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What’s the story?
After a list of potential names for the WWE Hall Of Fame Class of 2018 was broken by Brad Shepard, Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer expounded on the same.
Meltzer concurred with the five names likely to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame next year, while adding that several employees in the WWE apparently want Jim Johnston to be accorded a spot in the Hall Of Fame next year.
In case you didn’t know…
Goldberg is a former WCW Champion and, having held the World Heavyweight and Universal Championships in the WWE, is widely regarded not only as one of the key players during the Monday Night Wars between WCW and WWE, but also as one of the most iconic characters of all time.
Meanwhile, the Dudley Boyz are hardcore legends and their team is highly respected for their work in promotions such as ECW, WWE and TNA. On the other hand, Bam Bam Bigelow was a notable performer during the Golden Era, while Ivory has always been appreciated for her professionalism and work ethic over the years. Kid Rock is a famous musician who is best known to the WWE Universe for his performance at WrestleMania 25.
The heart of the matter
As Brad Shepard (the journalist who broke the WWE re-exploring XFL story) reported, Goldberg is set to headline the Hall Of Fame this year, with the Dudley Boyz, Bam Bam Bigelow & Ivory as the other inductees, whereas Kid Rock is set to be inducted in the Celebrity Wing of the HOF Class.
Veteran professional wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted that all of the aforementioned 5 names are most certainly believable as potential inductees into the 2018 HOF Class. In addition, many in the WWE hope for Jim Johnston—the man who worked behind-the-scenes in WWE, producing several iconic entrance themes and other music projects for the WWE—to also be inducted into the HOF.
However, given the controversial nature of Johnston’s recent departure from WWE after working for the company over three decades, him being inducted into the HOF next year might not be very likely.
What’s next?
The WWE will unravel the inductees to the Hall Of Fame Class of 2018 as and when the WWE Universe inches closer to Wrestlemania 34.
Author’s take
Goldberg, the Dudley Boyz, Bam Bam Bigelow and Ivory are true legends of the sport, and as for Kid Rock, the man’s performance at the 25th anniversary of ‘Mania was noteworthy.
However, the biggest question right now revolves around Jim Johnston’s shocking WWE departure, and whether or not the veteran musician would ever consider returning to WWE and close out his career in the promotion he so extensively worked for, since the 1980s.
