3 Controversial 'Golden Age Superstars' who had originally turned down a WWE Hall of Fame induction

The WWE Hall of Fame, designed to immortalize the contributions of unforgettable professional wrestling talents is rife with controversy and tall tales of reconciliation. Detracting from its overall significance and prestige, the Hall of Fame is surprisingly littered with wrestlers and tangential celebrities that only a minor impact on the industry as a whole- while still failing to feature several timeless legends of the industry (due to a variety of circumstances).

In addition to being honored at the WrestleMania weekend ceremony - inductee's bundled legends contract comes with financial compensation along with other benefits. Despite being honored by their peers and what might appear to be a lucrative package for talent in their twilight years, many undisputed figures in the history of professional wrestling have refused to be inducted and even actively criticized the enterprise for a variety of reasons.

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#1 Superstar Billy Graham

Superstar Billy Graham (aka Eldridge Coleman)

During the 1970's, Superstar Billy Graham had an indelible influence on professional wrestling as we know it today. For casual fans, Graham is the often-forgotten prototype for universally recognized legends such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair. Highlighting the importance of physique, along with bold character traits and mic skills- his iconic appearance and promo style influence other great minds of the industry such as Dusty Rhodes (who imparted the influence of Graham when working in a creative capacity in both WCW and NXT).

Despite bashing the entire McMahon family on several occasions throughout the years (and even being intertwined in the controversial pro wrestling steroid trial of the early 90's), Graham was finally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2004. Not wanting to tarnish his iconic status, Graham even demanded to be removed from the Hall of Fame when he mocked the company's induction of Abdullah the Butcher in 2011.

#2 The Honky Tonk Man

The Honky Tonk Man (aka Wayne Farris)

Everyone's favorite Elvis impersonator, The Honky Tonk Man will be joining the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2019 - but was originally offered in 2010, swiftly rebuffed (stating he had conflicting plans).

Debuting in 1986- Honky Tonk is favorably remembered due to his strong, classic heel work and record setting Intercontinental title run. Honky Tonk Man held the Intercontinental title for 450 consecutive days (an astonishing feat that still hasn't been surpassed).

The Honky Tonk Man has made several controversial appearance on the Pro Wrestling 'shoot interview' circuit, where he mocked WWE on numerous occasions. Honky Tonk never failed to share risque road stories and embarrassing anecdotes, showing zero reverence for the worldwide promotion that put him on the map.

We wouldn't be surprised to see him interact with the often compared, guitar-wielding Elias at this year's upcoming Wrestlemania 35.

#3 The Ultimate Warrior

The Ultimate Warrior (aka James Hellwig)

A major presence and fan favorite during the height of the 1980's Hulkamania era, The Ultimate Warrior's (first known as Dingo Warrior) career is often criticized due to his questionable backstage behaviour and lackluster in-ring performances. Throughout the entirety of their peak runs in the WWE, the Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan were embroiled in a bitter war of egos for top-of-the-card supremacy.

Ultimate Warrior was unceremoniously fired after attempting to extort McMahon for more money at SummerSlam 1991, threatening to not appear at the major pay-per-view event unless his guaranteed compensation was substantially increased. Warrior was promptly fired after the event.

In an attempt to make amends, WWE reached out to Ultimate Warrior for a 2010 Hall of Fame induction (which he rejected primarily due to WWE's scathing documentary entitled The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior). Warrior finally relented and joined the Hall of Fame in 2014, shortly before his untimely passing due to cardiac arrest.