, and also with children in Japan.
Was a major movie star in Mexico during the 60s and a talented flying heavyweight bring a style of work that neither Japanese or American fans were familiar with along with tremendous charisma.
Was a major movie star in Mexico during the 60s and a talented flying heavyweight bring a style of work that neither Japanese or American fans were familiar with along with tremendous charisma.