#4 Baron von Raschke
While not familiar with WWE audiences, Baron von Raschke is a legendary figure during the “Territory Days,” and is often credited with being the first NWA Television Champion in 1977. Raschke’s signature and self-innovated Brainclaw finishing manoeuvre is legendary and was banned from television in some instances due to the blood it would draw from the Baron’s unfortunate opponents.
Von Raschke is also one of the Golden Era’s most memorable heels, sometimes inciting riots at AWA events across the US with tag team partner and trainer, WWE Hall of Famer Mad Dog Vachon. He is a former NWA Tag Team Champion, AWA Tag Team Champion and a part of some of the greatest feuds in AWA history opposite its biggest stars.
While never a World Champion, Baron’s status as first recognised Television Champion along with his legendary performances in the ‘70s and ‘80s should be enough to grant him Hall-of-Fame-status. However, WWE has let very few AWA stars in the Hall of Fame, making The Baron quite the long shot.
