5 Possible Headliners For Next Year's WWE Hall Of Fame Class

WWE will once again bring its biggest show of the year -- WrestleMania -- to the northeast market, as next year's show will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which probably means that their annual Hall of Fame ceremony will take place at Madison Square Garden.

Back in 2013, WWE decided to have the recently deceased Bruno Sammartino headline their Hall of Fame class, which was a big deal, especially because it was taking place at MSG.

Who will headline the event this year? Well, there are very few options out there, and unfortunately, someone like WWE chairman Vince McMahon isn't one of them. Sure, MSG would be the perfect place to induct Vince, however, he probably won't allow himself to be put in the Hall of Fame while he's still living.

So, with that in mind, here are 5 big names that could headline next year's WWE Hall of Fame class.

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#5 - Triple H

(Image via WWE)

As we all know by now, Triple H's days of being a full-time wrestler are over, and they're never going to return, so with him being a part-time wrestler at this point in his life, it's the perfect time to celebrate his accomplishments in the ring.

Also, two of Triple H's most noteworthy moments happened at MSG: the infamous curtain call, and his return in 2002 after being out for several months due to a torn quadriceps muscle.

Also, a Hall of Fame induction could boost his value when he does wrestle, as he'd one of the few WWE Hall of Famers who are still active in the company.

#4 - Batista

(Image via WWE)

While Batista has expressed interest in returning to the ring, specifically to have a retirement match with his longtime friend and mentor Triple H, it doesn't seem likely that he's going to return for another match due to the amount of success he's had as an actor.

But, WWE might be able to get him back for a Hall of Fame induction, where he would presumably be inducted by Triple H, or even the entire Evolution faction.

Would it be a great idea to have Batista headline a Hall of Fame class at MSG? The answer is yes. Sure, a small number of people will probably have a problem with it, but typically, the fans at the Hall of Fame aren't terribly disrespectful to the headliners.

#3 - Paul Heyman

(Image via WWE)

This one will probably wait until WWE takes WrestleMania to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the home-base of the former Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). But, if it's going to happen anywhere else, then it should happen in New York at Madison Square Garden.

The question here is: does WWE consider Paul Heyman, a non-wrestler, to be a big enough draw to headline the Garden over WrestleMania weekend? Or would they rather have a wrestler close out the show?

Also, if Brock Lesnar chooses to leave WWE at some point between now and next spring, then Heyman might end up leaving too. That obviously doesn't mean that Heyman would be off the table as a Hall of Fame candidate, but I think it'd lower his chances.

#2 - The Undertaker

(Image via WWE)

This is an induction that you could literally do anywhere at anytime, so there's really no need to rush The Undertaker into the WWE Hall of Fame. But, due to the lack of big names that are still out there, WWE might be forced to have "The Deadman" be the headliner at next year's ceremony.

The induction, if it happens, will likely be made by Kane, who was arguably both The Undertaker's biggest ally, and biggest rival during his legendary career.

#1 - The Rock

(Image via WWE)

The Rock's last official match took place at WrestleMania 32, which ended up being a 6-second match against former Wyatt Family member Erick Rowan. But, The Rock's last competitive match took place back at WrestleMania 29, where he defended the WWE Championship against John Cena at the site of next year's show, MetLife Stadium.

Back in 1996, The Rock made his WWE debut at Madison Square Garden, so I couldn't think of a better place to have him inducted. Of course, much like with The Undertaker, WWE can do this whenever they want, and it'll be huge, but it'll be way bigger if "The People's Champion" is inducted at MSG.

As for who'll induct him, well, that's an easy one: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.