2016 WWE HALL OF FAME

It was possibly one of, if not the best one yet. Things did seem to run a little long, but that isn't really a negative thing. For years it felt that some things were rushed, especially before the WWE Network. This is the last moment in the spotlight for most of these people, and a moment to soak in and appreciate their careers and the crowds admiration. Especially for the people who receive the induction on behalf of their late parent and or spouse. What better way to experience why they were away from home so much. Money for food on the table, but to also be a star with thousands of people cheering or booing you every night.

This year we got all of that. Jacqueline's acceptance speech was the only one slightly scripted, but that seemed more on her part to stay on track. Vader had what seemed to be a point list to help him remember the topics he wanted to cover. Ric Flair had a script, and didn't use it as per usual, but that was most likely because the Nature Boy doesn't work with scripts and can go on and on if not reigned in haha Previous years, many people felt like they were under restraints and had to use a script. Which I understand, it is a live event and most of the best stories aren't for family television, or some are known to bad mouth the company at times so best to ensure they don't try to, even accidentally, bury the company putting them in the spotlight.
As with basically everything live on television, there was a dress rehearsal, but that was probably just for the formalities and whatnot. Because everything felt natural, the stuff with JBL and Ron Simmons was likely planned, but was done in a way you wouldn't have guessed it. They at least hovered around the stuff we all wanted to hear. Bubba Ray and Devon were along the same lines, with Bubba Ray even cutting Devon off and saying he is only supposed to say "Testify". Made it funnier as my gf had noticed Bubba doing most of the talking haha

Entertainment of the night came with the Freebird induction. Michael P.S. Hayes doing what he does best and entertain with stories and a performance. I have dubbed this the best acceptance speech ever. Not because of the Bad Street performance. Not even the inclusion of the late Freebird members sons on stage (which was touching, and one of the examples of what I mentioned earlier). It was because of one thing. Hayes' reference to the "Plane Ride From Hell". For those unaware, on that plane ride back to the US a lot of things happened (youtube some shoot interviews). Most notably Michael Hayes being so wasted that he was in the aisle, thinking that he was in that stall, trying to unzip his pants so he take a piss. Funny. Not done. Obviously Michael was "aiming" into the seats. His selected seat? Linda McMahon. Ya. Linda was in the front row for the Hall Of Fame ceremony, and was so "cool" with it all. Appeared to be at least, but then again The McMahon's have never been called snobs and are always portrayed in real life as normal regular people who happen to be loaded.

Closing things out was Sting's induction. Many who watched I am sure are focusing on what happened like myself. Sting officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling. He did say that it wasn't the last we saw of him. Which I am thinking, although we won't get Undertaker V Sting as a full length match, at Wrestlemania 32 we will at least have them together in the ring for what will still be a massive Wrestlemania moment.

THE ORIGINAL SCREW JOB

When we hear or think of "Screw Job", those whom aren't overly perverted, think of the Montreal Screw Job. However, it wasn't the first time Vince McMahon turned the tables of a champion. The original screwing came in the mid 80's well before the internet and everyone having access to the "dirt sheets". So, for some of you this may be something new to you.

When: November 25th, 1985
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Target: Wendi Richter, WWF Womens Champion
Players: Vince McMahon, The Fabulous Moolah, Dick Kroll (referee)

Apparently, it was again over not signing a contract. Ironically, the same month only 22 years earlier than Montreal. The difference here, is that there is nothing stating Wendi Richter was looking to "jump ship" like Bret Hart was doing. Montreal makes sense in many ways, however the original screw job doesn't really. It would appear Vince McMahon via Gorilla Monsoon, was trying to get Wendi to sign a new deal, Which she had been rightfully asking for. Wendi was looking to be compensated, something happened. What exactly, we are not sure. Was it Vince worried she would become a "diva" (pun intended) and hold the title ransom? Was he pissed Richter didn't jump and sign the deal? Was it simply her asking to wait until after the match to read and sign it that triggered it all?

Regardless of the "why", it played out as such. Wendi Richter was scheduled to face the mysterious and masked Spider (Spider Lady). However, after whatever happened with Vince, The Fabulous Moolah dawned the costume and mask, and replaced whomever as Spider Lady for this match. Unbeknownst to Richter, who appears to be the only person "out of the loop" on this one. Although Richter says that she had a hint that something was up given the change in Spider Lady's physical appearance, but couldn't just walk away from the match. Vince found the right spot in the match to do the screw job, a small package by Spider Lady in which Wendi is supposed to (and did) kick out of. The ref of course was in on the swerve and made sure that there was a 3 count. Bell rings. And although would appear to be part of the show, Richter rips off Moolah's mask, and even appears to attempt to pin her. It is possible, that this was all part of the "training" that goes with pro wrestling. Continue as planned, if at all possible.
Again, with no internet and McMahon not using the angle to unveil "Mr. McMahon" most of us were completely unaware of the realism that was happening. For the average fan at at time, just assumed it was part of the business. People came and went for years. Even though Wendi Richter was as over as she was, she was still a professional wrestler. It wasn't until years later that the masses were made aware of this. If you hadn't read or watched a shoot interview with Wendi Richter, you finally heard the full story (at least her side). The one thing Vince did do however, was replay the spot through the years. Never explaining, simply showing it. Richter basically disappeared after that. She did carry on in the independence more a moment, even capturing other Womens Championships, but very little before retiring in 2005. Then, perhaps as an apology for the screw job, WWE inducted Wendi Richter in the 2010 WWE Hall Of Fame.

Much like the Montreal Screw Job, a lot of this does still feel like a "work". We never really know for sure. Was there a reason Richter needed to drop the title? Was there real life issues on any kind, or anything that lead to a mutual agreement? Appearing as a swerve would garner attention no matter the era. Who's to say it just didn't back fire, leaving Richter getting the shaft. Even after everyone involved giving their stories, it's confusing. Add that although it is on life support, Kayfab still exists. And the further back you go in wrestling history, the stronger it becomes. But, the Montreal Screw Job could easily have been Vince and Bret looking to help each other. Bret with legit beef going into WCW and having something to talk about, and Vince with his new direction. That is all of course, if we're not being told the truths haha As it is "dead horse" status in regards to all involved telling us.

IT BEGINS WITH JACQUELINE

Rightfully so. Jacqueline did everything that the WWE product required of her at the times. The Attitude Era saw her show the confidence it takes to strut around in a bikini (even exposing her breasts on occasion), but again, that was what the WWE product needed from her at that time. Then they needed her to wrestle, and she did that flawlessly. Working with all types too, from those who couldn't really wrestle (Sable, although has some MMA ability) to even the men. Even winning the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

Trish Status and Lita were obvious choices to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Their names were as known as any of the guys (including Rock and Stone Cold), and to be honest, if you put Sunny in there...well. With Jacqueline being inducted this year, it makes me think that combined with the recent "Divas Movement", this is a sign of things to come. There were plenty of Divas from yesteryear that deserve to be in the Hall Of Fame, and not actually talking about Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson, although there "star power" earned through wrestling makes them deserving. What about the females who were like Jacqueline and could actually wrestle.
Ivory. Another Diva who could do it all, regardless of the products direction. Her "anti-Diva" type reactions during bikini contests and whatnot added to the segment so it was more than just a meat show. She had quality inring ability, and could work a mic (being known as a chatter box helped that I am sure). Her character in RTC (Right To Censor) was just as entertaining as Steven Richards.
Victoria/Tara. She started off as one of The Godfather's hoes, and has become one of the best ever. Her matches with Trish Status were amazing, most notably their hardcore match. She seemed to get better with age, both ability and looks wise.
Jazz. Her run wasn't really that long, but she was a good wrestler and likely was held back for not "looking the part", not that she isn't attractive, but as we know there was a certain look for years...basically model like.

Molly Holly. A rare Diva who didn't have to reveal any flesh (beyond some cleavage). She sure could go with anyone in the ring. And she even "out her hair on the line" just so the WWE Womens Championship and women would be represented at Wrestlemania beyond the Playboy Evening Gown Match. Ya.
Luna Vachon. Multi generation...you know what, google the late Diva's work. That was a women's wrestler for sure.
Gail Kim and Mickie James. Might be too early yet, but they are both deserving. Like others on the list, willing and able to give what the product requires of them. Both would make perfect fits in todays Divas division.

Again, I am not against women like Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson going into the WWE Hall Of Fame, I would just prefer to see the women who could wrestle just as good as the men go in first.