The WWE Hall Of Fame inductees for 2016 have been leaked online reports Whatculture . According to the report, the WWE HOF 2016 inductees list includes Sting ( already confirmed ) alongside JBL, Regis Philbin, Jacquelyn, Papa Shango/The Godfather/Kama and The Freebirds. In short, the WWE HOF 2016 ceremony is really leaning into the “hey we’re in Texas” cheap pop.
Whatculture is quick to point out the common sense disclaimer that this is all unconfirmed and could change, but claims to have a high-up WWE source for the info. And, given the Texas-theme to the 2016 HOF class this list makes perfect sense given that WrestleMania is in Dallas this year.
Sting isn’t a native Texan but his inclusion in the HOF was all-but-guaranteed after the detente on display last year when he appeared at WrestleMania and had to put HHH over because Monday Night Wars. Seriously, poor Sting. Jobs at Mania, jobs at Night of Champions and then gets a career threatening/ending injury. A WWE 2016 HOF spot is about the only silver lining they could offer the Stinger at this point.
JBL, for better or worse, belongs on the list. Long rumored to be one of the most colossal pricks backstage , JBL does act as a strong ambassador for the brand. He climbs mountains for charity FFS. And he’s got all the big Red State bravado (complete with cowboy hat) you’d want from a native Texan tasked with public speaking inside a building full of enthusiastic Texans. He’s held every title and provides a benign, watered-down heel commentary somewhere between Jim Ross, Jerry “The King” Lawler and a tepid puddle of sweat. “That’s not Sting. That’s a picture of Sting.”
Regis Philbin is going to be delightful. Like all celebrity picks for the WWE HOF you’re kind of left remembering what exactly he did. Here’s a reminder:
The best celebrities are the ones who are in on the fun. Regis absolutely is and his speech should be one of the more enthusiastic ones of the night. Hopefully the “WHAT?” chants stay in check for the TV legend.
Jacquelyn is a solid choice for a WWE HOF 2016 induction. The former WWE Women’s Champion is a native of Texas, which helps, but those who remember the Attitude Era will remember Jacquelyn’s intensity in the ring and her legendary finishing move where her breasts accidentally spill out of her top.
The Fabulous Freebirds are also firmly in the “Yeeha Texas!” category, but bring with them a ton of gravitas as one of the legendary stables in pro wrestling history. Michael PS Hayes, especially, deserves a WWE HOF spot not just for his work with The Freebirds but for his ongoing backstage presence as a writer/booker/mentor. In fact, no less than WWE Legend Stone Cold Steve Austin has been calling for Hayes’ inclusion in the WWE HOF and it appears that this year the Rattlesnake gets his wish.
Rounding out the WWE HOF 2016 inductees list is Charles Wright, better known as the Godfather/Papa Shango/Kama. One of the more underrated big men in WWE history Wright was a crucial support player for some of the bigger stars and trends in the WWE. It’s hard to imagine the Undertaker’s career without the Papa Shango feud, especially since Wright was one of the better wrestlers to perform with Taker. Same with the Attitude Era and his role as, first, Kama in the Nation of Domination (which launched The Rrock to mega-ultra-super stardom) and then as The Godfather with his legendary Ho-Train. Yes, Wright’s career is a bit cringe worthy what with all the racial stereotypes and celebratory misogyny, but I think most fans have fond memories of his work and will enjoy seeing a solid worker go into the HOF.
What do you think? Is this a great class of WWE HOF inductees? Did the WWE go too heavy on the Texas love? Am I fucking going over? Sound off in our comments section!
