Source: Scott Fishman of The Miami Herald
HOUSTON — The World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame got an attitude adjustment with Stone Cold Steve Austin’s induction Saturday night, April 4 at the Toyota Center.
The superstar was inducted by his longtime on-screen nemesis and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Thankfully for the ‘evil chairman,’ Austin left the trademark blue jeans and black pickup truck at home. During the speech, Austin discussed the sacrifices he made to reach the top, his reasoning for abruptly leaving the company following WrestleMania 19 (apologizing to the fans of Atlanta for leaving a show) and his future in acting.
At 44, the man who is credited for helping define the Attitude era and resurrect WWE from relative obscurity, brought closure to his historic 20-plus year career.
Before riding off into the sunset, he handed a cold one to current WWE standout John Cena. The symbolic gesture could be read as Austin’s way of passing the torch to a next generation performer who is following in his footsteps.
The 2009 class also included one of Austin’s favorite opponents, Ricky The Dragon Steamboat. Austin wrestled in the Dragon’s last match in 1994 for the United States championship.
The Nature Boy Ric Flair inducted his friend and frequent opponent. An emotional Steamboat reflected on the past but also didn’t let Chris Jericho forget about their match Sunday night, April 5 at WrestleMania 25. It will the legendary figure’s first time competing at the big show since 1988. He likened his Hall of Fame ring to winning an Oscar.
Mickey Rourke, star of award winning movie The Wrestler, sat in the audience, nodding in approval.
WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes inducted fellow University of West Texas alums, Terry and Dory Funk Jr.
Terry said Rhodes did such a good job with the speech that he would never call him ‘an overbearing, obnoxious, eggs sucking dog’ again.
Much like their difference in wrestling style, so were the Funks’ induction speeches. Dory spoke softly on the mark he left on the business, wrestling 10,000 matches, as well as the men and women he’s helped train.
Terry basically did his speech like a wrestling promo. However, he did have a few words of wisdom for the up-and-comers. He told the wannabes to get their education as “there is no room for dummies in WWE.”
Caught in the moment, 68-year-old Dory mistakenly called this year’s big show WrestleMania 26 but made sure to correctly plug his website — dory-funk.com.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross inducted his mentor and friend Cowboy Bill Watts. No stranger to controversy, Watts may get some flack for mentioning that he didn’t need steroids to lift 500 pounds. However, his contributions to the business, after a storied career in the ring, can’t be denied.
Watts also broke the color barrier by making Junkyard Dog a main eventer in the South, his good friend Ernie Ladd a booker in the South and Ron Simmons the first recognized black heavyweight champion. Watts inducted Ladd into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995.
Watts made Mid-South Wrestling a major force in the territory days.
The Honky Tonk Man behaved himself and respectfully brought Koko B. Ware and his beloved parrot Frankie into the hall. Next to George Steele, the bird is the latest animal to be inducted.
Credited for coining the term ‘WrestleMania’ and participating in every one since, it makes sense to induct ring announcer Howard Finkel at the event’s silver anniversary. Hall of Fame member Mean Gene Okerlund introduced Finkel. The Fink then announced himself into the latest class of legends.
Freebird Michael Hayes inducted the famous Von Erich family. The Fabulous Freebirds rivalry with the clan of brothers set Fritz Von Erich’s World Class Championship Wrestling on fire. Kevin Von Erich accepted the award.
Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres escorted presenters and inductees to the stage. Todd Grisham and Jerry Lawler hosted the show with parts broadcast on USA Network.
• Hook, line and sinker with The Fishman
• The timer on the big screen was a necessary evil for making sure the event ended on time for editing. However, I wonder if they ever discussed starting the show earlier or holding it on a different day to give the inductees enough time to properly accept their award and still give the company adequate time to organize the show for USA Network.
• USA Network should also really give this important show more time, instead of limiting it to an hour.
• I think the three, five and seven-minute time restrictions hurt the quality of the speeches. I almost felt the inductees were holding back because of it.
• After last year’s event, WWE had security keep an eye on fans catcalling or being disrespectful during speeches. While there were still a few incidents, the fans were a lot more restrained this time around.
The signs in front of the venue might have also done the trick.
• It was nice to see legends like Harley Race, Carlos Colon and Bobby Heenan. That is partly what this event is all about. I thought it was also classy of Mickey Rourke to appear. This helps prove he legitimately respects this profession.
• Jeff Hardy gave Hayes a run for his money this year for the pimped out suit award. R-Truth gets second. However, Hayes didn’t disappoint in black.
• All that can be said for Mickie James is `Wow!’
• Who danced better? Dusty Rhodes, Michael Hayes, Koko or Frankie?
• I think they should make the fans dress up for the event instead of suggesting it like in years past. If the superstars and other WWE employees are doing it, why not the fans? It really adds to the legitimacy of the affair and makes the event special.
• It’s asked every year. When are they going to find a permanent home for the Hall of Fame awards and other classic memorabilia? How about Orlando.
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