Introduction to the WWE Hall of Fame
The WWE Hall of Fame is a prestigious institution that recognizes the greatest legends in professional wrestling. However, some have criticized it for including too many names that some say are not deserving to be there. Others have been critical about celebrities being inducted, and many have called on WWE to take a look at some of the biggest legends to finally get recognized for their accomplishments. In this article, we will explore some of the biggest names who have not been inducted into the Hall of Fame and the reasons why.
Brian Pillman: A Tragic Exclusion
Brian Pillman’s exclusion from the WWE Hall of Fame is another case likely tied to his untimely passing while under contract with the company. In October 1997, at the age of 35, Pillman tragically passed away from heart disease. The WWF’s handling of his death drew significant criticism, particularly their decision to interview his grieving widow on live television the following night, a move widely condemned as exploitative.
Pillman had already cemented his legacy with years of exceptional in-ring performances. He initially gained fame in WCW during the early 90s as a high-flying fan favorite. His athleticism and charisma shone through in his tag team with Steve Austin, “The Hollywood Blondes,” and later as a member of The Four Horsemen. Pillman further revolutionized the industry with his “Loose Cannon” persona, blurring the lines between reality and kayfabe.
Owen Hart: A Glaring Omission
Owen Hart’s absence from the WWE Hall of Fame is a glaring one, shrouded in tragedy and controversy. A celebrated member of the renowned Hart wrestling dynasty, Owen rose to prominence in the WWF during the mid-90s as a top villain, notably feuding with his brother, Bret “The Hitman” Hart. His career reached new heights in 1994 after a memorable turn on his brother at the Royal Rumble, culminating in a victory over Bret at WrestleMania X.
Tragically, Owen’s life was cut short in 1999 during a live pay-per-view event. A stunt involving a descent from the rafters went horribly wrong due to equipment malfunction, resulting in a fatal fall. The decision to continue the event after the accident amplified the controversy surrounding his death. Owen’s wife, Martha, has since steadfastly opposed his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, holding the company responsible for the tragedy.
Ivan Koloff: A Puzzling Oversight
The absence of Ivan Koloff from the WWE Hall of Fame is a puzzling oversight, considering his significant contributions to wrestling history. Born Oreal Perras in Quebec, he achieved fame as “The Russian Bear,” a fearsome villain who shocked the world in 1971 by ending Bruno Sammartino’s legendary eight-year reign as WWWF Champion. This monumental upset, ending a 2,803-day title run, is etched in wrestling lore.
Koloff’s success extended beyond this historic victory. He led The Russian Team, introducing his kayfabe nephew, Nikita Koloff, to the wrestling world. Together, they battled iconic tag teams like The Road Warriors and The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express. The fact that Koloff remains outside the Hall of Fame is particularly striking given his status as one of the few 20th-century world champions not to be inducted.
Demolition: A Surprising Exclusion
Demolition, one of the most iconic tag teams of the 1980s WWF, remains a surprising omission from the WWE Hall of Fame. Though initially seen as a Road Warriors imitation with their face paint and spiked attire, the duo of Bill Eadie and Barry Darsow carved their own path to success. Starting as dominant villains, they eventually became beloved fan favorites. Their record-setting 478-day reign as WWF Tag Team Champions, beginning at WrestleMania IV, cemented their legacy.
Despite their accomplishments, Demolition’s relationship with WWE has been strained. Legal disputes, including a lawsuit over the Demolition name and their participation in concussion-related litigation against the company, have likely contributed to their exclusion from the Hall of Fame. While fans continue to advocate for their induction, Bill Eadie himself has expressed doubt that it will happen anytime soon.
The Midnight Express: A Legendary Tag Team
The Midnight Express stand out as one of the most consistently excellent tag teams of the 1980s, a decade renowned for its incredible tag team wrestling. Their remarkable success, even through a major lineup change, solidified their place among the era’s elite. While they battled many top teams, including The Fantastics and The Road Warriors, their rivalry with The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express remains legendary.
The Midnight Express, with its core of “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton and the interchangeable “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey and “Sweet” Stan Lane, captured numerous championships, including the NWA World Tag Team titles. Their dominance was recognized with both Pro Wrestling Illustrated and Wrestling Observer’s Tag Team of the Year awards in 1987. Despite their absence from the WWE Hall of Fame, The Midnight Express’s impact on tag team wrestling is undeniable.
Bam Bam Bigelow: A Curious Case
Bam Bam Bigelow’s absence from the WWE Hall of Fame is a curious case, especially given his prominence in the 1990s. This agile giant, known for his distinctive flame tattoos and impressive agility, headlined WrestleMania XI against NFL star Lawrence Taylor. He was a standout performer, defying expectations with his athleticism, which included a top-rope moonsault.
Bigelow’s career spanned various promotions. He made a splash in his 1987 WWF debut, notably eliminating two giants in the inaugural Survivor Series main event. He achieved success in New Japan Pro Wrestling, winning tag team gold and challenging for the IWGP Championship. However, Bigelow’s personal life was marred by legal troubles, including charges of attempted kidnapping, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Dynamite Kid: A Complex Issue
The Dynamite Kid’s exclusion from the WWE Hall of Fame is a complex issue, primarily stemming from his troubled personal life. Behind the scenes, he was notorious for his bullying and cruel behavior towards fellow wrestlers. Stories of his hazing and intimidation are numerous, creating a dark cloud over his legacy. Even more disturbing are allegations of domestic abuse, including an incident where he reportedly pulled a gun on his wife in front of their children.
However, when viewed solely through the lens of in-ring performance, The Dynamite Kid was undoubtedly a revolutionary figure in professional wrestling. He was a pioneer of a high-impact, athletic style that blended speed, power, and aerial maneuvers. His legendary matches with Tiger Mask in Japan are considered some of the greatest of all time, with one even receiving the first-ever five-star rating from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer.
Sid Vicious: A Forgotten Legend
Sycho Sid, also known as Sid Vicious and Sid Justice, is often overlooked in Hall of Fame discussions, but his impact on 1990s wrestling warrants serious consideration. Sid was a major player in the biggest promotions of the era, achieving significant success in WCW, ECW, and WWE. He was a four-time world champion, capturing the top prize in both WWE and WCW twice, and consistently featured in main event storylines.
Though often excluded from conversations about the greatest wrestlers of his generation, Sid’s achievements and his impact on the industry make a strong case for his inclusion in the WWE Hall of Fame. Sadly, Sid passed away in 2024 after battling cancer, but hopefully, his family will be called upon to induct him someday.
Rick Martel: A Puzzling Omission
Rick Martel, a highly skilled wrestler with a career spanning multiple promotions, is a puzzling omission from the WWE Hall of Fame. Martel captured championships in various organizations, including the AWA, WCW, and WWF. His impressive 18-month reign as AWA World Heavyweight Champion showcased his exceptional talent.
Despite his accomplishments, Martel remains outside the Hall of Fame. Reports suggest that he has been approached about induction but has shown little interest. Some speculate that his distance from the wrestling industry and his current focus on real estate may contribute to his apparent lack of desire for the honor. While his relationship with WWE seems amicable, it appears that Martel has simply moved on from his wrestling past.
Lex Luger: A Notable Exclusion
Lex Luger, a prominent figure in professional wrestling throughout the 1990s, remains a notable exclusion from the WWE Hall of Fame. He first rose to prominence in WCW, where he was a member of the prestigious Four Horsemen and a long-reigning United States Champion, holding the record for the longest single reign to this day.
Despite his accomplishments, Luger’s personal struggles likely explain his absence from the Hall of Fame. He faced serious legal issues in 2003, including allegations of domestic abuse and involvement in the tragic death of his girlfriend, Miss Elizabeth. His subsequent legal battles and health challenges, including being wheelchair-bound, may further contribute to his exclusion. However, Luger is now working as an ambassador for WWE, and if he gets the call for his Hall of Fame induction, he plans on walking
