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Every year, on the night before WrestleMania, the WWE honours people who have made significant contributions in promoting the business of professional wrestling and giving their fans countless moments to cherish. Over the years, in-ring idols like Hulk Hogan, Bret ‘The Hit Man’ Hat and Stone Cold Steve Austin as well as ringside entertainers like Howard Finkel, Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler have taken their rightful place among the all-time legends of the industry. With that in mind, here is a look at the superstars who got inducted in the Hall of Fame class of 2011:
A mere mention of the name and the mind is instantly filled with excitement and awe, as one remembers the numerous great performances the Heart-Break Kid has given us throughout his illustrious career. He was WWE’s first ever Grand Slam Champion (One who has held every major male championship), and pioneered some of WWE’s most entertaining match types, such as the Ladder Match, Hell in a Cell and the Demonic Elimination Chamber. From his charismatic entrance to the devastating but extremely elegant Sweet-Chin music, to his hilarious antics as a part of D-Generation-X, Michaels will always be remembered as one of the greatest performers to have stepped inside the squared circle. Apart from being inducted into the Hall of Fame, the WWE has also ranked him #1 in their latest Top 50 Superstars of All Time DVD.
2. ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan
Guy in blue tights and big beard, carrying a 2×4 and an American Flag whenever he steps into the ring. Sounds familiar? Well, that image symbolized wrestling in the late 80s to a lot of people. For those who do not know him, Hacksaw was the winner of the inaugural Royal Rumble and won a huge fan base with his image of a true patriot. One of the wildest competitors in the ring, Hacksaw’s demeanour was both scary and amusing, as he drove the audience crazy with shouts of “Hooooo!!”:. Truly deserving to enter the Hall of Fame.
3. Sunny
She was the pioneer of the Divas culture in the WWE. This woman brought a newfound element to the world of professional wrestling, and that is pure glamour. In the mid-90s, she was so popular that she was the most downloaded woman on AOL. She was an accomplished manager, and managed stars like Farooq and the invincible Legion of Doom. At one point, she even managed three consecutive Tag Team Champions Bodydonnas, Godwinns, and the Smoking Gunns). She is one of the very few women to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and will join the likes of Miss Elizabeth and the Fabulous Moolah.
4. ‘Bullet’ Bob Armstrong
Bob Armstrong was one of the brightest stars in the era of territorial wrestling. His performance in the WWE was notable in itself, but he will always be more popular as the father of the New Age Outlaws (The Road Dogg and Billy Gunn), both of whom were multiple-time tag team champions. Bob has also managed his sons in the past, and held a TNA tag team championship with his son BG James (Known as Road Dogg in the WWE).
5. The Road Warriors and Paul Ellering
Hailed by one and all as one of the greatest tag team to ever set foot in the ring, The Road Warriors, also known as the Legion of Doom, have entertained generations of fans in their long and illustrious domination of the tag team divisions at various wrestling promotions. Hawk and Animal, the two members of the Legion, won titles wherever they went. And as they say, imitation is the best form of flattery. This was made clear by many tag teams which were formed in imitation of these greats. Notable among them were Demolition, the Powers of Pain, and the Blade Runners (The Ultimate Warrior and Sting).
6. Drew Carey
Drew Carey joins the likes of Pete Rose, Bob Eucker, and William Perry as one of the very few celebrities from outside the WWE to make it to the Hall of Fame. Drew has been very supportive of the WWE in his various talk shows, and even made an appearance in the Royal Rumble match in 2001 (he was tricked into the math by Vince McMahon, where he eliminated himself after one staredown from Kane).
7. Abdullah the Butcher
One of the most sick and twisted minds in wrestling history, this 400+ pounder Madman from Sudan would be best known for bloodying the heads of his opponents with his fork. The WWE I one of the many wrestling promotions he has worked for. Such was his demeanour that he would leave a promotion and immediately start a feud with the biggest fan favourite in whichever company he joined. If it were not for his induction into the Hall of Fame, this man surely would have been forgotten by the fans.
