Coverage of WWE's Hall Of Fame 2009
Arrivals
They are selling lots of Steve Austin merchandise including foam WHAT!, Stone Cold title belts and different t-shirts.
Todd Grisham came out at 6:30 to remind everyone to be respectful of the stars.
WWE Talents and their families began making their way to their seats shortly afterwards in a grand procession. WWE cameras followed them to their seats.
Vickie Guerrero was accompanied by her daughters.
Hornswoggle wore a suit, not his green outfit. No dirt on the face either.
All of the FCW trainers, Billy Kidman, Norman Smiley and Steve Keirn are in attendance.
Cryme Time's JTG was dressed in gimmick.
John Cena was booed when he entered. Shad arrived in a suit.
Jackie Gayda and Molly Holly arrived with Gail Kim.
Beth Phoenix arrived on the arm of Cody Rhodes.
WWE developmental talent Wes Brisco was with his father Gerald Brisco. Some other developmental talents also are in attendance.
Ted DiBiase Sr. got a huge reaction coming in...larger than his son, actually.
Northeast Wrestling promoter Mike O'Brien was among those arriving with the WWE roster.
Victoria arrived with Michelle McCool.
Edge was booed upon his entrance.
Diamond Dallas Page got a big pop throwing up the Diamond Cutter signal. He's attending as a guest of Steve Austin.
Former Tough Enough star Taylor Matheny is in attendance with her husband Brian Kendrick.
Despite the current storyline, Big Show arrived with his wife.
CM Punk arrived with Ace Steel, who just wrestled down the street for ROH.
ROH star Bryan Danielson was with William Regal.
Carlos Colon, Tammy Sytch and Mae Young are in the house.
Bobby Heenan is in attendance!
The McMahons, sans Vince McMahon arrived last
Todd Grisham welcomed us to the WWE Hall Of Fame on WWE.com, and asked all the WWE stars to stand up and be recognized. He then went straight to the first Hall Of Fame induction.
Terry Funk & Dory Funk Jr
After a video package on their careers aired, Grisham introduced WWE Hall Of Famer Dusty Rhodes, who came out to his old WWF theme music. Dusty danced with Kelly Kelly, who is working as one of the hostesses tonight, as he came out. Dusty talked about it being a "magical night" and pointed out how Dory Funk held the NWA World Title for four years, the only person other than Lou Thesz to hold it for that long. Dusty said Dory was what they would call a "shootist" in the Old West. Dusty said he faced Terry Funk thousands of times, and that before Tommy Dreamer made ECW a household word, Terry Funk was "extreme". Dusty talked about their success around the world, said that statues were erected to them in Japan. Dusty remarked that only Terry could call him an "egg sucking dog" but that he had nothing but respect for them. Dusty said that Dory was "The Shootist" and Terry was "The Last Surviving Outlaw In Captivity".
Terry and Dory were escorted out by Eve Torres and Kelly Kelly. Terry said after such a nice intro, he would never call Dusty an "overbearing egg sucking dog" again. Dory read a speech about being trained by his father, and noted he has wrestled over 10,000 matches, and been slammed over a hundred thousand times. Dory said if he had to do it all over again, he would in a "New York minute". Dory said he loved professional wrestling. Dory thanked the promoters who have paid him, his family, his doctors who kept him together, and his attorneys "who have saved me over and over". Dory thanked the Guerrero family, the Hart family and Gene Kiniski, who Dory beat for the World Title. Dory thanked his children, then noted that six of the wrestlers he helped train, Edge, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Mark Henry, Christian and Mickie James, would be on Wrestlemania tomorrow. Dory thanked a list of people, including his wife Marti and Keiji Mutoh, president of All Japan Pro Wrestling. Dory then put over Wrestlemania, and then mentioned he would have more to say on his website.
Terry thanked his family for sticking with him. Terry called his wife Vickie the "love of his life" and said he loved his daughters to death. Terry talked about how wrestlers need to get an education, because "there is no room for dummies in the WWE". Terry said all kids need to get an education. Terry said this honor was for his peers and for ECW. Terry said the famous Theodore Roosevelt quote, "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." Terry talked about how he and his brother "danced" in front of capacity crowds and "sparsely filled arenas". Terry said the "music has died" and there are no more bells to be rung for him. Terry said he feels like his a hundred and five years now, but said when he is buried, bury him in a wrestling ring. Terry said there will be an battle royale in eternity in heaven, where "every seat is front row, ringside" but it is also "BYOB". Terry then joked that he would be out front after the Hall Of Fame pedaling tickets to everyone. Terry thanked everyone, saying he loved them all.
Todd Grisham immediately threw it to the Koko B. Ware video package.
Koko B. Ware
The video package of Koko included some footage of him as part of the P.Y.T.'s before going into clips of his WWE career. They even had a clip of the "Piledriver" video in there. Honky Tonk Man, in his trademark jumpsuit, came out accompanied by Eve, and even did the old Honky Tonk Man dance to his theme music. Honky Tonk Man called for the crowd to make some noise. HTM said he met Koko in a barn, watching a person "running, jumping, flipping ... having a match by himself". Koko asked him if he came to work out, and for the next nine months, Koko beat up HTM in that barn. Honky told a joke that he once asked where he could get some water, and Koko directed him to the trough that the animals drank out of. HTM mentioned how JBL has the "Clothesline From Hell" (JBL took a bow) and said Koko had the "Dropkick From Hell" and the only problem was, Koko never told him how to take it. Honky Tonk Man said he has been friends with Koko for 30 years. He said one night there was a show, and the promoter didn't want Frankie (his bird) on the show. Afterwards, Koko was upset, because he found out all the people wanted to see Frankie, not him. Honky said tonight was different, that everyone was there to see him.
Koko B. Ware, complete with a new Frankie, came out to his old "Bird, Bird, Bird" music, doing his old WWF dance, and getting the fans to clap for him. Koko said it was "good to be back" in WWE one more time. Koko read a speech, thanking God, and saying it is "good to be walking on the ground, instead of the ground walking on me." Koko talked about growing up in Union City, Tennessee. Koko talked about watching wrestling every Thursday night as a kid, then when he wanted to train, he met Plowboy Frazier (Uncle Elmer). Koko said Frazier brought him to Jerry Lawler, and that started his wrestling career. Koko said he was in Memphis for five years, then got a call from Howard Finkel saying Vince McMahon wanted to talk to him about coming to WWE. The bird kept trying to bit Koko's speech. He said Vince McMahon asked him if he wanted to add anything to his character, and that is when Koko showed him a picture of his bird, and he became the Birdman. Koko thanked his wife and children, as well as the wrestlers and promoters who have helped him over the years. He closed by thanking the WWE, for giving him the chance to share his talent with the world.
During Koko's exit, they briefly showed Bobby Heenan sitting in the audience.
Todd Grisham noted there have been many famous wrestling families, like the Guerreros, Harts and McMahons, but said in Texas "one family reigns supreme".
The Von Erichs
The Von Erich video package focused mainly on Fritz and Kerry's title win over Ric Flair. Michael Hayes then came out to "Badstreet U.S.A." Hayes did his old entrance moves, including a moonwalk. Hayes was decked out in a black cowboy hat and long coat. Hayes said that will all respect to the Guerreros and Funks, no family had "a bigger affect on transforming wrestling into sports entertainment" than the Von Erichs. Michael talked about Fritz, mentioning his real name Adkisson, and how Fritz became a wrestler to make a living. Hayes then said Fritz was "more successful at home with Doris" than he was in the ring, pointing out all his kids. Hayes began to talk about the kids, including the story (and I mean story) that Kerry was a world champion discus thrower. Hayes then talked about World Class Championship Wrestling being born in the Sportatorium in Dallas. Hayes talked about the famous Christmas night 1982 angle where the Freebirds cost Kerry his title match with Ric Flair, creating "the greatest tag team rivalry of all time", the Fabulous Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs. Hayes said the Von Erichs were loved by fans all over the world, and the Von Erichs reciprocated that love for the fans and the business. Hayes introduced with "great pride, the surviving member and one of my best friends", Kevin Von Erich.
Kevin came out and gave Hayes a big hug, knocking his hat off. Kevin said "God Bless Texas" and thanked Michael for the introduction. Kevin talked about how much fun it was to perform in the ring, and it was the time of his life. Kevin said when he started, he made $35 a night, and that back then, no one knew the kind of entertainment business wrestling would become. Kevin said that he wished his father and brothers were here to absorb this moment with him. Kevin told a story about his last wrestling tour of Africa in 1993 right before he retired, right after Kerry died. Kevin talked about how all the wrestlers were so kind to him, and that is why all wrestlers call each other "brothers." Kevin talked about his love of the Freebirds, and how "kicking someone's butt makes you close to them." Kevin said he didn't want people to say "poor Kev" he wanted them to know he was "lucky Kev" for the life he has led. Kevin Von Erich thanked his children and his wife of 31 years. Kevin said "David was a scientist, Kerry was pound-for-pound the strongest out there, and me... I just did tricks". Kevin again put over wrestling as the greatest form of entertainment in the world.
Howard Finkel
A video package on Howard Finkel was shown. It started with his career as the greatest ring announcer of all time, then went into his comedic moments from later in his career.
Mean Gene Okerlund came out, introduced by Grisham as "my personal hero." Gene came out to his recording of "Tutti Frutti." Gene said when it came to working a microphone "nobody did it better" and he was truly "one of a kind" ... "but enough about me." Gene said "You've got to bust them somewhere" before talking about Finkel. Gene said he is WWE's longest running employee, he came up with the phrase Wrestlemania, and he is an encyclopedia of wrestling knowledge. Gene said Howard is the first, and only, ring announcer to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame.
Howard Finkel came out, and comically stumbled on a step on the stage. He said "Good evening Houston" in his classic announcer voice. Finkel said that never in his wildest dreams did he imagine he would become a ring announcer. Finkel said he can't put a number on how many matches he introduced, but he always treated every one as if it were a main event for both the wrestlers and fans. Finkel talked about calling his first show at Madison Square Garden in 1977. He said when he started appearing on television, a fan approached him at the Garden and said "Now everyone will know what we do, that you're the best in the world." Finkel said that he never thought of himself as the star of the show, just a "spoke in the wheel" making the company work. Finkel said there are no better entertainers than the wrestlers sitting in front of him. Finkel talked about his "fling" as a superstar, noting his Bushwacker, APA, etc. runs. Finkel then read a poem about his comedic exploits, saying it was all "part of being the Fink." Finkel listed some of the headliners he has introduced over the years, and how he wanted to help make them memorable by the way he announced their title wins, then said he was taking a page from his own book and said that Howard Finkel was the "..... NEW" member of the class of the Hall Of Fame in his classic tone.
Nick Bockwinkel was shown in the crowd. Then they went right into the Bill Watts video package. Todd Grisham introduced Jim Ross as one of the greatest announcers in Sports Entertainment history. Jim Ross came out to the Oklahoma fight song.
Cowboy Bill Watts
Ross joked that it was great to hear "Boomer Sooner" in Texas. Some fans booed him for that. Ross then said Dog The Bounty Hunter's hairdresser did Michael Hayes' hair tonight. Ross talked about Watts' career in football with the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings. Ross said Wahoo McDaniels told Watts to get into wrestling, and in three years, Watts was main eventing at Madison Square Garden for Vincent J. McMahon. Ross named all the legendary promoters that Watts worked for over the years. Ross told the story of how Watts got into a fight with a Navy Seal once, and "inadvertently ate his eye." Ross talked about Watts as a promoter for Mid-South, noting how he fined people all the time, including Shawn Michaels. Ross said Watts once fined Dick Murdoch everything he made in a week, but a dollar. Ross told how if any wrestler got in a fight in a bar, he better win it, or he had to give in his notice. Ross talked about working for Watts, and how you had to give 100% every time. Ross said for his first six months in the business, he thought Bill Watts gave him a wrestling name, "dumbass". Ross said he is a better man for working for Bill Watts, and that he "loved playing for his coach" and that Watts gave the fans "more than what they paid for."
Bill Watts, also sporting a cowboy hat, came out. Watts joked Ross left nothing for him to say. Watts talked about how proud he is of Jim Ross, and that he got his position the old fashioned way, he earned it. Watts said he will be 70 soon, and this was a great birthday present. Watts joked about the size of the ring WWE gave him for entering the Hall Of Fame. Watts talked about his children and grand children, and introduced them to the crowd. Eric Watts was sitting next to Ron Simmons. Watts said WWE has become "the custodian of history" and joked about WWE taking so long to induct him into the Hall Of Fame. Watts said wrestling is "in some great hands now" and put over the talent in WWE. Watts then talked about the OU-Texas rivalry, and started naming some of the people who influenced his life, including Wahoo McDaniel, Danny Hodge and The Briscos. Watts talked about wrestling Wild Red Berry, and how Berry got excited and called him "Big Dick Watts" during his promo by mistake. That night, Watts tried to jump over the top rope and fell on his face. Berry said "Hello Big Dick" and Watts said he never tried to jump over the top rope again. Watts talked about working with Killer Kowalski, Bruno Sammartino ("one of the most quality guys, I've ever met"). Watts said working out with Bruno, his bench press went over 500, and "we didn't even know what a steroid was". Watts talked about working with Vince Sr., Arnold Skaaland and the original WWWF crew. Watts then talked about working with Ernie Ladd, saying he "impacted my life like an atomic bomb" and that he cried for four days when he died. Watts said he still cries thinking about Ladd. Watts pointed out Ron Simmons and said "I was never so proud of anyone as I was when you won the World Title in Baltimore." Watts talked about Junkyard Dog, saying he didn't realize how much he loved him until he was gone. Watts said everyone "runs fast" but we should take time to let people know what they mean to him. Watts then mentioned working with legendary Houston promoter Paul Boesch. Watts then talked about working with Dusty Rhodes, Gordon Solie and Steve Austin. Watts said he did fine Shawn Michaels his first week in wrestling, and it must have worked "because I never had to fine him again." Watts told a story about Hacksaw Duggan getting his head busted open on a ring post, and because Watts had a rule about missing bookings, and Hacksaw kept showing up for matches until Duggan's wife called to tell Watts his head had swollen so much, he couldn't close his eyes. Watts remarked that he thinks Dick Murdoch and Andre The Giant are having a drinking contest. Watts said the fans are the true Hall Of Famers, and tomorrow he will go to his first Wrestlemania and enjoy it as a fan. Watts said that he is in the "twilight" of his years, and his next big event will be meeting his hero, Jesus Christ. Watts thanked the fans and said "watch out for flying chairs".
The webcast ended with Steve Austin's music and a graphic for tonight's USA Network broadcast.
The televised portion of the WWE Hall of Fame opened with a video feature on the Hall of Fame class members. Todd Grisham then introduced our host, Jerry Lawler.
Lawler came out to a standing ovation. The Toyota Center chanted his name. Lawler said tonight was a special night and his favorite night of the career. He said it was the night the past, present and future collide.
Lawler said that they would kick the night off with the quintessential Hall of Famer, Ric Flair.
Ric Flair said that he wanted to follow on a comment Kevin Von Erich made. He said they are all brothers in WWE...old timers, current stars and today's talent. He said they are all brothers and shouldn't forget it.
Flair said he's had a lot of blessings in his career but the biggest was the day Ricky Steamboat walked into Jim Crockett's Mid-Atlantic office. He said he is in the position tonight to do for Steamboat what Triple H did for him last year. Flair said he and Steamboat have been intertwined since that first day and today things come full circle as he gets to induct one of his best friends and his greatest wrestling opponent, Ricky Steamboat.
Ricky Steamboat
They aired a video piece on Steamboat's career.
Flair said that over the 36 years he's stepped inside the ring with the greatest stars, but whenever he's asked who his favorite opponent is, its Ricky Steamboat. He said Steamboat epitomized what a fan's wrestler was...built like a Greek God and being able to go every night He said the women loved Steamboat.
Flair said he wrestled 2,000 times against Steamboat and that as good as the matches were in 1989, the bouts in the 70s were better but sadly they weren't seen by anyone but those in the arena. Flair said they both settled in Charlotte to raise families, opened gyms together and have sons who are carving their own chapter in the Flair-Steamboat feud.
Flair said it doesn't get any better than this and that Steamboat was the purest good guy to ever walk the aisle. He asked everyone to give it up for Steamboat.
Steamboat came out and hugged Flair for a long time and then the two locked up playfully. The fans chanted Steamboat's name. Steamboat began to break up and cry, noting he knew he would but he didn't know it would be before he started talking.
He said that when he looks back, he feels humbled by what he's been blessed with. He said that he thinks of the great ones who have left and are remembered by their performances, the fans who trusted you to provide them with entertainment, the nod of the pencil knowing you did a good job, and laying in the back after a draw and being told "we got them", he knew he was a blessed man.
Steamboat talked of young wrestlers asking him for advice and for him to watch their matches for advice, telling stories of John Laurinaitis and riding an airplane with a young Triple H while getting into a deep discussion about the business.
Steamboat said his career wasn't about wins and losses but knowing that he gave his all every night in the ring. He said that the work with Ric Flair helped give him the work ethic he brought into the ring with Valentine, Piper, Snuka, Blackjack Mulligan, Jake Roberts, Bret Hart, Harley Race, and Arn Anderson. Steamboat told Chris Jericho to be prepared because tomorrow he is being taken to school.
Steamboat said he pushed them all but he was pushed back. He said he had great partners he worked with and without them, he wouldn't be here today. He thanked them for his career and his Hall of Fame.
Steamboat pointed out Mickey Rourke in the crowd and said tonight, this is his Oscar. The crowd popped huge for Rourke.
Steamboat thanked and praised the creative team and the other producers. Steamboat thanked his ex-wife Bonnie for all the outfits she made and for blessing him with his son, Richie. He then introduced his son, who stood up. Bonnie was crying her eyes out.
Steamboat closed out by thanking his current wife and saying he is extremely humbled and thanked everyone.
Jerry Lawler said Wrestlemania is special and pointed out Shawn Michaels will be facing Undertaker tomorrow. They aired a video feature from the new Legends of Wrestlemania game. It showed Taker winning. Michaels took it in stride.
Lawler then introduced Gene Okerlund. He said it was time for the induction of Steve Austin but before that, he asked for a round of applause for the 2009 Hall of Fame Class.
Steve Austin
Lawler said the next person needs no introduction, but if he doesn't give one, he'll be fired, so he introduced "the best boss I've ever worked for" Vince McMahon. McMahon got a standing ovation from the house.
Vince said he was here to talk about a love hate relationship because he loves Steve Austin but Austin hates him. He ran down all of theterrible things Austin did to him and said that he didn't understand it because he became more popular with everything he did. He said Austin was the most popular performer in WWE History.
McMahon said Steve Austin wasn't a babyface in a traditional way. He broke the rules of that and at the same time, he broke all the records for tickets, merchandising and licensing.
He said Austin wouldn't know this, but Austin would hit him so hard, Vince would forget his name. He said Austin would tell him "sorry" five or six times a match and by the time he returned to the locker room he thought his name was "Sorry."
McMahon praised Austin's creativity when it came to T-shirts. Vince mentioned Austin 3;16, What? and Oh Hell Yeah shirts, telling funny stories about each of them. That led to the "what" chants.
McMahon said Austin is a lot of things to a lot of people, but he's the greatest WWE Superstar. He introduced a video of Austin's career.
Vince McMahon said it is his honor to induct the toughest SOB in the history of WWE. Austin and Vince shook hands. Austin played to the crowd but no middle fingers. The place chanted his name like crazy, which led to a "Thank you Austin" chant.
Austin said that anyone who knows him knows he doesn't like to dress up but he got a tuxedo from Men's Warehouse where you'll like the way you look, I guarantee it guys ...but his button popped off the jacket as he was about to come out so he buried them.
Austin praised the WWE employee who made his tribute video, Adam.
Austin said that he's been trying hard to find the word to accurately show how much the night means to him but if he doesn't, he wants to thank everyone who ever supported him or watched him. He said that every time he had an injury, a divorce or took his ball home, the fans respected him and he thanks them for that.
Austin started talking about making a living in the ring and the fans chanted "one more match." Austin said he didn't know about that. He told a story about not knowing what he wanted to be growing up and being told he would make a great park ranger.
Austin said he's met some great people and some bad ones in the business but he has no complaints. He said he has a big smile on his face from his career. He said that when something bad happens, people come out of the woodwork to bury the business and Vince McMahon, but the bottom line is the business is what you make of it. He said you have to do what you can with it and then move down the road.
Austin said he never had the chance to have any real closure for his career. He mentioned the night in Atlanta where he no showed Raw because he was upset with the company and was sorry he never apologized for it. He said the booking team felt he should lose that night and he thought it was the stupidest thing he ever heard, so he left and everyone lost a lot of money so he's sorry.
He said he felt it wasn't about doing the job but that it was bad business at the time and he's sorry he made a big stink.
Austin talked about his movie career and that he's trying to become a strong actor. He said he was never Ric Flair and won't be Marlon Brando, but "Damn I'm trying." He said he's closing the door on his wrestling career but hopes to open the doors to his acting career.
Austin told everyone he loves them from the bottom of his heart and that's the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so. He then had a beer bash on the stage to close the show.
Confetti flew, beers were cracked and the night came to an end.
