WWE Hall of Fame Coverage
April 6, 2019
Brooklyn, New York
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
The show opens up with the same Hall of Fame intro video they always do… until it is interrupted by Triple H and Shawn Michaels, who call attention to the fact that it is the same video for 10 years. They then call attention to all the inductees of the year.
Renee Young and Corey Graves are the hosts for the show. They talk about the new look of the show. Graves says they couldn’t use the old stage since Hillbilly Jim is still giving his speech on it from last year’s speech. This leads them to talking about the first inductee, The Honky Tonk Man.
Video Package: The career of The Honky Tonk Man
🎶 He's got long sideburns, and his hair's slicked back 🎶
And he's your FIRST inductee into the #WWEHOF tonight! @OfficialHTM pic.twitter.com/LVBhrsIz5w
— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2019
Jimmy Hart is introduced, and he makes his entrance to a nice reception. Hart talks about meeting Wayne Ferris years ago. Their careers went different directions. Hart went to New York (WWF) and Ferris stayed in the South. Years later, the office introduced him to Ferris, who looked much different than he did years back. Hart was tasked with making music for him, so they went South and cut some records for him. After that, the rocket was strapped to The Honky Tonk Man. Hart then introduces his good friend, The Honky Tonk Man.
IT'S THE MOUTH OF THE SOUTH, BABY! @RealJimmyHart is here to induct @OfficialHTM into the @WWE Hall of Fame! #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/KDIzsIy3Nn
— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2019
Honky Tonk Man
Honky Tonk Man’s music hits, and he is driven into the arena in a pink Cadillac. HTM is handed his guitar and he makes his way to the ring/stage through the crowd. HTM gets in the ring and says he wouldn’t be here without Jimmy Hart, and he thanks him. HTM then thanks WWE for inducting him into the 2019 Hall of Fame class. This is a great class. Every dream he has dreamed has come true a thousand times. This is the one dream he never thought would happen: getting into the WWE Hall of Fame. A “You deserve it” chant fires up. HTM looks happy. There is a saying in WWE that says, “Never say never.” HTM is living proof of that.
Still cool, still cocky, BADDER THAN EVER.#WWEHOF @OfficialHTM pic.twitter.com/CIstOseTHh
— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2019
Watching the video package sent him back in time — a time he’d like to share with the crowd. It’s not a history of him or his career, but how this character of The Honky Tonk Man came about. There’s a lot of people that helped him along the way that he’d like to thank. It’s been quite a journey and a good trip. HTM wouldn’t change a thing and would do it all again. This character has a good story as to how it came about. His son Roy and his daughter might not even tell this. His daughter said he should lose some weight before he comes to the show, so he took the doctor’s orders. HTM was at a point in his career where something needed to change to get the ball rolling. HTM had a vision of this character in mind being a greaseball-type character. He needed a name for it, so he was driving along the Gulf Coast one night listening to the radio. The lyric was, “I’m a honky tonk man.” The name of the song kind of described this character he was trying to create. He asked the local promotor if he could give the character a try, and he gave the ok. When he showed up with the black hair and sideburns, the promoter wanted him to have a guitar. HTM said he can’t play, but the promotor said that makes it better. The Honky Tonk Man was off and running. After that, he took the HTM character to Calgary. It was there that he started to work hard on developing this character. He studied tapes, learned how and where to stand, and how to do promos to present the characters the way he created. At this time, WWE was selling out arenas all over North America. They had a big show coming to Calgary. He got a spot on the show. His friend who he hasn’t seen in several years was on that show headlining. That person saw the HTM character and said he’d recommend him. HTM jumped at the chance. WWE hired him on the spot. If that recommendation was made, there wouldn’t be a Honky Tonk Man in WWE. HTM can’t think this person enough. They’ve been friends for many years and still are today. HTM says to this person… “I love you, brother!” It sounds like Hulk Hogan.
WWE took his character, polished it, and put the finishing touches on it. WWE did something he couldn’t not do with this character. They gave it life. WWE gave The Honky Tonk Man life. They made the character a household name. Because of WWE, this character will never die and live forever. That is the power of WWE. For all this, he will be forever grateful to WWE. It really is an honor to be part of such an incredible family. HTM thanks the crowd and WWE. The crowd gives him a nice hand.
"WWE gave The Honky Tonk Man LIFE." – @OfficialHTM #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/D3ElwCbpTI
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 6, 2019
Jimmy Hart says he can’t leave until he sings his big record. HTM takes a microphone and asks if they want to hear him sing a song. The crowd does. The music starts, and HTM starts singing his song. Hart is dancing in the ring with Peggy Sue. Ronda Rousey is seen enjoying the show with her husband, Travis Browne. HTM, Peggy Sue, and Jimmy Hart go into the crowd dancing and singing.
Let @OfficialHTM show you how to ROCK and ROLL! #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/k4Ucr2iCnq
— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2019
Fun opening induction with The Honky Tonk Man. HTM was extremely humble and well spoken here. HTM didn't wiggle the hips, but he can still carry a tune. #WWEHOF
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 6, 2019
Highlights are shown of D-Generation X through the years.
Video Package: The career of Torrie Wilson
Stacy Keibler is introduced as the person inducting Torrie Wilson into the WWE Hall of Fame. She comes out to a great reception. This is Keibler’s first appearance in WWE in 13 years.
"YOU created the Women's Evolution!" – @StacyKeibler addresses the @WWEUniverse at #WWEHOF! pic.twitter.com/WkNmkH1gyM
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 6, 2019
Keibler gets in the ring and says she has missed the crowd. A “Stacy” chant picks up. Keibler is grateful to be here because there are no fans like the WWE Universe. There is no time like 2019 to be a woman in the WWE Universe. Keibler thanks the fans and says they created the Women’s Revolution. She is excited to watch Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch main event WrestleMania. A loud “Becky” chant fires up. Lynch looks really happy. Keibler talks about Torrie Wilson being so strong. In college, Keibler was a huge wrestling fan. She remembers auditioning to be a Nitro Girl. She was nervous, but she remembers how nice and welcoming Torrie Wilson was. Wilson is compassionate and down to earth. That was the start of their friendship. It is still going strong 20 years later. They’ve been partners in crime and roommates. She’s seen Wilson turn heads and break hearts. Wilson has constantly reinvented herself through the years. Wilson is on a mission to uplift, inspire, and motivate to be confident. She is the embodiment of the evolution of women. She is so excited and honored to join WWE in inducting Torrie Wilson into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Torrie Wilson
Welcome to the @WWE Hall of Fame @Torrie11! #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/lGDYVPNFew
— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2019
Torrie Wilson makes her entrance in a nice red dress. She looks great. Her father passed away very recently, and she looks very emotional. She says it’s been a tough week. She talks about being in 4th grade and having the cutest boy in class asked her to be his girlfriend. She was so nervous that she hid in the bathroom. They were then off for 2 weeks on holiday break and she ate out of nervousness. The boy called her “fatso” upon seeing her. The crowd boos. A picture of Wilson as a child is shown. She didn’t want to be a shy, weird fatso. She made a vow to make that kid eat his words.
She talks about her first day in WWE and being so nervous around Steve Austin and The Rock. She was hoping that no one would catch on that she was shy and not confident. Wilson then asked who decides those feelings. She did. She says people think fear is something you choose to overcome. We all have fear. Fear only has one enemy, and that is a confident persona. Thanks to the WWE and her nearly 10 year wrestling career, she had a confidence she wouldn’t have found anywhere else. She played the role of someone she wished she could be. The crowd pushed her to be confident and amplify the persona. You don’t have to be a WWE Superstar to find your confident persona. She says the crowd gave her something invaluable and she wants to give them that power as well. Wilson says permission is for pansies. We don’t need anyone’s permission to be who we want to be. She didn’t ask the guy who said she didn’t belong in the WWE Hall of Fame if she could be here tonight. It doesn’t stop her from being here.
"A lot of us think fear is something we just choose to overcome…Fear only has one enemy, and that is a confident persona." – @Torrie11 #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/BSTM3NeGqR
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 6, 2019
Wilson talks about how she wasn’t hired for her wrestling ability. She botched moves, looked awkward, and had some bad dances. She kept going because she made herself forget the failure. You have to summon your swagger. She remembers Judgment Day 2003. It wasn’t a wrestling match per se — rather a pose-off against Sable. She was watching Sable own the place, and Wilson wanted to either die or get 5-minutes of rhythm. She summoned her swagger and survived. They’ve come a long way since then. Not everything is as it seems. You can win your match against fear every time.
Wilson thanks everyone who helped her in front of and behind the camera. Even the jerkoffs are a happy memory. She thanks Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan. They met a fitness model backstage and handed her an opportunity. She ran with it and will forever be indebted. Wilson thanks then and holds back emotion. She next talks about Fit Finlay. Wilson apologizes to him for all the times that she cried because she couldn’t get something right. Finlay is a patient man and wants nothing more than to see women crushing it. Even when she had a hard time taking herself seriously, Finlay showed her what she’s made of. Finlay is a huge reason why we’re seeing women main event WrestleMania tomorrow. A “Thank you, Finlay” chant picks up. Next she thanks Pete aka Billy Kidman aka her ex-husband. She thanks him for teaching her how to function in this world. He taught her how to avoid heat. She thanks Stacy Keibler. They were two clueless blondes wanting to have fun. No one understands her journey like Keibler does. Keibler got more heat, so it stayed off her. Michelle McCool was her road wife before Undertaker got to her. McCool is honest and loyal. She’s grateful for McCool as a friend. Victoria is next. She is hilarious and great. Victoria builds everyone up around her. She thanks Victoria, who is shown crying in the crowd. Candice Michelle is shown in the crowd, and Wilson says Michelle is everything she wanted to be in the ring.
Wilson thanks her family and gets emotional saying how crazy the week has been. She thanks her family for being there and mentions her father. Her father passed away two days ago. She was blessed to have a crazy experience with him here. Al Wilson made an ass out of himself, but he did it for her to spend time with her. A picture is shown of his time in WWE. She thanks Dawn Marie for making his life. Wilson ends with the WWE Universe and thanks them. They’re hard to win over, but she thanks them for letting her into their lives… or their puberty. The men in the crowd give her a loud round of applause. A “Thank you, Torrie” chant picks up. Wilson thanks her 4th grade boyfriend for giving her a glimpse into the confidence she needed for herself. The next time you have the opportunity to face fear head-on, check that box “yes.” She thanks the crowd and takes a bow.
Nothing but L-O-V-E from @Torrie11 for @McCoolMichelleL @REALLiSAMARiE @DIVACANDICEM @StacyKeibler and more… #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/gkmwX4own8
— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2019
Very sweet induction speech from Torrie Wilson. You really have to feel for her with Al Wilson passing away two days ago. The courage to be there tonight is unreal. My hat is off to her. #WWEHOF
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 6, 2019
A hilarious back and forth is shown of The Miz and Shane McMahon. The Miz is cheered every time, and Shane is booed every time.
Bruiser Brody, Jim Barnett, Hisashi Shinma, Luna Vachon, “Playboy” Buddy Rose, Primo Carnera, Professor Toru Tanaka, S.D. Jones, Wahoo McDaniel, Joe Cohen are announced as the Legacy Inductees. Joe Cohen is shown in the crowd, and he gets a nice reception.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/uVpIUk0RZo
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
Video Package: The career of The Hart Foundation
The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart)
Bret “Hitman” Hart and Natalya, daughter of Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, are accepting the Hall of Fame induction. Natalya wants to put herself into her father’s shoes. She thanks her mother and Bret Hart. She also thanks the WWE Universe for showing The Hart Foundation unconditional love since 1985. They have all made this happen. Her dad’s favorite tag team to wrestle were The British Bulldogs. Davey, Dynamite, Stu, and her father have the best seats in the house tonight. Her dad’s favorite place to wrestle was New York City. The Hart Foundation inspired so many generations of superstars. She runs through a list of great tag teams inspired by the work of The Hart Foundation. Her father would be so proud of all this. Last year, her dad was approached about writing a book. Neidhart said in their last text exchange that the greatest thing he ever did aside from being a father is being in WWE. At the end of the day, he was a wrestler and that is what he loved the most.
The #HartFoundation has its rightful place in the @WWE Hall of Fame.#WWEHOF @BretHart @NatbyNature pic.twitter.com/gqt9cor6fz
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 7, 2019
Bret Hart steps up to the microphone to a big reception. Hart says it is a great honor to be here. Many are called, but few are chosen. He is proud of The Hart Foundation. It still hurts having lost The Anvil last summer. He loved Jim Neidhart. Neidhart was the best friend he ever had. Life as a wrestler is tough, but Neidhart helped him laugh his ass off everyday. To go back into time brings great memories. 1985 saw Dr. D David Shultz slap out John Stossel and the first WrestleMania was going to debut. Hart got his first opportunity to be “Cowboy” Bret Hart. Anvil and Adrian Adonis kidded him the whole time. Hart decided he didn’t want to be a cowboy. Hart isn’t a real cowboy. That night he came up with The Hart Foundation. The promoter didn’t think he could be a heel. Hart was going to quit, but they decided to let him start The Hart Foundation.
Something happens and the WWE feed cuts out. People are rushing the ring/stage. Someone from the crowd tried to get in there. Cops and superstars run into the ring and escort the person out. The crowd is loudly booing this person. Drake Maverick says to pay no attention to that man. Natalya says it’s time to get back to their speech. Hart’s hair is messed up. Hart says being a heel in 1985 was a lot like just happened.
Literally on the verge of tears. Some horrible bastard fan just rushed the the ring and rugby tackled poor Bret Hart. #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/DPGUVrmmpK
— Gorilla Position (@WWEGP) April 7, 2019
Hart thanks the tag teams they worked with. Hart talks about how a mob of people tried to tip their car in New York. King Kong Bundy was in the car. Hart floored it out of there, but didn’t know how to drive in NYC and did a circle back into the mob. Hart thanks the King Kong Bundy and Jimmy Hart. Hart then thanks the teams they worked with as babyfaces.
The best thing that ever happened to Jim Neidhart wasn’t the phone call he made to his father to begin his career. The best thing was the love that blossomed between Neidhart and Hart’s sister, Ellie. Hart says Natalya made Jim so proud. Everyone in the Hart Family stand in awe of her hard work and dedication. Hart loved Neidhart like a brother. Neidhart could make his smile in his darkest hours. The Hart Foundation lived life to the fullest. They broke rules and made new ones. Hart says he’s lost too many dear friends these past few years. Not everyone will grow old with you. Wrestling is a profession where trust and loyalty mean everything. Hart never had an argument or disagreement with Anvil. Hart looks forward to seeing Anvil in heaven as long as he isn’t pulled the other way. Hart thanks WWE for fulfilling their dreams and thanks all the great wrestlers they worked with. Hart says they’re the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. Neidhart is shown on the screen agreeing. The crowd gives them a nice hand.
Thank you, @BretHart.
Thank you, Jim #TheAnvil.
THANK YOU, HART FOUNDATION! #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/NC9EoWcNHL— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
In 25 years of being a fan of professional wrestling, that's the most despicable thing I've ever seen. A person runs in through the crowd and tackles Bret Hart during the #WWEHOF ceremony. That's literally one of the worst things I've seen. Horrible.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 7, 2019
So much respect to Bret Hart and Natalya for keeping their composure and getting through this speech. No question they were already emotional thinking of how #TheAnvil wasn't there and then to have this ingrate try to spoil their moment… that's amazing. #WWEHOF
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 7, 2019
Video Package: The career of Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake
Hulk Hogan is introduced to the crowd, and he comes out to a huge reaction. Barbershop polls are set up on the corners of the ring. Hogan says, “WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, MEAN GENE!”
Did somebody say HALL OF FAMER?@HulkHogan has ARRIVED! #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/9RBdb6qh2Z
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
Hogan talks about being a wrestling fan with Brutus Beefcake and going to the armory to watch Dusty Rhodes drop elbows. Hogan wanted to be a wrestler and went to train with Hiro Matsuda, but it wasn’t like the Performance Center. Matsuda broke his leg on purpose. Hogan started a bar and gym and needed Ed Leslie to help. Years later, the space program was taken out of Cape Canaveral and the bar died. Hogan said he was going back on the road to be a wrestler again. Ed Leslie came with them and was taught how to be a wrestler. Years later, Hogan and Brutus were reunited. They needed to figure out what to name him. He had so many names. Beefcake loves this business so much. Hogan was with him when both his parents died and he had a bad parasailing accident. Still, he kept coming back. Hogan is proud to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake makes his entrance to a nice reception with his trademark scissors.
✂️ Welcome to the @WWE Hall of Fame, @brutusbeefcake_! ✂️ #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/d1Y0YTx8JA
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
Beefcake says he can’t believe he’s standing here and thanks WWE. 41 years in the ring is a long time. Beefcake thanks Hulk Hogan for his friendship. Beefcake talks about how his name was supposed to be Baron Beefcake, but he didn’t like the name Baron. Beefcake apologizes to Baron Corbin in a great moment. Initially he didn’t like “The Barber” gimmick. Then Pat Patterson came up with an idea to put his opponents in sleeper holds and cut their hair off. Beefcake thanks his wife, Missy, who saved him. Beefcake also mentions his daughter, Alanna, and his grandson, Gino. Beefcake thinks about some of his great moments, including cutting Adrian Adonis’ hair at WrestleMania III. WrestleMania VI was another great moment for him. Curt Hennig was a super athlete and magic in the ring. That night he was supposed to cut The Genius’ hair. Lanny Poffo had no idea he was supposed to get a haircut. “Macho Man” Randy Savage wanted to fight him after, but Pat Patterson intervened. Beefcake thanks God for saving him from that horrible parasailing accident.
"The sound of the crowd in that building just made everything vibrate, it was unbelievable." – @brutusbeefcake_ on @WrestleMania III #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/0nU1ZNEWEf
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 7, 2019
Beefcake says he recently renewed his barber’s license and wants to give a special shoutout to Shawn Michaels, but not for putting Marty Jannetty through the barber shop window. HBK owes him $350 for that. Beefcake thanks him for letting him shave his head. He loves being “The Barber” and is happy to strut and cut his way into the Hall of Fame.
Nice speech from Brutus Beefcake on his induction into the #WWEHOF. Beefcake is a really genuine, humble guy. I had the pleasure of interviewing him back in September at the first #Starrcast. #BTFBBhttps://t.co/RmPve873d0
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 7, 2019
Video Package: Sue Aitchison receives the 2019 Warrior Award
Dana Warrior is introduced to the crowd. She talks about the spirit of The Ultimate Warrior. This year’s recipient is so deserving of this award. Warrior talked about unsung heroes in WWE. Sue Aitchison is one of them. This year’s recipient has no shortage of heart and guts. Aitchison is no nonsense and a wonderful person. Aitchison has had to wrangle many superstars, including the one who this award is named after. She has helped so many people for 30 years. It is her honor to introduce the Ultimate Warrior of wishes, Mr. John Cena.
The SPIRIT of the Ultimate Warrior just filled the @barclayscenter!#WWEHOF @DanaWarriorWWE pic.twitter.com/iYNoAuXZM0
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
John Cena makes his way to the ring to a great reception. A “Face Kurt Angle” chant fires up. Cena smirks. Cena says he’s learned a lot from Sue Aitchison. Cena learned how WWE could help him and also how he could help WWE. A “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks” chant picks up. Cena says he’s fortunate for the newfound energy in the building. Cena says he learned from Sue Aitchison how he can help.
"I met Sue early in my career…She is tireless, she is selfless, she is amazing, she is the REASON why @WWE has a relationship with @MakeAWish." – @JohnCena #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/iUi0TERUEa
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 7, 2019
Sue Aitchison, 2019 Warrior Award recipient
Sue Aitchison makes her way to the ring/stage to a nice reception. A “Thank you, Sue” chant picks up. Aitchison says while she was being inducted, she also had to organize the event. Luckily the plane issues were resolved and all her family is here. She thanks the McMahon family for giving her a job she loves. She talks about a young man who lost two legs to cancer and got out of the hospital in 2 days to meet his favorite WWE Superstar. She mentions Connor Michalek and arranging for him to meet his favorite superstar, Daniel Bryan. She then talks about Conor’s Cure and the money raised. She thanks everyone who helps coordinate these events. She recognizes the WWE Superstars, including Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage, who have granted so many wishes. Currently, John Cena has granted 619 wishes. No one in any discipline has achieved this. Justin Bieber tried to claim he did more, but she picked up the phone and confirmed this honor belongs to WWE and John Cena! She’s hoping to make TMZ with that remark. She’s happy to say many of the children do recover and go on to live happy and successful lives. One of her top motivators is alive today. This person met The Rock. He is now a grown man with two kids of his own. She recognizes him, and he gets a round of applause. Jody gets in the ring and stands with Aitchison. She’s truly humbled by this honor. Wishes do come true and tells the crowd to keep wishing.
"Wishes do come true. LET'S KEEP ON WISHING!" – Sue Aitchison #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/w0LP8Lxenf
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 7, 2019
Awesome speech from Sue Aitchison. That's what the Warrior Award is all about. Nice to see WWE recognize one of their own. #WWEHOF
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 7, 2019
More highlights are shown of D-Generation X.
Video Package: The career of Harlem Heat
Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray)
Harlem Heat makes their way to the ring. Booker T says they did it. Stevie Ray says it’s on like a steaming pile of neck bones. Booker T says he wishes their mother was here watching her boys go into the Hall of Fame, but he knows she’s watching. Booker T says grew up wanting to be his brother. Whatever his brother wanted to do, Booker T wanted to do it. Booker T says his brother always had his back. They lost their parents young. Booker T got caught slipping and went to prison. Even behind prison walls, his brother still had his back. Every time they talked, it would be about wrestling. What was Hogan doing? What was Piper doing? When he came home from prison, his brother had his back. Booker T needed to get a job, and his brother helped. His brother told him to do the job to the best of his ability because Booker T is representing him. To this day, he’s been doing that job to the best of his ability. Booker T says he would not be here if not for his brother. Booker T is living his brother’s dream. His brother wanted to do this since day one. When he got back from prison, he made weight belts that said “Mr. Ebony 1” and “Mr. Ebony 2.” Stevie Ray got “Mr. Ebony 1” because he still wanted to be his brother.
Stevie Ray says Harlem Heat didn’t start off as a tag team. They had no inclination to be a tag team. They went to a school owned by Ivan Putski and Scott Casey. Stevie Ray opened up a wrestling organization with his brother, but it closed down after a few months. Then they got a call from Tugboat Taylor and worked for him. Soon after, Global in Dallas brought them in. Stevie Ray brought his brother with him. “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert welcomed them and made them a babyface tag team. They had never tagged before. Stevie Ray created his name off Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. They had a tryout, but the tag team was horrible. The next week Eddie Gilbert was fired. They faced the same tag team and made them look better than they ever did. They became The Ebony Express.
Booker T calls attention to Sister Sherri and says she needs props as being one of the starters of the Women’s Revolution. Stevie Ray says she got them rolling. They faced Sid Vicious and his partner, who wound up being a friend of Vicious’. This guy only knew two holds, and they still made him look good. Ole Anderson said they could work, but he wanted to know if they could make money. Anderson initially said he was told to send them back to Texas, but he wanted to keep them. Anderson changed their gimmick and told them not to let him down. Working in WCW was a challenge. They were out there working with good talent. Hulk Hogan saw something in them as well. They won 10 Tag Team Titles and traveled the world. With the support of their family and friends, as well as many guys in the business, they were successful. Stevie Ray calls attention to Arn Anderson and thanks him for what he did for them. Booker T says he wants to end it… but Stevie Ray stops him. Stevie Ray says, “Don’t get slapped, Jack… and suckas got to know!”
Booker T says The Usos, The Revival, The Street Profits, and The New Day are taking the tag team division to the next level. Booker T calls attention to Kofimania. A lout “Kofi” chant picks up while Daniel Bryan shakes his head. Booker T says Daniel Bryan will get an ass whoopin’ tomorrow night. A “YES” chant picks up. Booker T thanks his wife, kids, his aunt, mother-in-law, and the rest of his family. They’re in the Hall of Fame. Now can you dig that, sucka?!
Welcome to the @WWE Hall of Fame, #HarlemHeat!#WWEHOF @BookerT5x @RealStevieRay pic.twitter.com/9IyOlqxr6l
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
Good speech from Harlem Heat. Booker T and Stevie Ray had a lot of fun out there tonight. #WWEHOF
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 7, 2019
Video Package: D-Generation X
D-Generation X (Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, and Chyna)
D-Generation X is introduced to the crowd, and they make their entrance on the vehicle they invaded WCW with. They throw light sticks into the crowd. Road Dogg gets in the ring and dares someone to hit the ring on them. A “DX” chant picks up. They all have handheld microphones. Triple H says things have changed. They used to break the rules, but he has a job now as an executive. The people boo that. Triple H doesn’t know what his job title means, but it sounds important. If you call anyone an Executive Vice President, they feel important. They need to set parameters. Billy Gunn doesn’t know what that means. There are rules that come with getting inducted into the Hall of Fame. One of the rules is you can’t thank Vince McMahon. Triple H says the sheet says you cannot talk about Vince McMahon. HBK asks if you can just say, “Vince.” Road Dogg asks who said they can’t say it. Triple H says Vince McMahon says you can’t say it. Road Dogg asks if the crowd can say his name. Triple H says you can’t thank Vince, but a “Thank you, Vince” chant picks up. McMahon will come out and authorize him to give them job only to fire them. HBK says he’ll never thank Vince McMahon, especially for his two rings. Billy Gunn says he can’t be fired. An “AEW” chant picks up. Triple H says McMahon will buy that pissant company just to fire him again!
HBK says they have to call attention to the member who is not here. A loud “Thank you, Chyna” chant picks up. Her image is shown on the screen. HBK says the word “trailblazer” has been thrown around a lot these days, but they wouldn’t have reached the heights they reached without her. A “She deserves it” chant picks up. HBK says they won’t hear any argument from them. They wouldn’t be where they are without the contributions of the 9th Wonder of the World, Chyna.
#ThankYouChyna. #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/McB5CdNLu5
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
Road Dogg grabs a giant script and says he came up with some thoughts along with Hillbilly Jim and puts on some glasses. Triple H puts some glasses on with crooked eyes and says he got HBK’s. HBK is wearing glasses with a big nose and says he has Triple H’s. Road Dogg says he wants to thank god for his sobriety and to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Road Dogg thanks his wife, Tracy James. Road Dogg thanks god for her because he put her through hell and will spend the rest of his days trying to pay her back. Road Dogg can’t talk about guys that way, so he has a video played to show his gratitude to DX. Clips are shown of the more friendly moments… until a dog is shown humping a woman’s leg.
Billy Gunn comes up to the microphone and says this is the part where he’s supposed to talk. Gunn thanks Ron and Don Harris, as well as Bill DeMott. Gunn thanks his wife, as well as his sons. Gunn talks about his mother being his number one fan and gets really emotional. DX grabs his shoulders. Gunn thanks his wife because without her, he wouldn’t be standing here. They’ve done a lot of stuff together, but this was the coolest. They make some phallic references, and Gunn pulls out a Super Soaker. The steam is weak. Triple H says this happens as you get older. HBK says it’s just like Billy Gunn to overpromise and underdeliver. HBK thanks him for being here and being… ALL IN.
That didn't quite go as planned…#WWEHOF @RealBillyGunn pic.twitter.com/Icfh4fuxwV
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
X-Pac is next up. A “1-2-3” chant picks up. X-Pac says he figured he’d be inducted, but didn’t think he’d be alive for it. X-Pac thanks his family and says his kids are here. He worked hard to reestablish that relationship with them. X-Pac says he’s stumbling his words and is so nervous. X-Pac thanks Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes first. He also thanks the Malenkos for training him. Jerry Lynn receives a shoutout as one of the greatest to ever step in the ring. X-Pac also thanks Razor Ramon, who stands up and takes a bow. X-Pac says Razor Ramon made him and he thanks him. He thanks The Kliq. If it weren’t for The Kliq, you wouldn’t have DX or the nWo. X-Pac thanks Bret Hart for the best singles matches of his career and one of the best RAW matches ever. X-Pac thanks Eric Bischoff for bringing him to WCW to go into the nWo and firing him just in time to join DX to help win the Monday Night War. Finally, he thanks his DX friends, as well as Maria Menounos. X-Pac thanks Chyna and says they should rename the Women’s Battle Royal to the Chyna Memorial Battle Royal. A loud “YES” chant picks up. X-Pac says he loved when women would show them their boobs. They than show some pictures of older women with sagging breasts as their current fans.
Shawn Michaels steps up to the microphone. HBK thanks his loving family… except they didn’t come. HBK is here all alone. His wife and children are embarrassed of them. Triple H says of course they are. He wore a cowboy hat and chaps. Even Bret Hart knew better.
Triple H wants to thank a few people. An “NXT” chant picks up. Triple H thanks Killer Kowalski for training him and making him Terra Ryzing. Triple H thanks all the people in the business. You’re nothing without the person standing across the ring from him. Triple H thanks Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and The Kliq. They were often imitated, but never duplicated. A “Too Sweet — Woo, Woo” chant picks up. Triple H says he always hated that. Their stuff was cool. That chant isn’t. DX was a great time in his life. They’re his brothers. They sat in the back with no idea of what they wanted to say like they always did. Triple H thanks his DX stablemates. Triple H mentions Chyna. He wouldn’t be where he is without her in his career. It’s fitting in this moment that at WrestleMania tomorrow night women will headline WrestleMania for the first time in history. The night before that, one of the most impactful women to ever step into the ring gets inducted into the Hall of Fame. Chyna’s sister Kathy is here tonight. Triple H says the real Joanie Laurer is here tonight. A “Thank you, Chyna” chant picks up. The real Chyna would love this. To his family — Aurora, Murphy, and Vaughn — he has one thing to say to them: he loves them more than they love him. Triple H thanks Vince McMahon before mentioning his wife, Stephanie McMahon. Triple H simply says, “Forever.” Triple H mentions his nephew, niece, his sister-in-law, and his mom and dad.
"Forever." – @TripleH to @StephMcMahon #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/JT2uEmZWkf
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
They did and said a lot of crazy things as DX, including mooning and making genitalia jokes, but his mom actually wrote most of that stuff. Triple H says his mom is the master of the penis joke. HBK says the world isn’t pretty. There’s a whole generation that they corrupted. HBK then looks at the current generation of wrestling and says they’re disgusting. HBK gives the world a heartfelt apology. A “NO” chant picks up, but then cheers as a DX podium is brought on. HBK stands in front of the podium. HBK talks about the eloquence of X-Pac and says he’ll let him speak when they’re done making fun of him. HBK tells X-Pac to apologize to a whole generation. X-Pac says, “Your ass is grass and I’m gonna smoke it.” They want Road Dogg to try instead. Road Dogg then goes through his whole New Age Outlaws shtick. Road Dogg then apologizes. Triple H steps up to the podium. Before he sincerely apologizes, he needs to know one thing: Are you ready? No… he said, “Are you ready?” For the thousands in attendance and the millions watching around the world… and because DX is officially in the Hall of Fame… LET’S GET READY TO SUCK IT!
#DX owes the @WWEUniverse, and the whole world, a "heartfelt apology".#WWEHOF @ShawnMichaels pic.twitter.com/M5uDc20NkW
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
Finally, Billy Gunn steps up and removes his jacket. Gunn says, “If you’re not down with DX being in the Hall of Fame, we’ve got two words for you… SUCK IT!” DX then sprays the crowd and superstars with Super Soakers. Good night, everyone.
"IF YOU'RE NOT DOWN WITH DX BEING IN THE HALL OF FAME, WE GOT TWO WORDS FOR YA!"
Welcome to the #WWEHOF, #DX! pic.twitter.com/yepoqBSP9p
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
Oh, we're down with this.@TripleH @ShawnMichaels @WWERoadDogg @RealBillyGunn @TheRealXPac & Chyna are officially enshrined in the @WWE Hall of Fame, and the celebration is ON! #WWEHOF #DX pic.twitter.com/4xxnsbLyKc
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
Fun speech from DX. It got a little long, but there were definitely some moments I laughed out loud at. There were genuine moments contained in this and some good fun. Overall success. #WWEHOF
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 7, 2019
Much better #WWEHOF presentation this year aside from the moron that rushed the ring on Bret Hart. I liked the new look and the shorter format (came in at 3 and a half hours compared to 5 hours last year). Still could be shorter, but this didn't feel like a chore to watch.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 7, 2019
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