WWE News: Hillbilly Jim is the next inductee into the 2018 class of the WWE Hall of Fame

What's the story?

Bleacher Report announced on Monday morning the latest wrestler to be inducted into the 2018 class of the WWE Hall Of Fame. It is none other than popular 80's personality Hillbilly Jim.

In case you didn't know...

Hillbilly Jim began his professional wrestling career in 1975 wrestling for the Continental Wrestling Association in Memphis, Tennessee. He would have a biker gimmick and would be known as Harley Davidson until making his way to the WWE in 1984.

The heart of the matter

Hillbilly Jim joins the growing 2018 class for the WWE Hall of Fame that includes Goldberg, The Dudley Boyz, Ivory, Jeff Jarrett, and Jarrius "JJ" Robertson, who will receive the Warrior Award.

Hillbilly Jim was an active wrestler for the WWF from 1984 to 1990, and though he never won a championship within the WWE, his infectious personality and unique gimmick made him a popular fixture within the WWF in the late 80's.

Jim retired from pro wrestling in 1994, but in 1995, he would return to the company to be a manager for this "cousins" Henry and Phinesas Godwinn. He continued to be a part of the WWE throughout the years as an ambassador for the company.

What's next?

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for the latest on the 2018 class for the WWE Hall of Fame. The remaining inductees rumored for this year include Bam Bam Bigelow, Chyna, and Kid Rock.

Author's take

Much like current WWE Hall of Fame members like Koko B. Ware and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan who were inducted previously, Hillbilly Jim didn't win any championships within the WWE, but made his mark in the 80's in other ways.

Not only were there fewer championships, there were fewer title changes during the time these guys were in the WWE. Even though they don't have championship accolades, they meant a lot to the rise in popularity of the WWE during the 80's.

Personalities like Duggan, Ware, and Jim brought the WWE into the mainstream, and for that, their induction is worthy.